The International Building Code is anything but easy to read, which makes sifting through section after section of code requirements a daunting and confusing task. We hope this “condensed” section on the requirements for electromagnetic locks will help ease the headache of code reading.

IBC 1008.1.4.4 Access-Controlled Egress Doors

• Allowed in use groups – A, B, E, I-2, M, R-1, and R-2 (click here for a comprehensive listing of building use groups)
• Applies to doors in a means of egress and entrance doors to tenant spaces

• Means of egress defined: a continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any point within a building/structure to a public way; consisting of three separate parts: the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge (in an exit path)
• A sensor must be mounted on the egress side to detect an occupant approaching the doors
• Doors must unlock upon signal from the sensor or loss of power to the sensor
• Loss of power to the lock must unlock doors
• A manual (push button) unlocking device shall result in direct interruption of power to the lock – the device must be independent of the access control system electronics
• When the push button is actuated, the doors must remain unlocked for a minimum of 30 seconds
• The push button must include signage stating “push to Exit”
• The push button must be located 40-48” vertically above the floor and within 5’ of the doors
• Ready access must be provided to the push button
• If the building has a fire alarm/sprinkler system/fire detection system, activation of the system must automatically unlock the doors
• Doors must remain unlocked until the system has been reset
• Entrance doors with occupancy in groups A, B, E, or M shall not be secured from the egress side during periods that the building is open to the general public

IBC 1008.1.9.8 Electromagnetic Locks on Egress Doors

• Allowed in use groups – A, B, E, M, R-1, and R-2 (click here for a comprehensive listing of building use groups)
• Applies to doors in a means of egress and doors to tenant spaces
• Door must be equipped with listed hardware mounted on the door leaf
• 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
• The release device must be readily operated with one hand under all lighting conditions
• Loss of power to the listed hardware must automatically unlock the door

Still have questions?

We have certified AHC’s and an EHC in training on our team. We’d love to help you make sense of the electromagnetic lock codes (or any others) you are struggling with. Use the comment section below!

Sources: ICC Safe, I Dig Hardware
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