National Building Code of Canada - Section 296

Division B 3.4.6.16. j) where a bypass switch is installed to allow testing of the fire alarm system, actuation of the switch i) canpreventthereleaseofthelockingdevicebythefire alarm system, as stated in Clause (b), during the test, and ii) causes an audible and visib le signal to be indicated at the fire alarm annunciator panel required by Article 3.2.4.9. and at the monitoring station specified in Sentence 3.2.4.8.(4), k) emergency lighting complying with Sentence 3.2.7.3.(1) is provided, and l) where they are installed on doors providing emergency crossover access to floor areas from exit stairs in accordance with Article 3.4.6.18., i) the locking device releases immediately upon the operation of a manual station for the fire alarm system located on the wall on the exit stair side not more than 600 mm from the door, ii) a visual information sign displaying the words “Re-entry door unlocked by fire alarm” that complies with Subsection 3.8.3. is permanently mounted on the door on the exit stair side, and iii) a tactile information sign displaying the words “Re-entry door unlocked by fire alarm” that complies with Subsection 3.8.3. is permanently mounted near the door on the exit stair side. (See Note A-3.4.6.16.(5).) 6) Electromagnetic locks that do not inco rporate latches, pins or other similar devices to keep the door in the closed position are permitted to be installed on doors in Group B, Division 2 and Division 3 occupancies, provided a) the building is i) equipped with a fire alarm system, and ii) sprinklered, b) the electromagnetic lock releases upon i) actuation of the alarm signal from the building's fire alarm system, ii) loss of its power supply and of power to its auxiliary controls, iii) actuation of a manually op erated switch that is readily accessible at a constantly attended location within the locked space, and iv) actuation of the manual station installed within 0.5 m of each door and equipped with an auxiliary contact, which directly releases the electromagnetic lock, c) upon release, the electromagnetic lock requires manual resetting by actuation of the switch referred to in Subclause (b)(iii), d) a visual information sign complying with Subsection 3.8.3. that displays the words “Emergency exit unlocked by fire alarm” is permanently mounted on the door, e) a tactile information sign complying wi th Subsection 3.8.3. that displays the words “Emergency exit unlocked by fire alarm” is permanently mounted near the door, f) the operation of any by-pass switch, where provided for testing of the fire alarm system, sets off an audible signal and a visible signal at the fire alarm annunciator panel and at the monitoring station referred to in Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4), and g) emergency lighting complying wi th Sentence 3.2.7.3.(1) is provided. (See Note A-3.4.6.16.(6).) 7) Except as provided in Sentence 3.4.6.17.(9), door release hardware for the operation of the doors referred to in this Section shall be installed between 900 mm and 1 100 mm above the finished floor. National Building Code of Canada 2025 Volume 1 Division B 3-157