Highlights of CABO/ANSI A117.1

Accessible And Usable Buildings and Facilities - 1992 Regarding Doors, Frames and hardware

This outline is based on Builders Hardware's interpretation of the code, all information must be verified and approved by a registered architect, professional engineer, and/or authority having jurisdiction.
Numbers in brackets ( ) refer to applicable section of the publication.

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Clear Opening Width (4.13.5)

• 32" minimum
  * measured with door open 90 degrees
  * face of door to stop on strike jamb
  * projection of hardware is not taken into account
  * at least one leaf of a pair must comply
  * shallow closets (less than 24") are exempt

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Thresholds (4.13.8 & 4.5.2)

• 1/2" high maximum (3/4" for exterior residential sliding doors)

• changes in level:
  * 1/4" high maximum vertical change - no edge treatment required
  * 1/4" to 1/2" high - beveled with a slope of 1:12 maximum
  * 1/2" + over - ramp is required

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Door Hardware (4-13.9)

• shape of operating devices must be easy to grasp with one hand

• no tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate

• levers and u-shaped handles are acceptable

• no specific projection is required for pulls

• no higher than 48" above finish floor

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Closing Speed (4-13.10)

• sweep period - 5 seconds minimum
  * from an open position of 90 degrees to a point 12 inches from the latch
  * measured to the leading edge of the door

• delayed action is not a code requirement

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Opening Force (4-13.11)

• exterior hinged doors: (reserved)

• interior hinged doors:  5 lbf maximum

• sliding or folding doors:  5 lbf maximum

• fire doors:  up to the ahj
  *size 3 is recommended for fire doors per NFPA 80

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Low Energy Automatic Operators (4.13.13)

• shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.19
  * 3 seconds minimum to open to back check
  * no more than 15 lbf to stop door movement

• automatic operators can solve code problems
  * clear opening width on pairs
  * door opening force
  * maneuvering clearances
  * small vestibules

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Door Surface (4.13.14)

• bottom 12" of non-automatic doors shall have a smooth uninterrupted surface on push side

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