NFPA 731 Chapter 6, Electronic Access Control Systems.

Magnetic locks on an exit door should fail safe.
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Magnetic locks on an exit door should fail safe.

Chapter 6 applies only to physical electronic access control systems. Examples include magnetic locks and electric strikes. Electronic access control systems must comply with applicable standards, such as ANSI/ UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units.

UL 294 applies to the construction, performance, and operation of physical access control equipment and/or systems intended to regulate or control entry into and/or exit from a controlled area, protected area or a restricted area or access to or the use of a device(s) by electrical, electronic or mechanical means.

UL 294 has the following definitions in Section 7:

7.33 DELAYED EGRESS EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS – a door-latching assembly incorporating a time-delay feature that controls the release latch on an egress door upon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel.

7.38 FAIL SAFE - A condition under which the product ceases to operate in such a way as to automatically allow access or egress.

7.39 FAIL SECURE - A condition under which the product ceases to operate in such a way as to not allow unauthorized access or unauthorized egress.

When installing security devices such as magnetic locks or electric strikes it is critical to consider safe egress during an emergency.

Below is a sample of NFPA 731. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 731 text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to the latest edition of NFPA 731.

6.1 General. This section shall apply to physical electronic access control systems only.

6.1.1 Equipment. Electronic access control equipment shall be in compliance with applicable standards, such as ANSI/ UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units.

6.1.2 Interconnecting Control Units.

6.1.2.1 Control units, subcontrols, and devices that are used to interconnect the control unit to system devices shall be located within the protected premises.

6.1.2.2 If the enclosures for such equipment are not located in such an area, the enclosures shall be protected by one of the following methods:

(1) Continuously under the notice of assigned security personnel

(2) Located in an area that is accessible only to authorized personnel

(3) Supervised to annunciate tampering

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NFPA 731 Chapter 6, Electronic Access Control Systems.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of the magnetic lock in the picture?

A: Fail Secure is a condition under which the product ceases to operate in such a way as to automatically allow access or egress.
B: If it fails, it should automatically allow access or egress.
C: Fail Safe is a condition under which the product ceases to operate in such a way as to not allow unauthorized access or unauthorized egress.
D: If it fails, it should still deny access or egress.
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