I was talking to someone about opening some doors with mag locks when the fire alarm goes off. He said we would not have to go all the way back to the panel, we could get a trigger from an initiating device.
Is this correct?
Either way we plan on having the fire alarm company make the connection. We just need to know where we need to get a wire to.
Some AHJs/designers argue that if the 'panel' malfunctions, the input loop may not drop power to the locks, and the fire alarm loop must rather link the the lock power supply instead.
What do you mean by opening some doors? Typically doors are supposed to close upon a fire alarm or do you mean unlock the maglocks?
Addressable FACP's can use the IDC circuit to place a relay at your lock power supply location. The power supply will probably have dedicated FACP trigger inputs.
Essentially if you are trying to release the maglocks, which is required by code, then you should just have to run your cable a few feet from your lock power supply to the relay module they supply near your PS. Good news is the fire company will know what and where to install.
Sorry should have been more clear.
The doors have crash bars for exit into a stairwell, then 2 floors above an exterior exit. The problem is this stairwell provides access to all the residential levels.
So we want to put a mag lock on the door, but have it open on the fire alarm.
This "revelation" came to me after I left so I did not look to see where the fire panel is. That is why I ask if we can come off a smoke detector or pull station.
A big factor to consider is the circumstance where fire alarm pulls happen when there is no smoke.
Given that people might pull the alarm in a condition where there is not enough smoke to yet trip a detector, I'd rule out using a sensor.
You really need to check with the AHJ as what you are trying to do sounds like it could be against code. Better safe than sorry in this situation. AHJ's get really picky when it comes to stairwells.
The person that suggested said they do it quite often with the AHJ's approval. But we do plan on checking.
The stairwell door must have positive latching which it sounds like it does with the crash bar. The issue you may come into is if you are trying to keep someone from entering the stairwell. If that's the case then you will probably need a delayed egress device, which can be a specialized maglock with this feature. Also you can't have two delayed devices in the same fire exit path. Good luck with this. One thing for sure in this industry is that we all learn something new all the time.
There are a couple of potential issues here.
1.) I would be shocked if any AHJ would allow you to tie directly to an initiating device. I have never explored the code to see if this is explicitly disallowed, but I would be shocked if it's not. With that said, a very simple (and reasonably inexpensive) relay can be added at just about any location, and that relay CAN, in most cases, be pulled directly from an initiating loop.
TL;DR - Bring in a licensed fire alarm company to install a relay for this purpose.
2.) Shannon points out that the stairwells must have positive latching, which a maglock does not provide. You have a few options here -
A. Install a fail-safe electrified trim retrofit onto the existing crashbar, and use that to control access instead of a maglock. (Side note - never use maglocks. Ever.)
B. If you're dead set on doing it the wrong way and using a maglock for some bizarre reason, you may have a potential code issue even then, as you will likely NOT be able to use two separate latching mechanisms on the same door. Some AHJ's will approve a passage latchset that will just latch the door shut but can be operated from either side, but most will not in my experience. In other words, you may have no choice but to do it the "right" way and use an electrified exit device.
Ask questions and get answers to your physical security questions from IPVM team members and fellow subscribers.
