March 5, 2021
Authored by: Lou Chavez, Principal Engineer, Security and Life Safety, and a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff - William Henry Merrill Society
A critical part of an access or egress control system is the lock hardware that holds a door closed and opens or releases when initiated. Like many components of an integrated system, the locking mechanism can have various forms and functionalities, depending on the particular applications.
The International Building Code (IBC) and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code both include requirements for a means of egress system to be provided that includes 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 in which 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 in egress or access control that allow for code compliant installation and application.
The factors that must also be considered for installation and in accordance with applicable codes include:
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Integration with fire detection and suppression or other life safety systems that release locked doors upon their activation, allowing immediate emergency egress
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Fail safe features to release locks in the event of a loss of power
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Fail secure features that intentionally maintain locked positions
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Emergency planning and preparedness with staff training and required drills
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Limitations on the delay time for delayed-egress doors
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Special signage requirements
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Security and resistance to unauthorized entry may also be considerations
UL certifies locks and locking systems that are in compliance with end product standards under several different product categories (also known as CCNs). 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 the UL online database, Product iQTM, available at www.ul.com/PiQ. Product IQ is free to use, but does require a simple 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 a product or system. Some of these devices are purely mechanical and others may include electronics 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 be tested for burglary resistance and/or fire resistance.
The table below summarizes UL’s primary categories and standards for various locking devices and systems that are typically used on means of egress or controlled areas. The UL Certification Mark attributes are identified in the Notes column.
|
Standard and CCN |
UL Certification Category Title |
Notes |
Typical door hardware/ lock form factor |
|
UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units ALVY category
|
Access Control System Units* |
Sec. 34.2 applies to Single point locking devices
The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words CERTIFIED, SAFETY and SECURITY, geographic identifier(s), and a file number. |
Autonomous access control lock
|
|
UL 294 FWAX category |
Special Locking Arrangements |
UL 294, Sec. 68 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. |
Require 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. |
Electromagnetic locks, electric dead bolts, electric door strikes and 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 and fire exit hardware |
|
UL 294 and UL 305, FULA category
|
Controlled Exit Panic Devices |
UL 294, 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 Connectors and Switches for Use with Burglar-Alarm Systems 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) |
*Typical installations involve a UL 294 certified access control panel, UL 294 (or UL 603 or UL 2610) certified power supply, and UL 294 certified readers, which may control UL 1034 certified burglary resistant locks or strikes.
An end user or code authority can see various configurations of equipment incorporated into a system and the equipment may have different forms to suit a specific application. A very common scenario is the use of UL 294 certified access control systems units controlling locks certified to UL 1034.
Other prevalent applications include special locking arrangements that 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) allows for the use of the devices in accordance with model building and life safety codes, with the common element of safety by design.
For more information on access and egress control locking configurations, please contactULRegulatoryServices@ul.com.