Code of Massachusetts Regulations
521 CMR - Architectural Access Board
Title 521 CMR 26 - DOORS AND DOORWAYS
Section 26.8 - DOOR OPENING FORCE

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

The maximum force for pushing or pulling open a door shall be as follows:

26.8.1 Doors: These forces apply only to opening the door, not to the effort required to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices that may hold the door in a closed position.

a. exterior hinged doors: 15 lbs.

b. interior hinged doors: five lbs.

c. sliding or folding doors: five lbs.

Exception: Fire doors shall have the minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority.

26.8.2 Compensating devices: Doors requiring greater force shall be equipped with compensating devices to reduce the operating force, or shall be equipped with automatic opening devices.

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