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IBC 1010.1.9 Electromagnetic Lock Compliance: All Three Conditions Explained
Electromagnetic locks are fail-safe access control devices -- they release when power is cut. That makes them inherently safer than mechanical deadbolts on egress doors. But the International Building Code adds specific requirements that must all be present simultaneously before an electromagnetic lock is legal on a required egress path. Missing any one of the three conditions produces a code violation that may not appear until the AHJ inspection. We've been specifying maglock systems for K-12 schools, hospitals, government facilities, and commercial buildings as an authorized Securitron distributor since 2001. Here is exactly what IBC Section 1010.1.9 requires.
IBC 1010.1.9 Three Conditions for Electromagnetic Locks on Required Egress Doors
All three conditions must be present simultaneously -- two out of three is a code violation
IBC Section 1010.1.9 (2018 edition) permits electromagnetic locks on egress doors when all three of the following conditions are met simultaneously. Not two of three. All three.
Condition 1: The lock releases upon loss of power to the device. This is inherent to all electromagnetic locks -- fail-safe by fundamental design. No continuous power equals no magnetic bond equals door opens freely. Every maglock we stock meets this condition automatically.
Condition 2: The lock releases upon actuation of a manual release device located 40 to 48 inches above the floor and within 5 feet of the secured opening. The device must be labeled PUSH TO EXIT in letters not less than 1 inch in height on a contrasting background.
Condition 3: The lock releases upon actuation of the fire alarm system including activation of the sprinkler system if provided. Any component of the fire alarm system triggering -- pull station, smoke detector, heat detector, water flow switch -- must cause the maglock to release.
IBC 1010.1.9 Condition 1: Fail-Safe Power Loss Release Requirement for Electromagnetic Locks
Fail-safe electromagnetic lock design inherently satisfies power loss egress requirement
Electromagnetic locks require continuous electrical power to maintain the magnetic bond. When building power is cut for any reason -- tripped breaker, grid outage, system failure -- the maglock loses power and the door opens freely. This is Condition 1 of IBC 1010.1.9 and is built into the electromagnetic lock technology itself. No additional hardware is required to satisfy Condition 1. Every standard electromagnetic lock from Securitron, Dynalock, SDC, BEA, RCI, and Rofu satisfies it automatically.
Battery backup configuration that maintains IBC 1010.1.9 power loss compliance
A battery-backed power supply that keeps the maglock energized during a building power outage would violate Condition 1. Battery backup on a maglock system should be configured to maintain the access control panel, readers, and REX sensors on battery while still cutting power to the maglocks on main power loss. Most UL-listed access control power supplies including the Securitron BPS Series support this configuration. The lock circuit is on main power only. The control circuit is battery-backed.
IBC 1010.1.9 Condition 2: Manual Release Device REX Sensor and PUSH TO EXIT Label Requirements
PIR passive infrared REX sensor Bosch DS160 as institutional standard for automatic egress
A PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects body heat and motion in the approach path to the door and releases the maglock before the occupant reaches it. No button press required. The Bosch DS160 is the most specified PIR REX sensor in US institutional construction. Its Sequential Logic Input (SLI) technology requires directional movement toward the door -- not just any motion in the detection zone. This filters false activations from HVAC airflow and cleaning equipment movement, which is critical in commercial environments where the door is near air handling equipment or high-traffic service corridors. See all REX sensors and egress devices.
Push button egress device for loading dock pharmacy and security checkpoint specification
Push button devices require a deliberate button press for egress signal. Correct for loading docks where forklift traffic near doors should not trigger automatic lock release. Correct for pharmacy dispensing areas where deliberate egress signaling is a compliance requirement. Correct for security checkpoints where automatic detection creates unintended release events. Push buttons are the exception. PIR sensors are the standard commercial specification.
PUSH TO EXIT label IBC requirement that fails inspections most often
IBC 1010.1.9.3 requires the manual release device to be labeled PUSH TO EXIT in letters not less than 1 inch high on a contrasting background. Most standard push buttons ship without this label. An unlabeled push button at the correct height in the correct location still fails the IBC 1010.1.9.3 inspection. Verify that your push button product includes the label, or order the label separately and apply it at installation. Camden CM-55PT ships with the label as standard.
40 to 48 inch mounting height requirement for REX device IBC compliance
IBC 1010.1.9.3 requires the manual release device to be located 40 to 48 inches vertically above the finished floor and within 5 feet of the secured opening. These are hard dimensions. A correctly specified PIR sensor or push button mounted at 39 inches or 50 inches fails the inspection regardless of the device itself. Measure from finished floor, not subfloor, and confirm the mounting height during rough-in.
IBC 1010.1.9 Condition 3: Fire Alarm System Integration and Dry Contact Wiring for Maglocks
Fire alarm dry contact relay wiring for maglock power circuit release
The access control panel or a dedicated relay connects the fire alarm panel's normally-closed dry contact output to the maglock power circuit. When the fire alarm activates for any reason, the relay opens, cutting power to the maglock, which fails safe and releases. This integration must be coordinated between the access control installer and the fire alarm contractor before installation. Adding it after the fact requires running new wire from the fire alarm panel to the maglock power circuit.
Any fire alarm system component activation triggers required maglock release
Activates means any component of the fire alarm system. Manual pull stations, smoke detectors in the corridor, heat detectors, and water flow switches on the sprinkler system all count as fire alarm activations. All of them must trigger maglock release. Confirm with the fire alarm system installer that the panel provides a dry contact output configured to activate on any alarm condition -- not just specific zones or specific detector types. Zone-specific release does not satisfy IBC 1010.1.9 Condition 3.
IBC 1010.1.9 vs IBC 1010.1.9.7 Delayed Egress: Two Different Code Provisions
Standard maglock egress under 1010.1.9 requires immediate release on all three conditions
Under standard IBC 1010.1.9, the maglock releases immediately when any of the three conditions is triggered. No delay is permitted. No alarm is required at the door. Any commercial or institutional occupancy may use electromagnetic locks under this provision as long as all three conditions are implemented.
Delayed egress under 1010.1.9.7 for behavioral health correctional and retail applications
IBC Section 1010.1.9.7 is a separate provision for specific occupancy types where a delay is operationally necessary -- correctional day programs, behavioral health inpatient facilities, and certain retail applications. It permits a timed delay of up to 15 seconds before door release. It requires dedicated delayed egress hardware (not a standard electromagnetic lock), AHJ approval for the specific occupancy classification, and a mandatory audible alarm during the delay period. It also requires immediate release on fire alarm activation with no delay.
Do not confuse these two provisions. An electromagnetic lock with a push button and fire alarm link installed as a behavioral health door application must use the delayed egress provision (1010.1.9.7) with appropriate hardware and AHJ approval -- not the standard maglock provision (1010.1.9).
| Feature | IBC 1010.1.9 Standard Maglock | IBC 1010.1.9.7 Delayed Egress |
|---|---|---|
| Release timing | Immediate on any of the three conditions | Up to 15 seconds after occupant contacts door |
| Occupancies | Any commercial occupancy | Correctional day programs, behavioral health, certain retail with AHJ approval |
| Audible alarm at door | Not required | Mandatory during the delay period |
| Hardware type | Standard electromagnetic lock with REX and fire alarm link | Dedicated delayed egress lock or exit device |
| Fire alarm override | Immediate release | Immediate release with no delay |
| AHJ approval required | Standard inspection | Specific occupancy approval |
Electromagnetic Lock Holding Force Selection for IBC 1010.1.9 Compliant Installations
Securitron M38 600 pound maglock specification for standard interior commercial doors
The Securitron M38 at 600 lb holding force is the standard specification for interior single-door commercial applications. It draws approximately 400mA at 12VDC steady state. For a single M38 power supply minimum: 400mA multiplied by 1.25 safety factor equals 500mA minimum supply current. See the Securitron maglock catalog for all M Series configurations.
1200 pound and 1500 pound maglock specification for exterior and high-security applications
Securitron M62 and M68 at 1,200 lb for exterior applications and higher-security interior access points. Securitron M82B at 1,500 lb for high-security applications. Do not over-specify holding force. A 1,500 lb maglock on a standard interior door draws more current, requires a larger power supply, and makes the door feel unnecessarily heavy for normal occupants. Match the holding force to the application's actual security requirement.
Why American Locksets for IBC 1010.1.9 Compliant Maglock Systems
American Locksets has been an authorized Securitron, SDC, RCI, and Dynalock distributor since 2001. In 23 years we've specified IBC 1010.1.9-compliant maglock systems for K-12 schools, hospital systems, government facilities, and commercial buildings. We help you select the correct maglock, REX sensor, push button, power supply, and fire alarm relay -- not just the maglock body.
- Authorized Securitron distributor since 2001 -- complete M Series maglock and BPS Series power supply catalog
- IBC 1010.1.9 system configuration support -- REX sensor selection, power supply sizing, fire alarm wiring guidance
- 23 years of institutional maglock projects that passed AHJ inspection the first time
- Free shipping on orders over $300 from Monroe, NY
- Same-day shipping on most in-stock Securitron configurations
- 4.81 out of 5.0 from 435 verified ResellerRatings customer reviews
- Call 877-471-4870 for IBC 1010.1.9 system configuration guidance before finalizing your specification
Browse our complete electromagnetic lock catalog including Securitron M Series, Dynalock, SDC, BEA, RCI, and Rofu. Shop REX sensors and PUSH TO EXIT push buttons. Size your system with our access control power supply guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About IBC 1010.1.9 Maglock Compliance
Does a keypad on the outside of the door satisfy the Condition 2 manual release requirement?
No. The Condition 2 manual release device must be on the egress side -- the interior of the door. An outside keypad is an entry credential device. The PIR sensor or push button on the inside is separate from and in addition to any outside entry credential hardware. Both must be present.
What happens to an IBC 1010.1.9-compliant maglock when the fire alarm activates?
The maglock releases immediately with no delay. The fire alarm panel signals the relay, the relay cuts power to the maglock, and the door opens freely. Fire alarm activation overrides all access control functions for maglock systems under IBC 1010.1.9. There is no delay option under standard 1010.1.9.
Can a maglock be installed on a K-12 school stairwell door?
In most cases yes, with the same three IBC 1010.1.9 conditions plus attention to stairwell reentry. IBC Section 1010.1.9.11 specifically addresses stairwell reentry -- at minimum every 4th floor must allow reentry, and some configurations require reentry at every floor. Confirm stairwell reentry provisions with your AHJ before specifying maglocks on stairwell doors.
Is a Bosch DS160 or a push button better for an office building interior maglock?
The Bosch DS160 PIR sensor is the standard specification for most interior commercial applications. It provides automatic hands-free egress -- the door releases as you approach, before you reach it. The DS160 SLI technology filters false activations from HVAC airflow and equipment movement, which matters in commercial environments. Push buttons are specified only for applications where automatic detection creates operational problems. Default to DS160 for standard office building interior maglocks.
Does battery backup on the power supply affect IBC 1010.1.9 compliance?
Yes, if configured incorrectly. A battery that keeps the maglock energized during a building power outage violates Condition 1. Configure the power supply so the lock circuit is on main power only and releases on main power loss. The control circuit -- panel, readers, REX sensors -- can run on battery. Call 877-471-4870 for Securitron BPS Series power supply configuration guidance.
About this article: Written by the American Locksets hardware specification team, Monroe, NY. Authorized Securitron, SDC, RCI, Dynalock, BEA, and Rofu distributor since 2001. We've specified IBC 1010.1.9-compliant maglock systems for K-12 schools, hospital systems, university campuses, government facilities, and commercial buildings across all 50 states. 4.81 out of 5.0 from 435 verified ResellerRatings reviews. Call 877-471-4870 for system configuration support.