Access Control/Card Readers - Code Requirements

[gmgitt]

I understand that by code, doors with magnetic locks/strikes need to have a release mechanism wired in such that in the event of a fire alarm or loss of power the lock mechanism is released.

Is there a code requirement that on the card reader side of the door that allows access to an interior secure space that a pull station is to be provided that will release the lock in the event of an emergency situation when the door to a room needs opened and the card reader malfunctions?

 

[LGreene]

I don't know of a requirement for a pull station on the access side, but there are others in this group who will likely know more about fire alarm pull station requirements. I just wanted to chime in with a little more info on the locks...there are many electrified locks and electric strikes that allow free egress at all times, and those are not considered special locking arrangements. Electromagnetic locks ARE special locking arrangements and there are two sections of the model codes that include the requirements for the two typical applications that involve mag-locks.

There is more info here:

Decoded: Special Locking Arrangements vs. Normal Locking Arrangements - I Dig Hardware - Answers to your door, hardware, and code questions from Allegion's Lori Greene.

I Dig Hardware - Answers to your door, hardware, and code questions from Allegion's Lori Greene. | Decoded: Special Locking Arrangements vs. Normal Locking Arrangements | Electrified Hardware | Misinterpretations of the model code requirements for electrified hardware continue to hit my inbox on...

idighardware.com

Special Locking Arrangements - I Dig Hardware - Answers to your door, hardware, and code questions from Allegion's Lori Greene.

The code requirements that apply to electrified hardware and access control can be difficult to interpret, although code changes approved through the last few editions of the code have helped to clarify the intent. This page includes questions to help identify which code section applies to a...

idighardware.com

Code Requirements for Electromagnetic Locks (video) - I Dig Hardware - Answers to your door, hardware, and code questions from Allegion's Lori Greene.

I Dig Hardware - Answers to your door, hardware, and code questions from Allegion's Lori Greene. | Code Requirements for Electromagnetic Locks (video) | | I hope this video sums up the requirements in a way that will help answer any remaining questions.

idighardware.com

- Lori