Access Controlled Egress Doors

© 2001 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2001
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 46


Technical Tip

Access Controlled Egress Doors

NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, allows egress (exit) doors to be equipped with an access control system. The code outlines five conditions under which such systems can be installed.

These conditions include a requirement that the access control system must always allow egress whether power is present or not. The egress door must be “fail-safe” and must assume this “fail-safe” condition when power is removed from any part of the access control system.

The key: Your system must prevent people from being involuntarily locked inside buildings. Any activation of a fire alarm or sprinkler system must cause egress doors to unlock.

All five conditions are outlined in DASMA Technical Data Sheet (TDS) 355. To obtain a free copy of TDS 355, call DASMA or download it from www.dasma.com.