Lou Chavez, Principal Engineer, Security and Life Safety
Distinguished Member of Technical Staff - William Henry Merrill Society
This is an update to content previously published by The Code Authority® in March 2021. Since then, there have been several updates to referenced UL Standards, the IBC Code and NFPA 101. Access and egress control locking configurations are routinely implemented in accordance with national and international codes. This article reflects those updates along with additional information that is complementary to the previously published content.
Maintaining free egress and building security
Building safety and security is a balancing act when it comes to allowing free egress and securing a building. In most cases, national codes require free and unobstructed egress be achieved.
Locking configurations used for egress include four basic types:
- Egress motion sensors equipment or systems
- Delayed egress hardware
- Push to exit hardware
- Request to exit hardware and systems
National codes prescribe a few elements that are common for achieving free egress. Some of these general elements are:
- Doors must be able to be opened readily from the occupant side to achieve egress.
- Locking devices shall not require the use of tools, special knowledge or keys to operate from the egress side.
- Hardware and fastening devices must be releasable without the use of special knowledge of operation.
- Releasing devices must release the door leaf with no more than one motion.
Other safety systems such as lighting, emergency signage and egress pathways must also be considered, but for the purpose of this overview we will focus on access and egress control equipment and systems as they relate to locking arrangements that hold a door closed and open or release when initiated. Like many components of an integrated system, the locking mechanism can have various forms and functionalities depending on the application. Certified access control systems are intended to address electrical safety, life safety and security when integrated with appropriate door hardware and locking devices.
Considerations for a means of egress system
The 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2024 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code include requirements for a means of egress system to be provided, including a continuous and unobstructed path of egress travel from any occupied point in a building, structure or facility to a public way. However, there are specific situations where these model codes allow locking arrangements that limit the immediate and unobstructed egress travel under strict provisions. This article provides an overview of some of these applications and identifies locking products that UL certifies for use in egress or access control that allow for code compliant installation and application.
In addition to the above, other factors that must also be considered for installation and in accordance with applicable codes include:
- Integration with fire detection and suppression or other life safety systems that release locked doors upon their activation, allowing immediate emergency egress
- Fail safe features to release locks in the event of a loss of power
- Fail secure features that intentionally maintain locked positions
- Emergency planning and preparedness with staff training and required drills
- Limitations on the delay time for delayed-egress doors
- Special signage requirements
- Security and resistance to unauthorized entry
Categories for certified locks and locking systems
UL Solutions certifies locks and locking systems that are compliant with end product standards under several different product categories (also known as CCN’s). Each end-product standard defines the scope of the application and includes construction and test compliance criteria for evaluation and certification. Product category information and certifications can be found using our online database, Product iQ®, available at www.ul.com/PiQ. Product iQ is free to use but requires a one-time registration.
Typical end uses for the locks and locking systems include integration into access control systems, fire rated door assemblies, special locking arrangements, panic hardware, controlled exit panic devices and burglary resistant electric locks. Locks and locking systems used in these applications can take different forms depending on the design of the product or system. Some of these devices are purely mechanical while others may include electronic circuits to control or provide delayed release or audible alarm functions. Certified locks are investigated for safety from electric shock and mechanical hazards and, depending on the product type, may also include efficacy testing for burglary resistance and/or fire resistance.
The table below summarizes UL Solutions’ primary categories and standards for various locking devices and systems that are typically used on means of egress or controlled areas. Within the Helpful Notes section, the UL Certification Mark attributes are identified.
| Standard and CCN | UL Certification Category Title | Helpful Notes | Typical door hardware / lock form factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units ALVY category |
Access Control System Units | 8TH Edition, Sec. 35.2 applies to Single point lock The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED," "SAFETY" and "SECURITY," the geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Autonomous single point access control lock (all access control functionality resides on the single point lock and may sometimes incorporate a UL 437, key lock) |
| UL 294 FWAX category |
Special Locking Arrangements | 8th Edition, UL 294, Sec. 69 applies to Controlled and Delayed Egress Equipment and Systems Operation The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED," "SAFETY" and "SECURITY," the geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Request-to-Exit (REX) devices/systems, and controlled or delayed egress locks |
| UL 1034, Standard for Burglary-Resistant Electric Locking Mechanisms CVXS category for electric dead bolts, CVXY category for electric door strikes, CVYR category for Electric Locking Mechanism Accessories, CVYT category for electromagnetic locks |
Burglary Resistant Electric Locking Mechanisms | Performance based for static force, dynamic force, and endurance test factors The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED," "SAFETY" and "SECURITY," the geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Burglary resistant (BR) electromagnetic locks, BR Electric Dead bolts, BR Electric Door Strikes, BR Electrically operated door locking mechanisms, |
| UL 305, Standard for Panic Hardware FVSR category GXHX category |
Panic or Fire Exit Hardware | Generally mechanical devices only (no electronics) The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED" and "SAFETY," the geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Panic Hardware, Fire Exit Hardware |
| UL 294 and UL 305, FULA category | Controlled Exit Panic Devices | UL 294 (8th Edition), Section 69.2, and UL 305 apply The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED" and "SAFETY," the geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Electromechanical locking/latching mechanisms |
| UL 634, Standard for Panic Hardware AMQV product category |
Connectors and Switches for use in Burglar Alarm Systems | Includes Electric Power Transfers, Door Loops, and Door Position Switches The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED," "SAFETY" and "SECURITY," the geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Electric Hinge and flexible connectors intended for burglar alarm applications |
| UL 10C, Standard for Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies | Positive Pressure Fire Test of Door Assemblies | Also, UL 305 for GXHX; Card readers and components for use with locks sold separately listed under GWVW The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words "CERTIFIED" and "SAFETY," the geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Electric Cylindrical Locks and Mortise Locks (Electrically Controlled Single-Point Locks or Latches), GYQS, Electromagnetic locks (GWXT), Fire Exit Hardware (GXHX), Electrified Hinge (GWZQ), Electric strikes (GXAY); Miscellaneous Fire Door Accessories, Positive Pressure Tested (GVUY), Accessories for use with Single-point locks and latches and fire exit hardware (GWVW) |
An end user or code authority may see various configurations of equipment incorporated into a system, and the equipment may have different forms to suit the application. One common scenario is the use of UL 294 certified access control systems units controlling burglar-resistant electric locking mechanisms which are separately certified to UL 1034.
Other prevalent applications include special locking arrangements which have dedicated system component equipment and certified locks connected to control a request to exit (REX) system. For this application, the REX system certification is specific to the system components submitted for investigation.
The various permutations of locking hardware and systems applications (see table) allow for the use of the devices in accordance with model building and life safety codes, with the common element of safety and in some cases security by design.
When using UL Product iQ, UL’s certification category and associated CCN provide valuable information on the standard used for certification and the intended application of the product. This information should be considered in addition to the product’s or system’s form and fit in each application.
For more information on access and egress control locking configurations, please contact Lou Chavez, Principal Engineer, Security and Life Safety, at Louis.Chavez@UL.com.
Related and additional useful code references include –
IBC References, 2024 Code Edition:
1010.2.11 Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors
1010.2.12 Delayed egress
1010.2.13 Controlled egress doors in Groups I-1 and I-2.
1010.2.8.3 Installation. Where panic or fire exit hardware is installed, it shall comply with the following:
- Panic hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 305.
- Fire exit hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 10C and UL 305.
- The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend not less than one-half of the door leaf width.
- The maximum unlatching force shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).
NFPA 101 References, 2024 Code Edition:
7.2.1.6.1 Delayed-Egress Electrical Locking Systems
7.2.1.6.2 Sensor-Release of Electrical Locking Systems
7.2.1.6.3 Door Hardware Release of Electrically Locked Egress Door Assemblies
7.2.1.6.4 Elevator Lobby Exit Access Door Assemblies Locking
7.2.1.7 Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware.