Magnetic lock use on fire exit.

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markebenson

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Can anyone advise if a magnetic lock system with an approved motion sensor and push button would be suitable for an external exit door? There is not fire alarm or sprinkler system.

Thanks
 
Are these doors part of a fire exit, and if so, how would people exit the building in the event of a major fire? Im positive the building and fire codes address this.
 
jusme123 said:
Are these doors part of a fire exit, and if so, how would people exit the building in the event of a major fire? Im positive the building and fire codes address this.
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This is an external fire exit, occupancy is about 150, This is one of 2 72" fire exits. Thx.
 
Not familiar with how the mag locks work. Do they require current for lock to activate or to unlock?
 
mopowr steve said:
They usually use power to unlock, and you will need panic hardware that will allow the door to be opened when exiting.
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That given I would be cautious using mag locks on a fire exit door, also I might consider checking with whomever does fire codes inspection from your area and run it by them.
 
Fred B said:
That given I would be cautious using mag locks on a fire exit door, also I might consider checking with whomever does fire codes inspection from your area and run it by them.
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Is there really any difference between a “fire exit door” and any other “exit door”?
Look at any Hotel........usually mag lock on an exit door but yet you can still exit just not get back in.
 
If the locking is listed and installed properly it can be used. It's not an Electrical Code issue but falls in the applicable building and fire codes.

Heres an IBC passage, for instance:


1008.1.9.8 Electromagnetically locked egress doors.
Doors in the means of egress that are not otherwise
required to have panic hardware in buildings with an
occupancy in Group A, B, E, M, R-1 or R-2 and doors to
tenant spaces in Group A, B, E, M, R-1 or R-2 shall be
permitted to be electromagnetically locked if equipped
with listed hardware that incorporates a built-in switch
and meet the requirements below:
1. The listed hardware that is affixed to the door leaf
has an obvious method of operation that is readily
operated under all lighting conditions.
2. The listed hardware is capable of being operated
with one hand.
3. Operation of the listed hardware releases to the
electromagnetic lock and unlocks the door immediately.
4. Loss of power to the listed hardware automatically
unlocks the door.​
 
mopowr steve said:
Is there really any difference between a “fire exit door” and any other “exit door”?
Look at any Hotel........usually mag lock on an exit door but yet you can still exit just not get back in.
Click to expand...
Yes, there is. There's provisions for exit doors being locked which is different than those that must remain open. Some doors can be locked, some must be openable (either unlocked or with a panic bar... eseentially a lock you release by pressing on it in the same direction of the person trying to escape). Sleeping areas, large public assemblies, etc... have specific fire exit requirements compared to things like offices, etc...
 
mopowr steve said:
Is there really any difference between a “fire exit door” and any other “exit door”?
Look at any Hotel........usually mag lock on an exit door but yet you can still exit just not get back in.
Click to expand...
Not sure beyond I know when we were doing a renovation that changed the building class we were required to have X# of fire egress doors so indicated for X# of occupancy, other doors could be there but no need to making as an emegency exit door. And doors that had no exit had to be marked as no exit.
 
mopowr steve said:
They usually use power to unlock, and you will need panic hardware that will allow the door to be opened when exiting.
Click to expand...
They actually do not use power to unlock but use a contact closure to unlock ie a motion sensor and a redundant push to exit button. In case of a power failure the doors unlock.
 
I think some people here are confusing a maglock with an electric release. A maglock is a big electromagnet attached to the (usually) top jamb of the door. There is a corresponding steel plate mounted to the top of the door. When the magnet is activated (usually 24VDC) and the door closes, the plate is held by the magnet, thus keeping the door from being opened.

Various methods are used to allow the opening of the door, all involving the interruption of power to the magnet such as a motion sensor or a RTE (Request To Exit) button. Note that there are no mechanical ways to open the door. So any panic bar that may have a latch and strike must also turn off the power to the magnet first. Usually contacting the bar activates a RTE function.

Usually a fire system will turn off power to maglocks when it is activated, allowing the door to operate and be secured conventionally by panic hardware during the event.

Obviously a power failure will result in a "fail unsecured" situation, falling back to the normal panic bar locking operation. Many maglock power supplies will incorporate backup batteries.

-Hal
 
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