Fire door assemblies in vertical openings shall be self-closing, latching, and normally kept closed. Electromagnetic hold open devices may be approved by the Department where all of the following conditions are met:

1. (1) Upon release, the door becomes self-closing.
2. (2) An approved release device is provided, so arranged that upon interruption of electric current, the door will be released.
3. (3) The release device is so designed that the door may be instantly released manually by some simple and readily obvious operation, and upon release the door becomes self-closing.

4. (4) The electric current will be positively interrupted by one or more of the following methods:

   1. (i) The operation of an approved automatic sprinkler system which protects the entire building, including both sides of any horizontal exit.
   2. (ii) The operation of an approved automatic fire alarm system installed to protect the entire building.
   3. (iii) By the operation of approved smoke detectors installed in such a way to detect smoke or other products of combustion on either side of the door opening.

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 51.31 (relating to vertical openings); 34 Pa. Code§ 52.31 (relating to vertical openings); 34 Pa. Code § 53.31 (relating to vertical openings); 34 Pa. Code § 54.31 (relating to vertical openings); 34 Pa. Code § 55.31 (relating to vertical openings); 34 Pa. Code § 57.31 (relating to vertical openings); 34 Pa. Code § 58.31 (relating to vertical openings); and 34 Pa. Code § 59.31 (relating to vertical openings).