BCAB #1268 - Electromagnetic Locks, Clause 3.3.1.9.(1)(d), Sentence 3.4.7.12.(15) & Sentence 3.7.3.8.(1)

January 15, 1992

BCAB #1268

Re: Electromagnetic Locks, Clause 3.3.1.9.(1)(d), Sentence 3.4.7.12.(15) & Sentence 3.7.3.8.(1)

Project Description

The appellant proposes to install electromagnetic locks on access to exit doors within the building. These locks will be released by pushing a button beside the door and will stay unlocked for ten seconds to permit single handed operation of the door. The locks will also release in case of power failure or upon activation of the fire alarm.

Reason for Appeal

Clause 3.3.1.9.(1)(d) stipulates that doors in an access to exit must be readily openable without keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the opening mechanism. Sentence 3.4.7.12.(15) allows the use of delayed release electromagnetic locks on exit doors provided a number of conditions are met.

Appellant's Position

The appellant considers that Section 3.4 applies only to exits and not to access to exits and, therefore, the conditions of Sentence 3.4.7.12.(15) do not apply to electromagnetic locks used in an access to exit. The appellant maintains that the electromagnetic locks he proposes to install on the access to exit doors will meet all the requirements of Clause 3.3.1.9.(1)(d) and the requirement of Sentence 3.7.3.8.(1).

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that all electromagnetic locks must comply with the requirements of Sentence 3.4.7.12.(15).

Appeal Board Decision #1268R

It is the determination of the Board that the button being proposed to release the electromagnetic locks on access to exit doors is a special device and contravenes Clause 3.3.1.9.(1)(d). Further, the Board considers that the Code explicitly permits electromagnetic locks incorporating up to a 15 second delayed opening feature to be used only on exit doors, not access to exit doors.

George R. Humphrey, Chair