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(a) Electromagnetic Locking Devices. In buildings classified as B – Institutional, C – Assembly, E – Business, F – Mercantile, G – Industrial, H – Storage and all hotels in A2 – Multiple Dwellings protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic fire detection system or an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system, doors as a means of egress may be equipped with approved, listed electromagnetic locking devices that shall unlock in accordance with the following:
(1) All electromagnetic locking devices within a building shall unlock immediately upon the actuation of the approved supervised automatic fire detection system or the approved supervised automatic sprinkler system.
(2) All electromagnetic locking devices within a building shall unlock immediately upon a trouble signal or abnormal condition in a supervisory circuit of the approved supervised automatic fire detection system or approved supervised automatic sprinkler system in-ground fault or other condition rendering the system partially or completely inoperative. All electromagnetic locking devices shall remain unlocked until the required fire alarm or sprinkler system is restored to normal operation.
(3) All electromagnetic locking devices within a building shall unlock immediately upon loss of electrical power controlling the electromagnetic locking devices.
(4) All electromagnetic locking devices within a building shall unlock immediately upon loss of normal electrical power of the building.
(5) All electromagnetic locking devices within a building shall unlock immediately upon activation of a manually operated signal switching device located in a required central control station on the premises. The manually operated signal switching device shall be clearly and permanently identified as to its function and shall be readily accessible to qualified building personnel at all times while the building is occupied. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit the installation of more than one manually operated signal switching device in any building.
(6) Individual electromagnetic locking devices shall unlock upon the initiation of an automatic irreversible process which will release the electromagnetic locking device within 15 seconds when a force of not more than 15 pounds is applied for one second to the release device; the electromagnetic locking device shall not relock until the door has been opened and returned to the closed position no less than 30 seconds. Any reopening of the door before the end of the 30 second relocking cycle shall restart the 30 second relocking cycle.
(7) Any attempt to exit which exceeds one second shall render the door openable as described herein and shall not be field adjustable. The time delay (15 seconds) and the minimum relocking cycle (30 seconds) shall not be field adjustable. The electromagnetic locking device shall contain no moving parts.
(8) The operation of the release device and the subsequent initiation of the irreversible unlocking process shall activate an audible alarm in the vicinity of the door.
(9) A durable sign having block letters which are one inch in height and 1/8 in width shall be permanently affixed on the door above and within 12 inches of the release device stating: “PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS.”
(b) Multiple Classification/Mixed Use Buildings. Special locking arrangements shall be permitted in buildings which consist of multiple classifications of those listed in subsection (a) of this section. Special locking arrangements shall not be permitted in buildings which consist, in whole or part, of any classification not listed in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Release Devices. The release device referred to in subsections (a)(5) and (a)(7) of this section shall consist of conventional types of hardware, whereby the door is released by turning a knob or handle, or pushing against a panic bar. Once the release device is activated manually, the door must unlock within 15 seconds.
(d) Electrical Requirements. Wiring for electromagnetic locking devices shall not occupy the same raceways or enclosures as wiring for required life safety systems, including required fire detection systems and exit/emergency lighting and power systems. Wiring for electromagnetic locking devices may occupy the same raceways and enclosures as “normal” lighting and power systems within a building, or may be installed in separate, dedicated raceways and enclosures. In addition to the requirements of this section, all electrical wiring and equipment installations shall conform to the requirements provided in Title 14E
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Exception: Wiring for electromagnetic locking devices may occupy the same enclosure as required fire detection and sprinkler system auxiliary contact and relay devices upon activation of either the fire detection or sprinkler systems; such auxiliary contacts and relays shall not interfere with the normal operation of any required fire detection system or automatic sprinkler system.
(e) Approval. Special locking arrangement incorporating the use of electromagnetic locking devices shall be installed or utilized with the approval of the building commissioner and fire commissioner whose duty it shall be to insure compliance with fire prevention provisions.
(Added Coun. J. 12-15-93, p. 43930; Amend Coun. J. 8-2-95, p. 5544; Corrected. 9-13-95, p. 7562; Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, § 34; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 45; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. II, § 41)