Within a healthcare campus there are often many different applications for electrified locks. Some units may be locked to prevent egress under normal conditions but must allow egress in an emergency. In other locations, delayed egress locks may be the most restrictive type of locks allowed in the path of egress. Many electrified locks do not inhibit egress at all and are used strictly to control access.
There are different code requirements that apply to the various types of electrified locks, and these requirements can differ from one code to the next. The International Building Code (IBC) has been adopted by most states and is used during construction, while NFPA 101 – the Life Safety Code – is used to periodically evaluate most healthcare facilities for accreditation and certification purposes. It’s important to understand the code requirements of both publications and to research any state or local codes that may affect the facility.
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There are seven types of electrified lock applications that are commonly used in healthcare facilities and are addressed by the IBC and NFPA 101. Many, but not all, fall into the category commonly called “special locking arrangements.” With the exception of controlled egress, the following applications are also common in other types of facilities, such as schools, universities, office buildings and residential occupancies, in addition to healthcare campuses.
