Special Locking Arrangements Tool

This tool helps determine the appropriate special locking arrangement to permit compliant egress in the event of a fire alarm activation. 

Contrary to common belief, unlocking a door upon fire alarm activation is not the only means for enabling compliant egress. The options for locking doors, known as special locking arrangements (SLAs), in the 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 101^®, Life Safety Code^® (LSC), include a litany of door operation features. This can include unlocking upon power loss, remote release or upon occupant approach, to name a few. In fact, some SLAs do not require release on some or any fire alarm activation conditions. 

Regardless of which option is selected, an operational analysis to determine the required functions of the locking mechanism is crucial to installing code-compliant security. Use this tool to determine the appropriate SLA based on the security needs required by the facility.