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home :: system overview :: legal considerations for commercial security locking systems
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL SECURITY LOCKING SYSTEMS
Locking a door for the purpose of access control is usually not regarded as a safety issued but there are cases where access control can impede egress from a building.
Locking a door to prevent access usually means that door is also locked when egress (exit) is needed.
The problems associated with emergency egress are usually addressed by using the correct style of lock for the door in question but sometimes that is not possible.
In those cases, another device called a “fire alarm interface” is used.
FIRE ALARM INTERFACES
A fire alarm interface is a connection between the UL approved building fire alarm panel and the power supply used to power the electric locks. This is always a Normally Closed Fail Safe circuit.
It permits the fire alarm panel to signal the lock power device to remove power from electric locks in emergencies. Conditions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer of fire alarm panels but generally this circuit is rated at a maximum of 24 volt, 2 amps.
The lock power devices available today usually conform to these criteria and a circuit with these limits provides adequate current carrying capacity to apply or remove power from nearly all the locking devices currently used.
FIRE ALARM INTERFACE – NOT THE BEST OPTION
Rarely is the fire alarm interface an option. In almost every case, it is a requirement when electrically controlled locks are used.
Usually the fire alarm panel service company or in-house personnel responsible for the fire alarm system make the required connections to the panel but it is generally the lock installer’s responsibility to connect the interface to the locks and bring the control cable to the fire alarm panel.
In some locales, the local fire inspectors establish specific forms that must be completed and submitted for approval to the State Fire Marshal’s Office before making such fire alarm panel connections.
AMERICANS WITH SISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTS
In addition to life safety requirements the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) describes certain limitations on the use of control devices as they relate to individuals with mobility impairments.
One of the most frequently overlooked ADA requirements refers to the location of access control devices. A rule of thumb is to require the placement of all devices used for gaining access to a controlled area be placed no higher than door handle height to comply with ADA regulations.
Review all ADA requirements to insure that system design meets these guidelines.
LOCK SELECTION FOR EGREES METHODS
Equally important is the selection of locks for egress methods.
The NFPA guidelines, usually provide the basic elements of consideration but local rules are nearly always added to amplify and clarify the interpretations of these rules in local jurisdictions.
These other requirements such as ADA are layered on top of the fundamental expectations.
FUTURE OF LOCKING SYSTEMS
The future of locking systems is in advances in technology that add features to the lock.
The basic function of the lock has not changed since the first rock was rolled in front of the first cave opening, what has changed is the ease with which the barriers can be secured and manipulated and the information that can be communicated by the lock device to other systems.
Within the past twenty years, the products used for locking systems have changed significantly.
Locks have evolved from the basic function of just holding a barrier closed to reporting the status of the lock, the door and, in some cases, the surrounding areas.
Some locks now have integrated access control functions.
The most likely path for locking systems is greater capabilities at lower prices.
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