It is critical to understand the codes involved when advising or recommending specific locking system options to prospective clients.

NFPA 101 has specific requirements for delayed egress locking systems. One provision for delayed egress locking systems allows their use where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43, provided that certain criteria are met. Chapter 11 for example, addresses high-rise buildings and elevator lobby exit access doors as follows:

11.8.2.2 Elevator Lobby Exit Access Door Locking. In other than newly constructed high-rise buildings, locks in accordance with 7.2.1.6.3 shall be permitted.

7.2.1.6.3 Elevator Lobby Exit Access Door Assemblies Locking. Where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43, door assemblies separating the elevator lobby from the exit access required by 7.4.1.6.1 shall be permitted to be electrically locked, provided that all the following criteria are met:

(1) The electrical locking hardware is listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units.

(2) The building is protected throughout by a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 9.6.

(3) The building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7.

(4) Waterflow in the sprinkler system required by 7.2.1.6.3(3) is arranged to initiate the building fire alarm system.

(5) The elevator lobby is protected by an approved, supervised smoke detection system in accordance with Section 9.6.

(6) Detection of smoke by the detection system required by 7.2.1.6.3(5) is arranged to initiate the building fire alarm system and notify building occupants.

(7) Initiation of the building fire alarm system by other than manual fire alarm boxes unlocks the electrical locks on the elevator lobby door assembly.

(8) Loss of power to the elevator lobby electrical lock system unlocks the electrical locks on the elevator lobby door assemblies.

(9) Once unlocked, the elevator lobby door assemblies remain electrically unlocked until the building fire alarm system has been manually reset.

(10) Where the elevator lobby door assemblies remain mechanically latched after being electrically unlocked, latch-releasing hardware in accordance with 7.2.1.5.10 is affixed to the door leaves.

(11) A two-way communication system is provided for communication between the elevator lobby and a central control point that is constantly staffed.

(12) The central control point staff required by 7.2.1.6.3 is capable, trained, and authorized to provide emergency assistance.

(13) The provisions of 7.2.1.6.1 for delayed-egress electrical locking systems are not applied to the elevator lobby door assemblies.

(14) The provisions of 7.2.1.6.2 for sensor-release of electrical locking systems are not applied to the elevator lobby door assemblies.

Below is a sample of NFPA 101. See the actual text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the latest edition of NFPA 101.

NFPA 101

7.2.1.6 Special Locking Arrangements.

7.2.1.6.1 Delayed-Egress Electrical Locking Systems.

7.2.1.6.1.1 Approved, delayed-egress electrical locking systems shall be permitted to be installed on door assemblies serving low- and ordinary-hazard contents in buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 9.6 or an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7, and where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43, provided that all of the following criteria are met:

(1) The delay of the delayed-egress electrical locking system shall deactivate allowing unobstructed egress upon actuation of one of the following:

(a) Approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7

(b) Not more than one heat detector of an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 9.6

(c) Not more than two smoke detectors of an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 9.6

(2) The delay of the delayed-egress electrical locking system shall deactivate allowing unobstructed egress upon loss of power controlling the lock or locking mechanism.

(3) An irreversible process shall release the electrical lock in the direction of egress within 15 seconds, or 30 seconds where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, upon application of a force to the release device required in 7.2.1.5.10 under all of the following conditions:

(a) The force shall not be required to exceed 15 lbf (67 N).

(b) The force shall not be required to be continuously applied for more than 3 seconds.

(c) The initiation of the release process shall activate an audible signal in the vicinity of the door opening.

(d) Once the electrical lock has been released by the application of force to the releasing device, rearming the delay electronics shall be by manual means only.

(4) A readily visible, durable sign that conforms to the visual characters requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, shall be located on the door leaf adjacent to the release device in the direction of egress, and shall read as follows:

(a) PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS, DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS, for doors that swing in the direction of egress travel

(b) PULL UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS, DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS, for doors that swing against the direction of egress travel

(5) The egress side of doors equipped with delayed-egress electrical locking system shall be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with Section 7.9.

(6) Hardware for new installations shall be listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units.