Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionEasy
A building inspector is reviewing the plans for a new four-story office building (Group B) that will be fully sprinklered. The building has an occupant load of 300 people per floor. What is the minimum required corridor width?
- A72 inches (1829 mm)
- B36 inches (914 mm)
- C60 inches (1524 mm)
- D44 inches (1118 mm)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 44 inches (1118 mm)
For Group B occupancies, the minimum corridor width is generally 44 inches. This applies even with sprinkler protection for this occupancy group and occupant load.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 72 inches is typically for high-occupancy areas or specific institutional occupancies, not a standard Group B corridor.
- B. 36 inches is typically for residential or smaller occupancies, not for Group B with this occupant load.
- C. 60 inches is often required for accessible routes in certain areas or where specific conditions apply, but not the general minimum for a Group B corridor.
Corridor Width (Group B)
The minimum clear width required for corridors in Group B (business) occupancies to ensure safe egress.
- Minimum 44 inches (1118 mm) for Group B.
- Wider corridors may be required for accessibility or higher occupant loads in other groups.
- Measured as the narrowest point of the clear width.
Memory trick: Corridors need breathing room, but how much for BUSINESS?