A Request to Exit (RTE) is a device on the protected side of a portal that bypasses the door position switch or locking device to allow travel through the portal without causing an alarm.

The RTE can bypass a door position switch and not be used to control the lock at the portal. If the RTE also controls the portal lock, concerns for life safety would require the lock be fail-safe upon loss of power.

There are two methods of authorized egress:

Free egress – People are free to exit the portal.

Controlled egress - Applications such as anti-passback, mustering, patient wandering, infant abduction, and two-person rule.

Below is a sample of NFPA 731. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 731 text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to the latest edition of NFPA 731.

6.1.7 Portal Egress.

6.1.7.1 Free Egress.

6.1.7.1.1 Free egress, where a door position sensor is used, shall employ the use of an RTE device.

6.1.7.1.2 When the RTE controls the portal lock, the lock shall release on loss of power.

6.1.7.1.3 When activated, RTE devices shall prevent the position sensor, when used, from reporting a forced-open alarm.

6.1.7.1.4 The RTE shall be either manual or automatic.

6.1.7.1.4.1 Manual.

(A) The RTE device shall not require any special instruction or knowledge to use.

(B) If a manual RTE device is used as a fail-safe for an automatic RTE device, it shall be installed so as to directly release the locking mechanism.

6.1.7.1.4.2 Automatic.

(A) If the RTE device is a motion detector, it shall be listed for the purpose.

(B) Where automatic RTE devices are used to unlock portals, they shall be installed so that only intentional requests are executed.