Codes & Compliance Standards Flashcards

Under the ADA Standards, what is the maximum force allowed to operate accessible door hardware such as a lever?

Answer: 5 pounds-force

Operable parts must require no more than 5 lbf to operate.

Accessible door hardware must be mounted within what range above the finished floor?

Answer: 34 to 48 inches

ADA requires operable hardware between 34 and 48 inches above the floor.

Which type of door hardware generally satisfies ADA operability requirements?

Answer: Lever handle operable with a closed fist

Hardware must work without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, which levers allow.

For a door closer on an accessible door, the minimum time for the door to move from 90 degrees open to 12 degrees is:

Answer: 5 seconds

ADA sets a 5-second minimum closing sweep period from 90 to 12 degrees.

What is the maximum height of a door threshold on an accessible route if beveled?

Answer: 1/2 inch

Thresholds may be up to 1/2 inch high, with changes over 1/4 inch beveled.

What is the minimum clear opening width for an accessible door with the door open 90 degrees?

Answer: 32 inches

ADA requires at least 32 inches of clear width measured between the face of the door and the stop.

Wall-mounted objects between 27 and 80 inches above the floor may protrude no more than:

Answer: 4 inches

Protruding objects in that zone are limited to 4 inches to protect people with vision impairments.

A door in a required means of egress must be openable from the egress side without:

Answer: A key, tool, special knowledge, or effort

Building codes require egress doors to open without keys, tools, special knowledge or effort.

Why are double-cylinder deadbolts generally problematic on egress doors in commercial occupancies?

Answer: They require a key to exit

Needing a key to exit violates egress requirements and traps occupants in an emergency.

Delayed egress locking systems generally allow an unlocking delay of how long under the model code?

Answer: 15 seconds (30 with AHJ approval)

Delayed egress is limited to 15 seconds, or 30 seconds where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Under the IBC, panic hardware is required on egress doors in Group A and E occupancies with an occupant load of at least:

Answer: 50

Panic or fire exit hardware is required in those groups where the occupant load is 50 or more.

What is the maximum force allowed to release the latch of panic hardware under the IBC?

Answer: 15 pounds

The activating force for releasing the latch may not exceed 15 pounds.

An electromagnetic lock used on an egress door must do which of the following?

Answer: Release upon loss of power

Maglocks on egress doors must be fail-safe, unlocking when power is lost and on fire alarm.

Which publication from the NFPA is the widely adopted Life Safety Code?

Answer: NFPA 101

NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code addressing egress and occupant protection.

Which NFPA standard governs the installation and maintenance of fire doors and other opening protectives?

Answer: NFPA 80

NFPA 80 covers fire doors and windows, including hardware and clearances.

Before modifying or adding hardware to a labeled fire door, a locksmith should:

Answer: Confirm the work stays within the door label's allowable preparations and uses listed hardware

Unapproved cutting or non-listed hardware can void the fire rating.

A fire-rated door must be equipped with which type of latching?

Answer: Positive latching that engages automatically on closing

Fire doors must self-latch every time they close, so a key-thrown deadbolt alone is not acceptable.

What device is required so a fire door returns to the closed position after use?

Answer: A listed self-closing device such as a closer

Fire doors must be self-closing or automatic-closing to compartmentalize fire and smoke.

UL 305 is the standard most associated with which product?

Answer: Panic hardware

UL 305 covers panic hardware, while fire exit hardware also meets UL 10C fire testing.

Which of the following is true about fire door labels?

Answer: They must remain legible and not be painted over

Labels identify the rating and listing, so they must remain intact and visible.