For doors other than egress doors, the latch must release when subjected to what minimum force?

The requirement that a door latch must release when subjected to a minimum force of 15 pounds is based on safety and accessibility standards. This specific force threshold is designed to ensure that individuals can easily operate the latch on a door without excessive effort.

Having the latch function under this force limit respects the needs of people with varying levels of strength and mobility, promoting ease of access, especially in emergency situations. Standards set by organizations such as the International Building Code (IBC) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) emphasize that components like door latches should be operable without requiring significant physical force, thus ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

The selected minimum force of 15 pounds strikes a balance between security—ensuring that the door remains closed under normal circumstances—and accessibility, allowing users to open the door efficiently without strenuous exertion.