Fail-Secure Locks: Safe Egress & Knox Box Fire Access - Avenger Security

Fail-Secure Doors and Knox Box Access: A Field Video

A fail-secure electric strike or electrified lock can keep the outside entry controlled after a power loss while the approved inside hardware still permits people to leave. The complete door assembly, not the lock label alone, determines safe egress.

Check the mechanical key path

For a building that uses a Knox Box or another approved rapid-access arrangement, confirm that the key held for responders still operates the door after the electronic hardware is installed. A card reader is not a substitute for the required mechanical entry method. The fire authority determines what key or access method it requires for the property.

Check the door before wiring

  • Verify the latch, strike, frame, door swing and fire rating.
  • Test the lever or exit device from inside without depending on an app, reader or REX sensor for free egress.
  • Confirm that the approved responder key works with power on and off.
  • Check the door-position contact, forced-door and held-open alarms.
  • Document any approved fire-alarm interface or special controlled-egress sequence.

Fail-safe magnetic locks have different release requirements and should be evaluated under the particular occupancy and approved plans. For a broader explanation, read fail-safe versus fail-secure door hardware.

Field video

Example of discussing fail-secure operation, mechanical exit and responder access.

Avenger Security designs access-controlled doors in Austin and Central Texas. Request a door-by-door review.

Back to blog