fail-safe & fail-secure compliance tool

in the electronic security industry, the terms "fail-safe" and "fail-secure" dictate how a lock behaves when the building loses electricity. making the wrong choice doesn't just mean your building is insecure—it can violate strict life-safety fire codes, trap occupants during an emergency, and lead to failed inspections.

defining the two locking states

it is entirely possible to secure a building while still guaranteeing free egress (the ability to exit) during an emergency. here is how the two lock states function:

• fail-safe (power to lock): the lock requires continuous electricity to remain locked. if the power goes out, the lock immediately releases. this prioritizes life safety and egress over security. magnetic locks are inherently fail-safe.
• fail-secure (power to unlock): the lock remains physically latched without electricity. it only requires a momentary burst of power to unlock. if the power goes out, the door stays locked from the outside. this prioritizes security. occupants on the inside can still exit by turning the mechanical handle or pushing the crash bar. electric strikes and electrified mortise locks are typically fail-secure.

how to use the compliance decider

select your proposed hardware type and your door's fire rating from the tool below. our system will evaluate the life-safety requirements and tell you exactly which locking state you must specify when ordering your hardware.

making fail-safe legal: the fire alarm interface (fai)

if you utilize magnetic locks, or if you choose to install a fail-safe electric strike, you are creating a scenario where electricity is physically trapping occupants inside the building. to make this system legally compliant, it must be tied into the building's main fire alarm system.

to accomplish this, you must purchase a power supply equipped with a fire alarm interface (fai) relay. when the building's fire alarm sounds, the FAI relay automatically cuts 12v/24v power to the locks, ensuring all doors instantly release so occupants can evacuate without needing to scan a badge or push a button.

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