Wireless Locks on Stairwell Doors

[LGreene]

The recent post on wireless fire alarm technology (http://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com/forum/commercial-fire-codes/14180-new-technology-v-old-code.html) reminded me of an old question. Electrified locks are now available with wireless access control, but it's fairly new technology. Would you allow a wireless lock on a stairwell door that is required to unlock on the stair side to allow reentry?

A few things to consider...

The lock always provides free egress from the floor to the stairwell, via the lever handle.

On the stair side, the lever is locked, but it unlocks upon a) loss of power (dead battery), b) loss of communication with the access control system, or c) a signal from the access control system (via the fire command center or fire alarm).

The technology varies by lock, but our lock checks in with the system every 10 seconds, so the stair-side lever would unlock no more than 10 seconds after the system fails or the signal is sent.

The codes aren't specific regarding hard-wired vs. wireless, but I have seen a couple of projects where the code official was uncomfortable with the wireless technology and didn't want these locks on the stair doors.

What do you think?

 

[Frank]

Would need to look at research report or listing report

 

[LGreene]

Would need to look at research report or listing report

What kind of information would you be looking for?

 

[cda]

is it listed for a rated door

how high, how many floors can it go

is there an APP for the firefighters iphone

Sounds interesting!!!!!

 

[FM William Burns]

On the stair side, the lever is locked, but it unlocks upon a) loss of power (dead battery), b) loss of communication with the access control system, or c) a signal from the access control system (via the fire command center or fire alarm).

NFPA 101 covers this (7.2.1.5.8(2) and 7.2.1.5.8.1) since wireless technology is considered electrically operable and this will not change in the 2015 Edition. The hardware must also comply with ANSI/UL 294 (7.2.1.5.6 (5))

The IBC is similar to this if not identical...... can't get to Chapter 10 since I'm in NFPA doing sprinkler hydraulic calculation verifications....... Oh Joy

 

[steveray]

As long as it fails "safe".....I can't see an issue...With the 10 seconds, might you have to take delayed egress into account? Or are we strictly talking access?

 

[LGreene]

As long as it fails "safe".....I can't see an issue...With the 10 seconds, might you have to take delayed egress into account? Or are we strictly talking access?

It's only the access/ingress side that is locked, but that side has to unlock for stairwell reentry to allow people to find another exit if the stair is compromised.