Lock and Security Equipment (C-28) · Lesson 3 of 7

When Can an Egress Door Be Locked? Key Locks, Dwelling Doors and Classrooms

"When Can an Egress Door Be Locked? Key Locks, Dwelling Doors and Classrooms" is lesson 3 of 7 in the Lock and Security Equipment (C-28) Learning Hub. It opens with "The Baseline Rule" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. The Baseline Rule
  2. Key-Operated Locks on Main Doors (Item 3)
  3. Dwelling Units, Roofs and Outdoor Areas
  4. Classroom Intruder Locks (1010.2.7)
  5. Cal/OSHA and the Fire Official Also Apply

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, from "Start from the baseline" through "Cross-check a house".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "When Can an Egress Door Be Locked? Key Locks, Dwelling Doors and Classrooms" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Dwelling Units, Roofs and Outdoor Areas".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Classroom Intruder Locks (1010.2.7)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Cal/OSHA and the Fire Official Also Apply".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
When an Egress Door May Be Key-LockedOCCUPANT LOAD TEST: GROUP A BUILDING0400 people300 maximumHall A: 280Hall B: 320REQUIRED SIGN (Item 3)THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKEDWHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIEDletters 1 in high, contrasting backgroundOTHER LOCKS THE CBC PERMITSDwelling unit door (Item 5)Night latch, dead bolt, manual bolt or chainneeding a 2nd motion, openable from insidewithout a key or toolRoof door (Item 7)May be locked against entry from the roofClassroom, Group E (1010.2.7)Unlockable from outside by key or approvedmeans; openable from inside per 1010.2;no change to listed panic hardware, fire doorhardware or closers; fire doors per NFPA 80Hall A: 280 is 300 or less. Key-operated lock permitted on main doors, with sign.Hall B: 320 is over 300. Item 3 does not apply; only panic or fire exit hardware (1010.2.8).Baseline: egress doors open without a key, special knowledge or effort (1010.2)2025 CBC 1010.2, 1010.2.1, 1010.2.4 (Items 3, 5, 7), 1010.2.7, 1010.2.8; 8 CCR 3235(e)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: The Baseline Rule

2025 CBC §1010.2 says that except as specifically permitted by that section, egress doors shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. §1010.2.1 adds that unlatching any door or leaf for egress shall take not more than one motion in a single linear or rotational direction to release all latching and all locking devices, and that manual bolts are not permitted. Every lock you install on a door in the means of egress has to be justified by one of the exceptions below.

Step 2: Key-Operated Locks on Main Doors (Item 3)

§1010.2.4, Item 3 allows the main door or doors to have a key-operated locking device from the egress side in a Group A building with an occupant load of 300 or less, in Groups B, F, M and S, and in places of religious worship. All of these must be true: the doors are the main exterior doors of the building or the main doors of the tenant space; the locking device is readily distinguishable as locked; a readily visible, durable sign on or next to the door on the egress side reads THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED, in letters 1 inch high on a contrasting background; and the use of the device is revocable by the building official for due cause.

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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