BHMA PUBLISHES REVISED STANDARD FOR DELAYED EGRESS LOCKING SYSTEMS

ANSI/BHMA A156.24 Provides General Requirements,
Performance Criteria, and Test Methods

NEW YORK, NY — The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) announces the publication of ANSI/BHMA A156.24-2003 American National Standard for Delayed Egress Locking Systems. This standard covers products that cause doors to remain locked after releasing actuation for a predetermined length of time. Such products are used in connection with conventional exit devices or locks to discourage unauthorized egress while still allowing for safe egress in the event of an emergency.

As a general requirement, the ANSI/BHMA standard states that the delay period of delayed egress locking systems shall not be adjustable in the field and shall not exceed the time permitted by the authority having jurisdiction. Building officials, fire marshals and fire department personnel are typically responsible for enforcing building or fire codes that involve delayed-egress locking systems.

The maximum delay time for opening a door typically is 15 seconds, with special exemption by the authority having jurisdiction required for a maximum delay time of 30 seconds. When a delayed egress locking system is employed, fire codes and model codes require signage that reads "Push Until Alarm Sounds. Door Can Be Opened in 15 (30) Seconds" or similar language. The manufacturer typically supplies such signage.

Delayed egress locking systems can only be used in occupancies permitted by the authority having jurisdiction. Generally, they are used only in buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic fire detection system or an approved sprinkler system, or as otherwise required by the authority having jurisdiction. Upon the initiation of such systems, the time delay feature becomes inoperative and the releasing mechanism of the lock operates without the delay. Also, for these products, the time delay feature becomes inoperative upon loss of power and then the lock allows egress without the delay.

The ANSI/BHMA standard includes performance criteria for functional, cycle, operational, fail-safe and overload requirements. It also describes test methods for assuring compliance to the standard.

To purchase copies of the ANSI/BHMA A156.24-2003 standard, and see a list of manufacturers who certify their products to the Standard through a third-party test program, please visit BHMA’s web site at www.buildershardware.com. Purchased standards are available as printed documents or as electronic files (PDF) for immediate download. You can also order standards by phone by calling 800-699-9277.

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