Doors still unlocked after a fire alarm? Here’s why and what to do
For property managers, building operators and front desk staff. Applies to any access control brand.
The quick answer
Access controlled doors are designed to release when the fire alarm goes off so people can get out. On many systems the doors stay released until the fire alarm panel is reset, and sometimes the access control also needs a reset. If the fire alarm panel is reset and the doors are still unlocked, call us.
We’ll do it for you
Fire alarm reset and the doors still won’t lock? Call us. Same-day service available.
Before you start
Works with: Any access control brand connected to a fire alarm
Who it’s for: Property managers, building operators and front desk staff
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Why it happens
It’s life safety, not a fault. Locked doors on exit routes, and many stair doors, must release on a fire alarm so no one is trapped. See stairwell re-entry and fire alarm door releases for what the building code asks for.
What to do
Confirm the fire department or your fire alarm company has cleared and reset the fire alarm panel.
Check whether the doors relock on their own within a few minutes.
If they don’t, call us. Don’t try to override or disconnect the fire alarm release.
Safety first
Never tie, prop, chain or force doors locked while the fire alarm release is active, and never bypass or disconnect the fire alarm connection.
Fire alarm work belongs to your fire alarm company. We do the access control side and test with them.
What our technicians do
- Check the fire alarm release, the relay and the reset on the access control side.
- Coordinate with your fire alarm company.
- Test that doors release on alarm and relock afterwards.
- Same-day service available.
Doors still unlocked?
We’ll check the fire alarm release and reset with your fire alarm company, and test every door.
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
Questions
Is it normal for doors to unlock in a fire alarm?
Yes. Doors on exit routes must release so people can get out.
Why didn’t they lock again?
On many systems they stay released until the fire alarm panel is reset, and some access control systems need a reset too. If both are reset, call us.
Who resets the fire alarm panel?
The fire department or your fire alarm company, once the building is clear.
Can you fix it today?
Yes. Same-day service is available.
More answers: Access control questionsGlossary: credentialfail-safe vs fail-secure
Book a fire alarm release check
Tell us the building, which doors stayed unlocked and whether the fire alarm panel has been reset. We’ll follow up to sort it out.
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