Electro Magnetic door release

[Paul]

Does anyone know the British Standard for above on access controlled doors that must be fitted with a fail safe.

The door I have in mind is the olny escape door to a two story office block.  I know what should be done to ensure safe escape etc, however I can not find a BS for it.


I would like it to be linked into the fire alarm system, however I am well aware of the need ot ensure it releases on power loss and that the overinding breakglass cuts both lines of power to the mechanism etc.

Any help regarding the standard would be gratefully recieved.

Paul

[colin todd]

There is no standard in respect of fire (not sure if there is a security standard-could check for you, but I am not sure that this is what you are asking). What area of the country are we talking about-a number of FRss have their own local guidance docs. There will eventually be a BS daeling with the interface between such devices and fire alarm systems.

[Paul]

Thanks Colin,

The location is within the GMC area.  I must admit, I know GMC have their own provisions on a number of areas, although I'm not aware of one in this area.


Again any help you may have would be helpful.

Paul

[jayjay]

There is guidance produced by the Chief and Assistant Chief Officers Association, entitled "Guidance on the Acceptance of Electronic Locks to Doors Required for Means of Escape" Published by the Institution of Fire Engineers which may help you.

JayJay

[Paul]

thanks for this Jayja
I will try and get hold of a copy.

Paul

[james1004]

1. Demonstrate that the exit control device is really required...security, safety of staff (not saving £50 a year because kids are nicking sweets
2. Consider every other option first
3. Risk assess whether management systems and controls are adequate.
4. Choose a device that has been tested to the same rigous standards as BS EN 1125 or 179 devices and can be linked to a 5839 alarm system
5. Don't try and fit them in areas where large numbers of the public congregate and especially where staff numbers are low.
6. Be especially wary of time delay devices attached to electronic locking devices.
In short, don't like them, employ some staff instead of paying a seventeen year old £3.95 an hour and don't put your highly valuable stock next to fire exits.

[colin todd]

The CFOA doc was stae of the art at the time, but is looking a little old fashioend now. GMC do have a guidance doc.

[Paul]

Thanks Colin

[Graeme]

Access controlled doors vai holding magnets are normally installed with a green bgu
in case of an emergency.I normally also tie them into the fire system using a inverted relay.
The green bgu purley breaks the voltage to the magnet and does not go back to any control unit.Its installed in series with the cable going to the magnet.
Large access control systems with control units normally will have a dedicated terminal to interface into the fire alarm.

[colin todd]

Not on the bell cct one hopes, graeme!

[Graeme]

that would be a big no no Colin.
Although i have seen it done,with a un-polarised relay,diode in series and off nearest sounder.

obviously never read that BS5839 thingy written by a chap who's name escapes me

[colin todd]

Yuk.

[Graeme]

i agree,the diode is awful.

[colin todd]

No good comes of allowing current to flow in one direction.

[Brian Catton]

Why not just fit a conventional latch with a pull handle on the outside and an operating handle on the inside. Then fit an electronic release keep for digital operation from the outside. This would mean that the door is always available for escape use. there would then be no need for a green BGR or a release button on the inside. Power loss would not affect escape either.