In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system or approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system, and where specifically permitted by Chapters 8 through 29, doors in low and ordinary hazard contents areas as defined by 4-2.2. Shall be permitted to be equipped with approved, listed, locking devices that shall:

(a) Unlock upon actuation of an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7, or upon the actuation of any heat detector or not more than two smoke detectors of an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 7-6, and

(b) Unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or locking mechanism, and

(c) Initiate and irreversible process that will release the lock within 15 seconds upon application to the release device required in 5-2.1.5.3 of a force that shall not be required to exceed 15lbf (67 N) nor be required to be continuously applied for more than 3 seconds. The initiation of the release process will activate a signal in the vicinity of the door to insure those attempting to egress that the system is functional. Once the door lock has been released by the application of force to the releasing device, relocking shall be by manual means only.

Exception to (c): The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to approve a delay not to exceed 30 Seconds provided that reasonable life safety is insured.

(d)* On the door adjacent to the release device, a sign shall be provided that reads:

"PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS.
DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS"

Sign letters shall be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and at least 1/2" (0.3-cm) strike width.

(e) Emergency lighting in accordance with Section 5-9 shall be provided at the door.

Where specifically permitted by Chapters 8 through 30, doors in the means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with an approved entrance and egress access control system installed in accordance with items (a) through (e).

(a) A sensor shall be provided on the egress side arranged to detect an occupant approaching the doors. The doors shall be arranged to unlock upon detection of approaching occupant or loss of power to the sensor, and

(b) Loss of power to that part of the access control system that locks the doors shall automatically unlock the doors, and

(c) The doors shall be arranged to unlock from a manual release device located 40 in. (102 cm) to 48 in. (122 cm) vertically above the floor and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the secured doors. The manual release device shall be readily accessible and clearly identified by a sign that reads “Push to Exit”. When operated, the manual release device shall result in direct interruption of power to the lock-independent of the access control system electronics-and the doors shall remain unlocked for a minimum of 30 seconds, and

(d) Activation of the building fire protective signaling system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors, and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset, and

(e) Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors. The doors shall remain unlocked until the fire protective signaling system manually reset. (From NFPA 101 Life safety Code 1994 Edition)