Type of Lock: A fail-safe lockset or fail-safe lever trim for fire exit hardware is used for stairwell reentry (fire exit hardware is panic hardware that is listed for use on a fire door assembly). This type of lock will unlock without unlatching when power is cut. A less common option for this application is the use of a frame-mounted device that controls the locking/unlocking of a modified mechanical mortise lock, using the position
of the auxiliary latch. Electric strikes may not be used for stairwell reentry because electric strikes on fire doors must be fail-secure; fail-safe electric strikes are not allowed on fire door assemblies. Electromagnetic locks are occasionally used for stairwell reentry, particularly for retrofit applications. Latching hardware is required in addition to the electromagnetic lock to provide the positive latching required for fire doors.
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Code Requirements: The IBC and NFPA 101 requirements for stairwell reentry differ:
- With the exception of the 2003 edition, the IBC requires all stair doors except the discharge door to facilitate re-entry with the capability of remote unlocking from the fire command center. In addition, the IBC requires high-rise buildings to have a stairway communication system.
- NFPA 101 allows stairs serving four stories or less to have mechanical locks on the stair side, which do not allow reentry. Stairs serving more than four stories must allow reentry when the fire alarm system is actuated. NFPA 101 also includes an option called “selected reentry,” which allows some doors to be mechanically locked, while others allow re-entry. Some facilities are exempt from the NFPA 101 requirements for reentry, including existing healthcare occupancies, although Annex A recommends that every third floor in an existing healthcare facility allow reentry.
Common Code Pitfalls: Many existing buildings have stair doors that are mechanically locked on the stair side and can’t be remotely unlocked. This condition led to the death of six people in the 2003 Cook County Administration Building, when locked doors meant that building occupants were unable to leave a smoke-filled stair to find a safe exit path. Remote unlocking of the stair-side lever for reentry is sometimes used in conjunction with a function used on the egress side, such as delayed egress or controlled egress. In that case, both of the applicable code sections must be followed.
More Information: IBC – 1010.1.9.11 and 403.5.3 (2015), 1008.1.9.11 and 403.5.3 (2012); NFPA 101 – 7.2.1.5.8 (2015 and 2012)
State, Local Requirements Might Be Different
When considering which code requirements to follow, first identify the category the hardware falls into and refer to the applicable section. This summary is not intended to provide complete information about each of the types of electrified locks referenced. For more information, refer to the referenced code sections.
Keep in mind that state or local requirements could differ from those of the IBC or NFPA 101, so it’s important to be aware of the codes in your facility’s jurisdiction. Refer to the published codes for the detailed code requirements, and consult the AHJ for more information about the local requirements.
Lori Greene, AHC/CDC, CCPR, FDAI, FDHI is the manager of codes and resources for Allegion, www.allegion.com.
All photos courtesy Allegion
