Fire, life

safety and
accessibility
codes
A reference guide for swinging doors
and hardware
Table of contents

2 Sources for code information

3 How to use this resource

4 Classification of occupancy as described by

NFPA 101® – Life Safety Code®

7 ICC International Building Code® (IBC)

11 National Building Code of Canada

13 NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code

16 NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other

Opening Protectives

19 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and

ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and
Facilities

22 Decoded: Panic hardware

24 Decoded: Door closers

26 Decoded: Fire door assembly inspection (FDIA) –

Top 10 deficiencies

32 Decoded: NFPA 80 2013 FDAI changes

34 Decoded: Electrified hardware refresher

Our special thanks to Allegion for graciously granting DHI permission

to reprint and distribute this book under the DHI brand.

Sources for code information

There is more information about many of the topics covered in this publication on our website – [Link].
You can also submit a specific question from that site by pressing the Help button.

ADA - Americans With Disabilities Act ICC - International Code Council

[Link] [Link]

ANSI - American National Standards Institute NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
[Link] [Link]

BHMA - Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association UL - Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

[Link] [Link]

Building Code Forum / Doors & Hardware Warnock Hersey / Intertek Testing Services
[Link]/forum [Link]

CCBFC - Canadian Commission on

Building and Fire Codes
[Link]

2 • DHI • Fire, life safety and accessibility codes

The material enclosed within this guide is intended Once you have determined which code you want to
as a resource and educational piece for those who have reference, go to the page(s) in this resource that contain
chosen a profession of improving the safety and well information relative to that code publication. Other
being of others. Whether you are an architect, fire or things to consider are:
building code official, specifier, supplier, or building
owner, we hope this guide is a valuable resource to help (1) the occupancy classification or use group

you understand the inherent complexity, when providing

(2) occupant load
a secure building with safe egress.
(3) whether the door in question is a required egress
How to use this resource
door, a fire door and/or on an accessible route.
The following information is compiled as a resource
on fire, life safety, and accessibility codes as related The information included in this resource is from past
to swinging doors and hardware, courtesy of Allegion and present publications of each code or standard as
for use by DHI. This information is for reference only and of this date. You may need to refer to other editions of
is based on an interpretation of the codes. It contains the code publications for more information. For your use
some of the highlights of each code. The actual code in referencing the actual code publications, the various
publications should be consulted when comprehensive sources for purchasing the codes and standards are
data is required and to ensure compliance with the included at the end of this guide and references to the
applicable codes. applicable section numbers are included throughout
this resource.
Accordingly, Allegion and its related companies,
subsidiaries, sectors, divisions, and affiliates, and their In the last section of this book you will find in-depth
respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys, code information on topics that we are most often asked
agents, successors, and assigns (hereinafter referred to as about, including panic hardware, door closers, fire doors,
“Allegion”) make no representations or warranties, express and doors with access control / electrified hardware.
or implied, with respect to the information contained in When you are referring to these articles, you must keep
this resource, nor does it assume any obligation or in mind which code is in use for the location in question,
liability for any advice given by Allegion arising out as all of the information may not apply to your specific
of or related to this resource. situation. For an additional resource to get answers to
your door, hardware and code questions visit
To use this guide, you must first determine which code
[Link].
has been adopted in your project’s location. In some
cases, there may be more than one code in use for a
particular area and sometimes the code requirements
differ. In this case, it is safest to follow the most stringent
requirement or consult your code officials, as local codes
may be more stringent than state or national codes.
As always, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has
the final say.

Portions of this brochure are reprinted with permission from NFPA 101-2015, Life Safety Code®, copyright 2014, National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the
standard in its entirety.

Portions of this brochure are reprinted with permission from NFPA 80 -2016, Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, Copyright © 2015, National
Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which
is represented only by the standard in its entirety.

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, NEC®, Life Safety Code® and 101® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA.

DHI • Fire, life safety and accessibility codes • 3

Classification of occupancy
and hazard of contents
As described by NFPA 101® - Life Safety Code® 2015 Edition

Classification of Occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes

by fewer than 50 persons in another occupancy and
occupancy (6.1) incidental to such other occupancy should be classified
as part of the other occupancy and should be subject to
The occupancy of a building or structure, or portion of a
the provisions applicable thereto.
building or structure, shall be classified as one of the
following:
Educational

Assembly An occupancy used for educational purposes through the

An occupancy (1) used for a gathering of 50 or more twelfth grade by six or more persons for four or more

persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, hours per day or more than twelve hours per week.

drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar

Educational occupancies include the following:
uses; or (2) used as a special amusement building, ƒƒ Academies
regardless of occupant load. ƒƒ Kindergartens
ƒƒ Schools
Assembly occupancies include the following:
ƒƒ Armories Other occupancies associated with educational
ƒƒ Assembly halls institutions shall be in accordance with the appropriate
ƒƒ Auditoriums
parts of this code.
ƒƒ Bowling lanes
ƒƒ Club rooms In cases where instruction is incidental to
ƒƒ College and university classrooms, 50 persons and some other occupancy, the section of the code governing
over
such other occupancy shall apply.
ƒƒ Conference rooms
ƒƒ Courtrooms
Day-care
ƒƒ Dance halls
An occupancy in which four or more clients receive care,
ƒƒ Drinking establishments
maintenance and supervision, by other than their
ƒƒ Exhibition halls
ƒƒ Gymnasiums relatives or legal guardians for less than 24 hours per day.
ƒƒ Libraries
Day-care occupancies include the following:
ƒƒ Mortuary chapels
ƒƒ Adult day-care occupancies, except where part of a
ƒƒ Motion picture theaters
health care occupancy
ƒƒ Museums
ƒƒ Child day-care occupancies
ƒƒ Passenger stations and terminals of air, surface,
ƒƒ Day-care homes
underground and marine public transportation
ƒƒ Kindergarten classes that are incidental to
facilities
a child day-care occupancy
ƒƒ Places of religious worship
ƒƒ Nursery schools
ƒƒ Pool rooms
ƒƒ Recreation piers
ƒƒ Restaurants
ƒƒ Skating rinks
ƒƒ Special amusement buildings, regardless of occupant
load
ƒƒ Theaters

4 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes Copyright © 2014 NFPA
Health care Residential
An occupancy used to provide medical or other An occupancy that provides sleeping
treatment or care simultaneously to four or more accommodations for purposes other than
patients on an inpatient basis, where such patients are health care or detention and correctional.
mostly incapable of self-preservation due to age,
physical or mental disability or because of security Residential occupancies are treated separately

measures not under the occupants’ control. in the code in the following groups:
ƒƒ One-and two-family dwelling units
Health care occupancies include the following: ƒƒ Lodging or rooming houses
ƒƒ Hospitals ƒƒ Hotels and dormitories
ƒƒ Limited care facilities ƒƒ Apartment buildings
ƒƒ Nursing homes
Residential board and care

Ambulatory health care An occupancy that is used for lodging and boarding of

An occupancy used to provide services or treatment four or more residents, not related by blood or marriage

simultaneously to four or more patients that provides, on to the owners or operators, for the purpose of providing

an outpatient basis, one or more of the following: personal care services.

Mercantile
1) Treatment for patients that renders the patients
An occupancy used for the display and sale of
incapable of taking action for self-preservation under
merchandise.
emergency conditions without the assistance of
others. Mercantile occupancies include the following:
ƒƒ Auction rooms
2) Anesthesia that renders the patients incapable of
ƒƒ Department stores
taking action for self-preservation under emergency ƒƒ Drugstores
conditions without the assistance of others. ƒƒ Restaurants with fewer than 50 persons
ƒƒ Shopping centers
3) Emergency or urgent care for patients who,
ƒƒ Supermarkets
due to the nature of their injury or illness are
incapable of taking action for self-preservation under Business
emergency conditions without the assistance of An occupancy used for the transaction of business other
others. than mercantile.

Detention and correctional Business occupancies include the following:

An occupancy used to house one or more ƒƒ Air traffic control towers (ATCTs)
persons under varied degrees of restraint or security ƒƒ City halls
where such occupants are mostly incapable of self- ƒƒ College and university instructional buildings,
preservation because of security measures not under the classrooms under 50 persons and instructional
occupants’ control. Within detention and correctional laboratories
facilities, uses other than residential housing shall be in ƒƒ Courthouses
ƒƒ Dentists’ offices
accordance with the appropriate chapter of the code.
ƒƒ Doctors’ offices
Detention and correctional occupancies include the ƒƒ General offices
following: ƒƒ Outpatient clinics (ambulatory)
ƒƒ Adult and juvenile substance abuse centers ƒƒ Town halls
ƒƒ Adult and juvenile work camps
Industrial
ƒƒ Adult community residential centers
ƒƒ Adult correctional institutions An occupancy in which products are manufactured or in
ƒƒ Adult local detention facilities which processing, assembling, mixing, packaging,
ƒƒ Juvenile community residential centers finishing or decorating or repair operations are
ƒƒ Juvenile detention facilities conducted.
ƒƒ Juvenile training schools

Copyright © 2014 NFPA DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 5
Classification of occupancy and hazard of contents

Industrial occupancies include the following:

ƒƒ Dry cleaning plants
Hazard of contents (6.2)
ƒƒ Factories of all kinds Hazard of contents of any building or structure shall be
ƒƒ Food processing plants classified as one of the following:
ƒƒ Gas plants
ƒƒ Hangars (for servicing/maintenance) Low hazard
ƒƒ Laundries Contents are of such low combustibility that no self-
ƒƒ Power plants propagating fire therein can occur.
ƒƒ Pumping stations
ƒƒ Refineries Ordinary hazard
ƒƒ Sawmills Contents are likely to burn with moderate rapidity or to
ƒƒ Telephone exchanges give off a considerable volume of smoke.

Storage High hazard

An occupancy used primarily for the storage or sheltering Contents are likely to burn with extreme rapidity
of goods, merchandise, products or vehicles. or from which explosions are likely.

Storage occupancies include the following:

ƒƒ Barns
ƒƒ Bulk oil storage
ƒƒ Cold storage
ƒƒ Freight terminals
ƒƒ Grain elevators
ƒƒ Hangars (for storage only)
ƒƒ Parking structures
ƒƒ Truck and marine terminals
ƒƒ Warehouses

Multiple occupancies
A building or structure in which two or more classes of
occupancy exist.

A mixed occupancy is a multiple occupancy where the

occupancies are intermingled. The building shall comply
with the most restrictive requirements of the
occupancies involved, unless separate safeguards are
approved.

A separated occupancy is a multiple occupancy where

the occupancies are separated by fire resistance-rated
assemblies.

6 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes Copyright © 2014 NFPA
Highlights of the ICC
International Building Code® (IBC)
1

Notes: In this code reference guide, “fire protection system” means an approved sprinkler system, approved fire alarm system or
both. Numbers in brackets ( ) refer to applicable sections of the code publication.

The use groups for the International Building Code Projections Into clear width (2015: 1010.1.1.1; 2012 and
(IBC) include the following (consult the code for prior: 1008.1.1.1)
complete descriptions): ƒƒ No projections into required clear width
A – Assembly lower than 34 inches (864 mm) above the floor or
B – Business ground
E – Educational ƒƒ Projections into clear opening width between
34 inches (864 mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) – not
F – Factory
more than four inches (102 mm)
H – High-hazard
ƒƒ Door closers and door stops – 78 inches (1980 mm)
I – Institutional
minimum above the floor
M – Mercantile
R – Residential Door swing (2015: 1010.1.2; 2012 and prior: 1008.1.2)
S – Storage ƒƒ Typically, egress doors must be swinging doors hung
U – Utility and miscellaneous on pivots or hinges – consult code for exceptions
ƒƒ Doors must swing in the direction of egress when
Doors (2015: 1010.1; 2012 and prior: 1008.1) serving a room with an occupant load of 50 or more or
ƒƒ Section applies to means of egress doors a group H occupancy (any load)
and additional doors provided for egress
ƒƒ Must be readily distinguishable from surrounding finishes Door opening force (2015: 1010.1.3; 2012, 2009:
1008.1.3; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.2)
and easily recognizable as doors
ƒƒ Interior swinging egress doors other than fire doors
ƒƒ No mirrors or reflective materials on egress doors
– maximum opening force five pounds (22 N)
ƒƒ No curtains or decorations concealing egress doors
ƒƒ Other swinging doors and sliding/folding doors:
Size of doors (2015: 1010.1.1; 2012 and -- Latch must release with 15 pound (67 N) force,
prior: 1008.1.1) maximum
ƒƒ Minimum clear width 32 inches (813 mm) and -- Door set in motion with 30 pound (133 N) force,
sufficient for occupant load maximum
ƒƒ Measured between the face of the door and the stop -- Door swings to a full-open position with 15-pound
on the frame, with door open 90 degrees (67 N) force, maximum
ƒƒ At least one leaf of pairs of doors must provide 32 ƒƒ Forces applied at latch side of door
inches (813 mm) clear width
ƒƒ Maximum width of a swinging door – 48 inches (1219 Power operated doors (2015: 1010.1.4.2; 2012, 2009:
1008.1.4.2; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.3.2)
mm) nominal
ƒƒ In power failure, egress doors must be capable of
ƒƒ Egress doors in I-2 occupancies used for movement of
being opened manually, or closed where necessary to
beds – minimum of 41 ½ inches (1054 mm) clear
safeguard means of egress
width
ƒƒ Forces to operate manually must not exceed those
ƒƒ Minimum height – 80 inches (2032 mm), or 78 inches
specified in “Door opening force” section, except the
(1980 mm) to door closers and stops
force to set the door in motion must not exceed 50
ƒƒ Consult code for exceptions
pounds and door must swing to full width of opening

1
2015, 2012, 2009, 2006, and 2003 editions DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 7
Highlights of the ICC International Building Code® (IBC)

ƒƒ Full-power-operated doors must comply with Builders ƒƒ Where automatic flush bolts are used, the door leaf
Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) equipped with automatic flush bolts must not have a
A156.10, power-assisted and low-energy operators door knob or surface mounted hardware and the
shall comply with BHMA A156.19 unlatching of any leaf must not require more than one
ƒƒ Consult code for exceptions for group I-3, horizontal operation
sliding doors and bi-parting doors ƒƒ In group R, egress doors from individual dwelling units
or sleeping units having an occupant load of 10 or less
Thresholds (2015: 1010.1.7; 2012, 2009: 1008.1.7; may have a night latch, dead bolt or security chain -
2006, 2003: 1008.1.6) devices must be openable from the inside without the
� 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) maximum height for doors other than use of a key or tool
sliding doors in dwelling units ƒƒ On fire doors where the elevated temperature has
� 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) maximum height for sliding doors in disabled the unlatching device in accordance with the
dwelling units listed fire test procedures (ex.: less-bottom-rod fire
ƒƒ Changes in height of 1⁄4 inch (6 mm) or less may be exit hardware or other hardware that incorporates a
vertical fusible link)
ƒƒ Changes over 1⁄4 inch (6 mm) must be beveled with a
slope of 1:2 maximum Bolt locks (flush and surface bolts) (2015: 1010.1.9.4;
2012, 2009: 1008.1.9.4; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.8.4)
Door operations (2015: 1010.1.9; 2012, 2009: 1008.1.9; ƒƒ Manually operated flush bolts and surface bolts are
2006, 2003: 1008.1.8) not permitted anywhere other than the following:
ƒƒ Unless otherwise allowed within this section, egress -- doors not required for egress in individual sleeping/
doors must always be openable from the egress side dwelling units
without using a key, special knowledge or effort -- on a pair of doors serving a storage or mechanical
ƒƒ Operating devices on doors required to be accessible room
shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or -- on a pair of doors in a group B, F, or S occupancy,
twisting of the wrist to operate that serves fewer than 50 occupants, where the
ƒƒ Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating inactive leaf has no surface trim such as knobs,
devices shall be installed 34 inches (864 mm) levers, panic bars, or similar hardware
minimum and 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum above -- on a pair of doors in a group B, F, or S occupancy,
the floor that serves any number of occupants if building has
ƒƒ Locks used for security purposes and not used for an approved fire sprinkler system and the inactive
normal operation are permitted at any height leaf has no surface trim such as knobs, levers, panic
ƒƒ Locks used on access doors protecting pools, spas bars or similar hardware and is not required for
and hot tubs can have operable parts up to 54 inches egress width.
(1370 mm) above the finished floor -- on a pair of doors serving patient rooms in group I-2
occupancy when the inactive leaf is not required for
Locks and latches (2015: 1010.1.9.3; 2012, 2009:
egress width – self-latching bolts are acceptable
1008.1.9.3; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.8.3)
(not manual flush bolts)
ƒƒ Locks and latches are permitted to prevent operation
of doors in the following conditions: Unlatching (2015: 1010.1.9.5; 2012, 2009: 1008.1.9.5;
-- places of detention or restraint 2006, 2003: 1008.1.8.5)
-- in group A with an occupant load of 300 or less, Any egress door leaf shall be able to be unlatched with
groups B, F, M and S, and in churches, the main door
one operation
may have a key operated lock on the egress side as
ƒƒ Exceptions:
long as:
-- places of detention or restraint
• lock is a type which can be readily
-- where manual bolts are permitted by section on
distinguishable as locked
“Bolt locks”
• on or adjacent to the door on the egress
-- doors with automatic flush bolts
side there is a sign (THIS DOOR TO
-- doors from individual dwelling units and guest
REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING
rooms in group R occupancies as permitted by
IS OCCUPIED) in 1” (25 mm) high letters on a
section on “Locks and latches”
contrasting background
• use of key-operated locking device may be revoked
by the building official for due cause

8 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

Controlled egress doors in groups I-1 and I-2 (2015: -- Emergency lighting must be provided on the egress
1010.1.9.6; 2012, 2009: 1008.1.9.6; 2006, 2003: n/a) side of the door
ƒƒ Approved controlled egress locks may be used in -- A building occupant must not encounter more than
group I-1 and I-2 occupancies where necessary for one delay before entering an exit. Refer to the 2015
patients’ clinical needs IBC for an exception for I-2 or I-3 occupancies
ƒƒ Building must be equipped throughout with an -- Door locking system must be listed in accordance
automatic sprinkler or automatic smoke or heat with UL 294.
detection system
ƒƒ Doors must unlock upon actuation of the fire alarm or Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors
sprinkler system (not applicable to psychiatric (prior to the 2015 edition this section was called
facilities) Access controlled egress doors) (2015: 1010.1.9.8;
ƒƒ Doors must unlock upon loss of power to the lock (not 2012: 1008.1.9.8; 2009: 1008.1.4.4; 2006, 2003:
1008.1.3.4)
applicable to psychiatric facilities)
ƒƒ Entrance doors and entrance doors to tenant spaces
ƒƒ Locks must be able to be unlocked by a signal from
in groups A, B, E, I-1, I-2, I-4, M, R-1 or R-2 may be
the fire command center, nurses station or other
equipped with an approved entrance and egress
approved location (not applicable to psychiatric
access control system installed in accordance with all
facilities)
of the following:
ƒƒ Occupant must not encounter more than one door
-- Sensor on egress side must detect an occupant
with a special egress lock before entering an exit (not
approaching the door and door must unlock by a
applicable to psychiatric facilities)
signal from or loss of power to the sensor
ƒƒ The emergency plan (see chapter 4 of the
-- Loss of power to locking device must unlock the
International Fire Code) contains procedures for the
door
operation of the unlocking system
-- Door shall unlock by a readily-accessible manual
ƒƒ All clinical staff has keys, codes or other means to
unlocking device (push button) marked “Push to
operate the locks
exit”, located 40 inches
ƒƒ Emergency lighting must be provided at the door
(1016 mm) to 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor
ƒƒ Door locking system must be listed in accordance
within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the door
with UL 294.
-- Manual unlocking device must interrupt power to the
Delayed egress locks (2015: 1010.1.9.7; 2012, 2009: lock, independent of the access control system,
1008.1.9.7; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.8.6) door must unlock for 30 seconds
ƒƒ Approved, listed or delayed egress locks may be used -- Fire alarm and/or sprinkler system must unlock the
in any occupancy except group A, E and H, in buildings door until system is reset
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler or -- Entrance doors in groups A, B, E and M must not be
automatic smoke or heat detection system, as long as secured from the egress side when the building is
all of the following requirements are met: open to the general public
-- There is no delay upon actuation of the fire alarm or -- System must be listed per UL 294
sprinkler system
-- There is no delay upon loss of power to the lock Electromagnetically locked egress doors (2015:
1010.1.9.9; 2012: 1008.1.9.9; 2009: 1008.1.9.8, 2006,
-- Lock has the capability of being unlocked manually
2003: n/a)
by a signal from the fire command center
ƒƒ Egress doors in Group A, B, E, I-1, I-2, I-4, M, R-1 or R-2
-- Lock allows egress within 15 seconds (or 30 seconds
occupancies may have electromagnetic locks in
when approved by AHJ) when a force of 15 pounds
addition to listed hardware that has a built-in switch
(67 N) maximum is applied for three seconds. Prior
and meets the following requirements:
to the 2015 edition, activation time was 1 second,
-- The listed hardware which releases the
maximum.
electromagnetic lock is mounted on the door leaf
-- Lock may only be rearmed manually
-- The operation of the listed hardware is simple and
-- Initiation of cycle shall activate audible alarm in
obvious
vicinity of door
ƒƒ The listed hardware can be operated with one hand in
-- Sign meeting the visual character requirements in
all lighting conditions
ICC A117.1, mounted on the door within 12 inches (305
ƒƒ When the listed hardware is operated, the power to
mm) of the release device states: “Push [pull] until
the lock is directly interrupted, and the
alarm sounds. Doors can be opened in 15 [30]
electromagnetic lock releases, unlocking the door
seconds.” Refer to the 2015 IBC for an exception for
Group I occupancies.

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 9

Highlights of the ICC International Building Code® (IBC)

ƒƒ Loss of power to the locking system automatically ƒƒ Actuating portion of device must extend at least half
releases the electromagnetic lock, unlocking the door the width of the door leaf
ƒƒ When panic hardware is installed on a door with an ƒƒ Maximum force to unlatch is 15 pounds (67 N)
electromagnetic lock, operation of the panic hardware ƒƒ Balanced doors with panic hardware must have
releases the electromagnetic lock, unlocking the door pushpad type panics and the pad shall not extend
(Note: The 2009 edition of the IBC states that this more than one-half the width of the door measured
section may be used for doors that are not required to from the latch side
have panic hardware, but this was not the intent and ƒƒ Panic hardware must be listed per UL 305
the code has since been changed.) ƒƒ Panic hardware used on fire doors is fire exit hardware
ƒƒ Door locking system must be listed in accordance and must be listed per UL 305 and UL 10C
with UL 294. ƒƒ Electric rooms with equipment rated 1200 amperes or
more, and over 6 feet wide, that contain overcurrent
Stairway doors (2015: 1010.1.9.11; devices, switching devices or control devices with exit
2012: 1008.1.9.11; 2009: 1008.1.9.10; 2006, 2003: access doors must be equipped with panic hardware
1008.1.8.7) (Note: 2014 National Electrical Code requires panic
ƒƒ Interior stairway means of egress doors shall be hardware for doors within 25 feet of the required
openable from both sides without the use of a key or working space, serving rooms housing equipment with
special knowledge or effort. >600 volts, >800 amps (previously >1200 amps) and
Exceptions: battery rooms)
-- stairway discharge doors shall be openable from the
egress side and shall only be locked from the Positive pressure (2015, 2012: 716.5.1; 2009, 2006,
opposite side 2003: 715.4.1)
-- high-rise buildings (over 75 feet (23 M) in height) ƒƒ Fire doors must be tested in accordance with NFPA
may have stair doors which are locked on the stair 252 or UL10C
side but must unlock simultaneously without ƒƒ After 5 minutes into the NFPA 252 test, the neutral
unlatching upon a signal from the fire command pressure level in the furnace shall be 40 inches
center - and a telephone or other two-way (1016 mm) or less above the sill
communication device connected to a constantly
attended station must be provided at every fifth Temperature rise doors (2015, 2012: 716.5.5; 2009,
floor if the stair doors are locked 2006, 2003: 715.4.4)
-- in stairways serving not more than four stories, ƒƒ Fire doors in vertical exit enclosures and exit
doors may be locked on the stair side as long as they passageways shall have a maximum transmitted
are capable of being unlocked simultaneously temperature end point of not more than 450°F above
without unlatching upon a signal from the fire ambient after 30 minutes of fire test exposure
command center or a single location inside the ƒƒ Exception: not required in buildings equipped
building’s main entrance (Note: The 2003 IBC did throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
allow doors on stairs serving four stories to be
mechanically locked on the stair side but the code
has since changed.)
-- consult code for exceptions related to facilities with
single exit stairs

Panic and fire exit hardware (2015: 1010.1.10; 2012,

2009: 1008.1.10; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.9)
ƒƒ Panic hardware is required for doors equipped with
latches which serve rooms or spaces with 50
occupants or more in groups A or E, and in group H
occupancies of any occupant load (Note: Prior to the
2006 IBC, panic hardware was required for groups A
and E, 100 occupants or more.)
-- Exception: entrances described in section on locks
and latches
-- Exception (new in 2015): Doors serving Group A or E
occupancies may have electromagnetic locks
complying with section 1010.1.9.9

10 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

Highlights of the National Building Code
of Canada1
Notes: In this Code Reference Guide, “fire protection system” means an approved sprinkler system, approved fire alarm system, or
both. Numbers in brackets ( ) refer to applicable sections of the code publication.

Use Groups (consult code for Door Release Hardware (2010: [Link]; 2005:
complete descriptions): [Link])
A – Assembly ƒƒ locking, latching, and other fastening devices on the
B – Care, Treatment, or Detention principal entrance door and all exit doors shall permit
C – Residential the door to be readily opened from the egress side
with one operation and without the use of keys,
D – Business and Personal Service
special devices, or specialized knowledge (exceptions
E – Mercantile
for contained use area, impeded egress zone,
F – Industrial (divided into Divisions 1, 2,
electromagnetic locks and security doors on banks
and 3 to indicate level of hazard)
and mercantile facilities)
ƒƒ if the door is equipped with a latch, a device which will
Doors and Door Hardware ([Link])
release the latch and allow the door to swing wide
ƒƒ a door that opens into or is located within a public
open when a force of not more than 90 N is applied in
corridor and provides access to an exit shall provide a
the direction of travel to the exit shall be installed on:
clear opening of 800 mm minimum for a single door
-- every exit door from a floor area of an Assembly
or active leaf of a pair (1050 mm minimum for doors
Occupancy with an occupant load of more than 100,
required to accommodate moving patients in beds per
-- every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair
[Link])
shaft and every exterior door leading from an exit
ƒƒ exit access doors shall be readily openable in the
stair shaft in a building having an occupant load of
direction of exit travel, requiring no keys, special
more than 100,
devices, or specialized knowledge (exception for
-- every exit door from a floor area containing a High
contained use area or impeded egress zone)
Hazard Industrial occupancy
ƒƒ exit access doors shall be operable with one hand and
ƒƒ except where required by section [Link] (Barrier-Free
one releasing operation (exception for dwelling unit/
Doorways and Doors), every exit door shall open with
suite)
a force of not more than 90 N after the latch is
ƒƒ dwelling unit doors may have on additional releasing
released, force applied at the releasing device
operation, with no keys, special devices or knowledge
ƒƒ electromagnetic locks without latches, pins, or other
ƒƒ door release hardware must be installed
devices to keep the door closed may be installed on
1200 mm maximum above the finished floor
exit doors except doors leading directly from high
ƒƒ except for hotels and motels, doors opening onto a
hazard industrial occupancies, provided:
public exit access corridor must not relock
-- building is equipped with a fire alarm system, and
automatically ([Link])
-- locking device and all similar devices in the exit
Door Swing - Exits (2010: [Link]; 2005: [Link]) access leading to the exit unlock upon fire alarm,
ƒƒ except where sliding doors are permitted (2010: and
[Link]; 2005: [Link]), every exit door shall open in -- locking device releases upon loss of power to the
the direction of exit travel and swing on a vertical axis lock and associated auxiliary controls, and
-- device releases upon operation of a manually
Self-Closing Devices - Exits (2010: [Link]; 2005: operated switch accessible only to authorized
[Link]) personnel, and
ƒƒ exit doors normally required to be kept closed shall be -- a force of 90 N applied to the door opening
self-closing and shall not be secured in the open hardware initiates an irreversible process that
position except as allowed by section [Link](1) releases the locking device within 15 seconds and
device shall not relock until the door has been
opened, and

1
2010 and 2005 editions DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 11
Highlights of the National Building Code of Canada

-- upon release, the locking device must be manually ƒƒ doors that provide a barrier-free path of travel at an
reset by the switch referred to above, and entrance referred to in Article [Link] shall be equipped
-- if more than one locking device of this type is used in with a power operator in a hotel, a building of Group B,
a building, the switch must release and reset all Division 2 major occupancy, and a building of Group A,
locking devices simultaneously (appendix), and B-Division 3, D, or E major occupancy more than 500
-- a legible sign must be permanently mounted on the m2 in building area (exception - individual suite having
exit door to indicate that the locking device will an area less than 500 m2 in a building having only
release 15 seconds after the application of force to suites of assembly, care, business and personal
the door opening hardware services or mercantile occupancy if the suite is
ƒƒ operating hardware for the doors to in this section completely separated from the remainder of the
shall be installed 1200 mm maximum above the building so that there is no access to the remainder of
finished floor the building
ƒƒ door closers used in a barrier-free path of travel shall
Security for Banks and Mercantile Floor Areas (2010: require a maximum force applied at the handle, push
[Link]; 2005: [Link]) plate, or latch releasing device of no more than 38 N
ƒƒ requirements of this section may be waived for bank to operate an exterior door and 22 N to operate an
and mercantile occupancies due to security concerns interior door (exception - entrance to a dwelling unit,
ƒƒ buildings must be sprinklered throughout or where greater forces are required to close the door
ƒƒ consult section for specific requirements against prevailing difference in air pressure)
ƒƒ door closers used on interior doors in a barrier-free
Emergency Access to Floor Areas
path of travel shall have a closing period of not less
(2010: [Link]; 2005: [Link])
than 3 seconds from the open position of 70 degrees
In a building more than 6 stories high,
to a point 75 mm from the closed position, measured
ƒƒ doors providing access to floor areas from exit stairs
from the leading edge of the latch side of the door
shall not have locking devices to prevent access to the
(exception - dwelling unit entrance doors), delayed
floor area from which the travel distance up or down to
action not required (appendix)
an unlocked door is more than 2 stories
ƒƒ only the active leaf in a multiple leaf door in a barrier
ƒƒ doors that provide access to the floor area (as
free path of travel need to conform to the
required above) shall have signage on the stair side to
requirements
indicate that they are openable from the stair side
ƒƒ a master key for all locked doors in a stairwell shall be
provided in a designated location accessible to
fire-fighters, or the locked door shall have a wire glass
panel not less than 0.0645 m2 in area and located not
more than 300 mm from the door opening hardware
ƒƒ if access to floor areas through unlocked doors is
required by this section, an occupant entering the floor
area must have access, through unlocked doors within
the floor area, to at least one other exit

Barrier-Free Doorways and Doors ([Link])

ƒƒ every doorway in a barrier-free path of travel shall
have a clear width of at least 800 mm when the door
is in the open position (measured from the face of the
door at 90 degrees to the outside edge of the frame
stop, the projection of exit devices are taken into
account - appendix)
ƒƒ the doorway of at least one bathroom within a
residential suite must have a clear width of at least
800 mm when the door is in the open position
ƒƒ door operating devices shall not require tight grasping
or twisting of the wrist to operate
ƒƒ thresholds shall be a maximum of 13 mm above the
floor surface and shall be beveled

12 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

Highlights of NFPA 101 -
The Life Safety Code1
Notes: In this code reference guide, “fire protection system” means an approved sprinkler system, approved fire alarm system or
both. Numbers in brackets ( ) refer to applicable sections of the code publication. Refer to Classification of Occupancy section at
the front of this guide for descriptions of occupancy types.

Locks, latches and alarm devices ([Link]) -- Re-entry from the stair enclosure to the interior of
ƒƒ Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, the building shall be provided (passage sets)
tool or special knowledge or effort for operation from -- An automatic release actuated by the fire alarm
the egress side (does not apply to fire doors after system shall unlock all stair enclosure doors to
exposure to elevated temperatures) provide reentry (fail-safe locks or fail-safe trim for
ƒƒ Exception: as specifically allowed by the occupancy fire exit hardware)
chapters, exterior doors shall be permitted to have -- Selected re-entry - selected doors may have locking
key-operated locks from the egress side as long as: hardware, provided that at least two levels are
-- exception is permitted in the occupancy chapters for unlocked, there aren’t more than four stories
the specific occupancy between unlocked floors, and the top or next to the
-- on or adjacent to the door there is a sign (THIS top floor is unlocked, signage on the stair side
DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THE identifies unlocked doors, and signage on the stair
BUILDING IS OCCUPIED) side of locked doors indicates the location of the
-- locking device is of a type that is readily nearest unlocked door in each direction (Note:
distinguishable as locked Selected re-entry is included in NFPA 101,
-- key is immediately available to any occupant inside but not the IBC.)
the building when door is locked ƒƒ The following applications are not required to comply:
-- provisions may be revoked by the AHJ (Authority -- Existing installations in buildings that are not
Having Jurisdiction) for cause where permitted by high-rise buildings, as permitted in the occupancy
the occupancy chapters chapters
-- Stairs serving a building permitted to have a single
Electrically controlled egress door assemblies (2015, exit, in accordance with the occupancy chapters
2012: [Link].6; 2009: [Link].5; 2006, 2003: n/a) -- Existing installations in sprinklered high-rise
ƒƒ Electric locks in the means of egress may be released buildings, as permitted in the occupancy chapters
by approved, listed hardware with a built-in request- -- Stairs in health care occupancies, where otherwise
to-exit switch as long as: provided in the occupancy chapter
-- Hardware releasing the lock is mounted on the -- Stairs in detention and correctional occupancies,
locked door leaf where otherwise provided in the occupancy chapter
-- Hardware operation is obvious and readily operated
for egress Stair to roof (2015, 2012: [Link].9; 2009, 2006, 2003:
-- Hardware requires the use of only one hand to [Link].8)
egress If stair enclosure allows access to the roof, door to the
-- Power to the electronic lock is interrupted upon roof must be kept locked or must allow re-entry from the
activation of the door-mounted hardware roof.
-- Loss of power to the hardware unlocks the electric
lock Releasing devices (2015, 2012: [Link].10-12; 2009,
-- Hardware for new installations listed per 2006, 2003: [Link].9 -[Link].11)
ANSI/UL 294 ƒƒ Latch or other fastening device on a door shall be
provided with a releasing device having an obvious
Stairwell re-entry (2015, 2012: [Link].8; 2009, 2006, method of operation under all lighting conditions
2003: [Link].7) ƒƒ Releasing mechanism (except existing installations)
ƒƒ Doors in stair enclosures serving more than four shall be located between 34 inches (864 mm) and 48
stories shall meet one of the following criteria: inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor

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2015, 2012, 2009, 2006, and 2003 editions
Copyright © 2014 NFPA DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 13
Highlights of NFPA 101- The Life Safety Code

ƒƒ Doors shall be openable with not more than one Access controlled egress doors ([Link].2)
releasing operation ƒƒ Where permitted in the occupancy chapters, doors in
ƒƒ Exceptions: the means of egress may have an approved entrance
-- egress doors from individual living units and guest and egress access control system, provided that:
rooms of residential occupancies may require two -- A sensor on the egress side unlocks the door upon
releasing operations, as long as no key is required for detection of an occupant approaching the door
egress and both mechanisms are less than 48 -- Loss of power to the sensor unlocks the door
inches (1219 mm) AFF (existing security devices -- Loss of power to the lock unlocks the door
complying with this exception may have three -- Manual release device (push button) adjacent to the
releasing operations - devices that are not door unlocks the door - must have signage (PUSH
automatic latching may be located up to 60 inches TO EXIT), and must result in direct interruption of
(1524 mm) AFF) power to the lock, and door remains unlocked for at
-- two releasing operations permitted for existing least 30 seconds
hardware when door serves an occupant load of -- If the building has a fire protection system, actuation
three or less, as long as simultaneous retraction is of the fire protection system automatically unlocks
not required the door and the door remains unlocked until the fire
ƒƒ Where a pair of doors is required in a means of egress, protection system is manually reset
each leaf shall have its own releasing device, and each -- New installations must have emergency lighting on
device must operate independently (can’t require one the egress side
device to be released before the other), except where
automatic flush bolts are used. The door leaf with the Elevator lobby exit access door locking (2015, 2012,
flush bolts shall have no doorknob or surface- 2009: [Link].3; 2006, 2003: n/a)
mounted hardware - unlatching any leaf shall not ƒƒ Except for newly-constructed high-rise buildings,
require more than one operation doors that separate the elevator lobby from the exit
ƒƒ No additional locking device (padlock, hasp, chain, access are permitted to be locked electronically, if the
deadbolt, etc.) shall be installed on a door which is following criteria are met:
required to have panic hardware -- This type of locking must be allowed by the
occupancy chapter. In the 2015 edition of NFPA 101,
Delayed egress locks ([Link].1) it is allowed in new and existing assembly,
ƒƒ Approved, listed and delayed egress locks are educational, day-care, health care, ambulatory
permitted on doors serving low and ordinary hazard health care, hotels and dormitories, apartment
contents in buildings protected throughout by an buildings, mercantile, business, industrial, and
approved, supervised automatic fire detection system storage occupancies.
or sprinkler system, where permitted by chapters -- Lock is listed per ANSI/UL 294
12-42, provided that: -- Building is protected throughout with a fire alarm
-- Doors unlock upon actuation of the sprinkler system, and sprinkler system and movement of water
any heat detector or up to two smoke detectors through the system actuates the fire alarm system
-- Doors unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock -- Elevator lobby is protected by an approved smoke
mechanism detection system that, upon detection of smoke,
-- An irreversible process (such as pushing the door or activates the fire alarm system
touchpad) releases the lock within 15 seconds (AHJ -- Activation of fire alarm by means other than manual
(Authority Having Jurisdiction) can approve a delay pull stations unlocks the elevator lobby door(s).
of up to 30 seconds) upon application of force to the -- Loss of power to the elevator lobby lock system
release device (15 lbs (67 N) for not more than three unlocks the assembly - once unlocked, the door(s)
seconds) will not relock until the fire alarm has been manually
-- Initiation of the release process activates an audible reset
signal in the vicinity of the door -- Where elevator lobby doors remain latched after
-- After release, re-locking shall be by manual means unlocking, latch-releasing hardware is mounted on
only the door and has an obvious method of operation
-- Signage on egress side of door (PUSH [PULL] UNTIL -- A two-way communication system allows
ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] communication between the elevator lobby and A
SECONDS.) constantly staffed control point
-- New installations must have emergency lighting on -- Control point staff is trained and capable of providing
the egress side. emergency assistance

14 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes Copyright © 2014 NFPA
 -- Doors are not required to comply with requirements Inspection of door openings (2015, 2012, 2009:
pertaining to delayed egress locks or access [Link]; 2006, 2003: n/a)
controlled egress doors ƒƒ In new and existing assembly, educational, day-care,
ƒƒ Note: The International Building Code does not hotels and dormitories, apartment buildings,
currently contain a section specific to locking of mercantile, business, industrial, storage, and
elevator lobby doors, but some states have modified residential board and care occupancies, the following
the code to include a similar section. doors must be inspected and tested annually:
-- doors with panic hardware or fire exit hardware
Panic hardware and fire exit hardware ([Link]) -- door assemblies in exit enclosures
ƒƒ Actuating portion of device must extend at least half -- electrically controlled egress doors
the width of the door leaf -- door assemblies with special locking arrangements
ƒƒ Device must be mounted between 34 inches (865 (delayed egress, access controlled egress doors and
mm) and 48 inches (1220 mm) above finished floor elevator lobby doors)
(30 inches (762 mm) to 48 inches (1220 mm) for ƒƒ Written record of inspections and testing must be
existing applications) signed and retained for review by AHJ
ƒƒ Door locations requiring panic hardware are listed ƒƒ Functional testing must be performed by individuals
within the individual occupancy chapters: means of with knowledge and understanding of the type of door
egress doors in assembly, day-care, and educational being tested
occupancies with an occupant load of 100 or more ƒƒ Visual inspection must be performed from both sides
persons shall be permitted to have a latch or lock only of the assembly
if it is panic hardware ƒƒ Minimum inspection criteria:
ƒƒ Doors serving high hazard contents areas with -- floor space on both sides of opening clear of
occupant load of more than five shall be permitted to obstructions, door leaves open fully and close freely
have a latch or lock, only if it is panic hardware -- forces to set door in motion and move to the fully
ƒƒ Required panic hardware (except as allowed for open position within limits of this code
detention and correctional occupancies), shall not be -- latching and locking devices do not require keys,
equipped with any locking device, set screw or other tools, or special knowledge or effort – one releasing
arrangement that prevents the release of the latch operation per door leaf
when pressure is applied to the releasing device -- releasing hardware installed between 34 inches
ƒƒ Fire exit hardware may not be equipped with devices (865 mm) and 48 inches (1220 mm) above the floor
to hold the latch retracted, unless the devices are -- releasing devices on pairs do not require more than
listed and approved for such purposes (i.e. electric one operation, except the inactive leaf may have
latch retraction) automatic flush bolts as long as the inactive leaf
does not have a doorknob or dummy hardware
Self-closing devices ([Link])
-- door closers properly adjusted to meet closing speed
ƒƒ Doors designed to normally be kept closed in a means
requirements for accessibility
of egress shall be a self-closing door and shall not be
-- projection of door into path of egress is within limits
secured in the open position,
for encroachment
ƒƒ Exception: doors can be automatic closing, if
-- powered doors operate within stated opening force
-- upon release of the hold-open mechanism, the door
limitations and other requirements of this code
becomes self-closing
-- required signage is intact and legible
-- door can be easily released manually
-- doors with special locking arrangements function as
-- releasing mechanism is activated by approved smoke
required
detectors installed per NFPA 72
-- security devices impeding egress are not present
-- upon loss of power to the hold-open device the door
-- luminous door hardware marking, if required, is
becomes self-closing
present
-- release of one door in a stair enclosure results in
-- emergency lighting for access-controlled egress
closing of all doors in that stairway
doors and delayed egress locks is present and
ƒƒ Note: A standard door closer without a hold-open
functioning
mechanism is self-closing. A door with a closer and an
ƒƒ Deficiencies must be repaired or replaced without
electric or battery-operated hold-open mechanism
delay
actuated by smoke detectors is automatic-closing.
ƒƒ Note: Fire door assemblies in all occupancy types are
required to be inspected after installation, upon
completion of maintenance work, and also annually.

Copyright © 2014 NFPA DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 15
Highlights of NFPA 80 –
Standard for Fire Doors and Other
Opening Protectives1
Note: Numbers in brackets () refer to applicable sections of the publication.

Equivalency (1.4) ƒƒ Fire door assembly may consist of listed, labeled, or

ƒƒ Standard does not prohibit the development of new classified products from different organizations that
products that meet the intent of the requirements are acceptable to the AHJ, unless restricted by
ƒƒ It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to provide published listings
enough information to allow the AHJ (Authority ƒƒ Note: The 2016 edition of NFPA 80 includes a list of
Having Jurisdiction) to make a determination information that must be included on the label, and
ƒƒ Devices not described in standard – manufacturers states that frames in certain locations are not
must provide descriptive information provided by a required to have a fire protection rating. Glazing must
testing laboratory regarding acceptable installation be permanently labeled as identified in Table 4.2.2.
methods
Classification and types of doors (4.3)
Appurtenances / Job-site hardware ƒƒ Fire doors must be labeled
preparation (4.1.3) ƒƒ Swinging fire doors permitted to be supplied
ƒƒ Job-site prep for surface-applied hardware, function separately with individually labeled frames and
holes for mortise locks and holes for labeled viewers: hardware
-- Maximum one inch (25.4 mm) diameter holes ƒƒ Fire doors used with fire exit hardware shall be
permitted, except cylinder holes may be any size specifically labeled as such - label shall address
-- Maximum 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) undercutting for wood necessary reinforcements and the assembly shall
and composite doors allowed have been tested for egress panic load requirements
-- Any preparations other than noted above must be ƒƒ AHJ shall be consulted for oversized doors
done under label service. Note: The 2016 edition of
NFPA 80 allows job-site preparations of holes larger Glazing material in fire doors (4.4)
than 1 inch diameter for surface-mounted hardware ƒƒ Only labeled fire-resistance rated or
if allowed by the door manufacturer’s listing and the fire-protection rated glazing material and labeled light
hardware manufacturer’s listing. The 2016 edition kits may be used, when permitted by the door listing
also allows raceways for wires to be field drilled in ƒƒ Allowable size of light depends on type of glazing and
accordance with the door manufacturer’s listing and specific listings
when permitted by the listing laboratory. ƒƒ Glazing in fire doors must meet impact safety
-- Plant-ons as allowed per the manufacturer’s listing standards – there is no longer an exemption in the
International Building Code for impact- resistance of
Signage (4.1.4) glazing in fire doors
ƒƒ Signs shall not exceed 5% of the area of the face of ƒƒ New wood doors – glazing materials installed in
the door labeled glass kits or in accordance with fire door
ƒƒ Attached to fire door with adhesive – no mechanical listing and installed under label service
attachments such as screws or nails ƒƒ Fire protection glazing 100 square inches
ƒƒ Signs must not be attached to fire-protection-rated (0.065 m2) maximum, in 3-hour fire doors or
glazing 1 1⁄2 -hour doors used in severe exterior fire exposure
locations – glazing tested per NFPA 252
Listed and labeled products (4.2) ƒƒ Consult standard for other glazing limitations and
ƒƒ Listed items are required to bear a label testing requirements
ƒƒ Labels applied in locations that are readily visible ƒƒ Each glazing unit must have a label visible after
after installation installation
ƒƒ Generic items such as hinges are not labeled but must ƒƒ Viewers in fire doors must be labeled
comply with the standard

1
2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007 editions

16 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes Copyright © 2015 NFPA
Fire-resistance-rated glazing in doors and windows -- glazing, light frames, glazing beads (if present)
(4.5) intact and securely fastened
ƒƒ This glazing limits the temperature rise on the -- door, frame, hinges and hardware are in the
unexposed surface and must withstand the hose noncombustible threshold – secure, aligned, in
stream test working order, with no damage
ƒƒ Tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 -- no parts missing or broken
ƒƒ Subsequently tested in accordance with NFPA 252 -- clearances between door edge and frame, measured
or NFPA 257 on the pull side, within allowable limits per NFPA 80
ƒƒ Allowed in fire doors listed up to 3 hours, in maximum -- self-closing device operational, and active door
size tested closes when operated from the full open position
-- coordinator (if present) facilitates inactive leaf
Classification of hardware for fire doors (4.6) closing before active leaf
ƒƒ Builders hardware includes hinges, locks and latches, -- latching hardware operates and securely latches
bolts and closers door in closed position
-- builders hardware is applied to swinging fire doors -- auxiliary hardware items that interfere with operation
-- builders hardware shall not be required to be must not be installed on door or frame
shipped from the factory with the fire doors -- no field modifications performed that void the label
ƒƒ Fire exit hardware is an exit device that is labeled for -- gasketing, where required, is present and intact
both panic and fire protection -- signage on door meets requirements of NFPA 80
ƒƒ Fire door hardware includes surface-mounted strap
hinges, surface-applied latches and closing devices Operation of doors (2016, 2013: 6.1.3; 2010, 2007: 6.1.4)
-- fire door hardware is applied to swinging and sliding ƒƒ All swinging fire doors must be closed and latched at
doors the time of fire
-- in NFPA 80, hardware for sliding doors shall be fire ƒƒ Door operation classified as:
door hardware -- self-closing door – equipped with a closing device,
-- fire door hardware must be shipped from the factory closes each time it is opened (no hold-open)
with the fire door -- automatic-closing door – closes and latches
-- typical of tin-clad type doors automatically when released by an automatic fire
detector
Clearance at bottom of door (4.8.4) -- power-operated fire door – automatic operator is
ƒƒ Clearance under the bottom of a fire door – 3⁄4 inches automatically disconnected during an alarm
(19 mm) maximum condition, allowing the door to close and latch
ƒƒ If bottom of door is more than 38 inches (965 mm)
above the floor (for example, a counter shutter or Clearances at perimeter and meeting stiles ([Link])
chute door), maximum clearance is 3⁄8 inch (9.5 mm) ƒƒ Clearances between the door and frame and at
or as specified by manufacturer’s label service meeting stiles, measured on the pull side of the door:
procedure -- Steel doors – 1⁄16 inch (1.16 mm) to 3⁄16 inch (4.8 mm)
ƒƒ Note: The 2016 edition of NFPA 80 references -- Wood doors – 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) maximum
products which are listed to address clearances in -- Note: The 2016 edition of NFPA 80 allows a
excess of 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) clearance of 1⁄16 inch to 3⁄16 inch for HPDL-faced
doors, wood doors, and stile and rail doors with a
Inspection and Testing (5.2) rating up to 1⁄3 -hour installed in a hollow metal
ƒƒ Fire door assemblies inspected and tested at least frame. For these door types with a rating over
annually – consult standard for details of 1
⁄3 -hour, the clearance is limited to 1⁄8 inch maximum.
performance-based option
ƒƒ Upon completion of installation and maintenance Assembly components (6.4)
work – fire door assemblies must be inspected and ƒƒ Closing device required on every fire door - adjusted to
tested (added in 2013 edition) ensure positive latching on each door operation
ƒƒ Written record of inspection signed and kept for AHJ ƒƒ Coordinator required if a latch bolt or astragal can
review prevent the inactive door from closing and latching
ƒƒ Inspection performed by qualified individual with – coordinator not required if doors latch independently
knowledge of the type of assembly being inspected of each other
ƒƒ Fire door assemblies – visually inspected from both ƒƒ Hinges shall be
sides to assess overall condition -- steel, ball-bearing hinges, or meeting the
ƒƒ Inspect per the following criteria: requirements of ANSI/BHMA A156.1
-- labels must be visible and legible
-- no open holes or breaks in surface of door or frame

Copyright © 2015 NFPA DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 17
Highlights of NFPA 80 – Standard for fire doors and other opening protectives

-- doors up to 60 inches (1.52 m) in height – two hinges not pose a hazard to safety to life (i.e. rooms not
-- one additional hinge for each 30 inches (0.76 m) of normally occupied by humans, like transformer vaults
door height (or fraction) and storage rooms)
-- if spring hinges are used – two minimum, labeled, ƒƒ Latch throw – minimum shown on fire door label and
and meeting the requirements of ANSI/BHMA as specified in manufacturer’s installation instructions
A156.17, Grade 1 ƒƒ Electric strikes may be used where allowed by
-- heavyweight hinges 4 ½ inches (114 mm) high and published listings (fail-secure only)
0.180 inches (4.57 mm) thick permitted on doors that ƒƒ Consult standard for requirements for attaching
are wide or heavy or subject to heavy use or stress hardware to fire doors
-- pivot sets (top and bottom) – one intermediate pivot
for doors up to 90 inches (2.29 m) in height, and one Protection plates (6.4.5)
additional inter-mediate pivot for each 30 inches ƒƒ Factory-installed protection plates – installed per
(0.76 m) of door height over 90 inches (2.29 m) door listings. Note: The 2016 edition of NFPA 80
-- if only intermediate pivots are used – two requires factory-installed protection plates to be
intermediate pivots for doors up to 60 inches (1.52 labeled and installed per door listings.
m) in height, one additional intermediate pivot for ƒƒ Field-installed protection plates – labeled and
each additional 30 inches (0.76 m) of door height installed per their listing
(or fraction) ƒƒ Label not required where top of plate is not more than
-- length of continuous hinges – within one inch of 16 inches (406 mm) above the bottom of the door
door height
ƒƒ Consult code for hinge specifics and fastening Astragals (6.4.7)
requirements ƒƒ Astragals may not inhibit the free use of either leaf
when located in a means of egress
Shimming ([Link]) ƒƒ If astragal is required, it must project approximately
ƒƒ Shimming with steel shims permitted when required
3
⁄4 inch (19 mm) or as indicated in published listings
to meet acceptable clearances
Gasketing (6.4.8)
Locks or latches (6.4.4) ƒƒ Gasketing used on fire doors must be in accordance
ƒƒ Any lock, latch, or fire exit hardware shall meet both with published listings of the door, frame or gasketing
life safety and fire protection requirements manufacturer
ƒƒ Fire exit hardware to be installed only on doors
Thresholds (6.4.9)
labeled “Fire Door to be Equipped with Fire Exit
ƒƒ If thresholds are used, they must be noncombustible
Hardware”
or listed (added in the 2016 edition)
ƒƒ Fire exit hardware must be labeled for both fire and
panic – label must be permanently attached and Application, Installation, and Adjustment (6.5)
must include serial number and manufacturer’s name ƒƒ Installation of all fire door assembly components
and type of approval must be in accordance with each component’s listing
ƒƒ All single doors and active leaves of pairs shall have ƒƒ All components must be installed per the
an active latch bolt that cannot be held retracted manufacturer’s installation instructions and adjusted
– except doors not in a means of egress may have to function per the listing
dead bolts in addition to the active latch bolts or as ƒƒ All components must be firmly attached to walls,
permitted by the AHJ doors and frames as acceptable to the AHJ
ƒƒ Locks with interconnected dead bolts which are ƒƒ Mounting screws, bolts or shields must be steel
retracted when the latch bolt is retracted are permitted except where permitted by the standard
ƒƒ Automatic devices which are activated by the fire ƒƒ Attachment to doors with composite cores must
protection system and become positively latched provide firm anchorage
upon activation are permitted (i.e. electric latch
retraction fire exit hardware) Temperature rise (Annex D.7)
ƒƒ Pairs may have fire exit hardware and an open back ƒƒ Fire doors used in stairway enclosures shall be
strike (no astragal) where allowed by the AHJ – latch constructed so that the maximum transmitted
must be released by one obvious operation temperature end point shall not exceed 450° F above
ƒƒ Where pairs are needed for movement of equipment ambient temperature at the end of 30 minutes of the
and inactive leaf is not for exit purposes – labeled top standard fire exposure test (Note: This may not be
and bottom self-latching or automatic flush bolts or required by the applicable building code; buildings
labeled two-point latches are permitted equipped throughout with sprinkler systems are often
ƒƒ Labeled manual flush bolts or surface-bolts exempt.)
permitted when acceptable to the AHJ, where they do

18 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes Copyright © 2015 NFPA
Highlights of the 2010 ADA
Standards for Accessible Design,
and 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible
and Usable Buildings and Facilities
Note: Numbers in brackets ( ) refer to applicable sections of the publication.

With the recent updates to the ADA Standards, the Thresholds (ADA: 404.2.5, 303; A117.1: 404.2.4, 303)
requirements of these two standards have now become ƒƒ Total threshold height - 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) high
very similar. Section 404 addresses doors on accessible maximum (figure 2)
routes. Manual doors and gates intended for user ƒƒ Change in level of 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) maximum in
passage must meet the following requirements (consult height may be vertical
ƒƒ Change in level of 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) to 1⁄2 inch (13
the standards or maneuvering clearance requirements):
mm) must be beveled with a slope not steeper than
1:2
Clear opening width (ADA: 404.2.2, 404.2.3; A117.1: ƒƒ Change in level over 1⁄2 inch (6.4 mm) must be a ramp
404.2.1, 404.2.2) sloped 1:12
ƒƒ 32 inches (815 mm) minimum, clear opening width ƒƒ Existing or altered thresholds 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) high
required for swinging doors maximum, that have a beveled edge on each side with
-- measured with door open 90 degrees, face of door a slope not steeper than 1:2 are acceptable
to stop on strike jamb (figure 1)
-- openings more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep,
minimum 36 inch (915 mm) clear opening width Figure 1
required
figure 1
-- for pairs of doors, at least one leaf of the pair must
comply (the active leaf)
-- projections into the required clear opening width are
not allowed below 34 inches (865 mm) above the
floor or ground
-- between 34 inches (865 mm) and 80 inches 32” minimum
(2030 mm) above the floor or ground, projections
into the clear width are limited to four inches (100
mm)
-- projections into the required clear width are not
limited if more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the Figure 2
floor or ground
-- in alterations, the latch side stop may project a
maximum of 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) into the required clear .50" max

opening width
ƒƒ Door closers and stops permitted to be 78 inches
.50" max
(1980 mm) minimum above the floor or ground –
minimum clear opening height is typically 80 inches
(2030 mm) nominal
Threshold image courtesy of Zero International

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 19

Highlights of the 2010 ADA Standards for accessible design, and 2009 ICC A117.1 accessible
and usable buildings and facilities

Door hardware (ADA: 404.2.7; A117.1: 404.2.6) Figure 3

Note: The 2010 ADA standards refers to section 309.4
regarding operation of door hardware. This section
requires operable parts to be operable with one hand and
no tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist, similar
to the requirements of A117.1. However, section 309.4
also limits the force to activate operable parts to five
pounds (22.2 N) maximum. ICC A117.1 does not include
this limitation on operational force.

ƒƒ Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable ƒƒ A maximum opening force for exterior doors is not
parts – shape that is easy to grasp with one hand - no established by these standards – refer to state and
tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist local requirements (the IBC does include opening
to operate (figure 3) force requirements that would apply to exterior
ƒƒ A117.1 exempts locks used only for security purposes egress doors)
and not for normal operation ƒƒ Maximum force pertains to the continuous application
ƒƒ ADA refers to section 309.4 which requires of force necessary to fully open a door, not the initial
a maximum of five pounds (22.2 N) to operate force required to overcome the inertia of the door
ƒƒ ADA notes that door hardware operated with ƒƒ Force limits do not apply to the force required to
a closed fist or loose grip accommodates the greatest retract bolts or to disengage other devices used to
range of users – hardware requiring simultaneous keep the door in a closed position
hand and finger movements is not recommended
ƒƒ Operable hardware must be mounted 34 inches (865 Door surface (ADA: 404.2.10; A117.1: 404.2.9)
mm) to 48 inches (1220 mm) above the floor or ƒƒ Bottom 10 inches (255 mm) of swinging doors and
ground (except locks used only for security purposes) gates must have a smooth surface on the push side
ƒƒ ADA allows existing locks in any location at existing extending full width of door – no projecting hardware
glazed doors without stiles, existing rolling grilles or in this area
similar doors with locks at the top or bottom rail ƒƒ Parts creating horizontal or vertical joints must be
ƒƒ ADA allows access gates in pool, spa, and hot tub within 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) of the same plane as the
enclosures to have hardware mounted at other
54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the floor or ƒƒ Cavities created by added kick plates shall be capped
ground – latches may not be self-locking devices ƒƒ Exceptions:
operated by key, combination or electronic function -- sliding doors are exempt from this section
ƒƒ Operating hardware for sliding doors must be -- tempered glass doors without stiles, where top edge
exposed and usable from both sides when doors are of bottom rail tapers to the glass at 60 degrees
fully open (pocket doors must project from the pocket minimum from horizontal are exempt from the 10
when fully open, to allow access to hardware) inch (255 mm) height requirement (no projecting
hardware allowed)
Closing speed (ADA: 404.2.8; A117.1: 404.2.7) -- doors that do not extend to within 10 inches (255
ƒƒ Door and gate closers - five seconds minimum to mm) of the ground are exempt from this section
close from open position of 90 degrees to 12 degrees -- existing doors and gates may have kick plates
from the latch installed to provide a 10 inch (255 mm) high smooth
ƒƒ Delayed action closers are not required by these surface, as long as the cavity between the top of the
standards kick plate and the recessed glass or panel is capped
ƒƒ Spring hinges - 1.5 seconds minimum to close from
open position of 70 degrees to closed position
Vision lights (ADA: 404.2.11; A117.1: 404.2.10)
Opening force (ADA: 404.2.9; A117.1: 404.2.8) ƒƒ Vision lights in doors and sidelights adjacent to doors
ƒƒ Interior hinged doors and gates which are not fire - bottom of at least one light must be
doors - five pounds (22.2N) maximum 43 inches (1090 mm) maximum above the
ƒƒ Fire doors - minimum allowed by the appropriate floor or ground
administrative authority (size 3 closer recommended ƒƒ Standard does not require every door to have a vision
per NFPA 80 for interior doors 3 feet wide) light, but mandates height where lights for viewing are
ƒƒ Sliding or folding doors - five pounds (22.2N) present
maximum

20 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

ƒƒ Exception: lights with the lowest part more than 66
inches (1675 mm) above the floor or ground (these
lights are not intended for viewing)

Automatic doors (ADA: 404.3; A117.1: 404.3)

ƒƒ Must comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.10 (full powered)
or ANSI/BHMA A156.19 (low energy/ power assist)
ƒƒ Clear opening width – 32 inches (815 mm) minimum in
power-on and power-off mode –based on clear
opening provided by all leafs in the open position
ƒƒ Doors with power assist (reduced opening force, not
completely automatic) – must meet maneuvering
clearance requirements for manual doors
ƒƒ ADA requirement – automatic doors and gates which
serve an accessible means of egress must meet the
maneuvering clearance requirements for manual
doors or standby power must be provided for the
operator (Exception: where door remains open in the
power-off condition)
ƒƒ Thresholds on automatic doors – same requirements
as manual doors (figure 3)
ƒƒ ANSI/BHMA A156.19 includes requirements for
actuators:
-- requires low energy operators to be initiated by a
knowing act
-- including wall- or jamb-mounted contact switches
such as push plates; fixed non-contact switches
(maximum 12-inch detection range); the action of
manually opening (pushing or pulling) a door; and
access control devices such as keypads, card
readers, and keyswitches
-- if a low energy operator is actuated by a motion
sensor instead of a knowing act, the requirements
of ANSI/BHMA A156.10 must be followed, which
may include safety mats and guide rails
-- mount actuators between 36 inches (915 mm) and
48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor or ground
-- mount actuators between one foot (305 mm) and
five feet (1524 mm) from the door when possible –
no more than 12 feet (3.7 m) from the center of the
door (provide additional time delay – one second for
each foot of distance over five feet (1524 mm)
-- actuators shall be accessible when door is open
– mounted where user is not in path of moving door
and user can see the door when activating switch

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 21

Decoded: Panic hardware
Panic hardware, also known as an exit device (or fire exit
hardware when used on fire doors), is designed to provide fast
and easy egress to allow building occupants to exit safely in
an emergency.

The majority of the codes researched for this article Beginning with the 2002 edition, NFPA 70®, the National
define panic hardware as “a door-latching assembly Electrical Code® required certain rooms housing electrical
incorporating a device that releases the latch upon the equipment to have doors that open in the direction of
application of a force in the direction of egress travel.” egress and were “equipped with panic bars, pressure
Panic hardware can be classified as either a touchpad or plates or other devices that are normally latched but
pushpad type device, a crossbar device style or recessed open under simple pressure.” Technically, a hospital latch
panic hardware. or paddle-type release would meet this requirement, but
the fact that the words “panic bar” were used in the code
Where panic hardware is required by code: has prompted many code officials to require panic

ƒƒ International Building Code (2006, 2009, 2012, hardware. The 2008 edition of NFPA 70 added language
2015): Each door in a means of egress equipped with to require these outswinging doors with devices that
latches or locks serving assembly or educational open under simple pressure when the door is within 25
occupancies with an occupant load of 50 people or feet of the required working space. The 2014 edition of
more. High hazard occupancies (any occupant load). NFPA 70 further clarifies the requirement by mandating
ƒƒ International Building Code (2003): Each door in a “listed panic hardware” on these rooms, rather than
means of egress equipped with latches or locks devices that open under simple pressure.
serving assembly or educational occupancies with an
occupant load of 100 people or more. High hazard According to article 110 of NFPA 70, personnel doors
(H-1, H-2, H-3, or H-5) occupancies (any occupant serving the following types of rooms, within 25 feet of the
load). working space, must comply:
ƒƒ NFPA 101® (2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015): Required
means of egress doors equipped with latches or locks ƒƒ Rooms housing large equipment - 600 volts, nominal
serving assembly, educational or day-care or less, 1200 amps or more (changed to 600 volts or
occupancies with an occupant load of 100 people or less, 800 amps or more in the 2014 edition)
more. High hazard contents areas with an occupant ƒƒ Rooms housing conductors and equipment used on
load in excess of five. circuits of over 600 volts, nominal
ƒƒ Transformer vaults (2002, 2005, 2008, 2011 editions)
Panic hardware is only required by code if both criteria are ƒƒ Battery rooms (2014 edition)
met; the occupancy type must be one of those listed above
and the occupant load must be more than 50 people or 100 The IBC also refers to panic hardware for electrical
people depending on the code referenced. Although NFPA rooms:
101 is the only code discussed in this article that has a
®
Electrical rooms with equipment rated 1200 amps or
separate classification for day-care occupancies, all of
more and over 6 feet (1829 mm) wide that contain
the other referenced codes consider children’s day-care
over-current devices, switching devices or control
facilities of a certain size as educational occupancies.
devices with exit or exit access doors shall be equipped
Therefore, the requirement for panic hardware would
with panic hardware or fire exit hardware. Doors shall
apply if the day-care facility had the referenced occupant
swing in the direction of egress travel.
load. In some cases, panic hardware may not be required
on the main exit door serving certain occupancies or on
Because the NFPA 70 requirements are more stringent
stadium gates. Consult the applicable code for these
and most jurisdictions use the National Electrical Code,
exceptions.

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, NEC®, Life Safety Code® and 101® are registered
trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA.

22 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

those requirements would typically take precedence. push on the wrong end of the panic device and the
door would not open.
The AHJ may request panic hardware in other instances if ƒƒ In some jurisdictions, doors and hardware must meet
he or she believes that panic hardware is required for life testing requirements for hurricane and tornado
safety. Of course, panic hardware may also be used in protection. Consult the applicable codes and
locations where it is not required by code, for ease of use manufacturers’ certifications for compliance
or ability to withstand abuse. If a door is not equipped information.
with a latch or lock (push/pull application), the door is
The requirements for panic hardware vary by code.
not required to have panic hardware. Keep in mind that
However, as more jurisdictions have adopted the
when an application requires panic hardware, all of the
International Building Code®, it has become less
doors in the means of egress from that room or area will
complicated to decide when and where to specify and
typically require panic hardware, including the exit
supply panic hardware. The following codes were
access, the exit and the exit discharge. The exception to
researched for this article. For more information, determine
this rule is the code requirement for panic hardware on
the code that is being enforced and refer to the appropriate
electrical rooms, which includes only the personnel doors
edition of that code.
within 25 feet of the required working space.

Other code considerations International Building Code® (IBC) – 2003, 2006, 2009,
ƒƒ Where panic hardware is required, the actuating 2012, 2015
portion of the device (touchpad or crossbar) must be
at least half the width of the door leaf. NFPA 101® Life Safety Code® (NFPA 101®) – 2003, 2006,
ƒƒ Current codes require panic hardware to be mounted 2009, 2012, 2015
between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor.
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code - 2002, 2005, 2008,
Existing panic hardware may have been installed in
accordance with previous code requirements. 2011, 2014
ƒƒ A force of 15 pounds applied to the touchpad or crossbar
must release the latch. Some codes have recently
been modified to require door hardware to operate
with five pounds of force, which has created a conflict
between the code requirements.
ƒƒ No additional locking device (deadlock, chain, padlock
and hasp, etc.) may be installed on a door required to
have panic hardware, and panic hardware may not be
equipped with any device that prevents the release of
the latch when the touchpad or crossbar is pressed.
The exception to this is a delayed egress device.
ƒƒ When panic hardware is used on fire doors, fire exit
hardware must be used and the door must be
equipped with a label stating “Fire Door to be
Equipped with Fire Exit Hardware.” Fire exit hardware
is labeled for panic and fire and is not equipped with a
mechanical “dogging” mechanism. Electric latch
retraction may be used to provide dogging for fire exit
hardware, as long as the latch projects automatically
upon actuation of the smoke detection system.
ƒƒ If panic hardware is used on balanced doors (doors
where the pivot point is located several inches in from
the hinge edge of the door) a pushpad/touchpad
device must be used and the actuating portion of the
device must not extend more than half the width of
the door. Crossbar style devices may not be used on
balanced doors. The reason for this is that if the
actuating portion extended all the way over to the
hinge edge of the door, a building occupant could

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 23

Decoded: Door closers
A door closer is used to control a door and may be affected by
several different codes and standards, including limitations on
opening force, closing speed, and hold-open methods.

Accessibility, fire and life safety requirements all have an Opening force
effect on door closers, but if the product is selected and The accessibility standards require interior hinged,
installed properly, these requirements may not be diffi- sliding, or folding doors, other than fire doors, to be
cult to meet. opened with five pounds maximum. This limitation
applies to the force required to open the door, not the
Accessibility force required to release the latch. Fire doors are limited
In the 1980s when the hardware industry began to focus to the minimum opening force allowed by the AHJ –
more on standards for accessibility, many people typically a size 3 closer is recommended by NFPA 80 for
assumed that door closers on an accessible route were interior doors. Exterior doors are not addressed by the
required to have the delayed action feature. This feature accessibility standards, but may be addressed by state or
holds the door open for up to a minute or two when the local accessibility requirements. The International
door is opened to 90 degrees, and although it may be Building Code limits the amount of opening force for
convenient for certain locations, it is not a code accessible swinging doors to five pounds, and other
requirement. In fact, many closers can meet the egress doors to 15 pounds to release the latch, 30 pounds
accessibility guidelines simply by proper adjustment. to set the door in motion and 15 pounds to open the door
The two prevalent accessibility standards in the United to the fully-open position. (ADA: 404.2.9; A117.1: 404.2.8;
States are ICC A117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings IBC 2015: 1010.1.3, IBC 2012, 2009: 1008.1.3)
and Facilities and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible
Design. Fire doors
One of the cardinal rules of fire-rated doors is that they
Closing speed
must be self-closing, but there are many ways to hold
(See figure 5): Door closers must be adjusted so that it
open a fire door (see figure 7). A wall-or floor-mounted
takes at least five seconds for the door to move from an
magnetic holder and a separate mechanical closer may
open position of 90 degrees to 12 degrees from the latch.
(ADA: [Link]; A117.1: [Link])
Figure 7
Figure 5

Figure 6 Figure 8

Note: Fusible link hold-

open arms for door
closers do not meet the
requirements of IBC or
NFPA 101" because they
are not smoke-activated.

24 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

be used if the holder releases upon fire alarm/smoke ADA Standards for Accessible Design - 2010
detection. A closer with an integral electronic holder may
ICC/ANSI A117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and
either release upon fire alarm or may contain an integral
Facilities – 2009
smoke detector. For some retrofit applications, a battery-
operated holder with an integral smoke detector may be NFPA 80 – Fire Doors and Other Opening

used in conjunction with a separate mechanical closer. Protectives – 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016

According to NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other NFPA 101® Life Safety Code® (NFPA 101®) – 2006, 2009,
Opening Protectives (6.4.1), a closing device must be 2012, 2015
installed on every fire door. A couple of exceptions to
International Building Code (IBC) – 2009, 2012, 2015
that requirement are communicating doors between
hotel rooms and the inactive leaf of pairs leading to
rooms not normally occupied by humans, like a
mechanical room (where acceptable to the AHJ).
Closers must be securely attached with steel screws or
through-bolts, and the closer must be adjusted so the
door latches each time it closes.

NFPA 80 divides the operation of fire doors into three

categories (2016, 2013: 6.1.3; 2010, 2007: 6.1.4):

ƒƒ Self-closing door – the door is equipped with a closing

device, and closes each time it is opened (no hold-
open).
ƒƒ Automatic-closing door – the door closes and latches
automatically when released by an automatic fire
detector.
ƒƒ Power-operated fire door – the automatic operator is
automatically disconnected during an alarm
condition, allowing the door to close and latch.

Life safety
The International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 –
The Life Safety Code contain similar requirements for
holding open fire doors, although they are more specific
with regard to locations where automatic-closing doors
are allowed, and how they are released. Automatic-
closing doors must have the capability of manual release,
and be automatically released by smoke detectors
meeting the requirements of NFPA 72 – National Fire
Alarm Code. When automatic-closing doors are used on
stairs, they must be wired so all doors close when one
door closes, protecting the exit enclosure. (NFPA 101:
[Link]; 2015, 2012 IBC: 716.5.9; 2009 IBC: 715.4.8)
The following codes and standards were
researched for this article. For more information,
determine the code that is being enforced and refer to
the appropriate edition of that code.

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 25

Decoded: Fire door assembly inspection
(FDIA) - Top 10 deficiencies

More attention is being focused on fire doors and egress doors as jurisdictions adopt editions of the International Fire
Code (IFC) and NFPA 101 - The Life Safety Code dated 2009 or later. These recent codes reference editions of NFPA
80 - Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives dated 2007, 2010, or 2013. Fire door assemblies and
certain egress doors must be inspected annually per these publications and any deficiencies found must be
corrected without delay.

The Door Security and Safety Foundation is an organization which exists to promote secure and safe openings that
enhance life safety, through education and partnerships with like-minded organizations. The foundation’s research
has identified the top ten deficiencies on swinging doors with builders hardware:

Painted or missing fire door labels

1 The label found on the edge or top of a fire door and in the rabbet of a
fire-rated frame may be made of metal, paper or plastic, or may be
stamped or diecast into the door or frame. Labels must be visible and
legible. Some embossed labels can still be read if they are painted, but if
a painted label is illegible, the paint must be removed. If labels are
missing or can’t be made legible, the authority having jurisdiction may
require the doors or frames to be re-labeled by a listing agency.

Poor clearance dimensions around the perimeter of the door in the

2 closed position
The maximum clearance allowed by NFPA 80 between a fire door and the
frame at the head, jambs, and meeting stiles of pairs is 1⁄8 inch for wood
doors, and 3⁄16 inch for hollow metal doors (Note: The 2016 edition of
NFPA 80 includes a change regarding perimeter clearance. Refer to page
19 of this guide.). The maximum clearance at the bottom of the door is
3
⁄4 inch. Prior to the 2007 edition, NFPA 80 included a variable
requirement for the undercut, depending on the type of flooring.

New products have been successfully tested and listed for use on a fire
door assembly where clearances are larger than what is allowed by NFPA
80. These products may be approved as an alternative to replacing the
door. For clearances larger than those allowed by NFPA 80, listed
gasketing products may be allowed as an alternative to replacing the door.
Shimming the hinges with metal shims may help to correct the problem,
and there are metal edges available which are listed for use when a door
needs to be increased in width to reduce the clearance. Products are now
available which have been tested and listed to address excessive
clearance at the bottom of a fire door, or which extend the thickness of the
frame stop when there are perimeter clearance problems.

26 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

 Kick-down door holder
3 A kick-down door holder is a simple mechanical device which is
mounted on the bottom corner of the door and flips down to hold the
door open. Because fire doors must be self-closing or automatic-
closing (there are a few exceptions), a kick-down holder is not an
acceptable way of holding open a fire door. A mechanical hold-open
feature in a door closer and other types of hold-opens such as wedges,
hooks, and overhead holders are not allowed on fire doors either.

An automatic-closing fire door is held open electronically, and closes

upon fire alarm. This may be accomplished with a wall- or floor-
mounted magnetic holder, a closer-holder unit which receives a signal
from the fire alarm system or incorporates its own smoke detector, or a
separate hold-open unit which is paired with a standard door closer.
There is also a battery-operated hold-open available which can be used
in some retrofit applications.

Existing fire doors are sometimes equipped with fusible link closer arms,
which incorporate a fusible link that is intended to melt during a fire and
release the hold-open. Current building and life safety codes do not
allow fusible link arms on doors in a means of egress, because they do
not allow the doors to control the spread of smoke. Automatic-closing
doors must be initiated by the fire alarm system or smoke detection.

Auxiliary hardware items that interfere with the intended function

4 of the door
These auxiliary items may include creative ways of holding open the
door or providing additional security. In many cases the auxiliary items
create an egress problem, for example, additional locks or surface bolts
(most egress doors must unlatch with one operation), chains or creative
devices used with panic hardware, or electronic access control products
that have not been installed with the required release devices for code
compliance. Hardware used on fire doors must be listed for that use,
and items not listed for use on a fire door must be removed. Holes left
by the removal of auxiliary items must be filled in accordance with NFPA
80, typically either with steel fasteners, or with the same material as the
door or frame.

Field preparation for these auxiliary items may also create a problem on
fire doors. NFPA 80 limits job site preparation of fire doors to holes for
surface-applied hardware, function holes for mortise locks, and holes
for labeled viewers. The maximum hole diameter is 1 inch (25 mm),
except holes for cylinders which may be any diameter (Note: The 2016
edition of NFPA 80 includes several changes with regard to job-site
preparations. Refer to page 18.). Protection plates may be field-
installed, and wood and composite doors may be undercut in the field a
maximum of ¾ inch (19 mm) (check with the door manufacturer first).
Field modifications beyond what is allowed by NFPA 80 may void the
label and require re-labeling of the assembly. New fire door caulk is now
available but there are limitations on door material and hole size.

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 27

Decoded: Fire door assembly inspection

Fire doors blocked to stay in the open position

5 If a fire door is not able to close, it can’t compartmentalize the building
and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors are typically blocked
open for the convenience of the building’s occupants. Many people don’t
understand the function of fire doors, and may compromise life safety
without realizing the results of their actions. Educating facilities staff and
the building’s occupants on fire door requirements can help to avoid a
problem, and/or a fine from the local fire marshal.

Area surrounding the fire door assembly blocked by furniture, equip-

6 ment and/or boxes
In addition to the annual inspection of fire doors, recent editions of NFPA
101 – The Life Safety Code require certain egress doors to be inspected
annually as well. The area leading to fire and egress doors must be kept
clear for egress purposes, and to provide the required maneuvering
clearance for accessible openings.

If a fire door is no longer used as a door, building occupants will

sometimes place furniture or stack stored items against the door. NFPA
80 requires fire doors that are no longer in use to be removed and replaced
with wall construction matching the adjacent wall. A fire door typically
carries a lower hourly rating than the wall, because the fuel load against
an operable door is much less than a wall with furniture and other
materials against it. If a 20-minute door in a 1-hour wall has an increased
fuel load because it is no longer operable, it will not be able to withstand
fire for the required amount of time. Check required egress routes before
removing any door.

Broken, defective or missing hardware items (latch bolts and/or strike

7 plates, closer arms, cover plates, etc.)
Hardware may not perform as designed and tested if it is missing parts or
if the hardware has become damaged. Bent closer arms may not close
the door properly. Missing cover plates may create a passage for smoke,
and a missing strike or latchbolt could mean that the door does not stay
positively latched when exposed to the pressures of a fire. When defective
hardware is noted, it must be repaired.

28 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

 Fire exit hardware installed on doors that are not labeled for use
8 with fire exit hardware
Fire exit hardware is essentially panic hardware which is listed for use on
a fire-rated door. It is not equipped with mechanical dogging (the ability
to hold back the latch) since fire doors need to positively latch, although
electric dogging may be used as long as the latch projects upon fire alarm.

Fire exit hardware is not required for every fire door. Its use is
determined by the occupancy type and the occupant load. The
IBC requires panic hardware / fire exit hardware for Assembly and
Educational occupancies with an occupant load of 50 people or more
(2006 edition and later), 100 people or more (2000 and 2003 editions).
NFPA 101 requires panic hardware / fire exit hardware for Assembly,
Educational, and Day Care occupancies with an occupant load of 100
people or more.

When fire exit hardware is used, NFPA 80 requires the door to have a
label stating, “Fire door to be equipped with fire exit hardware.” This
ensures that the door is properly reinforced for the fire exit hardware. An
existing door which is prepped for a lockset would not typically be
reinforced for fire exit hardware or carry the proper label, so fire exit
hardware should not be retrofitted to an existing door that was not
originally prepped for it.

Missing or incorrect fasteners

9 In most cases, hardware must be installed with the fasteners provided
by the manufacturer. Installers sometimes use other fasteners for faster
installation or because the original fasteners have been lost. There
must be no missing fasteners on hardware installed on fire doors, and
some products may require through-bolts if the door does not have
adequate blocking or reinforcing.

Bottom flush bolts that do not project ½" into the strike
10 Flush bolts are used on the inactive leaf of pairs of doors when the
active leaf has a lockset. There are three types – manual, automatic,
and constant-latching. They typically project into the frame head and
into the floor, although there are some automatic and constant-latching
bolts which have a top bolt only, and incorporate an auxiliary fire pin
which projects when a certain temperature is reached and engages into
the edge of the other door.

Manual flush bolts are projected and retracted manually, and are only
allowed by NFPA 80 on fire doors “where acceptable to the AHJ,
provided they do not pose a hazard to safety to life.” Annex A –
Explanatory Material states, “This provision limits their use to rooms not
normally occupied by humans (e.g., transformer vaults and storage
rooms).” The use of manual flush bolts is also limited to certain
applications by the egress code requirements, because it requires two
motions to unlatch the door when manual flush bolts are installed, and
they are not within the allowable reach range for accessibility.

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 29

Decoded: Fire door assembly inspection

Automatic flush bolts project automatically when the active leaf is closed,
via a small trigger on each bolt. When the active leaf is opened, the bolts
retract automatically, making them acceptable for use on most egress
doors which don’t require panic hardware as long as the inactive leaf is not
equipped with “dummy” hardware (lever or bar) which suggests that the
inactive leaf can be operated independently. Automatic flush bolts are
considered positive-latching and can be used on fire doors as long as fire
exit hardware is not required. A coordinator is also required to ensure that
the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf.

Constant latching flush bolts have an automatic flush bolt on the bottom,
and the top is a spring-loaded bolt which is retracted manually to open
the door. These bolts provide a higher degree of security than the other
two because the inactive leaf is more likely to be closed and latched
properly. They can be an egress issue for some doors because the top bolt
has to be retracted manually, and it is not within the accessible reach
range. A coordinator is also required for this application.

When the bottom bolt doesn’t engage properly, there is no assurance that
the fire door will perform as it was designed and tested during a fire. The
undercut of the door must be carefully coordinated to ensure the proper
engagement of the bottom bolt. Another issue with flush bolts on fire
doors is that the coordinator / auto flush bolt combination can be difficult
to keep functional in a high-use opening. If the latches don’t retract
properly or if the inactive leaf is pulled or pushed without opening the
active leaf first, the corners of the door can be susceptible to damage
because of the volume of material removed to prepare the door for the
flush bolt. This is a particular problem on wood doors.

The new requirements for the annual inspection of fire and egress doors
have drawn attention to the condition of existing doors, and the potential
failure of these doors to perform in a fire or emergency. If the inspection
requirements are not being enforced in your area, fire and egress doors are
still required to be properly maintained, so now is the time to make a plan
for inspecting the doors in your facility and repairing or replacing deficient
components. Written documentation of fire door inspections must be
kept for review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Inspections may be
conducted by an individual who is knowledgeable about the type of doors
being inspected, and there are several fire door inspection training
programs available.

30 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

These photos illustrate the value of a code-
compliant fire door. This door prevented the
spread of fire from a maintenance area to the rest
of the Robert Moses Nature Center. It’s easy to
imagine what the outcome would have been if the
door had been propped open.

Photos courtesy of Fire Protection Specialist

Christopher Taylor, NYS Office of Fire Prevention
and Control.

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 31

Decoded: NFPA 80 – 2013 FDAI changes
The 2013 edition of NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other
Opening Protectives includes some important changes in chapter
5, many of them related to fire door assembly inspection.

It will likely be several years before this edition of the assemblies annually, the 2013 edition includes additional
standard is referenced in a building code or fire code and requirements for the inspection and testing of door,
adopted by a jurisdiction, but some of the clarifications shutter and window assemblies upon completion of their
and best practices can be implemented now. installation (5.2.1), and also upon completion of
maintenance work on fire door assemblies ([Link]).
Field modifications
Previous editions of NFPA 80 contain language ƒƒ When a building code references the 2013 edition of
supporting laboratory approval of field modifications, but NFPA 80, newly-installed fire door assemblies must
this was further clarified in the 2013 edition. Acceptable be inspected and tested.
field modifications are addressed in chapter 4 – General ƒƒ When fire door assemblies are repaired and the
requirements, in the paragraphs related to governing code references NFPA 80-2013, the
appurtenances. But when a field modification is desired assemblies must be inspected and tested
that is not covered by that section, chapter 5 states that immediately upon completion of the work to ensure
the listing laboratory shall be contacted through the that they are in compliance with NFPA 80.
ƒƒ When a fire code references the 2007, 2010 or 2013
manufacturer and a written or graphic description of the
editions of NFPA 80 for maintenance of fire doors, all
modification provided. The laboratory may then provide
fire door assemblies must be inspected and tested
written authorization to perform the work without a field
annually.
visit from the laboratory or relabeling of the opening. If
the manufacturer is no longer available, the laboratory
Records of these inspections must be retained for at
may provide an engineering evaluation to support the
least three years and the media used must be able to
field modification.
survive for the required retention period.

From Annex A of NFPA 80 – 2013: A.[Link] field

From NFPA 80-2013, the information required to be
modifications beyond the scope of the prescriptive
included in the inspection report:
allowances permitted by [Link] through [Link] typically
[Link] A record of all inspections and testing shall be
result in voiding the fire rating of the assembly.
provided that includes, but is not limited to, the
Paragraph [Link].1 provides an alternative method
following information:
whereby proposed modifications can be documented
(1) Date of inspection
and presented to the labeling agency prior to work
(2) Name of facility
commencing. Where the proposed modifications(s) are
(3) Address of facility
within the parameters of the manufacturer’s procedures
(4) Name of person(s) performing inspections and
and will not degrade the fire resistance of the assembly,
testing
the labeling agency is permitted to authorize such
(5) Company name and address of inspecting
modifications without a requirement for a subsequent
company
field inspection.
(6) Signature of inspector of record
Inspection and testing (7) Individual record of each inspected and tested fire
While the 2007 and 2010 editions of NFPA 80 require door assembly
documented inspection and testing of fire door (8) Opening identifier and location of each inspected
and tested fire door assembly

32 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes Copyright © 2013 NFPA
 (9) Type and description of each inspected and tested from the full open position.
fire door assembly (8) If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes
(10) Verification of visual inspection and before the active leaf.
functional operation (9) Latching hardware operates and secures the door
(11) Listing of deficiencies in accordance with 5.2.3, when it is in the closed position.
section 5.3 and section 5.4 (10) Auxiliary hardware items that interfere or prohibit
operation are not installed on the door or frame.
Acceptance testing (11) No field modifications to the door assembly have
Previous editions of NFPA 80 require inspections to be been performed that void the label.
conducted by individuals with knowledge and (12) Meeting edge protection, gasketing and edge seals,
understanding of the type of door being tested. The 2013 where required, are inspected to verify their
edition added a requirement for the inspections to be presence and integrity.
performed by a “qualified person” with this knowledge (13) Signage affixed to a door meets the
and understanding. This term was defined in the 2010 requirements listed in 4.1.4.
edition and is also included in the 2013 edition:
As in previous editions of NFPA 80, any deficiencies noted
Qualified person. A person who, by possession during the inspection process must be repaired “without
of a recognized degree, certificate, professional standing delay.”
or skill, and who, by knowledge, training and experience
has demonstrated the ability to deal with the subject These changes to NFPA 80 will complement the
matter, the work or the project. previously-included requirements and will go even
further to ensure that fire door assemblies are installed
This person is required to do a visual inspection before properly and remain in accordance with the standard
testing to identify any damaged or missing parts that throughout the life of the opening. Code-compliant fire
could create a hazard or affect operation. The doors which function as designed and tested will
acceptance testing must include closing the door by all compartmentalize the building to protect building
means of activation and a record must be kept, occupants and property, and help to provide a safe
documenting the inspections and testing. means of egress if a fire occurs.

Inspection criteria
In addition to the 11 inspection criteria previously included
in the standard, two new criteria have been added (#1
and 13):

[Link].2 As a minimum, the following items shall be

verified:
(1) Labels are clearly visible and legible.
(2) No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either
the door or frame.
(3) Glazing, vision light frames and glazing beads are
intact and securely fastened in place, if so
equipped.
(4) The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and
noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and
in working order with no visible signs of damage.
(5) No parts are missing or broken.
(6) Door clearances do not exceed clearances listed in
4.8.4 and [Link].
(7) The self-closing device is operational; that
is, the active door completely closes when operated

Copyright © 2013 NFPA DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 33
Decoded: Electrified hardware refresher
The 2015 International Building Code (IBC) Commentary,
available from the International Code Council, includes updated
information which helps to clarify the code requirements that
pertain to electrified hardware.

Although the code language has been refined over the last few editions of both the
IBC and NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code, the code requirements for electrified
hardware continue to be confusing for many, often resulting in inconsistent
application and enforcement.

There are 7 basic code categories for electrified hardware used to control access or
egress, and this edition of Decoded provides a brief refresher on each as well as
some recent code changes. Many of these code applications, but not all, fall into
the category commonly called “special locking arrangements.” The code references
are provided to facilitate further research. Some jurisdictions have modified the
national requirements for electrified hardware, so it’s very important to check local
codes as well.

Controlled access / free egress

The majority of electrified hardware applications fall into this category. An access
control reader is typically mounted on the ingress side of the opening, to control
access. On the egress side, the door hardware allows free egress – just turn the
lever or push the touchpad of the panic hardware. The access control reader does
not inhibit egress, it controls access only, and the system typically includes an
electrified lockset, electrified lever trim, electric strike, or electric latch retraction
device. If electric latch retraction devices or electric strikes are installed on fire
doors, they must automatically provide positive latching upon fire alarm.

This type of system is not addressed by the codes as a special locking

When a door equipped with an access
arrangement, because it allows free egress just as a standard mechanical lockset
control reader allows free egress using
or panic hardware would. These doors are subject to the typical code requirements normal operation of the hardware, it is
for operable hardware: doors must be readily openable from the egress side not typically considered one of the
without keys, tools, or special knowledge or effort, and without tight grasping, tight special locking arrangements.

pinching, or twisting of the wrist. One operation must unlatch the door from the
egress side, and operable hardware must be mounted between 34 inches and 48
inches above the floor. Applications which do not allow immediate free egress will
typically fall into one of the categories outlined below.

Delayed egress
Delayed egress locking systems may include panic hardware or an electromagnetic
lock with delayed egress circuitry, or a delayed egress controller used in
combination with other listed components. This hardware delays egress for 15
seconds (or 30 seconds when approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction
(AHJ)). The use of these locks is dependent upon the use group or occupancy
classification, and the requirements vary between the IBC and NFPA 101. The IBC

34 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes Copyright © 2011 NFPA
does not allow delayed egress locks on Assembly, Educational, or High Hazard
occupancies; NFPA 101 includes limitations specific to each occupancy
classification.

There are many conditions for the use of delayed egress locks, including a
sprinkler / fire alarm system which releases the lock to allow immediate egress
upon activation, a local audible alarm, signage, remote release, emergency
lighting, release on power failure, and limitations on the number of delays in an
egress route. Activation requirements to begin the 15-second timer include a
maximum force of 15 pounds applied for no more than 3 seconds. Prior to the
In the 2015 edition of the IBC, the
2015 edition of the IBC, activation was required after a 1-second application of activation time for delayed egress locks
force, but this has been changed to 3 seconds which is consistent with the NFPA has changed from 1 second to 3 seconds,
which is consistent with NFPA 101.
101 requirements. The 2015 edition of the IBC also added a requirement for
delayed egress locks to be listed in accordance with UL 294 – Access Control
System Units. The 2015 requirements apply to jurisdictions where this edition has
been adopted.

Controlled egress
This application is specific to health care occupancies equipped throughout with
an automatic sprinkler system or automatic smoke or heat detection system, and
allows certain types of units to have locked doors in a means of egress when this
control is needed for the safety or security of the patients. The codes are not
specific about the types of units where this locking is allowed – this is left up to
the AHJ. A common location would be a memory care unit housing patients with
dementia, although areas such as pediatrics, maternity, and emergency rooms
may be considered. Controlled egress locks are allowed in
some health care units, but staff must be
prepared to facilitate egress if needed.
The most common locks used in a controlled egress system are electromagnetic
locks, or delayed egress devices which have been modified to have an “infinite
delay” instead of the typical 15-second delay. Both of these products would be
fail-safe, allowing free egress when power is removed. When this section was
introduced in the 2009 IBC, the locks were incorrectly called “delayed egress
locks” even though this section of the code does not require a time delay. This
terminology was changed to “special egress” in the 2012 edition, and is now
called “controlled egress” in the 2015 edition.

All clinical staff is required to carry the keys, codes, or other credentials required to
operate these locks, and the unlocking procedures must be part of the facility’s
emergency plan. For most types of units, the locks must automatically unlock to
allow immediate egress upon actuation of the fire alarm or sprinkler system and
upon power failure. A remote switch located at the fire command center, nurses’
station, or other approved location must directly break power to the lock to unlock
the door. Some areas, such as behavioral health units or a location where an
infant abduction system is used may be exempt from the automatic unlocking
requirements. The IBC states that a building occupant must not be required to
pass through more than one door with a controlled egress lock before entering an
exit, and emergency lighting is required at the door. The 2015 IBC has added a
requirement for the locking system to be listed in accordance with UL 294. The
NFPA 101 requirements vary slightly so refer to the referenced section for specifics.

Copyright © 2011 NFPA DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 35
Decoded: Electrified hardware refresher

Electromagnetic lock with sensor release

In most recent editions of the IBC and NFPA 101, the section that applies to
mag-locks released by a sensor is called Access Controlled Egress Doors. Because
of this title, this section was sometimes misapplied to all doors with access control
readers, even though those doors typically allow free egress without sensors or
other release devices. In the 2015 IBC, the title of the section was changed to
Sensor Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors, to avoid this confusion.
Mag-locks that are unlocked by door-mounted hardware are addressed by a
different set of code requirements.

When a mag-lock released by a sensor is used, the use group or occupancy type
must be one where this application is allowed. In addition to the motion sensor
which detects an approaching occupant, the lock must be unlocked by actuation The section called Access Controlled
of the fire alarm / sprinkler system (if present), loss of power, and a signal from a Egress Doors has been changed to
Sensor Release of Electrically Locked
push button. The push button must unlock the lock for 30 seconds independent of
Egress Doors in the 2015 IBC.
the access control system, and must be located 40 inches to 48 inches vertically
above the floor and within 5 feet of the door. Ready access must be provided to the
push button, and it must be marked “Push to Exit.”

Electromagnetic lock with door hardware release

A new section was added to the IBC and NFPA 101 in the 2009 editions, which
addresses doors with mag-locks that are released by hardware mounted on the
door. The door-mounted hardware may include a lever handle, panic hardware, or
other device equipped with a request-to-exit (REX or RX) switch or electronic
touch sensor. The added section clarifies the code requirements for mag-locks
released this way, vs. mag-locks released by a sensor (see above).

When a mag-lock released by door-mounted hardware is used, the use group or

occupancy type must be one where this application is allowed. The door must be
equipped with listed hardware mounted on the door leaf, which incorporates a
built-in switch to directly release the electromagnetic lock and unlock the door
immediately. The release device must have an obvious method of operation, and
must be readily operated with one hand under all lighting conditions. The code
requirements that address this application do not require the lock to unlock upon
actuation of the fire alarm or sprinkler system, but the lock must unlock upon loss Mag-locks released by hardware
of power to the switch in the door-mounted hardware. mounted on the door are addressed in a
separate code section from mag-locks
released by a sensor.
Elevator lobby egress
The IBC does not currently include a section specific to locks on elevator lobby
doors; elevator lobbies are required to have a code-compliant means of egress, so
methods used to secure the doors would be limited by the IBC to an alarm to deter
access, or possibly a delayed egress lock. For facilities where NFPA 101 (2009
edition or later) is enforced, a fail-safe lock may be used if other criteria are met.
This lock will allow access through the secured doors during a fire alarm, so
building occupants can find another exit. Some jurisdictions have adopted
modifications to the IBC which address locks on elevator lobby doors.

NFPA 101 permits electrified locking of elevator lobby doors only where the building
has an automatic sprinkler system or a fire alarm system and where this type of
locking is allowed by the occupancy chapters. The lock must unlock automatically
upon actuation of the sprinkler system or fire alarm system (except when the

36 • DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes

system is initiated by a manual fire alarm box) and upon loss of power to the
lock. When the lock is unlocked, the doors must remain unlocked until the fire
alarm system has been manually reset. If the locking hardware has a latch, there
must be code-compliant hardware on the door leaf to release the latch. Locking
systems used on elevator lobby doors must be listed in accordance with UL 294,
and a two-way communication system must be installed in the elevator lobby to
allow a building occupant to call for help.

Stairwell reentry
If stair doors are locked on the stair side, they must allow reentry back into the
building to ensure the safety of building occupants during a fire. If a stairwell
becomes compromised by smoke, occupants are able to leave the stair through
remotely-unlocked doors and find another exit. These unlocked stair doors also
allow firefighters access to each floor.

A fail-safe lockset or fail-safe lever trim for fire exit hardware is typically used to
meet the stairwell reentry requirements; a less common option is a frame-
mounted device that controls the locking/unlocking of a modified mechanical
mortise lock. 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.

The requirements for stairwell reentry differ from the IBC to NFPA 101. With the The stairwell reentry requirements vary
exception of the 2003 edition, the IBC requires all stair doors to facilitate between the IBC and NFPA 101; the IBC
re-entry with the capability of remote unlocking from the fire command center. requires all stair doors to allow reentry
with the exception of the discharge door.
In addition, the IBC requires high-rise buildings to have a stairway
communication system.

NFPA 101 allows stairs serving 4 stories or less to have mechanical locks on the
stair side, which do not allow reentry. In most facilities, stairs serving more than
4 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 reentry.

Conclusion
When considering which code requirements to follow, first identify which
category the hardware falls into, and refer to the applicable code 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 Authority Having Jurisdiction for more
information about the local requirements.

DHI • Fire, life safety & accessibility codes • 37

DHI
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