When fully opened, means of egress doors must not reduce the required width by more than how many inches?

For means of egress doors, building codes emphasize that when the doors are fully opened, they should not reduce the required width of the egress pathway by more than 7 inches. This requirement is in place to ensure safety and accessibility during emergencies, allowing occupants to exit the building quickly and without obstruction.

Allowing a maximum reduction of 7 inches helps accommodate door hardware and ensures there remains sufficient space for people to pass through without bottlenecks. A wider opening is essential in panic situations where a rapid evacuation is necessary, and the 7-inch limit is a balanced approach to maintaining both usability and safety in design.

Other options exceeding this limit, such as 5, 6, or 8 inches, do not satisfy the necessary criteria for effective egress and could create hazardous situations during an emergency. Ensuring the door only slightly reduces the width supports overall building safety standards.