This series of short segments on various code requirements can be used as a start-to-finish education on the codes that impact door openings, or you can jump straight to the topic you want to learn more about.  Each “class” is designed to take no more than 15-20 minutes to complete.  There is a one-time registration that will allow you to access all of the course content at no cost.

Course Information

Course Instructor

Lori Greene Author

Lori is the Manager, Codes and Resources for Allegion, and the creator of iDigHardware. With more than 35 years of experience in the door and hardware industry, in her current role she focuses exclusively on the code requirements that apply to door openings.

Introduction to Codes

1A – Introduction to Codes and Standards
Lessons learned from fires and other tragedies often lead to [...]
1B – Code-Related Resources
As you work through the ShortCodes training modules or need [...]
1C – Use Groups and Occupancy Classifications
After determining which codes and standards (including which edition) apply [...]

Accessibility Requirements

2A – Accessibility Standards
There are two accessibility standards that are commonly used in [...]
2B – The Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act is a US federal law that [...]
2C – Clear Opening Width, Height, and Projections
This existing pair of manually-operator doors was replaced by an [...]
2D – Maneuvering Clearance
The area around a manually-operated door is required to be [...]
2E – Changes in Level
Changes in level in existing buildings can be very difficult [...]
2F – Accessibility Requirements for Operable Hardware
Door and gate hardware is required by the accessibility standards [...]
2G – 10-inch Flush Surface
The doors in this photo do not appear to meet [...]
2H – Tactile Warning
Back in the 1980s and 90s, when accessibility standards began [...]
2J – Opening Force and Closing Speed
The accessibility standards include limitations on the amount of opening [...]
2K – Vision Lights and Viewers
The accessibility standards do not require doors to have vision [...]
2L – Sliding Doors
Most doors within a means of egress are required to [...]
2M – Automatic Doors
Automatic door operators are not required by the 2010 ADA [...]

Fire Door Assemblies

3A – Introduction to Fire Door Assemblies
NFPA 80 - Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening [...]
3B – The Purpose of Fire Door Assemblies
Once you understand the purpose of a fire door assembly, [...]
3C – Classification of Openings
NFPA 80 is the Standard for Fire Doors and Other [...]
3D – Operation – Self-Closing, Automatic-Closing, and Power-Operated
NFPA 80 addresses three operational methods for fire doors: Self-closing [...]
3E – Latching Requirements
When a fire door closes, it must latch to prevent [...]
3F – Clearances
The requirements related to maximum clearances on a fire door [...]
3G – Fire Door Assembly Test Methods
Photo courtesy of Leslie Miller, Fire Protection Publications. The fire [...]
3H – Gasketing and Thresholds
For such a simple product, the code requirements that apply [...]
3J – Hinges, Pivots, and Continuous Hinges
Swinging fire doors may be hung on butt hinges, continuous [...]
3K – Protection Plates
NFPA 80 - Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening [...]
3L – Signage
This sign is not code-compliant. Do you know why? Photo: [...]
3M – Alterations to Existing Fire Door Assemblies
NFPA 80 includes limitations on alterations that can be made [...]
3N – Glass and Glazing
There are two basic sets of code requirements for glazing [...]
3P – Fire Door Assembly Inspection
Requirements for the annual inspection of fire door assemblies first [...]
3Q – Fire-Protection-Rated vs. Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies
Two types of fire door assemblies are now recognized in [...]

Life Safety and Egress

4A – Introduction to Life Safety and Egress
This section of the ShortCodes course will cover the code [...]
4B – Egress Terminology
Note - the graphic at right will be replaced with [...]
4C – Calculating the Occupant Load
A previous ShortCodes module (1C) included information about use groups [...]
4D – Egress Width, Clear Width, and Projections
Each component of a means of egress - stairways, ramps, [...]
4E – Door Swing and Encroachment
Egress doors are typically required to swing in the direction [...]
4F – Opening Force
The International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 - The [...]
4G – Egress Requirements for Operable Hardware
When it comes to operable hardware, there are some common [...]
4H – Hardware for Pairs of Doors
On this pair, both leaves are active because the Schlage [...]
4J – Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware
Panic hardware may be used for durability, ease of operation, [...]
4K – Panic Hardware on Electrical Rooms
Some rooms containing electrical equipment are required to have doors [...]
4L – Classroom Security
4M – Courtyards, Terraces, and Roofs
The code requirements for an enclosed exterior space depend on [...]
4N – Luminous Egress Path Markings
The Von Duprin Safety Glow option meets the model code [...]

Electrified Hardware

5A – Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure
The terms "fail safe" and "fail secure" are used with [...]
5B – Electric Latch Retraction and Electric Strikes on Fire Doors
Fire doors are required to be closed and latched if/when [...]
5C – Electromagnetic Locks
Note: A whiteboard animation video will be added to this [...]
5D – Controlled Egress vs. Delayed Egress
A delayed egress lock is a type of electrified hardware [...]
5E – Stairwell Reentry
The door on the bottom level in this photo is [...]
5F – Elevator Lobby Egress
The International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101-Life Safety Code [...]