Is a synchronized double-leaf accessible?

[Yikes]

ADA/11B-404.2.2 says that when you have double-leaf doors, at least one of the active leaves shall comply with minimum opening width. This typically requires one leaf to be about 36”.

We are proposing a bi-parting synchronized sliding pocket door system for a 40" wide opening, where each pocket only has 16" of space - - too small for the usual 36"+ door.
Both leaves are 20" wide, and each will have a D-pull handle. When any leaf is opened 16", the synchronizer also opens the opposite leaf 16", providing a 32" net clear opening in a single motion, and stopping with 4" exposure remaining for the D-handles.
I believe this single motion meets the intent of 404.2.2: the occupant only needs to handle one door leaf to get 32" net clear.
However, on paper, would you consider this approvable?

 

[TheCommish]

Works for me

 

[mark handler]

Are they power operated, what happens if there is a loss of power?

 

[classicT]

I'd be good with this. Verify that the opening force required is less than 15lbs per A117.1-17 Sec. 404.2.6.

 

[Yikes]

I'd be good with this. Verify that the opening force required is less than 15lbs per A117.1-17 Sec. 404.2.6.

The project is in California, it is not a fire rated door opening, and it has no latch, so CBC 11B-404.2.4.9 limits the operating force to 5 lbs. max. We're omitting any closer, so that should help minimize the force needed to operate.

 

[SCBO1]

Are they power operated, what happens if there is a loss of power?

Mark, I think it's setup with the Rockwell turbo retro encabulator if the power goes off?

You'll have to google it!

 

[Yikes]

Are they power operated, what happens if there is a loss of power?

Good question. No, they are not powered doors. I think it uses some kind of cable system to have one door pull the other door open, kind of like how you can pull on a drapery chord in one direction and the curtains will part equally and opposite.
It's similar to this video:

 

[mark handler]

Good question. No, they are not powered doors. I think it uses some kind of cable system to have one door pull the other door open, kind of like how you can pull on a drapery chord in one direction and the curtains will part equally and opposite.
It's similar to this video:

As long as the operating force and hardware meet the standards/code requirements, I see no issues