CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code

Power‑operated exit doors — general requirements and marking

If you have a power‑operated exit door, make sure it can be manually swung to at least 90°, is tested with required panic hardware, has the two required signs in the locations and sizes the code specifies, and that the operator housing is legibly marked with the manufacturer and model per the listing so an inspector can verify compliance.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Power‑operated exit doors must meet a handful of general construction, testing and marking rules that ensure safe egress and traceability. The controlling general provisions are § 12-10-101 (general requirements for power‑operated exit doors) and § 12-10-104 (labeling/marking of the operating equipment) in the California Referenced Standards Code. These sections require that doors be tested with required panic hardware, swing at least 90° when manually operated toward egress, carry specific signs where locking is permitted, and have the manufacturer’s name and model/type legibly marked on the operating equipment and label per the product listing .

The single most important plain‑English rule: power‑operated exit doors must be constructed and tested so people can open them manually in the direction of egress (swing at least 90°), be equipped with required panic hardware where applicable, and have the operating equipment clearly marked with the manufacturer and model per the listing (§ 12-10-101, § 12-10-104) .

Requirements in detail

Key defined items and their short meaning

  • Panic hardware — hardware required on doors where code requires panic hardware; power doors that serve such openings must be tested with listed panic hardware (§ 12-10-101(a)) .
  • Operating equipment marking — the name/trademark of the manufacturer must be legibly marked on the operating equipment and the type/model identifying a listed product must be on a label in the listed location (§ 12-10-104) .

Decision‑relevant dimensions, thresholds and words to use

Decision factor Required value or wording Code reference
Minimum manual swing (egress direction) 90° from closed position § 12-10-101(c)
Panic‑hardware test requirement Power doors for openings where panic hardware is required shall be tested with listed panic hardware on the doors § 12-10-101(a)
Header sign for doors allowed to be locked Durable sign reading “THESE DOORS TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHENEVER THE PUBLIC IS PRESENT.”; 1‑inch high block letters on contrasting background; located on header framing § 12-10-101(d)
Push/operate sign (swinging or swinging section of sliding doors) Durable sign “IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN” (or approved alternate); 1‑inch letters, at closing edge, 36–60 in above floor, horizontal, two lines § 12-10-101(e)
Glazing on doors Must conform to Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 7 (glazing requirements) § 12-10-101(b)
Electrical wiring/devices Must be types listed/tested in conformance with the California Electrical Code or tested per State Fire Marshal procedures § 12-10-101(f)
Testing / acceptance Doors with power operators examined/tested by a testing lab approved by the State Fire Marshal or a qualified independent fire protection engineer acceptable to the State Fire Marshal § 12-10-101(g)
Manufacturer marking on operator Manufacturer name/trademark legibly marked where visible after installation; type/model label as in the listing § 12-10-104

(These items are taken directly from the CRSC controlling provisions listed above; see the Code references in the right‑hand column.)

Where the signs go and what they must look like (quick checklist)

  • “THESE DOORS TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHENEVER THE PUBLIC IS PRESENT.” — 1‑inch block letters, contrasting background, on the header framing (§ 12-10-101(d)) .
  • “IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN” (or approved alternate) — 1‑inch block letters, at the closing edge of the door, 36–60 inches above finished floor, horizontal and in two lines (§ 12-10-101(e)) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Fire door assemblies: If the power‑operated door is to be installed where a listed fire door assembly is required, it must also be tested in accordance with the Fire Door Assembly Tests (SFM 12‑7‑4) in addition to the requirements of the power‑operated door standard (§ 12-10-100(e)) .
  • Alternative designs: Products with materials or construction differing from the standard procedure may be examined and tested for substantial equivalence and may be recognized for listing if they meet the intent of the testing procedures (§ 12-10-100(c)) .
  • If you need other numeric performance values (forces to open/close, clear widths, etc.), those are specified elsewhere in Chapter 12 (for example, door forces and clear widths are in § 12-10-102 and related sections) — they are not specified in § 12-10-101 or § 12-10-104 and must be consulted directly where required .

If you require those performance numbers for sizing or mechanical compliance, see the related provisions below rather than § 12‑10‑101 / § 12‑10‑104.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming signage or wording can be shortened or moved — the header sign and closing‑edge push sign have specific wording, letter height and locations required by § 12-10-101(d–e); nonconforming signs are a frequent noncompliance item .
  • Forgetting to mark the operating equipment — installers sometimes mark only the door leaf or latch; § 12-10-104 requires the manufacturer name on the operating equipment where it can be seen after installation and the model/type label per listing .
  • Not testing with the required panic hardware — if the location requires panic hardware, the assembled power‑operated door must be tested with listed panic hardware (§ 12-10-101(a)) .
  • Overlooking electrical code compliance — electrical wiring/devices for operators must comply with the California Electrical Code or be tested under SFM procedures (§ 12-10-101(f)) .
  • Relying on a labeling location not consistent with the product listing — the label location must match the listing instructions per § 12‑10‑104 .

Worked example — retail store main entry (concrete scenario)

Scenario: A single‑leaf, power‑operated swinging door is installed as a public entry/exit in a retail store.

  1. Swing requirement — When someone must be able to move the door manually in the direction of egress, the leaf must swing to at least 90° from the closed position, so the installer verifies the operator and stops allow 90° travel (§ 12‑10‑101(c)) .
  2. Panic hardware — The local building code requires panic hardware at that exit; the manufacturer supplies a listed panic device and the door assembly is tested with that listed panic hardware in place (§ 12‑10‑101(a)) .
  3. Signs — Because the door is public and will be unlocked during occupancy, the header is fitted with a durable sign that reads “THESE DOORS TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHENEVER THE PUBLIC IS PRESENT.” in 1‑inch block letters on a contrasting background, mounted on the header framing as required (§ 12‑10‑101(d)) . Additionally, a durable two‑line sign “IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN” is placed at the closing edge, centered vertically at 48 inches above the floor (which falls within the allowed 36–60 in range) (§ 12‑10‑101(e)) .
  4. Marking — The door operator housing receives a legible manufacturer name/trademark visible after installation and a label with the type/model designation placed where the product listing indicates, so an inspector can verify traceability (§ 12‑10‑104) .
  5. Wiring & testing — All electrical wiring and control devices installed for the operator conform to the California Electrical Code or have SFM‑approved testing evidence; the assembled door and operator are tested or the test report is provided from a testing laboratory approved by the State Fire Marshal (§ 12‑10‑101(f–g)) .

This sequence follows the steps and numerical requirements found in § 12‑10‑101 and the marking requirements of § 12‑10‑104 .

Related provisions

  • § 12-10-100 — Scope and application for Power‑Operated Exit Doors (general scope; additional fire‑door requirements) .
  • § 12-10-102 — Swinging doors (detailed forces, widths, activating carpets and many numerical performance requirements) — consult when you need forces and clear widths not specified in § 12‑10‑101 .
  • § 12-10-103 — Sliding doors (requirements for swing‑out sections, stops, and fault‑condition behavior) .
  • § 12-10-206 — Marking requirements for latches/locks (manufacturer name and identification on latch/lock case) — related marking rules for hardware .
  • Fire door assembly tests: SFM 12‑7‑4 (see § 12‑10‑100(e)) for doors installed where a listed fire door assembly is required .

If you need the numeric opening forces, clear widths, or test procedures for endurance and forces, look to § 12‑10‑102 and § 12‑10‑103 (related provisions listed above) — those are outside the specific controlling sections requested here but are required for full mechanical compliance .

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

    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 § 1010.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1010.3.2 Power-operated doors. Where means of egress doors are operated or assisted by power, the design shall be such that in the event of power failure, the door is capable of being opened manually to permit means of egress travel or closed where necessary to safeguard means of egress. The forces required to open these doors manually shall not exceed those specified in Section 1010.1.3, except that the force to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 pounds (220 N). The door shall be capable of opening from any position to the full width of the opening in which such door is installed when a force is applied to the door on the side from which egress is made. Power-operated swinging doors, power-operated sliding doors and power-operated folding doors shall comply with BHMA A156.10. Power-assisted swinging doors and low energy power-operated swinging doors shall comply with BHMA A156.19. Low-energy power-operated sliding doors and low-energy power-operated folding doors shall comply with BHMA A156.38.

    Exceptions:

    1. Occupancies in Group I-3.
    2. Special-purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors complying with Section 1010.3.3.
    3. For a biparting door in the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a multiple-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32-inch (813 mm) single-leaf requirement of Section 1010.1.1, provided that a minimum 32-inch (813 mm) clear opening is provided when the two biparting leaves meeting in the center are broken out.

    [BE] 1010.3.3 Special-purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors. In other than Group H occupancies, specialpurpose horizontal sliding, accordion, or folding door assemblies permitted to be a component of a means of egress in accordance with Exception 6 to Section 1010.1.2 shall comply with all of the following criteria:

    1. The doors shall be power operated and shall be capable of being operated manually in the event of power failure.
    2. The doors shall be openable by a simple method without special knowledge or effort from the egress side or sides.
    3. The force required to operate the door shall not exceed 30 pounds (133 N) to set the door in motion and 15 pounds (67 N) to close the door or open it to the minimum required width.
    4. The door shall be openable with a force not to exceed 15 pounds (67 N) when a force of 250 pounds (1100 N) is applied perpendicular to the door adjacent to the operating device.
    5. The door assembly shall comply with the applicable fire protection rating and, where rated, shall be self-closing or automatic closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6 of the California Building Code, shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80 and shall comply with Section 716 of the California Building Code .
    6. The door assembly shall have an integrated standby power supply.
    7. The door assembly power supply shall be electrically supervised.
    8. The door shall open to the minimum required width within 10 seconds after activation of the operating device.
  • 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

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    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

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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 § 1.5 High relevance — show source text
    1. Location of the breakway tension adjustment, opening and closing speed adjustment, opening and closing snub speed adjustments, opening and closing power pressure adjustments, and similar controls shall be concealed and not readily accessible where they may be subject to tampering.
    2. Doors shall be suspended from overhead track. Operators, control levers or mechanisms shall be guarded.

    1 Width: Shall be measured between the exposed edges of the carpet tread surface excluding molded edge bevels or aluminum edge trim. 2 Length: Shall be measured from the centerline of the doors pivot to the exposed edge of the carpet tread surface excluding molded edge bevels or aluminum edge trim. 3 Safety Mat: A safety mat is one that will prevent the door from opening if there is pressure on the safety mat before pressure is applied to the activating mat, and one that will prevent the door from closing following normal door actuation until pressure on the safety mat is removed.

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    EXITS

    (b) Closing mechanism. The closing force of sliding doors at 24 inches (609 mm) of opening shall not exceed 30 pounds with a closing speed not in excess of 1.5 feet per second.

    (c) Opening width. The minimum clear width of the door opening with the swinging section, or sections in the 90-degree open position shall be not less than 28 inches (711 mm) with no single leaf less than 24 inches (609 mm) in width.

    (d) Opening forces. The swinging section in sliding doors shall swing open into the full open position when an opening force not exceeding 40 pounds is applied at the normal push plate location or on the crossbar of panic hardware.

    (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

  • 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.

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    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

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

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    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

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

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    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 § 12-10 High relevance — show source text

    HISTORY:

    1. Editorial correction (Register 71, No. 52 errata sheets).

    SWINGING DOORS

    Sec. 12-10-102.

    (a) Each door opening when the door(s) is in the 90-degree open position, shall provide a clear opening width of not less than 28 inches (711 mm), with no single leaf less than 24 inches (609 mm) in width.

    (b) Doors in pairs. Doors in pairs shall be equipped with a separate operator for each leaf unless tests with a tandem operator with one leaf jammed in a closed and in a partially open position indicates that the second leaf continues to operate or is free to swing into the open position without exceeding the maximum permitted manual opening pressures. On doors with mechanical controls, one mechanism shall be subjected to fault conditions; during the fault condition the second leaf shall be openable manually without exceeding the maximum permitted opening pressure.

    (c) Closing mechanism. Normal closing of doors shall be by spring action, pressure-operated mechanism or electrically driven mechanism. The closing force measured at the closing stile shall not exceed 40 pounds at any point in the closing arc. The final 10 degrees of closing shall be not less than 1 [1] / 2 seconds.

    (d) Each possible fault condition that affects the power supply shall be introduced into the door and power-operator assembly. Under each fault condition, single doors and each leaf of doors in pairs shall open to the 90-degree position with an applied pressure at the normal location at the push plate not exceeding 40 pounds.

    (e) In-swinging doors. Power-operated in-swinging doors are not recognized in determining exit width opening required to swing in the direction of egress.

    (f) Activating carpets and safety mats.

    1. When carpets are used as the activating device, they shall have a width [1] not less than 10 inches (254 mm) less than the clear width of the door opening with the centerline of the carpet in the centerline of the door opening.

    2. The length [2] of activating carpets shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm). The length of activating carpets for doors exceeding 42 inches (1067 mm) in width shall be not less than 56 inches (1422 mm).

    3. Doors serving one-way traffic only shall be provided with a safety mat [3] having a length not less than the width of the widest leaf.

    4. Doors serving both egress and ingress shall have a series of joined carpets on the swing side of the door arranged as follows: A. One safety carpet or mat nearest to the door at least as long as the width of the door leaf; B. One or more activating carpets to provide a total carpet length on the swing side of not less than 2 [1] / 2 times the width of the widest door leaf.

    HISTORY:

    1. Editorial correction (Register 71, No. 52 errata sheets).

    SLIDING DOORS

    Sec. 12-10-103.

    (a) General.

    1. Sliding leaves of sliding doors shall be provided with swinging sections arranged to swing in the direction of egress when pressure is applied at the location of normal push plates or on the crossbar of panic hardware on doors where panic hardware is required.
    2. Operation of the swinging section shall disconnect the sliding door power operator.
    3. Permanent stops shall be provided to prevent double swing.
  • CRSC § 12-10 High relevance — show source text

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    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

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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.

    (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 § 1010.3.3. High relevance — show source text

    Power-operated swinging doors, power-operated sliding doors and power-operated folding doors shall comply with BHMA A156.10. Power-assisted swinging doors and low-energy power-operated swinging doors shall comply with BHMA A156.19. Low-energy power-operated sliding doors and low-energy power-operated folding doors shall comply with BHMA A156.38.

    Exceptions:

    1. Occupancies in Group I-3.
    2. Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors complying with Section 1010.3.3.
    3. For a biparting door in the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a multiple-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32-inch (813 mm) single-leaf requirement of Section 1010.1.1, provided that a minimum 32-inch (813 mm) clear opening is provided when the two biparting leaves meeting in the center are broken out.

    1010.3.3 Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors. In other than Group H occupancies, special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding door assemblies permitted to be a component of a means of egress in accordance with Exception 6 to Section 1010.1.2 shall comply with all of the following criteria:

    1. The doors shall be power operated and shall be capable of being operated manually in the event of power failure.
    2. The doors shall be openable by a simple method without special knowledge or effort from the egress side or sides.
    3. The force required to operate the door shall not exceed 30 pounds (133 N) to set the door in motion and 15 pounds (67 N) to close the door or open it to the minimum required width.
    4. The door shall be openable with a force not to exceed 15 pounds (67 N) when a force of 250 pounds (1100 N) is applied perpendicular to the door adjacent to the operating device.
    5. The door assembly shall comply with the applicable fire protection rating and, where rated, shall be self-closing or automatic closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6, shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80 and shall comply with Section 716.
    6. The door assembly shall have an integrated standby power supply.
    7. The door assembly power supply shall be electrically supervised.
    8. The door shall open to the minimum required width within 10 seconds after activation of the operating device.

    1010.3.4 Security grilles. In Groups B, F, M and S, horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles are permitted at the main exit and shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort during periods that the space is occupied. The grilles shall remain secured in the full-open position during the period of occupancy by the general public. Where two or more exits or access to exits are required, not more than one-half of the exits or exit access doorways shall be equipped with horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles.

    1010.4 Gates. Gates serving the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Gates used as a component in a means of egress shall conform to the applicable requirements for doors.

  • CRSC § 12-3 High relevance — show source text

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    viii 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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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 § 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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    76 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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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.
  • CRSC § 12-7 High 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 § 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

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    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

Frequently asked questions

Can I shorten the required sign wording or use a different font?

No. The code prescribes exact wording and 1‑inch high block letters for the header sign and requires the emergency push sign wording or an approved alternative placed and formatted as described in § 12-10-101(d–e) .

Where must the manufacturer name be placed?

The manufacturer name or trademark must be legibly marked on the operating equipment where it can be seen after installation; the product type/model identifying a listed device must be on a label located as the listing indicates (§ 12-10-104) .

If a door is part of a listed fire door assembly, do these sections still apply?

Yes — but the door must also be tested per the Fire Door Assembly Tests (SFM 12‑7‑4) in addition to the requirements of Chapter 12‑10; see § 12-10-100(e) .

Do these sections give the maximum opening/closing forces?

No. § 12‑10‑101 and § 12‑10‑104 do not specify opening/closing force limits — those numerical force limits are provided in related sections such as § 12‑10‑102 and § 12‑10‑103. Consult those sections for force and clear‑width requirements .

Who may perform the required tests?

Doors with power operators must be examined/tested by a testing laboratory approved by the State Fire Marshal or by a qualified independent fire protection engineer acceptable to the State Fire Marshal (§ 12-10-101(g)) .

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California Referenced Standards Code