Delayed Egress locking systems are special locking arrangements used for applications where security requirements must be mitigated with life safety concerns, not where life safety requirements must be mitigated with security concerns.
They are used for loss prevention applications to discourage unauthorized egress. (Retail shrinkage accounts for more than $27 billion in loss annually.) In commercial applications, there are always doors which provide a potential escape route for shoplifters and other evil-doers, even if they are under video surveillance.
Delayed egress also is used for traffic control to discourage passback or to force card holders to use an egress reader through secured openings.
The purpose of anti-passback is to prevent a card holder from passing back his or her card to a second person to gain entry into an access-controlled area. Piggybacking occurs when an authorized person allows (intentionally or unintentionally) others to pass through a secure door, negating the purpose of an access control system such as keypad, pass card or biometric identification scanner.
Without delayed egress, it can be nearly impossible to track who is inside an area and to log users’ movements, as well as to prevent passback or piggy-backing through secured openings.
It is universally against code to prevent free egress. However, under special arrangements and conditions, it may be allowable to delay egress a little bit. Even a short delay provides enough time to alert authorities in the case of a theft, and create an embarrassing alarm situation in the case of a lazy or devious employee.
I have been installing delayed egress systems since the1980s. Initially there were only a few delayed egress systems on the market, and local authorities having jurisdiction (LAHJs) and building inspectors were unfamiliar with these locking systems and therefore reluctant to approve them.
These days there are plenty of delayed egress hardware on the market, but you still have to get an approval from your LAHJ (s) before you spec, sell or install them.
RCI DELAYED EGRESS
Rutherford Controls' new Delayed Egress maglock, the DE 8310, is a combination of their #8310 electromagnetic lock and an integrated delayed egress control module.
The 8310 is a multi-purpose electromagnetic lock used to enhance building security and install quickly.
Several standard features are provided with the intention of making these magnets the “workhorse” of the industry.
The adjustable mounting bracket has been enhanced with keyhole mounting to support the magnet’s weight during initial installation, freeing the installer’s hands to affix the magnet mounting screws. The removable cavity cover offers quick, easy access to wiring.
#8310 FEATURES & BENEFITS
• Brushed Anodized Aluminum or Brushed Dark Bronze finish
• Adjustable keyhole mounting bracket
• Field selectable voltage – 12/24VDC
• Convenient plug-in wiring terminals
• Easy-access wiring cavity
• MOV surge protection
• No residual magnetism
• Low energy consumption
• Hardened steel armature nut
• Self-drilling tek™ fasteners
MOUNTING ACCESSORIES
• Angle Brackets
• Armature Plate Holders
• Filler Bars
• Glass Door Brackets
• Spacers
• Top Jamb “Z” Bracket Kits for Inswinging Doors
• DSS Retrofit kits
• Armature Bolts
• “L” Brackets
Other DE8310 system options include a voice module which announces the stages of egress delay, as well as forced doors, and a camera module.
The DE3810 is a standalone Delayed Egress solution that has been configured to comply with the major building codes, each of which has slightly different requirements for a delayed egress system.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Rutherford Controls, telephone 800-265-6630 or 519-621-7651, web site www.rutherfordcontrols.com.
HOW DELAYED EGRESS WORKS
Someone attempts to egress through the door. In the case of the DE 8310, it is triggered by an integral sensor when pressure is applied to the door.
If enabled, the pressure must persist beyond a pre-programmed nuisance delay time. A local alarm may sound to warn persons who try to open a door that is not meant to be used except for emergency. If the person stops pushing before the nuisance delay expires, then the exit sequence is cancelled. If the pressure persists beyond the nuisance delay, then the exit sequence is initiated.
If connected, a remote alarm results, and the system starts to countdown. The countdown is either 15 or 30 seconds. The DE 8310 permits the connection of an optional voice module which announces the various levels of alarm. An integral LED indicates what state of alarm the lock is in as well. At the end of the delay, the door unlocks.
What happens next depends upon the particular building code. Remember, there may be more than one LAHJ you need to contact. He, she or they have the final word.
1. STANDARD BUILDING CODE
Nuisance Delay: Not allowed.
Release Delay: 15 seconds or extended to 30 seconds with local approval.
Relocking: Actuates after door opens and closes, using a door switch rather than a key switch. Please connect normal open door switch to system Reset Switch Input (RSI).
2. NFPA 101
Nuisance Delay: Permitted up to 3 seconds.
Release Delay: 15 seconds or extended to 30 seconds. with local approval.
Relocking: To be done manually by a key switch. A door switch cannot be used for relock. Connect a momentary spring loaded normal close key switch to system RSI.
3. UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
Nuisance Delay: Required to be set at 2 seconds.
Release Delay: Required to be set at 15 seconds.
Relocking: To be done manually by a key switch and must be located at the door. A door switch cannot be used for relocking. Connect a momentary spring loaded normal close key switch to system RSI.
4. BOCA
Nuisance Delay: Required to be set at 1 second.
Release Delay: 15 seconds or extended to 30 seconds with local approval.
Relocking: Dip switch 4 must be in the OFF position to activate the relocking system. After the Release Delay expires, the door unlocks and opens; the door switch changes state and remains open. When the door recloses, a relock delay of 30 seconds begins. If the door hasn’t been disturbed or open again during these 30 seconds, it will relock. If it has been opened again, a 30-second relock will start all over again. The relock time count will not start until the door is closed.
5. NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA
Nuisance Delay: Not allowed.
Release Delay: Required to be set at 15 seconds.
Relocking: To be done manually by a key switch. A door switch cannot be used for relock. Connect a momentary spring loaded normal close key switch to system RSI.
Tim O'Leary
Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.
