1008.1.9.7 Delayed Egress Door Locks

Approved, listed, delayed egress locks shall be permitted to be installed on doors serving any occupancy except Assembly Group A occupancies and High Hazard Group H occupancies, and assembly uses within Educational Group E occupancies. Delayed egress locks shall be installed only in buildings that are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.or an approved smoke detection system installed in a means of egress system serving the locked area, provided that the doors unlock in accordance with Items 1 through 4 below. A building occupant shall not be required to pass through more than one door equipped with a delayed egress lock before entering an exit.

1. The doors unlock upon actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system.
2. The doors unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or lock mechanism.
3. The door locks shall have the capability of being unlocked by a signal from the fire command center.
4. The door locks shall include an irreversible process that will release the latch in not more than 15 seconds when a force of not more than 15 pounds (67 N) is applied for one second to the release device. Initiation of the irreversible process shall activate an audible signal in the vicinity of the door. Once the door lock has been released by the application of force to the releasing device, relocking shall be by manual means only.

Exception: Where approved, a delay of not more than 30 seconds is permitted.

1. A sign shall be provided on the door located above and within 12 inches (305 mm) of the release device reading: PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS.
2. Emergency lighting shall be provided at the door.
3. Delayed egress locks shall be maintained and tested in accordance with the Minnesota State Fire Code.