Access Controlled Egress Doors

[tod13511]

Can an access-controlled egress door that complies with 2009 IBC 1008.1.4.4 be equipped with latching hardware? It seems that under some (very limited) conditions it is possible that unlatching the door would require 2 operations, pushing the request-to-exit button and then turning the lever. IBC 1008.1.9.5 allows only one operation to unlatch the door.

 

[cda]

Welcome

Do you mind saying what you do for a living

You are correct one operation

Cannot think of a set up like you describe that is legal

 

[cda]

Tod

We have a door hardware guru

I Dig Hardware / I Hate Hardware

I Dig Hardware / I Hate Hardware » About Me

 

[LGreene]

Under normal operation an ACED is released by the motion sensor, so there would be only one motion to release the latch if the door had latching hardware. The emergency push button is only used if the motion sensor fails. If we tried to apply the other sections of the code to an ACED (one motion to release latch, etc.), the wall-mounted push button wouldn't be compliant because it requires prior knowledge, so I prefer to take the ACED section as-is. In my opinion, the door could have latching hardware that releases with one operation, as long as all of the other criteria are met - motion sensor, push button, fire alarm release, unlock on fire alarm / power failure.

Anyone have other thoughts / a different opinion?

 

[Safecrackin Sam]

Hardware being used in the application would be a plus. Sounds like maybe a mix of mag lock/mechanical that may not be needed to accomplish the goal.

An intergral RQE in the mechanical lockset would work.

 

[cda]

Under normal operation an ACED is released by the motion sensor, so there would be only one motion to release the latch if the door had latching hardware. The emergency push button is only used if the motion sensor fails. If we tried to apply the other sections of the code to an ACED (one motion to release latch, etc.), the wall-mounted push button wouldn't be compliant because it requires prior knowledge, so I prefer to take the ACED section as-is. In my opinion, the door could have latching hardware that releases with one operation, as long as all of the other criteria are met - motion sensor, push button, fire alarm release, unlock on fire alarm / power failure. Anyone have other thoughts / a different opinion?

"""the wall-mounted push button wouldn't be compliant because it requires prior knowledge,"""""

But code allows it! So I am guessing the powers to be do not think it is special knowledge?

not sure if I would approve another latching device with access control.

that is one of many reason I hate push buttons.

If we are talking a 1008.1.4.4 IBC 2009 it is for "the entrance doors in a means of egress in buildings"

 

[tod13511]

Thanks for replying. I posted a little bio on the welcome page.

I have a follow-up question. Item 6 in the ACED section allows the door to be secured during non-public hours. How is that accomplished? I’ve always assumed it was by programming the security control panel to turn off the motion sensor after hours, but I’m not sure that’s right.

If that’s how the door is secured as allowed by item 6, there could still be a low occupancy in the building that can only use the door by pushing the exit button and turning the lever. I used to work lots of overtime in a building with ACEDs, and had to push the button to leave on late nights and weekends, but the doors were push/pull operation.

Wouldn’t IBC 1008.1.9.8 hardware accomplish the same goal for the installer? It clearly allows for a latched electromagnetically locked door.

 

[steveray]

I agree with Lori that the specifics of ACED overrules the general of 1008.1.9.5......and takes that into account.....as long as I am understanding Tod correctly....a sign that says "PUSH TO EXIT" would help.....

 

[cda]

I agree with Lori that the specifics of ACED overrules the general of 1008.1.9.5......and takes that into account.....as long as I am understanding Tod correctly....a sign that says "PUSH TO EXIT" would help.....

I think part if his question is can you have a door knob or other positive latching device on top of the access hardware

 

[LGreene]

CDA - Yes, the code allows (requires) the push button on an ACED as a back-up release in case the first release (motion sensor) fails. But typically the device used to unlatch a door is mounted on the door. My point was that the ACED section stands alone and we shouldn't start trying to apply other sections to it.

Sam - If you use a lockset with an integral RX, this becomes an Electromagnetically Locked Egress Door instead of an Access Controlled Egress Door. The code requirements are different for the ELED - no sensor or push button is required, the door doesn't have to unlock on fire alarm, and it has to unlock upon loss of power to the RX switch.

tod - I asked the ICC about #6 a long time ago, and was told that it was just reinforcing the requirement for the door to unlock automatically. I don't think it makes sense to have #6 when all of the other requirements ensure free egress. I have not run into any AHJs who allow these doors to be locked and prevent egress when the building is not occupied by the general public.

SteveRay - The "push to exit" signage is required by code for the push button.