Page 32 - Security Today, March/April 2025

L O C K S A N D H A R D W A R E
mechanical dogging, but electric latch re-
traction/electronic dogging is permitted.
When the latch is held retracted electri-
cally, the door must become positively
latched during a fi re emergency by way of
an automatic fail-safe device that is acti-
vated by an automatic fi re detector.
In addition to the ANSI/BHMA A156.3
standards, both panic and fi re exit hard-
ware are listed to UL 305; while fi re exit
hardware requires an added listing to UL
10C. Since panic and fi re exit devices play
a critical role in compliance with fi re and
life safety codes, it is always a clever idea
to consult with a local door hardware or
building code expert who can provide guid-
ance on the right model for the application.
AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE
The function of a door closer is not just to
close the door; a good door closer will also
control the door in both the opening and
closing cycles to prevent damage and injury
caused by abuse, wind or other factors.
Accessibility, as well as fi re and life safety
requirements, decide how, when and where
to apply door closers. C ommon use case ap-
plications in commercial buildings include:
3 2 Fire doors. During normal building
operation, corridor doors are typically
held open to ensure the smooth fl ow of
traffi c. However, as governed by NFPA 80
as well as local codes and standards, fi re-
rated doors must be closed at the time of a
fi re to prevent spread. Choose door closer
models with integrated fail-safe hold open
features or combine a mechanical closer
with a separate magnetic holder; these
must release upon fi re alarm.
Accessibility. Accessibility standards pro-
vide guidance on both the opening force and
time to close to protect people with disabili-
ties. Interior doors that are not fi re doors
must be able to be opened with a maximum
of 5 pounds of force. Additionally, door
closers must be adjusted so that it takes at
least fi ve seconds for the door to move from
an open position of 90 degrees to 12 degrees
from the latch. A variety of mechanical and
automatic door operators are available to
meet these needs by opening type.
Touchless. With a greater attention to
health since the pandemic, there has been
an increase in the use of touchless solutions.
Touchless actuators paired together with
automated door openers can reduce the
“Panic hardware
enables occupants to
exit a building simply
by applying force to
the actuating member
in the direction of the
door swing. This force
actuates mechanisms in
the device that unlatch
the door allowing
free egress, which is
crucial in emergency
exit scenarios where
minutes count.”
Thaspol/stock.adobe.com
number of touch points throughout build-
ings, cutting the need to contact a door.
There are many considerations when
choosing door closers that include frequen-
cy of use, projected wear and tear, aesthetics,
as well as the necessary features and func-
tions to follow codes and standards. Given
that door closers also play a vital role in fi re
and life safety, consulting with a local door
hardware or codes expert is recommended.
INVEST FOR SUCCESS
Locks and door hardware are vital com-
ponents of any safety and physical securi-
ty plan. Success begins through inspection
of your facility annually to ensure compli-
ance with all fi re and life safety protocols.
This is not an area to neglect or cut cor-
ners and should be high on the priority list.
It’s best to choose options from trusted and
reputable manufacturers that meet indus-
try requirements for operations, strength,
and durability. Full compliance with local
codes, accessibility standards, as well as fi re
and life safety regulations, will ensure that
everyone entering your building is in a safe
environment.
Karen Keating is the
senior brand & solutions
manager for Locks and
Access Solutions at
Allegion US.
M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 5 | S E C U R I T Y T O D A Y