CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code

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

This CRSC standard (see § 12-10-300) covers panic and fire‑exit hardware used on outward‑opening exit doors: the cross‑bar must extend at least half the door width and release the latch with no more than 15 pounds of force, devices on fire‑rated doors must also meet fire‑door tests, and manufacturer instructions plus specified materials and corrosion resistance are required.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

This standard establishes the scope for exit door hardware and fire‑exit hardware: it applies to releasing devices actuated by a cross‑bar for outward‑opening doors intended for use as exit doors, and it requires that devices used on fire‑rated doors also conform to fire‑door assembly tests. These rules are stated in § 12-10-300.

The single most important rule: exit panic hardware is intended to allow immediate outward egress by a single push (the actuating cross‑bar must release the latch with no more than 15 pounds of force and must extend at least one‑half the door width).

Requirements in detail

Scope (what assemblies are covered)

  • Exit door hardware — releasing devices actuated by a cross‑bar for outward‑opening doors intended for exit doors. § 12-10-300(a).
  • Fire‑exit hardware — devices intended for use on doors with a fire‑retardant classification must also conform to the Fire Door Assembly Tests (SFM 12‑7‑4, § 12‑7‑400). § 12-10-300(b).
  • Listing — an approved listing by an agency does not automatically mean full compliance with these CRSC construction standards; the State may evaluate the listing report before recognizing the device for approval. § 12-10-300(c).

Manufacturer information and installation

  • Approved installation instructions must be provided and illustrated by the manufacturer. § 12-10-301.

Design and performance (decision‑critical dimensions and values)

Dimension / decision factor Requirement (plain English) Code Reference
Actuating force Must release latch(s) when pressure does not exceed 15 pounds applied at any point along the cross‑bar in the direction of exit travel. § 12-10-302(a).
Cross‑bar reach Cross‑bar must extend across not less than one‑half the width of the door. § 12-10-302(a).
Locking device behavior Any locking device forming part of the mechanism must not prevent release when ≤ 15 pounds is applied to the cross‑bar. § 12-10-302(b).
Dead‑locking bolts A dead locking bolt may not be part of the mechanism unless it is released/retracted under the same release conditions and does not prevent outward swing when ≤ 15 pounds is applied. § 12-10-302(c).
Cross‑bar ends Ends of the cross‑bar must be curved, guarded or otherwise designed to prevent catching on clothing. § 12-10-302(d).
Reliance on springs The release mechanism shall not depend on springs to release or retract latches, bolts, locks, or vertical rods. § 12-10-302(e).
Dogging / disablement features Panic hardware shall not be equipped with any dogging device, set screw or arrangement that prevents release when pressure is applied to the cross‑bar. § 12-10-302(f).
Material strength Materials in the releasing mechanism shall have mechanical strength equivalent to brass or bronze. § 12-10-303(a).
Corrosion resistance (moving parts) Moving parts must have corrosion resistance equivalent to 300‑series stainless steel or show no visual corrosion after 120 hours salt‑fog (ASTM B117). § 12-10-303(c).
Corrosion protection (non‑moving parts) Nonmoving parts must be of material or coating equivalent to 0.0005‑inch cadmium protection (or show equivalent resistance; 16 hours salt‑fog comparison). § 12-10-303(d).

How the standard treats listings and alternate evidence

  • A product listed by an approved agency may be submitted for review; the State will evaluate the test report and may accept it as evidence of conformance (does not automatically substitute for the CRSC tests). § 12-10-300(c).

Exceptions & special cases

  • Devices intended for use on fire‑retardant classified doors must meet the additional fire‑door assembly testing requirements in § 12-7-400 (Fire Door Assembly Tests) as required by § 12-10-300(b).
  • A device’s listing by an approved agency is not an unconditional approval; the listing report may be submitted for evaluation and acceptance by the State. § 12-10-300(c).
  • Installation specifics (anchorages, frame conditions, signage, or occupancy‑specific mandates) are addressed in other standards and building/fire code provisions — this CRSC chapter prescribes the hardware requirements and tests but not every job‑site installation detail. The manufacturer’s illustrated instructions are required under § 12-10-301.

Common mistakes

  • Installing a cross‑bar that does not extend at least one‑half the door width (violates § 12-10-302(a)).
  • Accepting a listed product without verifying the listing/test report against CRSC requirements (remember § 12-10-300(c)).
  • Relying on springs to perform the release function (prohibited by § 12-10-302(e)).
  • Allowing dogging or set‑screw arrangements that defeat release under load (forbidden by § 12-10-302(f)).
  • Failing to ensure deadbolt release/retraction under the same maximum force where a dead locking bolt is present (see § 12-10-302(c)).

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: Single 36‑inch wide exterior exit door in a small assembly space. The door will use panic hardware.

Steps and how the standard applies:

  1. Cross‑bar reach: one‑half of 36 in = 18 in. The actuating portion must extend at least 18 inches from the latch side across the door. § 12-10-302(a).
  2. Release force: At any point along that cross‑bar, applying up to 15 pounds of perpendicular force toward the exit must release the latch(s). If tests show force > 15 lb required, the device fails. § 12-10-302(a).
  3. If the hardware includes a deadbolt, verify by test that the deadbolt is released/retracted and does not prevent outward swing when ≤ 15 lb is applied. § 12-10-302(c).
  4. Ensure no dogging or set screws are installed in the field that would prevent release under the 15‑lb requirement (prohibited by § 12-10-302(f)).
  5. If this door is a fire‑rated door, confirm the panic/fire‑exit hardware assembly also meets Fire Door Assembly Tests (SFM 12‑7‑4 / § 12-7-400) as required by § 12-10-300(b).

Related provisions

  • § 12-10-301 — Manufacturer installation instructions required.
  • § 12-10-302 — Design, releasing pressure, cross‑bar reach, dogging, springs, dead bolts.
  • § 12-10-303 — Construction materials and corrosion resistance for releasing mechanisms.
  • § 12-7-400 — Fire Door Assembly Tests (applies to fire‑exit hardware).
  • Other related CRSC standards in Chapter 12-10: § 12-10-100 and § 12-10-101 (power‑operated doors and general panic hardware notes).

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 79

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

    EXITS

    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

    80 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    EXITS

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 81

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

    82 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    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.

    (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.

  • CRSC § 12-10 High 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

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 79

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

    EXITS

    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

    80 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    EXITS

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

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 81

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

    82 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    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 § 12-10 High relevance — show source text

    Sec. 12-10-100.

    (a) General. These requirements and methods of test apply to power operated: swinging doors, and combination sliding and swinging doors intended for installation in locations where conforming exits are required by Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 2, Chapter 10.

    (b) Power-operated doors described in (a) may be provided with air, hydraulic or electric operators actuated from a floor, activating carpet, photoelectric device or other approved signaling device.

    (c) Alternates. A product employing materials or having forms of construction differing from those described in this procedure may be examined and tested in accordance with the intent of these testing procedures and, if found to be substantially equivalent, may be recognized for listing.

    (d) Application. The minimum design, construction and testing procedures set forth herein are those deemed as the minimum necessary to establish conformance to the regulations of the State Fire Marshal contained in Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

    (e) Fire door assemblies. Power-operated doors intended for installation in openings where listed fire door assemblies are required, shall in addition to the requirements of this standard, be tested in accordance with the Fire Door Assembly Tests, SFM 12-7-4.

    GENERAL

    Sec. 12-10-101.

    (a) Panic hardware. Power-operated doors intended for installation in openings where panic hardware is required shall be tested with listed panic hardware on the doors.

    (b) Glazed doors. Glazing of doors shall conform to Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 2, Chapter 7.

    (c) Opening degree. Where manually operated in the direction of egress, leaves of swinging doors or swing-out sections of sliding doors shall swing open to not less than 90 degrees from the closed position.

    (d) Locking mechanisms. Locking mechanisms on doors intended for locations which do not require panic hardware shall be of a type readily identified as locked, and the doors shall be posted with durable, permanent signs reading “THESE DOORS TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHENEVER THE PUBLIC IS PRESENT.” Signs shall be 1-inch-high (25 mm) block letters on a contrasting background. Signs shall be located on the header framing.

    (e) Swinging and sliding doors. Each swing-out leaf of swinging or sliding doors with swinging sections shall be provided with durable signs in not less than 1-inch (25 mm) block letters on contrasting background wording, “IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN,” or other approved wording. The sign shall be located at the closing edge of the door not less than 36 inches (914 mm) or more than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the floor. The sign shall read horizontally and be in two lines.

    Illuminated exit signs when required by other provisions of the basic building regulations shall be installed above the header. Wiring and circuit arrangement shall conform to the provisions of the California Electrical Code.

    (f) Electrical wiring and devices. Electrical wiring, electrical devices and controls shall be of a type tested and listed in conformance with the standards established by the California Electrical Code, or shall be tested for conformance with the testing procedures approved by the State Fire Marshal.

    (g) Testing. Doors with power operators shall be examined and tested by 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.

  • CRSC § 10-23 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 10-23

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1010.2.8.1 Refrigeration machinery room. Refrigeration machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) shall have not less than two exit or exit access doorways that swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware.

    1010.2.8.2 Rooms with electrical equipment. Exit or exit access doors serving transformer vaults, rooms designated for batteries or energy storage systems, or modular data centers shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware. Rooms containing electrical equipment rated 800 amperes or more that contain overcurrent devices, switching devices or control devices and where the exit or exit access door is less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from the equipment working space as required by the California Electrical Code, such doors shall not be provided with a latch or lock other than panic hardware or fire exit hardware. The doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel.

    1010.2.8.3 Installation. Where panic or fire exit hardware is installed, it shall comply with the following:

    1. Panic hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 305.

    2. Fire exit hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 10C and UL 305.

    3. The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend not less than one-half of the door leaf width.

    4. The maximum unlatching force shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).

    1010.2.8.4 Balanced doors. If balanced doors are used and panic hardware is required, the panic hardware shall be the pushpad type and the pad shall not extend more than one-half the width of the door measured from the latch side.

    1010.2.9 Monitored or recorded egress, and access control systems. Where electrical systems that monitor or record egress activity are incorporated, or where the door has an access control system, the locking system on the egress side of the door shall comply with Section 1010.2.10, 1010.2.11, 1010.2.12, 1010.2.13, 1010.2.14 or 1010.2.15 or shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

    1010.2.10 Door hardware release of electrically locked egress doors. Door hardware release of electrical locking systems shall be permitted on doors in the means of egress in any occupancy except Group H where installed and operated in accordance with all of the following:

    1. The door hardware that is affixed to the door leaf has an obvious method of operation that is readily operated under all lighting conditions.

    2. The door hardware is capable of being operated with one hand and shall comply with Section 1010.2.1.

    3. Operation of the door hardware directly interrupts the power to the electric lock and unlocks the door immediately.

    4. Loss of power to the electrical locking system automatically unlocks the electric lock.

    5. Where panic or fire exit hardware is required by Section 1010.2.8, operation of the panic or fire exit hardware also releases the electric lock.

    6. The electromechanical or electromagnetic locking device shall be listed in accordance with either UL 294 or UL1034.

    **1010.2.11 Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors.

  • CRSC § 1010.2.10. High relevance — show source text

    1. Doors provided with panic hardware or fire exit hardware and serving a Group A or E occupancy shall be permitted to be electrically locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.10.

    2. Exit access doors serving occupied exterior areas shall be permitted to be locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.4, Item 8.

    3. Courtrooms shall be permitted to be locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.12, Item 3.

    10-24 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    [BE] 1010.2.8.1 Refrigeration machinery room. Refrigeration machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) shall have not less than two exit or exit access doorways that swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware.

    [BE] 1010.2.8.2 Rooms with electrical equipment. Exit or exit access doors serving transformer vaults, rooms designated for batteries or energy storage systems, or modular data centers shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware. Rooms containing electrical equipment rated 800 amperes or more that contain overcurrent devices, switching devices or control devices and where the exit or exit access door is less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from the equipment working space as required by the California Electrical Code, such doors shall not be provided with a latch or lock other than panic hardware or fire exit hardware. The doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel.

    [BE] 1010.2.8.3 Installation. Where panic or fire exit hardware is installed, it shall comply with the following:

    1. Panic hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 305.

    2. Fire exit hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 10C and UL 305.

    3. The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend not less than one-half of the door leaf width.

    4. The maximum unlatching force shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).

    [BE] 1010.2.8.4 Balanced doors. If balanced doors are used and panic hardware is required, the panic hardware shall be the push-pad type and the pad shall not extend more than one-half the width of the door measured from the latch side.

    [BE] 1010.2.9 Monitored or recorded egress, and access control systems. Where electrical systems that monitor or record egress activity are incorporated, or where the door has an access control system, the locking system shall on the egress side of the door comply with Section 1010.2.10, 1010.2.11, 1010.2.12, 1010.2.13, 1010.2.14 or 1010.2.15 or shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

    [BE] 1010.2.10 Door hardware release of electrically locked egress doors. Door hardware release of electrical locking systems shall be permitted on doors in the means of egress in any occupancy except Group H where installed and operated in accordance with all of the following:

    1. The door hardware that is affixed to the door leaf has an obvious method of operation that is readily operated under all lighting conditions.
    2. The door hardware is capable of being operated with one hand and shall comply with Section 1010.2.1.
  • 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 83

  • CRSC § 12-8 High relevance — show source text

    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

    FIGURE 12-8-1B-3—TYPICAL MOUNTING TECHNIQUE FOR RIGID WALL MATERIALS

    Note: When required, additional fasteners may be used to hold up the specimen flush to the wall.

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 69

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

    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

    FIGURE 12-8-1B-4—TYPICAL MOUNTING TECHNIQUE FOR FLEXIBLE WALL MATERIALS

    70 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

    FIGURE 12-8-1B-5—TYPICAL MOUNTING TECHNIQUE FOR CEILING MATERIALS

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 71

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

    72 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    POWER-OPERATED EXIT DOORS

    STANDARD 12-10-1

    STATE FIRE MARSHAL

    SCOPE

    Sec. 12-10-100.

    (a) General. These requirements and methods of test apply to power operated: swinging doors, and combination sliding and swinging doors intended for installation in locations where conforming exits are required by Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 2, Chapter 10.

    (b) Power-operated doors described in (a) may be provided with air, hydraulic or electric operators actuated from a floor, activating carpet, photoelectric device or other approved signaling device.

    (c) Alternates. A product employing materials or having forms of construction differing from those described in this procedure may be examined and tested in accordance with the intent of these testing procedures and, if found to be substantially equivalent, may be recognized for listing.

    (d) Application. The minimum design, construction and testing procedures set forth herein are those deemed as the minimum necessary to establish conformance to the regulations of the State Fire Marshal contained in Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

    (e) Fire door assemblies. Power-operated doors intended for installation in openings where listed fire door assemblies are required, shall in addition to the requirements of this standard, be tested in accordance with the Fire Door Assembly Tests, SFM 12-7-4.

    GENERAL

    Sec. 12-10-101.

    (a) Panic hardware. Power-operated doors intended for installation in openings where panic hardware is required shall be tested with listed panic hardware on the doors.

    (b) Glazed doors. Glazing of doors shall conform to Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 2, Chapter 7.

    (c) Opening degree. Where manually operated in the direction of egress, leaves of swinging doors or swing-out sections of sliding doors shall swing open to not less than 90 degrees from the closed position.

  • CRSC § 1010.2.8.4 High relevance — show source text

    1. Panic hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 305.

    2. Fire exit hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 10C and UL 305.

    3. The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend not less than one-half of the door leaf width.

    4. The maximum unlatching force shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).

    [BE] 1010.2.8.4 Balanced doors. If balanced doors are used and panic hardware is required, the panic hardware shall be the push-pad type and the pad shall not extend more than one-half the width of the door measured from the latch side.

    [BE] 1010.2.9 Monitored or recorded egress, and access control systems. Where electrical systems that monitor or record egress activity are incorporated, or where the door has an access control system, the locking system shall on the egress side of the door comply with Section 1010.2.10, 1010.2.11, 1010.2.12, 1010.2.13, 1010.2.14 or 1010.2.15 or shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

    [BE] 1010.2.10 Door hardware release of electrically locked egress doors. Door hardware release of electrical locking systems shall be permitted on doors in the means of egress in any occupancy except Group H where installed and operated in accordance with all of the following:

    1. The door hardware that is affixed to the door leaf has an obvious method of operation that is readily operated under all lighting conditions.

    2. The door hardware is capable of being operated with one hand and shall comply with Section 1010.2.1.

    3. Operation of the door hardware directly interrupts the power to the electric lock and unlocks the door immediately.

    4. Loss of power to the electrical locking system automatically unlocks the electric lock.

    5. Where panic or fire exit hardware is required by Section 1010.2.8, operation of the panic or fire exit hardware also releases the electric lock.

    6. The electromechanical or electromagnetic locking device shall be listed in accordance with either UL 294 or UL1034.

    [BE] 1010.2.11 Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors. Sensor release of electrical locking systems shall be permitted on doors located in the means of egress in any occupancy except Group E, H or L where installed and operated in accordance with all of the following criteria:

    1. The sensor shall be installed on the egress side, arranged to detect an occupant approaching the doors and shall cause the electrical locking system to unlock the electric lock.
    2. Upon a signal from a sensor or loss of power to the sensor, the electrical locking system shall unlock the electric lock.
    3. Loss of power to the electric lock or electrical locking system shall automatically unlock the electric locks.
    4. The doors shall be arranged to unlock the electric lock from a manual unlocking device located 40 inches to 48 inches (1016 mm to 1219 mm) vertically above the floor and within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the secured doors. Ready access shall be provided to the manual unlocking device and the device shall be clearly identified by a sign that reads “PUSH TO EXIT.” When operated, the manual unlocking device shall result in direct interruption of power to the electric lock—independent of other electronics—and the electric lock shall remain unlocked for not less than 30 seconds.
  • CRSC § 804.5.1.1. High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Storage rooms having a maximum occupant load of 10.
    2. Where the work area is served by a single exit in accordance with Section 804.5.1.1.

    804.6.2 Door swing. In the work area and in the egress path from any work area to the exit discharge, all egress doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more shall swing in the direction of exit travel.

    804.6.2.1 Supplemental requirements for door swing. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, door swing shall comply with Section 804.6.2 throughout the floor.

    Exception: Means of egress within or serving only a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.

    804.6.3 Door closing. In any work area, all doors opening onto an exit passageway at grade or an exit stairway shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by listed closing devices.

    Exception: Where exit enclosure is not required by the California Building Code .

    804.6.3.1 Supplemental requirements for door closing. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, doors shall comply with Section 804.6.3 throughout the exit stairway from the work area to, and including, the level of exit discharge.

    804.6.4 Panic and fire exit hardware. In any work area, and in the egress path from any work area to the exit discharge, in buildings or portions thereof of Group A assembly occupancies with an occupant load greater than 100, all required exit doors equipped with latching devices shall be equipped with approved panic or fire exit hardware in accordance with Section 1010.2.9 of the California Building Code .

    804.6.4.1 Supplemental requirements for panic hardware. Where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the floor area, panic hardware shall comply with Section 804.6.4 throughout the floor.

    Exception: Means of egress within a tenant space that is entirely outside the work area.

    804.7 Openings in corridor walls. Openings in corridor walls in any work area shall comply with Sections 804.7.1 through 804.7.4.

    Exception: Openings in corridors where such corridors are not required to be rated in accordance with the California Building Code .

    804.7.1 Corridor doors. Corridor doors in the work area shall not be constructed of hollow core wood and shall not contain louvers. Dwelling unit or sleeping unit corridor doors in work areas in buildings of Groups R-1 and R-2 shall be not less than 1 [3] / 8

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    �

    �

    �

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    ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2

    inch (35 mm) solid core wood or approved equivalent and shall not have any glass panels, other than approved wired glass or other approved glazing material in metal frames. Dwelling unit or sleeping unit corridor doors in work areas in buildings of Groups R-1 and R-2 shall be equipped with approved door closers. Replacement doors shall be 1 [3] / 4 -inch (44 mm) solid bonded wood core or approved equivalent.

    Exceptions:

    1. Corridor doors within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit.

    2. Reserved.

  • CRSC § 1010.2.7.2 High relevance — show source text

    1010.2.7.2 Group E lockable doors from the inside. New buildings that are included in public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade) state-funded projects and are receiving state funding pursuant to Leroy F. Green, School Facilities Act of 1998, California Educa- tion Code Sections 17070.10 through 17079, and that are submitted to the Division of the State Architect for plan review after July 1, 2011, in accordance with Education Code 17075.50 shall include locks that allow doors to classrooms and any room with an occupancy of five or more persons to be locked from the inside. The locks shall conform to the specification and requirements found in Section 1010.2.

    Exceptions: 1. Doors that are locked from the outside at all times such as, but not limited to, janitor’s closet, electrical room, storage room, boiler room, elevator equipment room and pupil restroom. 2. Reconstruction projects that utilize original plans in accordance with California Administrative Code, Section 4-314. 3. Existing relocatable buildings that are relocated within the same site, in accordance with California Administrative Code, Section 4-314.

    [BE] 1010.2.8 Panic and fire exit hardware. Swinging doors serving a Group H occupancy and swinging doors serving rooms or spaces with an occupant load of 50 or more in a Group A or E occupancy, assembly area not classified as an assembly occupancy, E, or I-2 occupancies shall not be provided with a latch or lock other than panic hardware or fire exit hardware. For Group L occupan- cies see Section 453.6.3 of the California Building Code.

    Exceptions:

    1. A main exit of a Group A occupancy shall be permitted to have locking devices in accordance with Section 1010.2.4, Item 3.

    2. Doors provided with panic hardware or fire exit hardware and serving a Group A or E occupancy shall be permitted to be electrically locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.10.

    3. Exit access doors serving occupied exterior areas shall be permitted to be locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.4, Item 8.

    4. Courtrooms shall be permitted to be locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.12, Item 3.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    [BE] 1010.2.8.1 Refrigeration machinery room. Refrigeration machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) shall have not less than two exit or exit access doorways that swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware.

    [BE] 1010.2.8.2 Rooms with electrical equipment. Exit or exit access doors serving transformer vaults, rooms designated for batteries or energy storage systems, or modular data centers shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware. Rooms containing electrical equipment rated 800 amperes or more that contain overcurrent devices, switching devices or control devices and where the exit or exit access door is less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from the equipment working space as required by the California Electrical Code, such doors shall not be provided with a latch or lock other than panic hardware or fire exit hardware. The doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel.

  • CRSC § 12-10 High relevance — show source text

    (e) Fault condition introduced. Under each possible fault condition that affects the power supply with the sliding leaf or leaves retracted one-half the leaf width into its or their pocket(s) each swinging section shall open to the 90-degree position with an applied pressure at the normal location of the push plate not exceeding 40 pounds.

    (f) Sliding doors without swing-out section. Power-operated sliding doors which are not provided with a swing-out section may be evaluated for conformance to the mechanical requirements and endurance tests provided in this standard. Power-operated sliding doors which are not provided with a swing-out section shall not be listed for use in locations where required exits are specified in Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.

    (g) Activating carpets, safety mats. Activating carpets and safety mats shall conform to Section 12-10-102 (f).

    MARKING

    Sec. 12-10-104. The name of the manufacturer, or trademark by which the manufacturer can be readily identified, shall be legibly marked on the operating equipment where it can be seen after installation. The type, model number or letter designation identifying the product as a listed device shall be provided on a label attached in a location as indicated in its listing.

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    SINGLE-POINT LATCHING OR LOCKING DEVICES

    STANDARD 12-10-2

    STATE FIRE MARSHAL

    SCOPE

    Sec. 12-10-200.

    (a) Builders hardware, exit doors. These design requirements and testing procedures apply to builders hardware, single-point latches and locks, intended for use on required means of egress doors in other than Group R and M Occupancies with an occupant load of 10 or less. It is the intent that devices designed and tested in accordance with these procedures will develop data to enable the State Fire Marshal to determine the suitability of latches and locks on means of egress doors. Alternate designs and materials may be submitted with substantiating test data. If, after evaluation, devices are found to comply with the intent of these procedures, they may also be recognized for approval and listing by the State Fire Marshal.

    (b) Fire doors. Builders hardware single-point latches and locks 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.

    (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 design requirements and test procedures for single-point latching or locking devices. The test report of the approved listing agency may be filed for review and after evaluation, if it is found to provide evidence of conformance, the single-point latching or locking device may be recognized for approval and listing.

    (d) Definitions.

    1. Inside knob. Inside knob means the knob, lever, bar or paddle on the side of the door which must be turned or depressed to unlatch or unlock the door to permit egress.
    2. Outside knob. Outside knob means the knob on the corridor side of room to corridor doors, or the knob on the exterior side of a door leading to the exterior.

Frequently asked questions

When does § 12-10-300 apply?

It applies to releasing devices actuated by a cross‑bar for outward‑opening doors intended for use as exit doors; devices on fire‑rated doors must also meet fire‑door assembly tests. § 12-10-300(a)‑(b).

What is the maximum force allowed to unlatch a panic device?

The mechanism must release the latch(es) when pressure does not exceed 15 pounds applied at any point along the cross‑bar in the direction of exit travel. § 12-10-302(a).

How far must the cross‑bar extend across the door?

The actuating cross‑bar shall extend across not less than one‑half the width of the door leaf. § 12-10-302(a).

Can panic hardware be dogged or disabled in the field?

No. Exit panic hardware shall not be equipped with any dogging device, set screw or arrangement that prevents release when pressure is applied. § 12-10-302(f).

If a product is listed by a recognized agency, do I still need to check CRSC requirements?

Yes. A listing is not automatically full compliance; the listing agency’s test report may be submitted and evaluated by the State for conformance. § 12-10-300(c).

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Related in the CRSC

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

Required installation instructions and documentation for panic hardware

Materials, corrosion resistance and strength requirements for panic hardware

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

California Referenced Standards Code