Read-in, free egress and read-out access control explained

Access control systems are commonly used to control who can enter a building, room or restricted area. In many cases, the main focus is on controlling entry from the outside. However, some doors also need access control on the exit side.

This is where terms such as read-in, free egress and read-out are used.

These terms describe how people enter and leave through an access-controlled door. Understanding the difference is important when choosing electric locks, solenoid lockcases, panic hardware, exit devices and complete access control lock packages.

What does read-in mean?

Read-in means that a person must present a valid credential to enter through the door from the outside or secure side.

This credential may be a proximity card, key fob, keypad PIN, biometric reader, intercom release signal or another approved access control input.

When access is authorised, the electric lock or locking device releases, allowing the user to open the door.

Read-in access control is commonly used on:

• Office entrances
• Staff-only areas
• Plant rooms
• Store rooms
• Education buildings
• Healthcare areas
• Apartment entrances
• Restricted access doors
• Commercial and industrial buildings

In a read-in setup, the outside of the door is controlled by the access control system.

What does free egress mean?

Free egress means that people can exit through the door without needing to present a card, fob, PIN or other access control credential.

In a typical electric lock package, this may mean the inside handle always operates the lock, allowing people to leave safely and easily. On other systems, free egress may be provided using a press to exit button, request to exit device, emergency door release unit or panic hardware, depending on the door type and application.

Free egress is especially important on escape routes and doors used by building occupants during normal operation.

A read-in / free egress door normally controls entry from one side only, while allowing exit from the inside.

What does read-out mean?

Read-out means that a person must also present a valid credential to exit through the door.

Instead of allowing the inside handle to operate freely, the exit side is also controlled by the access control system. This means users may need to present a card, fob, PIN or other credential before the door can be opened from the inside.

Read-out access control is often used where a site needs to monitor or control both entry and exit.

Typical examples include:

• High-security rooms
• Restricted internal areas
• Laboratories
• Data rooms
• Stock rooms
• Controlled office areas
• Sensitive storage areas
• Buildings requiring entry and exit audit trails

A read-in / read-out door provides access control on both sides of the door.

Read-in / free egress vs read-in / read-out

The main difference is how the door behaves from the inside.

With read-in / free egress, the outside is controlled by the access control system, but the inside allows people to leave without presenting a credential.

With read-in / read-out, both sides of the door are controlled by the access control system.

Read-in / free egress is generally used where people need to leave quickly and easily. Read-in / read-out is used where the exit side also needs to be controlled, monitored or restricted.

Where do electric locks fit in?

Electric locks, solenoid lockcases and motor locks are often used where access control needs to work with traditional door furniture such as handles, cylinders and panic hardware.

For example, a solenoid lockcase may allow the outside handle to be controlled by the access control system while the inside handle always works for free egress. This type of arrangement is common on read-in / free egress doors.

Other lockcases can be configured so that both handles are electrically controlled, making them suitable for read-in / read-out applications.

Choosing the correct lock type is important because not every electric lock is suitable for every door arrangement.

What is a read-in / free egress lock package?

A read-in / free egress lock package is designed to control access from the outside while allowing safe exit from the inside.

A typical package may include:

• Electric lockcase or solenoid lock
• Cylinder for key override
• Door loop or lead cover
• Handle furniture
• Optional door closer
• Panic or escape hardware where required

This type of package is commonly used on doors where authorised users need controlled entry, but anyone inside the building or room must be able to leave without using an access control credential.

What is a read-in / read-out lock package?

A read-in / read-out lock package is designed to control both entry and exit.

Both handles may be controlled by the access control system, meaning access is required from either side of the door. Key override is normally available where specified, allowing mechanical access if required.

This type of system is often used where it is important to know who entered and who left, or where the exit side of the door must also be restricted.

What about escape routes?

Escape routes need careful consideration. If a door forms part of an escape route, the locking hardware, door furniture and access control system must be suitable for that application.

Depending on the building and door use, the system may need to comply with escape hardware standards such as EN 179 or EN 1125.

As a general guide:

• EN 179 is commonly associated with emergency exit applications where users are familiar with the building.
• EN 1125 is commonly associated with panic exit applications where members of the public may be present.

The correct standard depends on the door, building type, occupancy and escape strategy. The complete door hardware set must be correctly specified, not just the electric lock.

Why key override is important

Many electric lock packages include a cylinder for mechanical key override. This allows the door to be opened using a key where required, even if the access control system is unavailable or the lock needs to be operated manually.

Key override is useful for:

• Facilities managers
• Security teams
• Emergency access
• Maintenance access
• System faults
• Power or control issues
• Managed access outside normal operating times

When choosing a lock package, check whether key override is required from one side or both sides.

Choosing the right access control lock package

Before ordering a lock package, it is important to check the door and system requirements carefully.

Key points to consider include:

• Is the door standard, narrow stile or multipoint?
• Is the door timber, metal, aluminium or another material?
• Is access control required from one side or both sides?
• Is free egress required from the inside?
• Is the door on an escape route?
• Is EN 179 or EN 1125 hardware required?
• Is key override required?
• What backset is needed?
• Is a door loop or lead cover required?
• Is a door closer required?
• Is the door fire-rated?
• What access control reader, keypad or intercom will operate the lock?

Checking these details before ordering helps avoid compatibility issues and ensures the correct lock package is selected for the application.

Summary

Read-in, free egress and read-out are important terms when choosing an access control locking solution.

A read-in / free egress door controls entry from the outside while allowing people to leave freely from the inside. This is common on many access-controlled doors.

A read-in / read-out door controls both entry and exit, requiring a valid access control credential from both sides.

The correct option depends on the door type, building use, escape requirements, security level and access control system. When the door is on an escape route or fire-rated door, the complete door hardware set, certification and installation requirements must be checked before ordering.

Choosing the right electric lock package helps ensure the door operates safely, securely and reliably as part of the wider access control system.