CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code

Materials, corrosion resistance and strength requirements for panic hardware

Q: What if a manufacturer provides a listing from a national lab — is that sufficient?

A listing can be submitted but § 12-10-300(c) and § 12-10-304 note that listing by an approved agency is not automatically conclusive; the test report must be evaluated and may be accepted if it demonstrates conformance with the requirements in § 12-10-303 .

Q: Are 400‑series stainless steels acceptable for moving parts?

No — the section specifically requires equivalence to 300 series stainless for moving parts or passing the ASTM B117 120‑hour visual corrosion test. Use 300‑series grades or testing evidence. § 12-10-303(c) .

Panic hardware must use materials as strong as brass/bronze, springs equivalent to ASTM A313‑67 stainless, moving parts either 300‑series stainless or pass 120‑hour salt‑fog (ASTM B117), and nonmoving parts must have corrosion protection equivalent to 0.0005‑inch cadmium as demonstrated by ASTM B117 (16 hours). Avoid metal combinations that cause galvanic corrosion — these rules are in § 12-10-303.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Panic hardware must be constructed of materials with specified mechanical strength and corrosion resistance so the releasing mechanism will operate reliably. The controlling rule is § 12-10-303 — it sets minimum strength (equivalent to brass/bronze), spring material, salt‑fog corrosion tests for moving and nonmoving parts, and prohibits combinations of metals that cause detrimental galvanic action.

The single most important requirement: use materials and finishes that are at least as strong and corrosion‑resistant as the values specified in § 12-10-303 so the panic releasing mechanism will function under service and corrosive exposures.

Requirements in detail

Key defined terms (first mention bolded)

Strength — materials used in the releasing mechanism assembly must have mechanical strength equivalent to brass or bronze. § 12-10-303(a).
Springs — component springs must have spring properties equivalent to stainless steel conforming to ASTM A313-67. § 12-10-303(b).
Corrosion resistance of moving parts — moving parts must have corrosion resistance equivalent to 300 series stainless steel, or pass a salt fog (ASTM B117) test for 120 hours with no visual corrosion. § 12-10-303(c).
Nonmoving parts — nonmoving parts and cases must be of materials or coatings providing corrosion protection equivalent to 0.0005‑inch (0.01 mm) cadmium coating, demonstrated by comparison in salt fog (ASTM B117) for not less than 16 hours. § 12-10-303(d).
Galvanic action — coated or uncoated metals shall not be combined in a way that causes detrimental galvanic action that adversely affects function. § 12-10-303(e).
Nonmetallic materials — may be used as coatings for wearing surfaces or rollers if they otherwise conform to the section’s requirements. § 12-10-303(f).

Decision‑relevant values and thresholds (table)

Requirement	Decision‑relevant value / test	Code Reference
Minimum mechanical strength for releasing mechanism materials	Equivalent to brass or bronze	§ 12-10-303(a)
Springs material	Equivalent to stainless steel conforming to ASTM A313‑67	§ 12-10-303(b)
Moving parts corrosion resistance	300 series stainless, or no visible corrosion after ASTM B117 salt fog, 120 hours	§ 12-10-303(c)
Nonmoving parts corrosion protection	Equivalent to 0.0005‑inch (0.01 mm) cadmium coating, verified by ASTM B117 salt fog, ≥16 hours	§ 12-10-303(d)
Metal combinations	Must not produce detrimental galvanic action affecting function	§ 12-10-303(e)
Nonmetallic coatings	Permitted for wearing surfaces/rollers if they conform to above requirements	§ 12-10-303(f)

How to read those requirements (practical notes)

"Equivalent to brass or bronze" means the chosen metal or alloy must have comparable mechanical properties (strength, toughness) for the part’s function; documentation or test data may be required. § 12-10-303(a).
For springs, use stainless wire meeting ASTM A313‑67 (or a modern equivalent recognized by your authority having the same properties). § 12-10-303(b).
If you cannot supply 300‑series stainless moving parts, provide lab evidence of passing ASTM B117 salt‑fog for 120 hours with no visible corrosion. § 12-10-303(c).
For nonmoving housings you may use plated or coated alternatives — but they must produce corrosion protection comparable to 0.0005‑inch cadmium as shown by a 16‑hour B117 comparison test. § 12-10-303(d).

Exceptions & special cases

The text does not list numbered “exceptions” within § 12-10-303, but it allows the use of nonmetallic materials for coatings/wearing surfaces provided they otherwise conform to the section’s corrosion/strength requirements. § 12-10-303(f).
When alternative processes or coatings claim "equal corrosion resistance," acceptance is determined by comparison in salt fog (ASTM B117) as specified; if your finish method is different you must demonstrate equivalence by testing. § 12-10-303(c),(d).
If combining dissimilar metals (for cost, appearance, or weight reasons), you must avoid combinations that produce detrimental galvanic action; where doubt exists, provide engineering justification or isolation measures. § 12-10-303(e).

Common mistakes

Assuming any stainless grade is acceptable — the code requires 300 series stainless equivalence for moving parts or the 120‑hour ASTM B117 proof. § 12-10-303(c).
Using springs of lower fatigue or yield characteristics than ASTM A313‑67 stainless — leads to premature failure. § 12-10-303(b).
Relying on thin decorative plating that does not meet the 0.0005‑inch cadmium equivalence or the ASTM B117 comparison for nonmoving parts. § 12-10-303(d).
Failing to consider galvanic corrosion when mating dissimilar metals (e.g., bare aluminum housings against stainless internals) — the section prohibits combinations that cause detrimental action. § 12-10-303(e).
Omitting test reports or manufacturer documentation showing material identification, coating thickness, or salt‑fog test results — the standard testing and reporting sections require identification and test evidence elsewhere in the chapter. § 12-10-303 together with the endurance/test report requirements in related sections.

Worked example

Scenario: You are specifying panic hardware for a new public‑school exterior exit located on the coast (high chloride exposure).

Moving parts: choose 316 (300‑series) stainless for cam, latch, and internal linkages — this satisfies § 12-10-303(c) without additional testing.
Springs: specify springs made from stainless conforming to ASTM A313‑67 (or equivalent modern spec with the same mechanical/spring properties) per § 12-10-303(b).
Nonmoving parts (case/cover): either use 316 stainless covers, or use a coating proven equivalent to 0.0005‑inch cadmium by ASTM B117 comparison for ≥16 hours. If choosing a polyester powder coat, obtain comparative B117 test results showing equivalence to the specified cadmium benchmark to meet § 12-10-303(d).
Galvanic action: ensure cover fasteners and internal parts are electrically isolated or of compatible metals so the stainless internals do not suffer galvanic attack from a dissimilar coated substrate. Document the prevention strategy per § 12-10-303(e).

Numbers at a glance: moving part salt‑fog proof = 120 hours; nonmoving part salt‑fog comparison = ≥16 hours; cadmium equivalence = 0.0005‑inch (0.01 mm). § 12-10-303(c),(d).

Related provisions

§ 12-10-302 — design requirements (e.g., release pressure not to exceed 15 pounds, dogging prohibition, springs not permitted as the sole release means).
§ 12-10-301 — approved installation instructions required from the manufacturer.
§ 12-10-304 — endurance and performance test report content and test laboratory requirements (useful when demonstrating alternative materials/coatings).

If you need compliance evidence for alternative materials (test reports or listings), consult § 12-10-304 for the report and testing requirements and attach the laboratory verification when you submit for approval.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Referenced Standards Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CRSC § 12-10 High relevance — show source text
(f) Dogging devices. Exit panic hardware mechanisms shall not be equipped with any locking or dogging device, set screw or other arrangement which can be used to prevent release of the door latch or latches, locking device or dead locking bolt when pressure is applied to the cross-bar.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Sec. 12-10-303.

(a) Strength. The materials used in the assembly of a releasing mechanism shall have mechanical strength equivalent to brass or bronze to perform their intended function.

(b) Springs. Component springs used in the assembly of a releasing mechanism shall be of material having spring properties equivalent to stainless steel conforming to ASTM A313-67.

(c) Corrosion resistance of moving parts. Moving parts in the releasing mechanism assembly shall have corrosion resistance equivalent to 300 series stainless steel, or shall show no visual signs of corrosion after being subjected to a salt fog atmosphere per ASTM B117 for a period of 120 hours.

(d) Nonmoving parts. Nonmoving parts, cases and similar parts shall be of materials, or shall be coated to provide corrosion protection equivalent to 0.0005-inch-thick (0.01 mm) cadmium coated steel as determined by comparison in salt fog atmosphere per ASTM B117 for a period of not less than 16 hours.

(e) Galvanic action. Coated or uncoated metals used in the assembly of releasing mechanisms shall not be used in combination such as to cause detrimental galvanic action which may adversely affect the function of any part of the assembly.

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(f) Nonmetallic materials. Nonmetallic materials may be used as coatings for wearing surfaces, rollers, finishes or for similar purposes if the materials otherwise conform to these requirements.

ENDURANCE AND PERFORMANCE TESTS

Sec. 12-10-304.

(a) Testing laboratory. Tests shall be conducted at a testing laboratory approved by the State Fire Marshal, or tests shall be conducted by a qualified independent fire protection engineer, acceptable to the State Fire Marshal in test facilities acceptable to the State Fire Marshal.

(b) Report. The test report shall include a detailed description of the releasing mechanism and its intended function; engineering data, shop drawings and photographs; identification of materials as to source, composition, strength and corrosion resistance; the physical or chemical tests including dimension of parts before and after the endurance tests establishing conformance of materials. The report shall include copies of the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The report shall be verified by the laboratory or fire protection engineer responsible for the conduct of the test. The test report and evidence of listing by an approved listing agency may be provided for the applicable portions of these endurance and performance tests.

(c) Test equipment. The releasing mechanism shall be applied on a suitable door hung on heavy duty ball bearing butts or pivots installed in a suitable metal frame in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A motor-driven mechanism shall be used to actuate the cross-bar so as to release the latches or dead-locking bolts, push the door open and jerk the door shut so that the latches or dead-locking bolts operate as in service. The rate of operation or number of cycles shall be approximately ten per minute. For the test the assembly is to have only the lubrication which is provided at the factory or as recommended by the manufacturer in his installation instructions.
CRSC § 12-10 High relevance — show source text
(c) Listing by approved listing agency. Listing by an approved listing agency shall not be construed as necessarily indicating compliance in all respects with the requirements of these Construction Standards and Performance Tests for Emergency Exit and Panic Hardware. The test report of the listing agency may be filed for review and after evaluation, if it is found to provide evidence of conformance, the releasing device assembly may be recognized for approval and listing.

INSTRUCTIONS

Sec. 12-10-301. Approved installation instructions shall be provided by the manufacturer. Instructions shall be illustrated and shall include directions and information adequate for obtaining proper and safe installation of the equipment.

DESIGN

Sec. 12-10-302.

(a) Releasing pressure. Exit panic hardware mechanisms shall be designed to release the door latch or latches when pressure not to exceed 15 pounds is applied at any point along the cross-bar perpendicular to the door in the direction of exit travel. The cross-bar shall extend across not less than one-half the width of the door.

(b) Locking device. A locking device employed as part of the mechanism shall not prevent release of the door latch or latches when pressure of not to exceed 15 pounds is applied to the cross-bar in the direction of exit travel.

(c) Dead locking bolt. A dead locking bolt shall not be provided as a part of the mechanism unless it is released and retracted, and does not prevent release of the door latch or latches, or release of the door to swing outward when pressure not to exceed 15 pounds is applied to the cross-bar in the direction of exit travel.

(d) Cross bar. The ends of the cross-bar shall be curved, guarded or otherwise designed to prevent catching on the clothing of persons during egress.

(e) Springs. The release mechanism shall not depend on springs to release or retract the door latch or latches, locking mechanism, dead bolt or vertical rods.

(f) Dogging devices. Exit panic hardware mechanisms shall not be equipped with any locking or dogging device, set screw or other arrangement which can be used to prevent release of the door latch or latches, locking device or dead locking bolt when pressure is applied to the cross-bar.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Sec. 12-10-303.

(a) Strength. The materials used in the assembly of a releasing mechanism shall have mechanical strength equivalent to brass or bronze to perform their intended function.

(b) Springs. Component springs used in the assembly of a releasing mechanism shall be of material having spring properties equivalent to stainless steel conforming to ASTM A313-67.

(c) Corrosion resistance of moving parts. Moving parts in the releasing mechanism assembly shall have corrosion resistance equivalent to 300 series stainless steel, or shall show no visual signs of corrosion after being subjected to a salt fog atmosphere per ASTM B117 for a period of 120 hours.

(d) Nonmoving parts. Nonmoving parts, cases and similar parts shall be of materials, or shall be coated to provide corrosion protection equivalent to 0.0005-inch-thick (0.01 mm) cadmium coated steel as determined by comparison in salt fog atmosphere per ASTM B117 for a period of not less than 16 hours.

(e) Galvanic action. Coated or uncoated metals used in the assembly of releasing mechanisms shall not be used in combination such as to cause detrimental galvanic action which may adversely affect the function of any part of the assembly.

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CRSC § 12-7 High relevance — show source text
(g) Self-releasing knob. The inside knob shall be free at all times. Any locking, stopworks or shut-out mechanism shall not prevent retracting the latch bolt or dead bolt to release the door by turning of the inside knob, or “T” handle, or depressing the inside lever, bar or paddle.

(h) Dead bolt operation. Operation of the inside knob shall retract both latch bolt and dead bolt simultaneously. The opening in the strike shall be of such dimensions that when the flat of the latch bolt is forced against the edge of the latch hole there shall be no pressure against the side of the dead bolt.

(i) Springs. Retraction of the latch bolt and/or dead bolt shall not depend on springs. (j) Backset. Backset shall be not less than 2 [3] / 4 inches (70 mm) or more than 5 inches (127 mm).

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(k) Throw. Latches shall have a minimum latch throw of [1] / 2 inch (13 mm). Latches intended for use on fire endurance rated doors shall also conform to the requirements of SFM 12-7-4, Section 12-7-400, Fire Door Assembly Tests. (l) Roller latches. Roller latches intended for use on room to corridor doors shall have a minimum projection of [3] / 8 inch (9.5 mm) excluding any coating or sound deadening material. Stops or staking shall be provided to provide a minimum projection of 1 / 8 inch (3 mm). Spring design shall be such as will require an opening force of 20 pounds when the roller projects 3 1 / 6 inch (72 mm) in a door and frame with [1] / 8 -inch (3 mm) jamb clearance. Adjustment of the roller projection shall not be possible from the front of face plate.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Sec. 12-10-203.

(a) Cases, interior working parts. Cases, latch or lock enclosures, and interior working parts shall be of brass, bronze, steel, monel, stainless steel or of materials equivalent in mechanical strength to brass or bronze. Cases of mortise locks may be of cast iron.

(b) Latch bolts, strikes. Latch bolts and strikes shall be of brass, bronze, monel, stainless steel or materials equivalent in mechanical strength having corrosion resistance equivalent to brass or bronze.

(c) Corrosion resistance. Cases, enclosures and internal working parts shall have corrosion resistance equivalent to cadmium plating not less than 0.00015 inch (0.004 mm) thick or zinc plating not less than 0.0004 inch (0.01 mm) thick, or processed to give equal corrosion resistance as determined by comparison in salt fog atmosphere per ASTM Method B-117.

(d) Nonmetallic materials. Nonmetallic materials may be used as coatings or for wearing surfaces, rollers and finishes, and antifriction inserts, or for similar purpose if the material otherwise conforms to these requirements.

(e) Springs. Component springs used in the assembly of a latch or lock shall be of material having spring properties equivalent to stainless steel conforming to ASTM A313.67.

ENDURANCE AND PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURES

Sec. 12-10-204.
CRSC § 12-10 High relevance — show source text
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Sec. 12-10-203.

(a) Cases, interior working parts. Cases, latch or lock enclosures, and interior working parts shall be of brass, bronze, steel, monel, stainless steel or of materials equivalent in mechanical strength to brass or bronze. Cases of mortise locks may be of cast iron.

(b) Latch bolts, strikes. Latch bolts and strikes shall be of brass, bronze, monel, stainless steel or materials equivalent in mechanical strength having corrosion resistance equivalent to brass or bronze.

(c) Corrosion resistance. Cases, enclosures and internal working parts shall have corrosion resistance equivalent to cadmium plating not less than 0.00015 inch (0.004 mm) thick or zinc plating not less than 0.0004 inch (0.01 mm) thick, or processed to give equal corrosion resistance as determined by comparison in salt fog atmosphere per ASTM Method B-117.

(d) Nonmetallic materials. Nonmetallic materials may be used as coatings or for wearing surfaces, rollers and finishes, and antifriction inserts, or for similar purpose if the material otherwise conforms to these requirements.

(e) Springs. Component springs used in the assembly of a latch or lock shall be of material having spring properties equivalent to stainless steel conforming to ASTM A313.67.

ENDURANCE AND PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURES

Sec. 12-10-204.

(a) Testing laboratory. Tests shall be conducted at a testing laboratory approved by the State Fire Marshal, or tests shall be conducted by a qualified independent fire protection engineer, acceptable to the State Fire Marshal, in testing facilities acceptable to the State Fire Marshal.

(b) Report. The test report shall include a detailed description of the latch or lock and its intended function; engineering data, shop drawings and photographs; identification of materials as to source, composition, strength and corrosion resistance; the physical or chemical tests including dimensions of parts before and after the endurance tests establishing conformance of materials. The report shall include the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The report shall be verified by the laboratory or fire protection engineer responsible for the conduct of the test. The test report and evidence of listing by an approved listing agency may be provided for the applicable portions of these endurance and performance test procedures. Test reports prepared for other governmental agencies may be utilized to the extent that the test procedures contained herein have been duplicated.

(c) Test latches or locks.
1. Samples. Samples of the test latch or lock shall be selected by the testing agency or fire protection engineer at random from the manufacturer’s current production runs. The types tested shall be considered to represent, for purposes of approval and listing, all lock types of a series, except that when there are variations of basic mechanical design and/or materials for mechanical parts, each variation shall be tested for compliance with the minimum performance test procedures.
2. Modifications in design or test procedure. Devices involving dead-locking bolts, lever handles, shear pins in the outside know or other variations in design may require modifications in the test procedure in order to simulate the intended inservice conditions. Requests for modifications in the design and test procedures shall be filed for evaluation and approval by the State Fire Marshal before proceeding with the test.
(d) Test equipment.
1. Static loading. The static loading apparatus used for the torque loading, axial load, vertical load and releasing torque tests shall consist of frame, test door and test block as detailed in Figure 12-10-2-1. Except as shown, materials shall be of steel, welded or bolted.
California Referenced Standards Code High relevance — show source text
|100 psf|1 hr
23 min|||7|1, 2|11/3| |F/C-4-RC-9|4″|4″ deep (4370 psi);1/4″ reinforcement bars
at 6″ pitch with3/4″ cover;1/4″ main rein-
forcement bars at 4″ pitch perpendicular
with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-10|4″|4″ thick (5140 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
16 min|||7|1, 5|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-11|4″|4″ thick (4000 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom of slab; 6′6″
span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-12|4″|4″ deep (2380 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom surface;
6′6″ span restrained.|150 psf|1 hr
3 min|||7|1, 2|1| |F/C-4-RC-13|41/2″|41/2″ thick (5200 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/4″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-14|41/2″|41/2″ deep (2525 psi) concrete deck;1/4″
reinforcement bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″
cover;3/8″ main reinforcement bars at
33/8″ pitch perpendicular with1/2″ cover;
13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|42 min|||7|1, 5|2/3| |F/C-4-RC-15|41/2″|41/2″ deep (4830 psi) concrete deck;
11/2″ × No.
CRSC § 12-4 High relevance — show source text
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12-4-1 STAGE AND PLATFORMS

SMOKE OR HEAT VENTILATORS

STANDARD 12-4-1

STATE FIRE MARSHAL

SMOKE OR HEAT VENTILATORS

Sec. 12-4-100.

(a) Application. The minimum design, construction and performance standard set forth herein for stage and platform smoke or heat ventilators are those deemed necessary to establish conformance to the provisions of these regulations.

(b) Scope. This standard covers ventilators and shutters designed to open under conditions of excessive smoke or heat to provide openings for the release to the atmosphere of accumulated smoke or heat.

A smoke or heat ventilator covered by this standard consists of a prefabricated frame of metal or other noncombustible materials; a cover of noncombustible or plastic materials; an automatic releasing device; and the control rigging. The control rigging may include electrically operated units for normal opening and closing.

(c) Tested and listed component parts. Component parts, devices, combinations of devices and electrical equipment which have been tested and listed by an approved testing agency for the intended purpose need not be individually retested. Such individually tested and listed component parts, devices and equipment shall be subjected to the performance standard tests to determine their suitability for use in the smoke or heat ventilator.

(d) Alternate constructions. Ventilators having materials or forms of construction differing from this standard may be investigated and tested in accordance with these regulations, and if found to be substantially equivalent in performance may be given recognition for approval.

(e) Marking. Units shall be provided with a manufacturers label or other permanent markings clearly identifying the manufacturer and model numbers. Plastics in dome-type ventilators shall be identified by brandmarkings, imprint or other markings acceptable to the State Fire Marshal.

(f) Framing design. The unit and cover shall be so formed and assembled that they will have the strength and rigidity necessary to resist the abuses to which they are liable to be subject without adversely affecting their performance, and without operational failure due to partial collapse with the resulting reduction of spacings, loosening or displacement of parts, or other serious defects.

(g) Curb design. The ventilator design shall include provisions for mounting on roof curbs or shall in themselves incorporate a design to provide the equivalent of roof curbs.

(h) Corrosion resistant. Ventilators shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials. Iron and steel parts shall be protected against corrosion by enameling, galvanizing, plating or other equivalent means. This includes all parts upon which proper mechanical operation may depend. Bearings and hinge points shall be corrosion resistant or of such material and design as to ensure against binding due to corrosion.

Ventilators designed and constructed in accordance with the above may be accepted without additional tests establishing the effects of frost, expansion by heat or warping of the framework.

(i) Plastic covers. Plastic covers shall be of the dome type having a continuous curvature with the center not less in height than 10 percent of the span having the least dimension but not less than 5 inches (127 mm).
CRSC § 12-10 Medium relevance — show source text
The latch shall continue to extend the roller throughout the test without any failure. The opening pressure at the end of the test shall not be less than 15 pounds. 3. Installation. Doors utilizing roller latches shall be installed in doors hung in steel frames only. Frame jambs shall be anchored to the floor to prevent spreading of the jambs. In other than concrete fill floors the jambs shall be anchored to a steel sill or steel floor plate extending between the jambs to prevent spreading of the frame. Horizontal bracing shall be provided in the wall in back of the strike.

THICKNESS OF COATINGS TESTS

Sec. 12-10-205. The thickness of cadmium, zinc or bronze plated coatings applied for corrosion resistance may be determined by either of the following methods:
1. Cross sections of coated samples cut at 90 exposed edges polished and thickness measured with a suitable microscope and scale.
2. Dropping test of a suitable reagent at a definite rate until coating is penetrated. The thickness is calculated from the known characteristics of the reagent at the observed temperature and time required for the end point to appear.
Thickness testing shall not apply to other processes having equal corrosion resistance; acceptance shall be determined by comparison in salt fog atmosphere per ASTM Method B-117.

MARKING

Sec. 12-10-206. The name of the manufacturer, or trademark by which the manufacturer can be readily identified, shall be legibly marked on the latch or lock where it can be seen after installation. When the manufacturer produces similar devices, the type, model

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number or letter designation identifying the listed product shall be legibly marked on the latch or case. Such identification may be an approved marking or label on the case.

FIGURE 12-10-2.1 — STATIC LOADING FIXTURE

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FIGURE 12-10-2-2—ENDURANCE LIFE TESTING APPARATUS

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EMERGENCY EXIT AND PANIC HARDWARE

STANDARD 12-10-3

STATE FIRE MARSHAL

SCOPE

Sec. 12-10-300.

(a) Exit door hardware. These requirements and methods of test apply to releasing devices actuated by a crossbar for outwardopening doors intended for use on exit doors.

(b) Fire-exit hardware. Releasing devices intended for use on doors bearing a fire-retardant classification shall also conform to the construction standards and performance tests specified in Fire Door Assembly Tests, SFM 12-7-4, Section 12-7-400.

CRSC § 12-3 Medium relevance — show source text

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PART 12 CROSS REFERENCE TABLE

(Cross reference table is nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.)

PART 12 STANDARD	SUBJECT	ADOPTING AGENCY	ASSOCIATED TITLE 24 BUILDING STANDARD
Chapter 12-3	Releasing systems for security bars in dwellings	SFM	Part 2, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7 Part 2.5, Sections R319.1.1 and R319.4.4 Part 9, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7 Appendix 4 Section 452.1.5 and Title 19 provisions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 reprinted in Part 9 Part 10, Section 505.4
Chapter 12-4A	Laboratory animal quarters standards	DPH	Part 2, Section 1236
Chapter 12-4-1	Stage and Platforms	SFM	Part 2, Sections 410.2.7, 410.2.7.1, 410.2.7.2 Part 9, Sections 105.6.51, 4809
Chapter 12-7-1	Fire-resistive standards. Fire tests of building construction and materials.	SFM	Part 2, Section 703
Chapter 12-7-2	Reserved
Chapter 12-7-3	Fire-resistive standards. Fire testing furnaces.	SFM	Part 9, Section 3001
Chapter 12-7-4	Fire-resistive standards. Fire door assembly tests.	SFM	Part 2, Section 716
Chapter 12-7-5	Fire-resistive standards. Interior finish of decorative material.	SFM	Part 2, Chapter 8 Part 9, Chapter 8
Chapter 12-7A	Materials and construction methods for exterior wildfire exposure	SFM	Part 7, Chapter 5
Chapter 12-8-1	Fire-resistive standards for fire protection	SFM	Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2
Appendix 12-8-1A	Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide production	SFM
Appendix 12-8-1B	Guide to mounting techniques for wall and ceiling interior finish material	SFM
Chapter 12-10-1	Exits. Power-operated exit doors.	SFM	Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1
Chapter 12-10-2	Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices.	SFM	Part 2, Section 1010.2.2 Part 9, Section 1010.2.2
Chapter 12-10-3	Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware.

CRSC § 1-2013 Medium relevance — show source text

agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	HCD	Col6	Col7	DSA	Col9	Col10	OSHPD	Col12	Col13	Col14	Col15	Col16	Col17	BSCC	DHS	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting agency	BSC	BSC- CG	SFM	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	SS/CC	1	1R	2	3	4	5	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
Adopt entire chapter	X												X			X
Adopt entire chapter as amended (amended sections listed below)			X	X	X	X		X	X	X	X	X		X	X
Adopt only those sections that are listed below							X																	X
Chapter / Section
ASTM E662-17a			X					X	X
ASTM E2632/E2632M-13			X
ASTM E2707-15			X
ASTM E2726/E2726-12a			X
ASTM E3121-17								X	X	X	X	X		X	X
ASTM F606/F606M-21								X	X	X	X	X		X	X
ASTM F1292-99							X
ASTM F1292-04							X
ASTM F1487-01							X
ASTM F1951-99							X
ASTM F2374			X
ANSI/AWC NDS w/2024 Suppl.								X	X	X	X	X		X	X									X
AWS B5.1-2013-AMD1								X	X	X	X	X		X	X
AWS D1.1/D1.1M-20								X	X	X	X	X		X	X
AWS D1.2/D1.2M-14								X	X	X	X	X		X	X
AWS D1.3/D1.3M-2018								X	X	X	X	X		X	X
_AWS D1.6/D1.

CRSC § 12-8 Medium relevance — show source text
12-8-100: Room Fire Tests for Wall and Ceiling Materials

NA

12-10-1: Power Operated Exit Doors

NA

12-10-2: Single Point Latching or Locking Devices

NA

12-10-3: Emergency Exit and Panic Hardware

NA

(The Office of the State Fire Marshal standards referred to above are found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12.):

SJI Steel Joist Institute, 140 Evans Street, Suite 203, Florence, SC 29501

SJI 100—2020: Standard Specification for K-Series, LH-Series, and DLH-Series Open Web Steel Joists and for Joist Girders

1604.3.3, 2207.1, 2207.2, 2207.3, 2207.4, 2207.5

SJI 200—2015: Standard Specification for CJ-Series Composite Steel Joists

1604.3.3, 2207.1, 2207.2, 2207.3, 2207.4, 2207.5

SPRI Single-Ply Roofing Industry, 465 Waverly Oaks Road, Suite 421, Waltham, MA 02452

ANSI/SPRI GT-1—2022: Test Standard for External Gutter Systems

1504.6.1, 1511.7.6.1

ANSI/SPRI RP-4—2019: Wind Design Standard for Ballasted Single-ply Roofing Systems

1504.5

ANSI/SPRI VF-1—2021: External Fire Design Standard for Vegetative Roofs

1505.10

ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1—2017: Test Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low Slope Roofing Systems

1504.6, 1511.7.6.1

35-40 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

REFERENCED STANDARDS

SRCC Solar Rating & Certification Corporation, 400 High Point Drive, Suite 400, Cocoa, FL 32926

ICC 900/SRCC 300—2020: Solar Thermal System Standard

3111.2.1

ICC 901/SRCC 100—2020: Solar Thermal Collector Standard

3111.2.1

TIA Telecommunications Industry Association, 1320 N. Courthouse Road #200, Arlington, VA 22201

ANSI/TIA 222-I—2023: Structural Standard for Antenna Supporting Structures, Antennas and Small Wind Turbine Support

Structures

1609.1.1, 3108.1, 3108.2

TMS The Masonry Society, 105 South Sunset Street, Suite Q, Longmont, CO 80501-6172

216—2014(19): Code Requirements for Determining Fire Resistance of Concrete and Masonry Construction Assemblies Table 721.1(2), 722.1

302—2018: Standard Method for Determining the Sound Transmission Ratings for Masonry Assemblies

1208.2.1

402—16: Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures

2109.1, 2109.1.1, 2109.2
CRSC § 12-7 Medium relevance — show source text
Fire tests of building
construction and materials.|SFM|Part 2, Section 703| |Chapter 12-7-2|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-7-3|Fire-resistive standards.
Fire testing furnaces.|SFM|Part 9, Section 3001| |Chapter 12-7-4|Fire-resistive standards.
Fire door assembly tests.|SFM|Part 2, Section 716| |Chapter 12-7-5|Fire-resistive standards. Interior
finish of decorative material.|SFM|Part 2, Chapter 8
Part 9, Chapter 8| |Chapter 12-7A|Materials and construction methods for
exterior wildfire exposure|SFM|Part 7, Chapter 5| |Chapter 12-8-1|Fire-resistive standards for fire protection|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2| |Appendix 12-8-1A|Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon
monoxide or carbon dioxide production|SFM|| |Appendix 12-8-1B|Guide to mounting techniques for wall and
ceiling interior finish material|SFM|| |Chapter 12-10-1|Exits. Power-operated exit doors.|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1| |Chapter 12-10-2|Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices.|SFM|Part 2, Section 1010.2.2
Part 9, Section 1010.2.2| |Chapter 12-10-3|Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware.
|SFM|Part 9, Section 1009.12| |Chapter 12-11A,
12-11B|Detectable warning products and directional
surfaces|DSA|Part 2, Sections 1112A.9, 1116A.5, 11B-247,
11B-406.5.12, 11B-705, 11B-810.5.2| |Chapter 12-12|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-13|Standards for insulating material|CA/SFM|Part 2.5, Section R302.10.1
Part 6, Section 110.8
Part 9, Section 720, Table 721.1(1)
Part 11, Section A5.504.4.8| |Chapter 12-16-1|California standard for earthquake-actuated
automatic gas shutoff systems|DSA|Part 2, Chapters 16 and 16A
Part 5, Section 1211.8| |Chapter 12-16-2|California standard for residential excess flow
actuated automatic gas shutoff valves|DSA|Part 5, Section 1209.1| |Chapter 12-31C|Radiation shielding|DPH|Part 2, Section 3102C| |Chapter 12-71|Air filters|SFM|Part 4, Sections 401.2, 509.2.3, 509.2.3.4
Part 6, Section 120.1| |Chapter 12-72-1|Protective signaling systems.
Standard test procedures.|SFM|| |Chapter 12-72-2|Protective signaling systems.
CRSC § 0-60 Medium relevance — show source text
****Vasd**
f (mph)|Mean roof
height (feet)|All roof slopes|All roof slopes|All roof slopes| |85|0-60|One fastener per tile.|One fastener per tile.|One fastener per tile.| |100|0-40|One fastener per tile.|One fastener per tile.|One fastener per tile.| |100|> 40-60|The head of all tiles shall be nailed. The nose of all eave tiles shall be fastened with approved clips. Rake tiles
shall be nailed with two nails. The nose of all ridge, hip and rake tiles shall be set in a bead of roofer’s mastic.|The head of all tiles shall be nailed. The nose of all eave tiles shall be fastened with approved clips. Rake tiles
shall be nailed with two nails. The nose of all ridge, hip and rake tiles shall be set in a bead of roofer’s mastic.|The head of all tiles shall be nailed. The nose of all eave tiles shall be fastened with approved clips. Rake tiles
shall be nailed with two nails. The nose of all ridge, hip and rake tiles shall be set in a bead of roofer’s mastic.| |110|0-60|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.| |120|0-60|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.| |130|0-60|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.| |All|> 60|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.|The fastening system shall resist the wind forces in Section 1609.6.3.1.| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 pound per square foot = 4.882 kg/m2.
a. Minimum fastener size. Corrosion-resistant nails not less than No. 11 gage with5/16-inch head. Fasteners shall be long enough to penetrate into the sheathing3/4 inch or
through the thickness of the sheathing, whichever is less. Attaching wire for clay and concrete tile shall not be smaller than 0.083 inch.
b. Snow areas. Not fewer than two fasteners per tile are required or battens and one fastener.
c. Roof slopes greater than 24:12. The nose of all tiles shall be securely fastened.
d. Horizontal battens.

Frequently asked questions

What if a manufacturer provides a listing from a national lab — is that sufficient?

A listing can be submitted but § 12-10-300(c) and § 12-10-304 note that listing by an approved agency is not automatically conclusive; the test report must be evaluated and may be accepted if it demonstrates conformance with the requirements in § 12-10-303.

Can I use plated steel for nonmoving parts instead of cadmium?

Yes — but the plating or coating must provide corrosion protection equivalent to 0.0005‑inch cadmium, as shown by a salt‑fog comparison (ASTM B117 for ≥16 hours) per § 12-10-303(d).

Are 400‑series stainless steels acceptable for moving parts?

No — the section specifically requires equivalence to 300 series stainless for moving parts or passing the ASTM B117 120‑hour visual corrosion test. Use 300‑series grades or testing evidence. § 12-10-303(c).

How is "detrimental galvanic action" judged?

The standard prohibits metal combinations that cause galvanic corrosion which adversely affects function; when in doubt, provide engineering analysis or testing showing the assembly will not suffer function‑impairing galvanic attack. § 12-10-303(e).

If a nonmetallic coating is used for a roller, does it need salt‑fog testing?

Nonmetallic coatings are permitted for rollers and wearing surfaces if they otherwise conform to the section’s requirements; evidentiary testing or material data may be required to demonstrate equivalent corrosion/functional performance. § 12-10-303(f).

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Related in the CRSC

Design and performance limits — releasing force, dead bolts and crossbar design

Scope and intended use of panic and fire‑exit hardware standard

Required installation instructions and documentation for panic hardware

Emergency exit and panic hardware (SFM 12‑10‑3)

California Referenced Standards Code