Residential Code Question

bujaly

Here's a simple question that I keep meaning to ask. I often see double keyed deadbolt locks. Is there a code to where you can put these? Are you allowed to install one in a basement where the only exit, is the door your installing it, where there are no egress window(s)? What about having one installed on the front and back entry doors of the main floor? Can I only install it on one of the doors or both?
Anyway, just asking.

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Kingfisher

My understanding is that you can not put them on any egress doors. I have never been flagged by an inspector for it though. The rule I think is that the egress should be able to open without any special tools(key) or knowlage. Hope that helps

K2

In my county you will not pass a final on new construction with any double keyed deadbolts. I think it is a fire code and not a building code.

Also rentals that are inspected for section 8 are not allowed to have dbl keyed and also are not allowed to have keyed locks on bedroom doors etc. Pin locks are ok on interior doors.

Just have to think of the fireman who finds the kid and can see the front door through the smoke and flames. He heads for the door only to find no key on the inside.

Tom M

I think it comes down to passage of egress. So your question of other doors may come down to determining a room opposite that door be "habitable space" or storage. A basement could be both. The obvious reason is a 2 sided keyed door could lock in a space if that key was missing.

Milhaus

I agree with K2eoj that it is a fire code. A homeowner that I was working for bought one at Lowes (actually the morons at Lowes told her it was the right one - she's 75 - she doesn't know) to install on a walk through door we were putting on the back of the garage. Inspector said he would allow it on the garage but anywhere else in the house it would not be allowed due to fire concerns.

bujaly

Fire code.. Sounds right to me. That's what I was thinking of when I was asking? "How the hell would one escape a fire in the basement with no key in the lock?"
So I'm assuming these are probably meant for non-dwelling areas, such as the garage? Where else would this be feesable (feeezzzable, I just sounded it out LOL) to put one?

What about where there is an exit in the front and back, same floor?

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K2

I was just reading my 1985 ubc and they were not allowed under that code. I think they are just like bars on windows. They are not allowed either but people still put them on.

I use double keyed locks on my house. The keys are always in them except when we go away for a few days or more. It is still not right because it could trap a fireman while I'm sitting on a beach somewhere.

bujaly

Yeah.. But firemen carry big axes, don't they.. LOL
I was wondering, I've never installed one, but seen them on a few homes..
Thanks for the answers.. I'm gonna buy the IRC book...

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shed-n-deck

I've been racking my mind trying to figure out what it would be needed for....I've seen them too, but I don't understand them. The only thing that I can think of is if you want to lock people in and out. Although, they have single sided keyed bolts for locking people in. I suppose that depending on which side of the door you were on, it might be handy. Like in situations where you want the kids to leave you alone, you could go into your space and lock them out....But, locking from the inside is what gets me....

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Shed

K2

I think it is so criminals don't break the window and then open the door.

JohnJ0906

I just put a double sided deadbolt in my apartment door. I don't want someone breaking the window and just reaching in to open the door. I keep a key hanging on the wall 3' away in plain sight. It can't be reached from the window, but can be grabbed instantly.

I know people with these, and all of them keep spare keys in plain sight, just out of reach from the door.

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John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

JPF

Exact reason here for me....just have it on the door with the window, but keep the key just out of reach in a cabinet....

Kingfisher

Its not a "fire code" its in the building codes but its placed there for fire reasons. It in the internatonal residnetial code. R311.4.4 Type of lock or latch All egress doors shall be readily openable from the side which egress is to be made without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. I'm i the only one who actully reads the book

neolitic

I'll put them in for people who want lite in door big enough to reach through, and strongly adviseto leave the key in when they're at home--smoke and panic and your lucky to find the door, let alone a tiny little key! Average crack head ain't smart enough to bust out the light without getting your attention. Idea is if you're gone and they come in through the lite--they gotta hump yer big-screen out that way too.
As to the firefighter--I believe he's already dealt with the locked door in a firemanly way on his way IN

bujaly

Saweet!!!
I need to buy the book... I have way to many questions...
Thank you Kingfisher!!

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