![]() In these jurisdictions, a separate deadbolt would not be allowed in addition to the latching hardware. In addition, there are some state and local code requirements which mandate that locks on dwelling units and sleeping units must unlatch with one operation. Some types of units may fall under Group I (Institutional) or Health Care occupancies, and this exception does not apply to those occupancy types. Note that these dwelling and sleeping units must be Group R or Residential occupancies. The IBC limits this second security device to dwelling units with an occupant load of 10 or less – typically units with an area of 2,000 square feet, maximum. These devices must be operable from the inside without the use of a key or tool, and must require only one additional releasing operation (refer to NFPA 101 for exceptions addressing existing security devices). ![]() There are exceptions in both the IBC and NFPA 101 that allow doors serving most multi-family residential dwelling units and sleeping units to have a deadbolt or other security device in addition to the latching hardware. BUT, this exception only applies to existing hardware (not new hardware on existing doors) on small rooms in buildings where NFPA 101 is the applicable code the IBC does not include a similar exception. NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code does include an exception that allows two releasing operations for existing hardware on a door leaf serving an area with an occupant load of 3 people or less, as long as the two operations do not have to be performed simultaneously. Even doors serving small rooms such as single-occupancy restrooms and dressing rooms are required to unlatch with one releasing motion. While there are limitations on the use of deadbolts in a means of egress, they are acceptable when all of the applicable criteria are met. This section of the code will be heavily modified in the 2024 edition to clarify the hardware applications that the requirements apply to.ĭoors in a means of egress must unlatch with one releasing motion. The IBC section called “Bolt Locks” does not address deadbolts. In addition to the locations where the model codes allow the use of manual flush bolts and surface bolts, automatic flush bolts are another option for the inactive leaf, as well as panic hardware. Flush bolts and surface bolts that are operated manually are prohibited on some egress doors because it may be difficult for building occupants to quickly identify and operate these bolts in an emergency. But the IBC Commentary includes further information and diagrams which clarify that this section applies to the flush bolts and surface bolts installed on the inactive leaf of a pair of doors, which project into the frame head and into the floor or threshold. If someone is not familiar with hardware terminology, it’s easy to interpret this prohibition as applicable to deadbolts. The International Building Code (IBC) includes a section called “Bolt Locks,” and states that “Manually operated flush bolts or surface bolts are not permitted,”with some exceptions. Yes, really, and this is where interpretations often go awry. ![]() Hopefully, this article will clarify the requirements and address some of the misconceptions. There are many considerations – from the life safety and egress requirements, to fire doors and doors on accessible routes. There is often confusion surrounding the use of deadbolts on doors serving a means of egress. The bolt must be thrown or retracted manually, and will remain in that position until another manual operation is performed. This post was published in Door Security + SafetyĪccording to Merriam-Webster, a deadbolt is defined as: “a lock bolt that is moved by turning a knob or key without action of a spring.” While most deadbolts (AKA deadlocks) are actually operated by a thumbturn rather than a knob, the important point is that the deadbolt is not spring-loaded and does not latch automatically. I have updated this Decoded article based on the current codes. Are deadbolts permitted by code in a means of egress? A surprising number of people would answer “no”, but deadbolts are allowed under certain circumstances.
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