Lock and Security Equipment (C-28) · Lesson 5 of 7

Delayed Egress Locks: The 15-Second Rule, the Sign, and the Path Limit

"Delayed Egress Locks: The 15-Second Rule, the Sign, and the Path Limit" is lesson 5 of 7 in the Lock and Security Equipment (C-28) Learning Hub. It opens with "Where Delayed Egress Is Allowed" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Where Delayed Egress Is Allowed
  2. What Must Defeat the Delay
  3. The 15-Second and 3-Second Numbers
  4. How Many Delayed Doors on One Path
  5. Signs, Lighting, Listing and Hardware

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, from "Check that delayed egress is allowed at all" through "Compare with a Group B office".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Delayed Egress Locks: The 15-Second Rule, the Sign, and the Path Limit" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "The 15-Second and 3-Second Numbers".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "How Many Delayed Doors on One Path".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Signs, Lighting, Listing and Hardware".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Delayed Egress: 15 Seconds and the Two-System LimitGROUP R-2.1 PATH: TWO DELAYED EGRESS DOORSOption X: 15 + 15 = 30 s OKDoor A: 15 sDoor B: 15 sOption Y: 15 + 20 = 35 s FAILDoor A: 15 sDoor B: 20 s01530 s limit40REQUIRED DOOR SIGNPUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS.DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS.DELAYED EGRESS CHECKLIST (1010.2.12)- Sprinklered (903.3.1.1) + smoke/heat detection- Push 3 s or less: door opens within 15 s- Audible alarm sounds at the door- Delay ends on sprinkler, detection, power loss- Can be deactivated at fire command center- Manual rearm only; delay not field adjustable- Emergency lighting; lock UL 294 or UL 1034Sign letters 1 in high, stroke 1/8 in minimumOption X passes: two systems, 15 + 15 = 30 s, not over the 30 s combined limitOption Y fails: 15 + 20 = 35 s, which is 5 s over the limitA path may pass through only ONE delayed egress system unless an exception applies2025 CBC 1010.2.12 and 1010.2.12.1 (items 1 to 11 and exceptions); CFC Ch. 10 reprints the same textCC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Where Delayed Egress Is Allowed

2025 CBC §1010.2.12 permits delayed egress electrical locking systems only in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system under §903.3.1.1 and an approved automatic smoke or heat detection system under §907. The occupancies named are Groups B, F, I, M, R, S and U, Group E classrooms with an occupant load of less than 50, and (on doors other than the main exit or exit access door) courtrooms in Group A-3 and B. If the building is not sprinklered and detected, a delayed egress lock cannot be used.

Step 2: What Must Defeat the Delay

§1010.2.12.1 requires that the delay deactivate on actuation of the automatic sprinkler system and, for the delay electronics, on actuation of the smoke or heat detection system, allowing immediate free egress. The delay must also deactivate on loss of electrical power to the electrical locking system or electrical lock, and the delay must be capable of being deactivated at the fire command center and other approved locations. Note that the printed text of item 1 (in both the CBC and the CFC) cross-references §1010.2.13, which is the Group I-2 controlled egress section; the sprinkler and detection requirements for delayed egress are stated in §1010.2.12 itself, so confirm the intent with the plan checker if it matters on your job.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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