Robert
REGISTERED
I'm trying to understand why the code asks for power actuators on both sides of a door (CBC11B 404.2.9 exception c) when one side is already accessible? What is the logic?
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Power actuaters on both sides of door
- Thread starter Robert
- Start date
Yankee Chronicler
REGISTERED
A power actuator adds resistance to the force needed to open a door manually.
tmurray
SAWHORSE
We have a similar requirement. They way I explain it, a power operator is a default requirement. They can be costly to install and maintain, so an exception was created where if you have an accessible approach on both sides of the door, it is no longer a requirement. However, if it is required because the accessible approach on one side does not meet, there is no justification on why it can't be provided for the other approach as well.
Robert
REGISTERED
Thanks....If the door has an adjustable overhead closer on it, wouldn't that be able to compensate for the added force?
Yankee Chronicler
REGISTERED
???
Closers add resistance to opening a door. So do power actuators. Combing a power actuator with a closer would increase the resistance to opening even more.
Robert
REGISTERED
The actuator provides power to the closer. If one does not use the power actuator (99% of the time), then the closer is adjustable.
steveray
SAWHORSE
Can you post the code section?
arwat23
SAWHORSE
Assuming you're asking for the code section the OP listed in the original post:
11B-404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force
The force for pushing or pulling open a door or gate shall be as follows:
- Interior hinged doors and gates: 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
- Sliding or folding doors: 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
- Required fire doors: the minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority, not to exceed 15 pounds (66.7 N).
- Exterior hinged doors: 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
Exception: When, at a single location, one of every eight exterior door leafs, or fraction of eight, is a powered door, other exterior doors at the same location, serving the same interior space, may have a maximum opening force of 8.5 pounds (37.8 N). The powered leaf(s) shall be located closest to the accessible route.
a) Powered doors shall comply with Section 11B-404.3. Powered doors shall be fully automatic doors complying with Builders Hardware Manufacturers' Association (BHMA) A156.10 or low energy operated doors complying with BHMA A156.19.
b) Powered doors serving a building or facility with an occupancy of 150 or more shall be provided with a back-up battery or back-up generator. The back-up power source shall be able to cycle the door a minimum of 100 cycles.
c) Powered doors shall be controlled on both the interior and exterior sides of the doors by sensing devices, push plates, vertical actuation bars or other similar operating devices complying with Section 11B-309.
At each location where push plates are provided there shall be two push plates; the centerline of one push plate shall be 7 inches (178 mm) minimum and 8 inches (203 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface and the centerline of the second push plate shall be 30 inches (762 mm) minimum and 44 inches (1118 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface. Each push plate shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) diameter or a minimum of 4 inches by 4 inches (102 mm by 102 mm) square and shall display the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.
At each location where vertical actuation bars are provided the operable portion shall be located so the bottom is 5 inches (127 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface and the top is 35 inches (889 mm) minimum above the floor or ground surface. The operable portion of each vertical actuation bar shall be a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) wide and shall display the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.
Where push plates, vertical actuation bars or other similar operating devices are provided, they shall be placed in a conspicuous location. A level and clear floor or ground space for forward or parallel approach complying with Section 11B-305 shall be provided, centered on the operating device. Doors shall not swing into the required clear floor or ground space.
d) Signs identifying the accessible entrance required by Section 11B-216.6 shall be placed on, or immediately adjacent to, each powered door. Signs shall be provided in compliance with BHMA A156.10 or BHMA A156.19, as applicable.
e) In addition to the requirements of Item d, where a powered door is provided in buildings or facilities containing assembly occupancies of 300 or more, a sign displaying the International Symbol of Accessibility measuring 6 inches by 6 inches (152 mm by 152 mm), complying with Section 11B-703.7, shall be provided above the door on both the interior and exterior sides of each powered door.
Paul Sweet
SAWHORSE
Only one power operator is required, but the push plates or bars to actuate it have to be on both sides of the door.
steveray
SAWHORSE
Yeah...ANSI does not have that...A shame we cannot access BHMA for free......Maybe that requirement is in there? Just like closing speed for manual vs. auto?
arwat23
SAWHORSE
Not sure. BHMA A156.19 is free on UpCodes, but I can't find A156.10 to confirm this requirement doesn't come from there.
Had a little free time and dug through past versions of the CBC. Seems like this requirement was added in the 2010 CBC. Not sure if it's the original version or the supplement changes in Aug 2012 to resolve the major conflicts between the CBC and ADAS, but it was added sometime in the 2010 cycle. I can't find it in pervious versions of the CBC.