CBI Building Codes and Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum net clear opening area for an emergency escape and rescue opening above grade floor level under the IRC?
- 5.0 square feet
- 5.7 square feet (Correct answer)
- 6.0 square feet
- 7.5 square feet
Correct answer: 5.7 square feet
IRC R310.2.1 requires 5.7 square feet net clear opening, reduced to 5.0 square feet for grade-floor openings.
Question 2: What is the maximum sill height for an emergency escape and rescue opening measured from the finished floor under the IRC?
- 36 inches
- 42 inches
- 44 inches (Correct answer)
- 48 inches
Correct answer: 44 inches
IRC R310.2.2 limits the bottom of the clear opening to no more than 44 inches above the floor.
Question 3: Emergency escape openings under the IRC must have a minimum net clear opening height and width of:
- 20 inches high and 24 inches wide
- 24 inches high and 20 inches wide (Correct answer)
- 22 inches high and 30 inches wide
- 24 inches high and 24 inches wide
Correct answer: 24 inches high and 20 inches wide
IRC R310.2.1 requires at least 24 inches of clear height and 20 inches of clear width.
Question 4: A window well serving an egress window must have a minimum horizontal area of 9 square feet and project at least how far from the foundation?
- 24 inches
- 30 inches
- 36 inches (Correct answer)
- 42 inches
Correct answer: 36 inches
IRC R310.4.4 requires a 9-square-foot well with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches.
Question 5: A window well deeper than what depth requires a permanently affixed ladder or steps under the IRC?
- 36 inches
- 44 inches (Correct answer)
- 48 inches
- 60 inches
Correct answer: 44 inches
IRC R310.4.4.1 requires a ladder or steps when the vertical depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches.
Question 6: Under the IRC, where are smoke alarms NOT specifically required?
- In each sleeping room
- Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms
- On each additional story including basements
- In the attached garage (Correct answer)
Correct answer: In the attached garage
IRC R314.3 requires smoke alarms in sleeping rooms, outside sleeping areas, and on each story, but not in garages, where nuisance alarms are common.
Question 7: In new IRC construction, how must multiple smoke alarms within a dwelling unit be arranged?
- Each alarm must operate independently
- They must be interconnected so activation of one activates all (Correct answer)
- Only those on the same floor must be interconnected
- They must be monitored by a central station
Correct answer: They must be interconnected so activation of one activates all
IRC R314.4 requires interconnection so that one alarm activating sounds all alarms in the dwelling.