In nonsprinklered buildings, the travel distance to an exit door should not exceed what distance?

In nonsprinklered buildings, the maximum travel distance to an exit door is typically set at 200 feet. This distance is established to ensure that occupants can quickly and efficiently reach a safe exit in the event of a fire or other emergency. The rationale behind this requirement lies in the understanding that occupants may have limited time to evacuate, and the chances of using available alternate exits decrease as their distance from exits increases.

Considerations such as the number of occupants, layout of the building, and potential obstructions are taken into account in the establishment of this standard. The 200-foot limit reflects a balance between safety and practicality in non-sprinklered settings. It also recognizes that without sprinklers, the risks associated with fire are heightened, necessitating more stringent exit access requirements in system design.

Travel distances shorter than 200 feet may be acceptable in certain high-risk environments, but generally, the 200-foot limit helps ensure that all building occupants can reach safety without excessive delay.