CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code

Swinging power‑operated doors — opening, closing forces and safety mats

Homeowner summary: The CRSC requires power‑operated swing doors to open fully to 90°, be manually openable during power or control faults with no more than 40 pounds of force, have closing forces also limited to 40 pounds and the last 10° of closing slowed to at least 1.5 seconds, and—if carpets trigger the door—use activating carpets and safety mats sized and arranged exactly as specified in § 12‑10‑102.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Power-operated swinging doors must provide the required clear opening, open to at least 90°, limit both opening and closing forces to protect users, and use correctly sized activating carpets and safety mats where carpet actuation is employed. The controlling requirements are in § 12-10-102 of the California Referenced Standards Code.

The single most important rule: power-operated swinging doors must open to 90° and be manually openable under each fault condition with a push‑force not exceeding 40 pounds; closing force is also limited to 40 pounds and the final 10° of closing must take at least 1.5 seconds. § 12-10-102

Requirements in detail

Opening / clear widths

  • Minimum clear opening with leaves at 90°: 28 inches (711 mm). No single leaf shall be less than 24 inches (609 mm). § 12-10-102(a)
  • Where doors are manually operated in the direction of egress, leaves must swing open to not less than 90°. § 12-10-101(c)

Opening forces and fault testing

  • Under any possible power‑supply fault condition, a single door or each leaf of paired doors shall open to 90° with applied pressure at the normal push‑plate location not exceeding 40 pounds. § 12-10-102(d)
  • Paired doors: provide a separate operator for each leaf unless tandem‑operator testing proves the other leaf still operates or swings free within the maximum permitted manual opening pressures. § 12-10-102(b)

Closing forces and speed

  • Normal closing may be by spring, pressure‑operated or electric mechanism.
  • Closing force measured at the closing stile shall not exceed 40 pounds at any point in the closing arc. § 12-10-102(c)
  • The final 10 degrees of closing shall take not less than 1 1/2 seconds (1.5 s). § 12-10-102(c)

Activating carpets and safety mats (actuation and safety)

  • When carpets are used as the activating device:
    • Carpet width shall be not less than 10 inches less than the clear width of the door opening, with the centerline of the carpet on the centerline of the door opening. § 12-10-102(f)(1)
    • Carpet length shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm). For doors exceeding 42 inches (1067 mm) in width, activating carpet length shall be not less than 56 inches (1422 mm). § 12-10-102(f)(2)
  • Safety mat requirements:
    • Doors serving one‑way traffic only must have a safety mat with length not less than the width of the widest leaf. § 12-10-102(f)(3)
    • Doors serving both egress and ingress require a series of joined carpets on the swing side arranged so that:
      • One safety carpet or mat, nearest the door, is at least as long as the width of the door leaf; and
      • One or more activating carpets such that the total carpet length on the swing side is at least 2.5 times the width of the widest door leaf. § 12-10-102(f)(4)(A,B)
  • Measurement clarifications (how “width” and “length” are measured):
    • Width is measured between the exposed edges of the carpet tread surface, excluding molded edge bevels or aluminum edge trim.
    • Length is measured from the centerline of the door pivot to the exposed edge of the carpet tread surface, excluding molded edge bevels or trim.
    • Safety mat is defined as a mat that prevents opening if pressure is on it prior to the activating mat and prevents closing until pressure is removed. (Definitions / notes to § 12-10-102(f)).

Doors in pairs and operator redundancy

  • As noted above, paired leaves are to have separate operators unless verified by test. For mechanically controlled doors, subject one mechanism to fault conditions and the other leaf must be openable manually without exceeding the permitted opening pressure. § 12-10-102(b)

Table — decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Dimension / value Requirement Code Reference
Clear opening width (leaves at 90°) Minimum 28 in (711 mm); single leaf ≥ 24 in (609 mm) § 12-10-102(a)
Opening angle (manual) 90° minimum § 12-10-101(c)
Opening force under fault ≤ 40 lb at normal push‑plate location § 12-10-102(d)
Closing force (at closing stile) ≤ 40 lb anywhere in closing arc § 12-10-102(c)
Final closing time Final 10° not less than 1.5 s § 12-10-102(c)
Activating carpet width ≥ (clear opening width − 10 in); centered on door centerline § 12-10-102(f)(1)
Activating carpet length ≥ 42 in; if door width >42 in then ≥ 56 in § 12-10-102(f)(2)
Safety mat length (one‑way traffic) ≥ width of widest leaf § 12-10-102(f)(3)
Series carpet arrangement (bi‑directional) Nearest mat = safety mat ≥ leaf width; total carpet length ≥ 2.5 × widest leaf width § 12-10-102(f)(4)
Measurement rules for carpets Width & length exclude edge bevels/trim; length measured from door pivot centerline Notes to § 12-10-102(f)

Exceptions & special cases

  • In‑swinging power‑operated doors are explicitly not recognized when determining required exit width for swing‑out egress credit. Do not count in‑swing doors toward egress width. § 12-10-102(e)
  • Paired doors with tandem operators: allowed only when testing proves the second leaf continues to operate (or swings free) without exceeding maximum manual opening pressures. For mechanical controls, fault one mechanism and confirm the other opens manually within the force limit. § 12-10-102(b)
  • If a door assembly is intended for locations where panic hardware is required, the door must be tested with listed panic hardware per § 12-10-101(a).

Common mistakes

  • Mis‑measuring carpet dimensions: designers often measure carpet length from the door edge rather than from the centerline of the door pivot; the code measures length from the pivot centerline to the exposed edge. (Notes to § 12-10-102(f)).
  • Installing activating carpets that are too narrow — carpet width must be at least clear width − 10 in and centered on the door. § 12-10-102(f)(1)
  • Forgetting the final 10° closing time requirement (≥ 1.5 s) when adjusting closers or operator snubs. § 12-10-102(c)
  • Assuming a single operator for paired doors is acceptable without the required tandem testing; failure to document test proof leads to nonconformance. § 12-10-102(b)
  • Treating safety mats and activating carpets interchangeably — a safety mat has the distinct safety function described in the notes and is required in specific traffic arrangements. (Notes to § 12-10-102(f)).

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: a single leaf, power‑operated swinging door serving two‑way traffic; clear opening = 36 inches (leaf = 36 in).

Apply the rules:

  • Clear width: 36 in ≥ 28 in minimum, OK. § 12-10-102(a)
  • Activating carpet width: ≥ (clear width − 10 in) = 26 in; center on door centerline. § 12-10-102(f)(1)
  • Activating carpet length: door width (36 in) ≤ 42 in, so carpet length ≥ 42 in. § 12-10-102(f)(2)
  • Safety mat arrangement for both directions: nearest mat (safety mat) must be at least as long as the leaf width (≥ 36 in). Total carpet length on swing side must be at least 2.5 × widest leaf = 2.5 × 36 = 90 in (so sum of safety mat + activating carpets on the swing side must equal or exceed 90 in). § 12-10-102(f)(4)
  • Forces: closing force at the closing stile must be ≤ 40 lb; final 10° of closing must be ≥ 1.5 s. Under any power fault, the door must open to 90° under ≤ 40 lb applied at the push plate. § 12-10-102(c,d)

Document these dimensions and tests with the manufacturer’s installation and test reports as required by the referenced procedures. (See general test/report requirements in the standard).

Related provisions

  • § 12-10-100 — Scope and application of power‑operated exit door standards.
  • § 12-10-101 — General provisions (panic hardware, opening degree, testing).
  • § 12-10-103 — Requirements for combination sliding and swinging doors (similar force limits and carpet rules).
  • § 12-10-104 — Marking and labeling of listed operating equipment.
  • § 12-10-200 — (Related standard grouping for single‑point latches and locks; see Part 12‑10‑2) — definitions and testing for related hardware.

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 § 12-10 High relevance — show source text

    (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

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

    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.

    (j) Endurance tests. The power operator shall function as intended to open and close the door(s) for 100,000 cycles of operation without failure or excessive wear of parts. The release mechanism and disconnect switches of the swinging section in sliding doors shall function as intended for 250 cycles of operation without failure or excessive wear of parts. The opening and closing forces, and the speed of opening and closing shall be recorded at the start of the endurance tests, and shall again be recorded at the end of the endurance tests. Opening and closing forces at the beginning and at the end of the endurance test shall not exceed the maximum forces prescribed in these procedures.

    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.

  • 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.

    74 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 75

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

    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

  • 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.

    74 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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

    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 § 1010.3.2 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 § 10-27 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: A breakout force in excess of 180 pounds (801 N) is permitted if the breakout force is reduced to not more than 130 pounds (578 N) when not less than one of the following conditions is satisfied:

    1. There is a power failure or power is removed to the device holding the door wings in position.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 10-27

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

    �

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1. There is an actuation of the automatic sprinkler system where such system is provided.
    2. There is an actuation of a smoke detection system that is installed in accordance with Section 907 to provide coverage in areas within the building that are within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of the revolving doors.
    3. There is an actuation of a manual control switch, in an approved location and clearly identified, that reduces the breakout force to not more than 130 pounds (578 N).

    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.

    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.
  • 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

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

    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 § 6.5 High relevance — show source text
    1. Exit access doors serving a room not larger than 70 square feet (6.5 m [2] ) shall have a minimum door leaf width of 24 inches (610 mm).
    2. The minimum clear opening width shall not apply to doors for nonaccessible showers or sauna compartments.
    3. The minimum clear opening width shall not apply to the doors for nonaccessible toilet stalls.
    4. Door closers, overhead door stops, frame stops, power door operators and electromagnetic door locks shall be permitted to project into the door opening height not lower than 78 inches (1980 mm) above the floor.

    1104.7.1 Group I-2. In Group I-2 occupancies, means of egress doors where used for the movement of beds shall provide a minimum clear opening width of 41 [1] / 2 inches (1054 mm).

    Doors serving as means of egress doors and not used for movement of beds shall provide a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches (813 mm).

    11-14 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    1104.7.2 Ambulatory care. In ambulatory care facilities, doors serving as means of egress from patient treatment rooms shall provide a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches (813 mm).

    1104.8 Forces to unlatch and open doors. Forces shall be applied to the latch side. Forces required to unlatch and open doors shall be in accordance with Sections 1104.8.1 and 1104.8.2.

    1104.8.1 Unlatching doors. The forces to unlatch doors shall comply with the following:

    1. Where door hardware operates by push or pull, the operational force to unlatch the door shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).
    2. Where door hardware operates by rotation, the operational force to unlatch the door shall not exceed 28 inch-pounds (3.164 N-m).

    1104.8.2 Opening doors. The forces to open doors shall comply with the following:

    1. For interior swinging egress doors that are manually operated, other than doors required to be fire rated, the force for pushing or pulling open the door shall not exceed 5 pounds (22 N).
    2. For other swinging doors, sliding doors or folding doors and doors required to be fire-rated, the door shall require not more than a 30-pound (133 N) force to be set in motion and shall move to a full-open position when subjected to not more than a 15-pound (67 N) force.

    1104.9 Revolving doors. Revolving doors shall comply with the following:

    1. A revolving door shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the foot or top of stairways or escalators. A dispersal area shall be provided between the stairways or escalators and the revolving doors.
    2. The revolutions per minute for a revolving door shall not exceed those shown in Table 1104.9.
    3. Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10 feet (3048 mm).
  • CRSC § 1104.8.1 High relevance — show source text

    1104.8.1 Unlatching doors. The forces to unlatch doors shall comply with the following:

    1. Where door hardware operates by push or pull, the operational force to unlatch the door shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).
    2. Where door hardware operates by rotation, the operational force to unlatch the door shall not exceed 28 inch-pounds (3.164 N-m).

    1104.8.2 Opening doors. The forces to open doors shall comply with the following:

    1. For interior swinging egress doors that are manually operated, other than doors required to be fire rated, the force for pushing or pulling open the door shall not exceed 5 pounds (22 N).
    2. For other swinging doors, sliding doors or folding doors and doors required to be fire-rated, the door shall require not more than a 30-pound (133 N) force to be set in motion and shall move to a full-open position when subjected to not more than a 15-pound (67 N) force.

    1104.9 Revolving doors. Revolving doors shall comply with the following:

    1. A revolving door shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the foot or top of stairways or escalators. A dispersal area shall be provided between the stairways or escalators and the revolving doors.
    2. The revolutions per minute for a revolving door shall not exceed those shown in Table 1104.9.
    3. Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10 feet (3048 mm).

    Exceptions:

    1. A revolving door is permitted to be used without an adjacent swinging door for street-floor elevator lobbies provided that a stairway, escalator or door from other parts of the building does not discharge through the lobby and the lobby does not have any occupancy or use other than as a means of travel between elevators and a street.
    2. Existing revolving doors where the number of revolving doors does not exceed the number of swinging doors within 20 feet (6096 mm).
    TABLE 1104.9—REVOLVING DOOR SPEEDS Col2 Col3
    INSIDE DIAMETER
    (feet-inches)    		 POWER-DRIVEN-TYPE SPEED CONTROL
    (rpm)    		 MANUAL-TYPE SPEED CONTROL
    (rpm)
    6-6 11 12
    7-0 10 11
    7-6 9 11
    8-0 9 10
    8-6 8 9
    9-0 8 9
    9-6 7 8
    10-0 7 8
    For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
  • 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 § 1010.3.3. Medium 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 § 1010.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1010.3.1.1 Egress component. A revolving door used as a component of a means of egress shall comply with Section 1010.3.1 and the following three conditions:

    1. Revolving doors shall not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the minimum width or required capacity.
    2. Each revolving door shall be credited with a capacity based on not more than a 50-person occupant load.
    3. Each revolving door shall provide for egress in accordance with BHMA A156.27 with a breakout force of not more than 130 pounds (578 N).

    10-28 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    [BE] 1010.3.1.2 Other than egress component. A revolving door used as other than a component of a means of egress shall comply with Section 1010.3.1. The breakout force of a revolving door not used as a component of a means of egress shall not be more than 180 pounds (801 N).

    Exception: A breakout force in excess of 180 pounds (801 N) is permitted if the breakout force is reduced to not more than 130 pounds (578 N) when not less than one of the following conditions is satisfied:

    1. There is a power failure or power is removed to the device holding the door wings in position.
    2. There is an actuation of the automatic sprinkler system where such system is provided.
    3. There is an actuation of a smoke detection system that is installed in accordance with Section 907 to provide coverage in areas within the building that are within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of the revolving doors.
    4. There is an actuation of a manual control switch, in an approved location and clearly identified, that reduces the breakout force to not more than 130 pounds (578 N).

    [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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single most important force limit to remember for power-operated swinging doors?

Under normal and fault conditions the controlling manual‑force limits are 40 pounds to open to 90°, and 40 pounds maximum closing force at the closing stile; final 10° of closing must take ≥ 1.5 seconds. § 12-10-102

How wide must an activating carpet be?

Carpet width must be at least (clear opening width − 10 in) and centered on the door centerline. § 12-10-102(f)(1)

When is a safety mat required and how long must it be?

For one‑way traffic the safety mat length must be at least the width of the widest leaf. For two‑way traffic, a safety mat nearest the door must be at least the leaf width and the total carpet length on the swing side must be at least 2.5 × widest leaf width. § 12-10-102(f)(3,4)

Can paired leaves share a single operator?

Only if testing of a tandem operator with one leaf jammed (or with one mechanism faulted in mechanical controls) shows the other leaf still operates or is manually openable without exceeding the maximum permitted manual opening pressures. Otherwise provide separate operators. § 12-10-102(b)

How are carpet length and width measured?

Carpet width is between the exposed edges of the tread surface (exclude edge bevels/trim). Length is measured from the centerline of the door pivot to the exposed edge of the tread surface. See the notes to the activating carpet rules.

More in California Referenced Standards Code

Ask about the CRSC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Referenced Standards Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CRSC

When are power‑operated exit doors allowed?

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

Power‑operated exit doors — general requirements and marking

Power‑operated exit doors (SFM 12‑10‑1)

California Referenced Standards Code