Check life-safety code constraints before installing deadbolts on egress doors
domain: nfpa.org · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
Before installing a deadbolt or double-cylinder lock on any door in a means of egress, check the applicable building/life-safety code and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction, since interpretations vary.
Note that codes only allow a double-cylinder (key-operated-both-sides) deadbolt in limited occupancy classifications and occupant-load thresholds, and typically only on the main exterior door or doors.
As a safer default, prefer a single-cylinder deadbolt with a thumbturn on the egress side, which avoids the key-both-sides restriction entirely.
Where a thumbturn deadbolt is used, ensure it and any other egress-side hardware can be operated without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and is mounted within the code-required height band.
Get the AHJ's sign-off in writing for any double-cylinder installation in a means of egress rather than relying solely on an independent code interpretation.
Known gotchas
Building and life-safety codes don't fully agree on the details, such as differing occupant-load thresholds for the same occupancy type, and the local AHJ has final say, so confirm locally rather than applying one code's numbers universally.
Occupancy classification drives what's allowed; a use change in the building can retroactively make a previously compliant double-cylinder deadbolt non-compliant.
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