Modern access control isn’t just about locking doors—it’s about managing people, risk, and life-safety egress.
For commercial property managers, facility directors, and contractors across Nampa, Boise, Meridian, and the Treasure Valley, access control systems can reduce unauthorized entry, simplify credential management, and improve incident response. The key is getting the system designed and installed so it supports both security goals and safe, code-compliant exiting—especially during a fire alarm, power loss, or other emergency.
What an Access Control System Should Do (Beyond “Open/Close”)
A commercial access control system is a combination of door hardware, electronic locking devices, readers (card/fob/mobile), controllers, software, and power supplies that work together to decide who can go where—and when. When it’s done correctly, you get stronger perimeter control without sacrificing occupant safety.
Common commercial goals access control can support
The Life-Safety Side: Why Egress Matters as Much as Security
In commercial environments, the most important question is not “Can we lock the door?” It’s “Can everyone get out quickly and safely during an emergency?” Codes like NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and the International Building Code (IBC) include specific requirements for access-controlled egress doors—especially when electronic locks are used in the path of egress. (hendersonengineers.com)
While the exact requirements depend on occupancy type, hardware type (maglocks vs. electrified latch hardware), and the door’s role in egress, a few themes come up repeatedly: automatic release on fire alarm/sprinkler activation, release on loss of power, and a clearly identified manual “PUSH TO EXIT” release that interrupts power directly and keeps the door unlocked for a minimum period. (nationaltrainingcenter.com)
A practical rule of thumb for property teams
If a door is electronically locked and people may need to exit through it, treat it as a life-safety door first and a security door second. The best systems are designed so that “safe egress” is automatic, fast, and obvious—even for first-time visitors.
Access-Controlled Egress: Key Features Inspectors Look For
Many access-controlled egress arrangements require a combination of automatic and manual release methods. In plain language, that usually means: (1) a sensor that unlocks the door when someone approaches from the egress side, (2) a manual release device (often labeled “PUSH TO EXIT”) located near the door that directly cuts power to the lock, and (3) automatic release tied to the building’s fire alarm or sprinkler signal—plus release on power loss. (nationaltrainingcenter.com)
| Release Method | What it does | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Request-to-exit (REX) motion sensor | Unlocks automatically as an occupant approaches the door. | Supports fast, intuitive exiting without credentials. (hendersonengineers.com) |
| Manual “PUSH TO EXIT” release | Directly interrupts power to the lock for a minimum time (commonly ≥ 30 seconds). | Provides a clear, fail-simple way out if sensors fail or conditions change. (nationaltrainingcenter.com) |
| Fire alarm / sprinkler interface | Unlocks doors automatically when the fire alarm activates (as required for the arrangement). | Prevents egress doors from staying locked during an alarm condition. (nationaltrainingcenter.com) |
| Power loss release (fail-safe behavior) | Unlocks on loss of power to the lock/locking system (when required). | Maintains safe egress during outages or electrical failures. (hendersonengineers.com) |
How to Plan a Commercial Access Control Project (Step-by-Step)
1) Map your doors and risk areas
List every controlled opening: exterior doors, tenant entries, IT/server rooms, supply cages, staff-only corridors, and shared building amenities. Mark which doors are in the path of egress and which are strictly for access restriction (not used for exiting).
2) Choose credentials that match your operations
Cards and fobs are common for multi-tenant or multi-shift sites. Mobile credentials can reduce replacement costs and streamline onboarding. For higher-risk areas, consider multi-factor options (e.g., card + PIN).
3) Select hardware based on door type and code constraints
The same “access control” decision can mean very different hardware in the field: electrified strikes, electrified latch retraction, magnetic locks, or door hardware with built-in release switches. Egress requirements are not identical across these options, so making the selection early helps avoid change orders.
4) Coordinate the fire alarm interface before install day
For doors that must unlock on alarm, the interface needs to be designed so the locks release reliably during fire alarm/sprinkler activation and stay released for the duration of the alarm condition (until the system is reset), as required by the applicable arrangement and code. (nationaltrainingcenter.com)
5) Test like an AHJ will test
Don’t stop at “badge works.” Verify: door unlock on approach (if used), manual push-to-exit function, behavior on power loss, and behavior during a live fire alarm condition. Document results so facilities teams can repeat checks after tenant improvements or maintenance.
Where Access Control Fits Into an Integrated Security Plan
Many Idaho facilities get the best results when access control is deployed as part of an integrated system:
Local Angle: What Nampa & Treasure Valley Facilities Should Keep in Mind
In the Treasure Valley, access control decisions often intersect with real-world conditions: mixed-use occupancy, fast tenant turnover, distribution/warehouse traffic, and weather-driven door wear. A practical approach is to standardize credentials and door hardware where you can, then build in flexibility for tenant spaces that may change.
Also, Idaho uses statewide building code adoption with local amendments allowed in some cases. That means your Nampa project should be reviewed with the local AHJ early—especially if you’re planning special locking arrangements, delayed egress, or integrating locks with a fire alarm system. (awc.org)
Pro tip for contractors
If doors, frames, and hardware are being replaced during a TI (tenant improvement), treat access control as part of the door package—not an afterthought. It reduces field surprises and helps the security and life-safety systems function as a coordinated whole.
Talk with a local team about access control that supports both security and safe egress
Crane Alarm Service helps commercial facilities across Nampa and the greater Idaho region plan, install, integrate, and maintain access control systems—coordinating the details that matter: door hardware, power, software, and fire-alarm release requirements where applicable.
FAQ: Commercial Access Control Systems
Do access-controlled doors have to unlock when the fire alarm activates?
Many access-controlled egress arrangements require doors to unlock upon fire alarm or sprinkler activation and remain unlocked while the alarm condition is active (until reset), but the exact requirement depends on the locking method, door location, and occupancy/code provisions. Coordinate design requirements with your AHJ. (nationaltrainingcenter.com)
What is a “push to exit” button and why is it required?
It’s a manual release device placed near an access-controlled door that, when pressed, directly interrupts power to the lock (independent of other electronics) and keeps the door unlocked for a minimum period (commonly at least 30 seconds). It provides a simple, reliable way to exit if sensors fail. (nationaltrainingcenter.com)
Can access control reduce rekeying costs in multi-tenant buildings?
Yes. When turnover happens, access can often be updated by deactivating credentials rather than replacing keys and cores. Many properties also use scheduled access to reduce the need for after-hours key distribution.
Should we use maglocks or electrified latch hardware?
It depends on door construction, usage, and code constraints. Each approach has pros/cons for durability, power requirements, and egress compliance. A site assessment should consider traffic volume, door alignment issues, fire-rated assemblies, and how the door must behave during alarms and outages.
How often should access control systems be tested?
At minimum, test after installation, after tenant improvements or door hardware changes, and after any fire alarm modifications that affect door release. Many facilities add periodic checks (monthly or quarterly) focusing on egress-side release, power-loss behavior, and event logging.