CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code

When are power‑operated exit doors allowed?

Power‑operated exit doors (power swings and sliding/swing combos) are allowed only if they are tested/listed to the State Fire Marshal standard and meet specific size, force and activating‑device rules (e.g., 90° swing, 28" clear, ≤40 lb opening/closing force, activating carpet dimensions). See **§ 12-10-100** and related §§ for required testing, marking, and the special rules for pairs, sliding doors and fire‑door openings.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Power‑operated exit doors (power‑operated swinging doors and combination sliding + swinging doors) are permitted where required exits are specified in Title 24 so long as they meet the State Fire Marshal’s minimum design, construction and testing requirements in § 12-10-100. These doors must be tested/listed, use approved operators (air, hydraulic or electric), and meet the mechanical, signage, activating‑device and force limits contained in the Standard. § 12-10-100

The single most important rule: Power‑operated exit doors are allowed only when they conform to the SFM power‑operated exit door standard (SFM 12‑10‑1) — properly tested/listed and meeting the mechanical and safety thresholds set out in § 12-10-100 and the related provisions in Chapter 12-10.

Requirements in detail

Scope / basic permission

  • Allowed assemblies: power‑operated swinging doors and combination sliding and swinging doors intended for locations where required exits are specified in Title 24. § 12-10-100(a)
  • Operator types permitted: air, hydraulic, or electric operators, actuated by floor/activating carpet, photoelectric device or other approved signal. § 12-10-100(b)
  • Doors intended for openings requiring a listed fire‑door assembly must also be tested per the Fire Door Assembly Tests. § 12-10-100(e)

Testing, listing and marking

  • Doors with power operators must be examined and tested by a State Fire Marshal–approved testing laboratory or by an acceptable independent fire protection engineer; test reports must document design, wiring diagrams, drawings and test results. § 12-10-100(g), § 12-10-100(h)
  • Manufacturer name and model / listing label must be legibly marked on operating equipment per § 12-10-104. § 12-10-104

Mechanical performance and human‑factor thresholds (decision‑relevant)

  • Doors (manually operated toward egress) must swing open to at least 90°. § 12-10-101(c)
  • Minimum clear opening with door(s) at 90°: 28 inches (711 mm); no single leaf less than 24 inches (609 mm). § 12-10-102(a)
  • Closing force (swinging doors) measured at the closing stile: shall not exceed 40 pounds; final 10° of closing shall take at least 1.5 seconds. § 12-10-102(c)
  • Under each fault condition affecting power supply, each leaf must open to 90° with applied pressure at push plate location not exceeding 40 pounds. § 12-10-102(d)
  • Doors in pairs normally require separate operator for each leaf unless tandem operation is shown to permit the other leaf to operate or be free to swing without exceeding permitted manual opening pressures. § 12-10-102(b)
  • For sliding doors: closing force at 24 inches of opening shall not exceed 30 pounds and closing speed not over 1.5 ft/s. Sliding doors’ swinging sections must open with no more than 40 pounds applied at the normal push plate/crossbar. § 12-10-102 (sliding/related rules)

Activating carpets & safety mat requirements (important for actuation and safety)

  • Activating carpet width: at least 10 inches less than the clear width of the door opening, centered on the door centerline. § 12-10-102(f)1
  • Activating carpet length: not less than 42 inches. For doors over 42 inches wide, activating carpet length must be at least 56 inches. § 12-10-102(f)2
  • Doors serving one‑way traffic must have a safety mat length at least equal to the width of the door leaf. § 12-10-102(f)3
  • Doors serving both ingress and egress require a series of joined carpets on the swing side: a safety carpet nearest the door (at least as long as the leaf width) plus activating carpets totaling 2½ × the width of the widest leaf. § 12-10-102(f)4(A–B)

Table — Quick decision checklist (dimensions, limits, where to check)

Decision item Required value / limit Code Reference
Minimum clear opening (door(s) at 90°) 28 in (711 mm) § 12-10-102(a)
Minimum single leaf width 24 in (609 mm) § 12-10-102(a)
Manual swing open degree 90° § 12-10-101(c)
Max closing/opening force (swinging doors) 40 lb measured at closing stile / push plate § 12-10-102(c–d)
Sliding door closing force at 24" ≤ 30 lb; max speed 1.5 ft/s § 12-10-102 (sliding)
Activating carpet width ≥ (clear width − 10 in) § 12-10-102(f)1
Activating carpet length ≥ 42 in (or 56 in if door > 42 in wide) § 12-10-102(f)2
Safety mat length (one‑way) ≥ door leaf width § 12-10-102(f)3
Testing / lab Tested by SFM‑approved lab or acceptable engineer; test report required § 12-10-100(g–h)
Marking Manufacturer name and listing ID on operating equipment § 12-10-104

Exceptions & special cases

  • Fire door openings: Power‑operated doors installed where a listed fire door assembly is required must additionally be tested to the Fire Door Assembly Tests (SFM 12‑7‑4). § 12-10-100(e)
  • Doors in pairs: Separate operators generally required; a tandem operator may be acceptable only if testing shows the second leaf will operate or swing free without exceeding permitted manual opening pressures. § 12-10-102(b)
  • In‑swinging doors: Power‑operated in‑swinging doors are not recognized for determining required exit width (they do not count toward the required egress width). § 12-10-102(e)
  • Sliding doors without swing‑out section: Power‑operated sliding doors that do not have a swing‑out section shall not be listed for use where required exits are specified in Part 2, Title 24. They may be evaluated for mechanical endurance but are not acceptable as required means of egress under this standard. § 12-10-102(f)
  • Alternate constructions: Products with differing materials/construction may be accepted if tested and found substantially equivalent to the intent of the procedures. § 12-10-100(c)

Common mistakes

  • Relying on a power operator to provide required egress width (forgetting in‑swinging leaves don't count). Check § 12-10-102(e).
  • Using sliding doors without a swing‑out section for required exits — the standard prohibits listing these for required exits. See § 12-10-102(f).
  • Ignoring activating carpet dimensions (width and length) or omitting safety mats where required; those sizes are prescribed in § 12-10-102(f).
  • Not providing required testing/reporting or listing by an approved laboratory; testing and a complete test report are mandated by § 12-10-100(g–h).
  • Overlooking signage and labeling requirements (e.g., “IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN” sign and manufacturer/model marking). See § 12-10-101(e) and § 12-10-104.

Worked example — applying the rules with numbers

Scenario: Main public exit is a pair of power‑operated swinging doors (biparting), each leaf nominally 36 inches wide, activated by floor carpets.

Step‑by‑step:

  1. Clear opening at 90°: With both leaves open the clear opening will be 72 inches — well above the 28‑inch minimum. Ensure no single leaf is smaller than 24 inches; here each is 36 in, so OK. § 12-10-102(a)
  2. Activating carpet width: Each activating carpet must be at least (clear width − 10 in). If the opening clear width is 72 in, carpet width must be ≥ 62 in (centered on the door centerline). § 12-10-102(f)1
  3. Activating carpet length: Doors are > 42 in leaf width, so activating carpet length must be ≥ 56 in. § 12-10-102(f)2
  4. Force checks: Closing and opening forces measured at the closing stile / push plate must not exceed 40 lb and the final 10° of closing must not be faster than one‑half? (The standard requires the final 10° take not less than 1.5 seconds). Test the operator to verify these values. § 12-10-102(c–d)
  5. Paired operator: Because this is doors in pairs, provide a separate operator for each leaf, unless tested with a tandem operator and found to meet the tandem exception in § 12-10-102(b). § 12-10-102(b)
  6. Testing & marking: Submit the assembly to an SFM‑approved lab or acceptable engineer and ensure manufacturer/model labeling is placed on the equipment per § 12-10-100(g–h) and § 12-10-104.

Related provisions (CRSC)

  • § 12-10-100 — Power‑operated exit doors: scope, allowed operator types, testing, application, fire door assemblies.
  • § 12-10-101 — General requirements: panic hardware testing, glazing, 90° swing, signs, wiring.
  • § 12-10-102 — Swinging doors: clear width, paired doors, closing forces, fault conditions, activating carpets.
  • § 12-10-103 — Sliding doors: swing‑out sections, disconnecting operator, stops, etc.
  • § 12-10-104 — Marking: manufacturer name and listing identification on equipment.

Code references

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

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

    Sec. 12-10-100.

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

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

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

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

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

    GENERAL

    Sec. 12-10-101.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (g) Testing. Doors with power operators shall be examined and tested by a testing laboratory approved by the State Fire Marshal, or tests shall be conducted by a qualified independent fire protection engineer, acceptable to the State Fire Marshal.

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

    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

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

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

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    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

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

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    GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH MATERIAL

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

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    POWER-OPERATED EXIT DOORS

    STANDARD 12-10-1

    STATE FIRE MARSHAL

    SCOPE

    Sec. 12-10-100.

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

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

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

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

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

    GENERAL

    Sec. 12-10-101.

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

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

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

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

    HISTORY:

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

    SWINGING DOORS

    Sec. 12-10-102.

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

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

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

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

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

    (f) Activating carpets and safety mats.

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

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

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

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

    HISTORY:

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

    SLIDING DOORS

    Sec. 12-10-103.

    (a) General.

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

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    �

    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 § 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.

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

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

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

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

    MARKING

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

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    SINGLE-POINT LATCHING OR LOCKING DEVICES

    STANDARD 12-10-2

    STATE FIRE MARSHAL

    SCOPE

    Sec. 12-10-200.

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

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

    (c) Listing by approved listing agency. Listing by an approved listing agency shall not be construed as necessarily indicating compliance in all respects with the requirements of these design requirements and test procedures for single-point latching or locking devices. The test report of the approved listing agency may be filed for review and after evaluation, if it is found to provide evidence of conformance, the single-point latching or locking device may be recognized for approval and listing.

    (d) Definitions.

    1. Inside knob. Inside knob means the knob, lever, bar or paddle on the side of the door which must be turned or depressed to unlatch or unlock the door to permit egress.
    2. Outside knob. Outside knob means the knob on the corridor side of room to corridor doors, or the knob on the exterior side of a door leading to the exterior.
  • CRSC § 1.5 Medium 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 § 12-3 Medium relevance — show source text

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    PART 12 CROSS REFERENCE TABLE

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

    PART 12
    STANDARD    		 SUBJECT ADOPTING
    AGENCY    		 ASSOCIATED TITLE 24
    BUILDING STANDARD
    Chapter 12-3 Releasing systems for security bars in
    dwellings    		 SFM Part 2, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7
    Part 2.5, Sections R319.1.1 and R319.4.4
    Part 9, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7
    Appendix 4 Section 452.1.5 and Title 19 provisions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
    4.4, 4.5, 4.6 reprinted in Part 9
    Part 10, Section 505.4
    Chapter 12-4A Laboratory animal quarters standards DPH Part 2, Section 1236
    Chapter 12-4-1 Stage and Platforms SFM Part 2, Sections 410.2.7, 410.2.7.1, 410.2.7.2
    Part 9, Sections 105.6.51, 4809
    Chapter 12-7-1 Fire-resistive standards. Fire tests of building
    construction and materials.    		 SFM Part 2, Section 703
    Chapter 12-7-2 Reserved
    Chapter 12-7-3 Fire-resistive standards.
    Fire testing furnaces.    		 SFM Part 9, Section 3001
    Chapter 12-7-4 Fire-resistive standards.
    Fire door assembly tests.    		 SFM Part 2, Section 716
    Chapter 12-7-5 Fire-resistive standards. Interior
    finish of decorative material.    		 SFM Part 2, Chapter 8
    Part 9, Chapter 8
    Chapter 12-7A Materials and construction methods for
    exterior wildfire exposure    		 SFM Part 7, Chapter 5
    Chapter 12-8-1 Fire-resistive standards for fire protection SFM Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2
    Appendix 12-8-1A Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon
    monoxide or carbon dioxide production    		 SFM
    Appendix 12-8-1B Guide to mounting techniques for wall and
    ceiling interior finish material    		 SFM
    Chapter 12-10-1 Exits. Power-operated exit doors. SFM Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1
    Chapter 12-10-2 Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices. SFM Part 2, Section 1010.2.2
    Part 9, Section 1010.2.2
    Chapter 12-10-3 Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware.
  • CRSC § 10-20 Medium relevance — show source text

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1. In other than Group H occupancies, revolving doors complying with Section 1010.3.1.
    2. In other than Group H occupancies, special-purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding door assemblies complying with Section 1010.3.3.
    3. Power-operated doors in accordance with Section 1010.3.2.
    4. Doors serving a bathroom within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-1.
    5. In other than Group H occupancies, manually operated horizontal sliding doors are permitted in a means of egress from spaces with an occupant load of 10 or less. 10. In Group I-2 occupancies, exit doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more shall not be of the pivoted or balanced type.

    [BE] 1010.1.2.1 Direction of swing. Side-hinged swinging doors, pivoted doors and balanced doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving a room or area containing an occupant load of 50 or more persons or a Group H occupancy. For Group L occupancies, see Section 453.6.2 of the California Building Code.

    In a Group I-2 occupancy, all required exterior egress doors shall open in the direction of egress regardless of the occupant load served.

    [BE] 1010.1.3 Forces to unlatch and open 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 (66.7 N).

    2. Where door hardware operates by rotation, the operational force to unlatch the door shall not exceed 28 inch-pounds (315 N-cm).

    The force 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.

    [BE] 1010.1.3.1 Location of applied forces. Forces shall be applied to the latch side of the door.

    [BE] 1010.1.3.2 Manual horizontal sliding doors. Where a manual horizontal sliding door is required to latch, the latch or other mechanism shall prevent the door from rebounding into a partially open position when the door is closed.

    [BE] 1010.1.4 Floor elevation. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of a door. Such floor or landing shall be at the same elevation on each side of the door. Landings shall be level except for exterior landings, which are permitted to have a slope not to exceed 0.25 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

    Exceptions:

    1. At doors serving individual dwelling units or sleeping units in Groups R-2 and R-3, a door is permitted to open at the top step of an interior flight of stairs, provided that the door does not swing over the top step.
  • CRSC § 407.4.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    [BE] 407.4.3 Reserved.

    [BE] 407.4.4 Group I-2 care suites. Care suites in Group I-2 shall comply with Sections 407.4.4.1 through 407.4.4.5 and either Section 407.4.4.6 or 407.4.4.7.

    [BE] 407.4.4.1 Exit access through care suites. Exit access from all other portions of a building not classified as a care suite shall not pass through a care suite.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [BE] 407.4.4.2 Separation. Care suites shall be separated from other portions of the building, including other care suites, not less than a one-hour fire barrier complying with Section 707.

    [BE] 407.4.4.3 Access to corridor. Every care suite shall have a door leading directly to an exit access corridor or horizontal exit. Movement from habitable rooms within a care suite shall not require more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) of travel within the care suite to a door leading to the exit access corridor or horizontal exit. Where a care suite is required to have more than one exit access door by Section 407.4.4.6.2 or 407.4.4.7.2, the additional door shall lead directly to an exit access corridor, exit or an adjacent suite.

    407.4.4.3.1 Sleeping room. Sleeping rooms shall be limited to one intervening room.

    407.4.4.3.2 Two intervening rooms. Movement from habitable rooms other than sleeping rooms located within a care suite, shall not require passage through more than two intervening rooms and 50 feet (15 240 mm) distance of exit access travel within the care suite.

    Exception: The distance of travel shall be permitted to be increased to 100 feet (38 100 mm) where an automatic fire sprin- kler system is provided throughout the Group I-2 fire area and an automatic smoke detection system is provided throughout the care suite and installed in accordance with NFPA 72.

    [BE] 407.4.4.4 Reserved.

    [BE] 407.4.4.5 Doors within care suites. Doors in care suites serving habitable rooms shall be permitted to comply with one of the following:

    1. Manually operated horizontal sliding doors permitted in accordance with Exception 9 to Section 1010.1.2.
    2. Power-operated doors permitted in accordance with Section 1010.1.2, Exception 7.
    3. Means of egress doors complying with Section 1010.
  • CRSC § 4.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    R319.3 Emergency escape and rescue doors. Where a door is provided as the required emergency escape and rescue opening, it shall be a side-hinged door or a sliding door.

    R319.4 Area wells. An emergency escape and rescue opening where the bottom of the clear opening is below the adjacent grade shall be provided with an area well in accordance with Sections R319.4.1 through R319.4.4.

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    BUILDING PLANNING

    R319.4.1 Minimum size. The horizontal area of the area well shall be not less than 9 square feet (0.9 m [2] ), with a horizontal projection and width of not less than 36 inches (914 mm). The size of the area well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.

    Exception: The ladder or steps required by Section R319.4.2 shall be permitted to encroach not more than 6 inches (152 mm) into the required dimensions of the area well.

    R319.4.2 Ladder and steps. Area wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with an approved, permanently affixed ladder or steps. The ladder or steps shall not be obstructed by the emergency escape and rescue opening where the window or door is in the open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Section R318.7.

    R319.4.2.1 Ladders. Ladders and rungs shall have an inside width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm), shall project not less than 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the area well.

    R319.4.2.2 Steps. Steps shall have an inside width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum tread depth of 5 inches (127 mm) and a maximum riser height of 18 inches (457 mm) for the full height of the area well.

    R319.4.3 Drainage. Area wells shall be designed for proper drainage by connecting to the building’s foundation drainage system required by Section R405.1.

    Exception: A drainage system for area wells is not required where the foundation is on well-drained soil or sand-gravel mixture soils in accordance with the United Soil Classification System, Group I Soils, as detailed in Table R401.4.1(2).

    R319.4.4 Bars, grilles, covers and screens. Where bars, grilles, covers, screens or similar devices are placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures or area wells that serve such openings, the minimum net clear opening size shall comply with Sections R319.2 through R319.2.2 and R319.4.1. Such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key or tool or force greater than that required for the normal operation of the escape and rescue opening. The release mechanism shall be maintained operable at all times.

    Such bars, grills, grates or any similar devices shall be equipped with an approved exterior release device for use by the fire department only when required by the authority having jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a power‑operated sliding door without a swing‑out section as a required exit?

No. Power‑operated sliding doors that lack a swing‑out section shall not be listed for use where required exits are specified in Title 24. They may be evaluated for endurance, but they are not acceptable as required means of egress under the standard. § 12-10-102(f)

Do power‑operated exit doors have to be tested?

Yes. Doors with power operators must be examined and tested by an SFM‑approved testing laboratory or an acceptable independent fire protection engineer; a detailed test report is required. § 12-10-100(g–h)

What is the maximum manual opening force allowed if power fails?

Under each fault condition affecting the power supply each leaf shall open to 90° with an applied pressure at the normal push plate location not exceeding 40 pounds. § 12-10-102(d)

Are in‑swinging power doors counted toward required egress width?

No. Power‑operated in‑swinging doors are not recognized in determining required exit width opening for egress. § 12-10-102(e)

Is special signage required?

Yes. Swinging and sliding doors with swing‑out sections must bear a durable sign reading “IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN” located on the closing edge between 36 and 60 inches above the floor; other signage requirements (locked/unlocked) apply where panic hardware is not required. § 12-10-101(e–d)

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California Referenced Standards Code