Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionEasy
An inspector is reviewing the plans for a new four-story office building (Group B). The building is required to have two exits. What is the minimum clear width required for each exit door in the means of egress, assuming an occupant load of 200 per floor?
- A44 inches (1118 mm)
- B32 inches (813 mm)
- C36 inches (914 mm)
- D28 inches (711 mm)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 32 inches (813 mm)
IBC 1010.1.1 states that the minimum clear width of an exit doorway shall not be less than 32 inches (813 mm). This minimum applies regardless of the occupant load, as long as it's a required exit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 44 inches is often a minimum for corridors or larger occupant loads, but not the minimum for a single door's clear width.
- C. 36 inches is a common nominal door width, but the minimum clear width is 32 inches.
- D. 28 inches is insufficient for a required exit door.
Exit Door Clear Width
The minimum clear width for a required exit door in a means of egress is 32 inches (813 mm), measured between the face of the door and the stop when the door is open 90 degrees.
- Applies to all required exit doors.
- Measurement is 'clear width' not nominal door size.
- Allows for passage of wheelchairs and safe egress.
Memory trick: Thirty-Two, for safe passage through.