Hardwired Hardware Recommendations by Door Type

Hardwired Hardware Recommendations by Door Type

🔐 Hardwired Hardware Recommendations by Door Type

When planning access control systems, it’s important to match the right locking and release mechanisms with each door type. Below is a guide to recommended hardware by door location, along with key compliance notes from the International Building Code (IBC).

🚪 Hardware Recommendations by Door Type

🏢 Amenity Area (Single Door)

  • 🔒 Locking Mechanism: Magnetic or Strike
  • 🔓 Release Mechanism: One motion per Architect

🏢 Amenity Area (Double Door)

  • 🔒 Locking Mechanism: Magnetic
  • 🔓 Release Mechanism: One motion per Architect

⬆️ Stairs (Single Door)

  • 🔒 Locking Mechanism: Electrified lock/trim
  • 🔓 Release Mechanism: One motion per Architect

🔥 Fire-Rated Opening (Single Door)

  • 🔒 Locking Mechanism: Electrified lock/trim
  • 🔓 Release Mechanism: One motion per Architect

🚶 Pedestrian Gates (Single Door)

  • 🔒 Locking Mechanism: Magnetic / Heavy-Duty Strike
  • 🔓 Release Mechanism: One motion per Architect

💡 Recommendation: The architect and/or hardware consultant should specify FAIL-SAFE locking mechanisms throughout the community.

📋 Note: Hardware for egress doors must comply with the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA, and all state & local codes. The above are recommendations only — the official hardware schedule must be issued by the architect or hardware consultant.

🛠️ Best Practices

  • 🆔 Issue unique hardware sets for all electrified doors.
  • ⚖️ Always follow the most recent building code requirements and local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) guidance.

📖 Relevant Code Highlights (2018 IBC)

👁️ Sensor Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors (1010.1.9.8)

  • 🚶 Sensor on egress side must detect approach and unlock the system.
  • ⚡ Loss of power to lock or sensor must automatically unlock the door.
  • 🖲️ Manual unlocking device (“PUSH TO EXIT”) must be within 5 feet of door, interrupt power directly, and keep door unlocked for at least 30 seconds.
  • 🔔 Fire alarm, sprinkler, or detection system activation must automatically unlock doors until reset.
  • ✅ Locking systems must be UL 294 listed.

🛑 Door Hardware Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors (1010.1.9.10)

  • 👋 Door hardware must be obvious, operable with one hand, and comply with Section 1010.1.
  • ⚡ Operation must directly interrupt power and unlock immediately.
  • 🔓 Loss of power automatically unlocks the door.
  • 🚨 Panic/fire exit hardware must also release the electric lock.
  • ✅ Systems must be UL 294 listed.

🌀 Stairway Doors (1010.1.9.12)

  • 🚪 Stairway egress doors must open from both sides without keys or special knowledge.
  • 📌 Exceptions apply for discharge doors, certain tenant spaces, and Group R-2 occupancies with single stairways.
  • 👮 Emergency personnel must be able to unlock all stairway doors simultaneously from the fire command center or main entrance if applicable.

👷 Additional Contractor Requirements

  • 🔢 Provide keypads at access-controlled doors where required by the AHJ for emergency services.
  • 🎛️ Install a master switch to unlock all fail-safe doors from the fire command room, as required by the AHJ.
  • 📦 Provide a Knox Box with door release switch at the access control door nearest mail and/or package rooms, per USPS requirements.

✅ Final Note

These recommendations provide a starting point, but final specifications should always come from the project architect or hardware consultant. Compliance with IBC, NFPA, and local codes is mandatory for all egress hardware installations.

 

Back to blog