Access control in fire doors: A guide to electronic access control systems

Modern buildings demand doors that deliver both security and safe escape. For architects and contractors, this often means specifying fire-rated doors with integrated access control systems.

Fire door access control specification must be considered early in the design process. At Forza Doors, this is a core part of our ongoing primary testing and certification programme.

The risks of introducing access control

• Will the locking method affect fire resistance & certification compliance?
• Does the assembly still comply with building regulations?
• Has the complete configuration actually been tested with the relevant core and frame material?

Too often access control is treated as a late-stage addition. For architects that’s where projects become exposed to redesigns, failed inspections, or worse, liability.

Specifying access control systems in fire doors

Access control systems are widely used across hospitality, commercial, and residential projects due to their security and scalability requirements.

A common misunderstanding in access-controlled fire door specification is assuming the hardware provides the complete singular solution. When in reality, consideration needs to be for the complete control system, not simply the physical lock as a singular item.

For example, an automated swing door opening & closing system may also require safety sensors, electronic contacts & finger guards according to various standards. Similarly, electronic locking hardware is required to achieve connectivity with fire and smoke alarm systems as well as a battery back up provision.

Therefore, architects should ensure that any electronically controlled access door is part of a fully tested fire door assembly. At Forza Doors, we support this through pre-tested configurations, removing uncertainty at design stage.

Compliance and safety essentials

The number one thing to check when choosing the right electronically operated fire door lock is: Tested compatibility, ideally with supporting primary test evidence

Locks must:

• Be compatible with the fire door manufacturer's door & frame construction
• Be included within the fire door manufacturer's certified fire door test evidence

For escape routes, locks should be:

• Fail-safe (unlock on power failure)
• This ensures safe egress during fire alarm activation and power loss

Stay in scope

Not all locks are approved for all fire doors, specifying outside the tested scope can not only invalidate the fire rating but also create compliance risks for contractors and designers. 

Specifying outside the tested scope can invalidate the fire rating and create compliance risks for contractors and designers. A compliant access-controlled fire door assembly relies on several elements working together.

For contractors, the biggest risk is disconnected specification, where systems are designed or installed separately without a single point of responsibility. Forza has primary tested selected lock variants within certified assemblies providing a clear, compliant route to specification.

The safest and most efficient approach is to specify fully tested assemblies or sets that have suitable evidence to underpin their performance claims.

Our approach

• Fire door assemblies tested to British & European test standards
• Approved hardware included within the certification scope
• Compatibility with leading electronic access systems

The above provides confidence for architects during design and reduces risk for contractors during procurement and installation. We can provide clear documentation for building control approval. 

As access control becomes standard across modern buildings, the need for compliant fire door integration has never been greater.

By clearly defining the control system, locking hardware and the certified fire door assembly, architects and contractors can confidently deliver projects that meet both security and fire safety requirements.

Explore our range of primary-tested access control solutions below ⤵️