CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code

Sliding power‑operated doors — swing‑out sections and activation devices

If your power sliding door is part of a required exit, it must include a manually pushable swing‑out section that breaks the motor drive and opens fully to 90° with no more than 40 pounds of force; the sliding leaf closing force, opening widths, and any activating carpets/mats must meet the specific dimensions and limits in **§ 12-10-103** and **§ 12-10-102**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Sliding power‑operated doors used as part of required exits must include a swinging section that will swing out in the direction of egress and immediately disconnect the power operator when pushed. The swing‑out must open to 90 degrees and be openable with at most 40 pounds of push force at the normal push‑plate or panic crossbar; closing forces and speeds for the sliding leaf are also limited (30 pounds at 24 in. opening; closing speed ≤ 1.5 ft/s). These requirements are set forth in § 12-10-103 .

In short: sliding exit doors must have a manually pushable swing‑out section that breaks the motor drive and opens to 90° with no more than 40 lb of force. See § 12-10-103 .

Requirements in detail

Mandatory mechanical features (summary)

  • Swinging sections: Sliding leaves shall be provided with swing‑out sections arranged to swing in the direction of egress when pressure is applied at the normal push plate or panic crossbar. § 12-10-103(a)(1) .
  • Operator disconnect: Operation of the swinging section shall disconnect the sliding door power operator. § 12-10-103(a)(2) .
  • Permanent stops: Provide permanent stops to prevent double swing. § 12-10-103(a)(3) .
  • Concealed tamper controls: Adjustments (breakaway tension, speeds, power/pressure, snubs, etc.) must be concealed and not readily accessible to tampering. § 12-10-103(a)(4) .
  • Overhead suspension & guarding: Doors shall be suspended from an overhead track; operators, control levers and mechanisms shall be guarded. § 12-10-103(a)(5) .
  • Closing mechanism limits: Closing force at 24 inches of opening shall not exceed 30 pounds and closing speed shall not exceed 1.5 ft/s. § 12-10-103(b) .
  • Opening width: With the swing‑out section(s) at 90 degrees, the clear opening must be at least 28 inches, and no single leaf less than 24 inches. § 12-10-103(c) .
  • Opening force for swinging section: The swing‑out section must swing open to full open when an opening force not exceeding 40 pounds is applied at the normal push plate or panic crossbar. § 12-10-103(d) .
  • Fault condition performance: Under each possible power fault with sliding leaves retracted one‑half their width into their pocket(s), each swinging section shall open to 90 degrees with applied pressure not exceeding 40 pounds at the normal push‑plate location. § 12-10-103(e) .
  • No swing‑out = limited use: Power sliding doors without a swing‑out section may be tested for mechanical performance but shall not be listed for use where required exits are specified in Title 24, Part 2. § 12-10-103(f) .
  • Activating carpets / safety mats: Activating carpets and safety mats used with sliding doors must conform to § 12-10-102(f) (sizes and arrangement). § 12-10-103(g) referencing § 12-10-102(f) .

Decision‑relevant dimensions/values

Requirement Value / threshold Where to find it (Code Reference)
Swing‑out opens to 90 degrees § 12-10-103(c), (e)
Max push force to open swing‑out 40 pounds § 12-10-103(d), (e)
Min clear opening with swing at 90° 28 inches § 12-10-103(c)
Min single leaf width 24 inches § 12-10-103(c)
Sliding door closing force (at 24 in.) ≤ 30 pounds § 12-10-103(b)
Sliding door closing speed ≤ 1.5 ft/s § 12-10-103(b)
Activating carpet width (clear width − 10 in.) minimum § 12-10-102(f)(1)
Activating carpet length (≤ 42 in. door) ≥ 42 inches § 12-10-102(f)(2)
Activating carpet length (> 42 in. door) ≥ 56 inches § 12-10-102(f)(2)
Safety mat length (one‑way traffic) ≥ width of widest leaf § 12-10-102(f)(3)
Total carpet length (both directions) ≥ 2½ × width of widest leaf (arranged as safety mat + activating carpets) § 12-10-102(f)(4)

Marking, testing and installation notes

  • Doors and operators must be marked with manufacturer/model per § 12-10-104; testing and test reports are required to demonstrate conformance (see § 12-10-101(g–i)). § 12-10-104 and § 12-10-101 .
  • Endurance and simulated installation tests include cycling of both sliding leaf and swing‑out section (3–5 cycles/minute) so latches and disconnects operate in service; details in test procedure sections. § 12-10-101(i) and test procedure references .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Power‑operated sliding doors that lack a swing‑out section may be mechanically tested but cannot be listed for use as required exits under Title 24, Part 2 (i.e., they are not acceptable where required exits are specified). § 12-10-103(f) .
  • Activating device specifics (carpets, safety mats) are detailed under § 12-10-102(f); follow those dimensions and arrangements when using mats as the activating device. § 12-10-103(g) referencing § 12-10-102(f) .
  • Where panic hardware is required on the door, the swing‑out must operate from the panic crossbar location (force measured at the crossbar). § 12-10-103(a)(1), (d) .

If you need compliance for fire‑rated installations or other special tests, additional standards (fire door assembly tests, lab listing) apply; see § 12-10-100(e) and related marking/testing requirements in § 12-10-101. § 12-10-100(e) and § 12-10-101 .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a motor‑driven sliding door without a swing‑out section is acceptable for required exits — the code explicitly disallows listing for required exits if no swing‑out is provided (§ 12-10-103(f)) .
  • Failing to provide a positive operator disconnect when the swing‑out section is actuated; the swing operation must disconnect the power operator (§ 12-10-103(a)(2)) .
  • Ignoring the 40‑pound limit for manual opening of the swing‑out (both normal and under fault conditions) — enforcement and testing measure force at the normal push‑plate or panic crossbar (§ 12-10-103(d), (e)) .
  • Mis‑sizing activating carpets/mats: the code requires specific widths and lengths and different arrangements for one‑way vs. two‑way traffic (see § 12-10-102(f)) .
  • Leaving speed/power adjustments exposed — these must be concealed to prevent tampering (§ 12-10-103(a)(4)) .

Worked example

Scenario: A retail storefront has a center‑parting, power sliding door with a swing‑out section on each leaf. The designer needs to confirm compliance.

Given:

  • Each leaf with swing‑out at 90° must provide clear opening ≥ 28 in. and no single leaf < 24 in.. Designer chooses a 32‑in. clear opening with two 16‑in. swing‑out leaves — this fails because a single leaf is less than 24 in.; revise to two 28‑in. leaves (clear opening 56 in., each leaf 28 in.) to comply. See § 12-10-103(c) .

  • Ensure the swing‑out opens to 90° under ≤ 40 lb of push at the push plate/crossbar. If prototype requires 55 lb, the operator disconnect and latch geometry must be reworked to meet the 40 lb limit per § 12-10-103(d) .

  • Set sliding leaf closing force: measure at 24 in. of opening; must be ≤ 30 lb and closing speed ≤ 1.5 ft/s. Adjust closing spring/drive so test shows 28 lb closing force and 1.2 ft/s closing speed — acceptable per § 12-10-103(b) .

  • Activating carpet: clear width = 56 in.; carpet width = clear width − 10 in. = 46 in. (minimum) and carpet length for >42‑in door must be ≥ 56 in.; include a safety mat nearest the door at least the width of the door leaf, and additional activating carpets so total carpet length on swing side is ≥ 2½ × widest leaf if doors used both directions. See § 12-10-102(f) .

  • Conceal adjustments (tension, speed, power) and provide permanent stops to prevent double swing; ensure overhead track suspension and guarding on operator per § 12-10-103(a)(3–5) .

Related provisions

  • § 12-10-100 — Scope and applicability for power‑operated exit doors (testing and application notes) .
  • § 12-10-101 — General requirements (opening degree to 90°, panic hardware testing, glazing, testing and marking) .
  • § 12-10-102 — Swinging‑door requirements including activating carpets and safety mats dimensions (referenced by § 12-10-103) .
  • § 12-10-104 — Marking requirements for listed operating equipment and labels .
  • Test and emergency operation sections (e.g., § 12-10-304–305) addressing cycle and emergency release performance for assemblies and crossbars; relevant when verifying panic hardware and release forces in testing .

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

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

    (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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

  • CRSC § 1010.3.3 High relevance — show source text

    [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.

    [BE] 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.

    [BE] 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.

    [BE] 1010.4.1 Stadiums. Panic hardware is not required on gates surrounding stadiums where such gates are under constant immediate supervision while the public is present, and where safe dispersal areas based on 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) per occupant are located between the fence and enclosed space. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the enclosed space. See Section 1028.5 for means of egress from safe dispersal areas.

    [BE] 1010.5 Turnstiles and similar devices. Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to one direction shall not be placed so as to obstruct any required means of egress, except where permitted in accordance with Sections 1010.5.1, 1010.5.2 and 1010.5.3.

  • 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 § 9.5 High relevance — show source text

    (c) Swing doors.

    1. The movement of swing doors shall not permit any portion of the edges to move from the original position in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the door more than the thickness of the door during the first half of the classification period, nor more than 2 [7] / 8 inches (73 mm) during the entire classification period and as a result of the hose stream.
    2. The movement of swing doors mounted in pairs shall not permit any portion of the meeting edges to move more than the thickness of the door away from the adjacent door edge in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the doors during the entire classification period and as a result of the hose stream.
    3. An assembly consisting of a pair of swinging doors, incorporating an astragal shall not separate in a direction parallel to the plane of the doors more than [3] / 4 inch (19 mm) not equal to the throw of the latch bolt along the meeting edges.
    4. An assembly consisting of a pair of swinging doors, without an overlapping astragal, for a fire and hose stream exposure of 1 [1] / 2 hours or less, shall not separate along the meeting edges more than [3] / 8 inch (9.5 mm), including the initial clearance between doors.

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    FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS

    1. An assembly consisting of a single swinging door shall not separate more than [1] / 2 inch (13 mm) at the latch location.
    2. Door frames to be evaluated with doors shall remain securely fastened to the wall on all sides and shall not cause through openings between frame and doors or between frame and adjacent wall.

    (d) Sliding doors.

    1. Doors mounted on the face of the wall shall not move from the wall sufficiently to develop a separation of more than 2 [1] / 8 inches (54 mm) at the point of separation during the entire classification period and as a result of the hose stream.
    2. Doors mounted in guides shall not release from guides and guides shall not loosen from fastenings.
    3. The bottom bar of rolling steel doors shall not separate from the floor structure more than [3] / 4 inch (19 mm) during the entire classification period and as a result of the hose stream.
    4. The meeting edge of centerparting horizontal sliding doors and biparting vertical sliding doors shall not separate more than the door thickness in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the doors.
    5. The meeting edges of centerparting horizontal sliding doors and biparting vertical sliding doors without an overlapping astragal for a fire and hose stream exposure of 1 [1] / 2 hours or less shall not separate along the meeting edges more than [3] / 8 inch (9.5 mm), including the initial clearance between doors.
    6. The meeting edges of centerparting horizontal sliding doors incorporating an astragal shall not separate in a direction parallel to the plane of the doors more than [3] / 4 inch (19 mm) nor equal to the throw of the latch bolt along the meeting edges.
    7. The bottom edge of service counter doors or single slide dumbwaiter doors shall not separate from the sill more than [3] / 8 inch (9.5 mm).
  • 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 75

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    76 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    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 § 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 § 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.

  • CEC § 914 Medium relevance — show source text

    (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.

    (h) Test report. The test report shall contain engineering data and drawings; size and weight of door tested; wiring diagrams of electrical control systems; schematic drawings of mechanical controls; and operating manuals. The report shall describe the mechanical operation of the power operator in sequence as the door(s) open and close under normal and emergency conditions. The report shall set forth the tests performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard and the results thereof. The report shall additionally contain an analysis comparing each feature of the design against the performance test procedures contained herein.

    (i) Simulated installation and test equipment. Doors with power operators shall be installed in a simulated wall and door framing assembly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The test specimen shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) wide by 7 feet (2133 mm) high. A motor-driven or suitable mechanism shall be used to actuate the activating carpet. The rate of operation or number of cycles shall be 3 to 5 per minutes. On sliding doors with a swing-out section additional operating endurance tests shall be conducted. A motor-driven mechanism or other approved means shall be used to push the swinging door section open and pull the swinging section closed at a rate of 3 to 5 cycles per minute, so that the latching mechanism and disconnect switches operate as in

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 73

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    EXITS

    service. During the test the door specimen shall have only the lubrication which is provided by the manufacturer at the factory, or as may be recommended by the manufacturer in his installation instructions.

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

    Note: Mechanisms involving dead-locking bolts may require modification in the test procedure in order to simulate the intended in-service condition. Modifications in the test procedure shall be filed for evaluation and approval before proceeding with the test.

    (d) Releasing pressure. The motor-driven mechanism shall be arranged to apply not to exceed 15 pounds pressure against the cross-bar to release the door latch(es) or dead-locking bolts before the door is pushed open.

    (e) Cycle test. The release mechanism and latches or dead-locking bolts shall function as intended for 100,000 cycles of operation without failure or excessive wear of the parts.

    EMERGENCY OPERATION TEST

    Sec. 12-10-305.

    (a) Releasing pressure. The release mechanism shall be so designed that a horizontal force of 50 pounds or less will actuate the release bar and latches or dead-locking bolt when the latched or locked door is subjected to outward pressure as described in Sections 12-10-305 (c) and (d). The horizontal force shall be applied at any point along the cross-bar perpendicular to the door in the direction of swing.

    (b) Test specimen. The test specimen for the emergency operation test shall be the sample which has been previously subjected to the cycle test specified in Section 12-10-304.

    (c) Testing instrument. The horizontal force applied to the cross-bar shall be measured with a calibrated spring scale or other approved means.

    (d) Outward pressure, single door. A hydraulic loading device or load dynamometer shall be used to apply a horizontal force of 250 pounds against the latching edge in the direction in which the door opens. The thrust load shall be applied to the stile immediately above the latching mechanism.

    (e) Outward pressure, double doors. A hydraulic loading device or load dynamometer shall be used to apply a horizontal force of 250 pounds against the lock stile of each door of doors in pairs 2 inches (51 mm) in from the edge at midpoint between top and bottom of each door leaf in the direction of door swing.

    (f) Release bar deformation. The cross-bar on a 36-inch (914 mm) wide door shall not be permanently set or deformed in excess of [1] / 4 inch (6 mm), by the test; a spacing of at least 1 inch (25 mm) is to be provided and maintained between the cross-bar and the face of the door when the horizontal force is applied against the cross-bar.

    MARKING

    Sec. 12-10-306. The listee’s name (or approved symbol), type or model designation shall be plainly marked on the releasing assembly. Devices and assemblies which are not listed by an approved listing agency for the intended purpose shall bear a label or other identifying markings as approved by the State Fire Marshal.

    84 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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    CHAPTERS

    12-11A and 11B BUILDING AND FACILITY ACCESS SPECIFICATIONS

    Detectable warning products and directional surfaces installed after January 1, 2001, shall be evaluated by an independent entity, selected by the Department of General Services, Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, for all occupancies, including transportation and other outdoor environments, except that when products and surfaces are for use in residential housing evaluation shall be in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development. See Government Code Section 4460.

    PRODUCT APPROVAL FOR DETECTABLE WARNING PRODUCTS AND DIRECTIONAL SURFACES

Frequently asked questions

Do both leaves of a biparting sliding door need swing‑out sections?

Yes — sliding leaves shall be provided with swinging sections (swing‑outs) arranged to swing in the direction of egress; if a sliding door has no swing‑out it cannot be listed for use where required exits are specified. § 12-10-103(a)(1), (f) .

What if the power fails — how much force is allowed to open the swing‑out?

Under any fault condition affecting power, each swinging section shall open to 90 degrees with an applied pressure at the normal push plate not exceeding 40 pounds. § 12-10-103(e) .

Can activating mats be used as the only activation method?

Yes — activating carpets or safety mats are permitted but must meet the dimensional and arrangement rules in § 12-10-102(f) (width, length, safety‑mat placement, totals). § 12-10-103(g) referencing § 12-10-102(f) .

Are there speed or closing‑force limits for the sliding leaf?

Yes — the closing force at 24 inches of opening shall not exceed 30 pounds and closing speed shall not exceed 1.5 feet per second. § 12-10-103(b) .

Do adjustments like power‑pressure controls need to be protected?

Yes — breakaway tension adjustments, opening/closing speed and snub adjustments, power/pressure adjustments, and similar controls must be concealed and not readily accessible to prevent tampering. § 12-10-103(a)(4) .

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