I remember researching this same subject when I was an inspecting officer and finding that a type A break-glass unit wasn't required. From memory, I think it was in the British Standard....
You don't mean the BS that is actually specifically for these doors that says "In the case of electronically secured doors and powered sliding doors, it is normal,
particularly in the former case, to provide a suitably identified manual control adjacent to the doors to operate the release mechanisms if they have not already been released automatically."
or ADB which says
"5.8 Electrically powered locks should return to the unlocked position in all of the following situations.
a. If the fire detection and alarm system operates.
b. If there is loss of power or system error.
c. If the security mechanism override is activated.
Security mechanism overrides for electrically powered locks should be a Type A call point as described in BS 7273-4. The call point should be positioned on the side approached by people escaping. If the door provides escape in either direction, a call point should be installed on both sides of the door."
looks like they don't agree with your recollection. The BS does give examples of when they can be omitted (prisons, certain boundaries in airports etc) but the preumption is to provide.
