electronic touch bar

[cda]

Is anyone allowing an electronic tocuh bar and magnetic lock to be used in place of where panic hardware is required?

electronic touch bars such as these:: for example

http://www.securitron.com/Other/Securitron/Documents/Product_Catalog/2014/Securitron_2014-Catalog_TSB.pdf

http://chmi.com/catalogs/smarttouch.pdf

 

[TheCommish]

seems to meet the code requirement for activation/release with less than 15 pounds, does the magnet latch qualify as part of the rated assembly holding for the door closed?

Another question would be if i have heavy clothing on will it release?

 

[cda]

seems to meet the code requirement for activation/release with less than 15 pounds, does the magnet latch qualify as part of the rated assembly holding for the door closed? Another question would be if i have heavy clothing on will it release?

Some will not release if cloth between the skin and bar.

I think I have been convinced for now an electronic touch bar is not equal to panic hardware .

Does not carry UL listing for panic hardware

May not work if clothing in the way

Relies on electronics to release the door, which might fail

 

[Ronald Bets]

For your further consideration. I recommend no mag locks on exterior doors but on inside vestibule doors with a seperate power disconnect in case of electronics failure in addition to the built in switch on the panic bar.

http://www.securitron.com/Other/Securitron/Documents/Electromagnetic_Locks_Article.pdf

 

[Yikes]

Interesting. Securitron specifically says "no mechanical action". Is it like the old touch-sensitive pads, where it senses change in capacitance? If so, then I'm not sure how it works through gloves and clothes.

 

[cda]

Interesting. Securitron specifically says "no mechanical action". Is it like the old touch-sensitive pads, where it senses change in capacitance? If so, then I'm not sure how it works through gloves and clothes.

Not sure the manner in which they work, but some touch bars will not work through cloth/ clothes/ gloves

 

[Ronald Bets]

The mag locks release by sensing a capacitance discharge. Yes clothing, gloves, etc. will interfere hence the back up release switch on the Securitron bar near the hinge end and depending on the jurisdiction a wall mounted kill switch - or not.

 

[Span]

I believe panic hardware is under UL 305.

 

[jdfruit]

I am highly skeptical that the touch bar is equivalent to "panic" hardware, if you need a separate "release" switch or "kill" switch, then someone has to know that there is a separate release if the sensor doesn't work = special knowledge.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Might not work for a prosthetic hand or arm.

 

[Ronald Bets]

Here is the latest posted bulletin about occupancy usage and IBC codes.

http://www.securitron.com/Other/Securitron/Documents/New_IBC-IFC_Code_Language.pdf

UL/CUL listings are on their site as well.

 

[Yikes]

Ronald, the bulletin is useful, but I am concerned about the wording of this phrase: "The listed hardware is capable of being operated with one hand."

Getting back to the issue of door hardware that operate by sensing a change of capacitance via touching with the skin:

A person who does not have a hand (amputee) - - or a person whose hand is covered by a glove - - might not be able to exit the building, and yet the hardware still meets code.

 

[Ronald Bets]

Unlocking the door with a motion sensor is also a common means of unlocking the door and would be best used for a handicapped person (quad in a motorized wheelchair). What you give up is security though, in that anyone passing by or waiting in the sensors range is unlocking the door. The security is at its highest with the touch sense bar and at its lowest with a motion sensor. All of this theorizing goes on while "areas of refuge" are an accepted practice. In the perfect scenario there would be a "handicapped capable door" amongst a wall of touch sense bars. With all of this said, I am strongly opposed to having the mag lock being the last and only defense for the building security.