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Electronic locks gain code of practice

A BSI British Standards product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 13, 2007

Standard aims to ensure the integrity of the arrangements for automatic release of doors that need to close in the event of fire.

BSI British Standards has published a new standard, BS7273-4:2007 "Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures: Actuation of release mechanisms for doors".

There have been instances where hold-open devices have failed to release doors, and of electronic locks failing to release fire exits required for escape, even when the fire alarm system operates.

To help prevent such incidents BS7273-4:2007 has been developed to ensure the integrity of the arrangements for automatic release of doors that need to close in the event of fire, and lock in the event of fire or, in the case of powered sliding doors, open in the event of fire.

The code of practice will necessitate changes to current practices and custom as it introduces a new categorisation of the release arrangements in terms of reliability to operate, particularly under defined fault conditions.

Only the highest category (Category A) is suggested for critical situations.

The code details recommendations for the siting of smoke detectors that are intended to cause fire doors to close in the event of fire, and applies to all buildings that have devices for holding fire doors in the open position, but releasing them in the event of fire, electronic locks that secure doors on means of escape, unlocking them in the event of fire, and powered sliding doors on escape routes which need to open permanently in the event of fire.

BS7273-4:2007 gives recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of electrical control arrangements for actuation of mechanisms that unlock, release or open doors in the event of fire.

It applies to all aspects of the interface between these mechanisms and a fire detection and fire alarm system, including interfaces that incorporate acoustic coupling and radio transmission.

The code of practice is available now priced at GBP 150 (or GBP 75 for BSI Members).

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