Door opening force testing is used to assess whether doors can be opened without excessive force, particularly where accessibility requirements under Approved Document M apply.
Approved Document M, Volumes 1 and 2
For residential developments, Approved Document M Volume 1 may apply, particularly where the optional M4(3) wheelchair user dwelling requirement has been imposed as part of planning or Building Regulations approval. Under M4(3), power-assisted opening may be required where the door opening force is greater than:
- 30 N from 0 degrees to 30 degrees of the opening cycle
- 22.5 N from 30 degrees to 60 degrees of the opening cycle
For buildings other than dwellings, Approved Document M Volume 2 provides guidance for manually operated entrance doors and internal doors. Like Volume 1, Volume 2 states that the opening force should be measured at the leading edge of the door and should not exceed:
- 30 N from the closed position to 30 degrees open
- 22.5 N from 30 degrees to 60 degrees of the opening cycle
Door Accessibility and Opening Force Compliance
Sandberg can carry out door opening force testing on:
- Final exit doors
- Communal entrance doors
- Fire escape route doors
- Internal access doors
- Residential block entrance doors
- Public, commercial and school entrance doors
During testing, the force required to open the door is measured at the leading edge through the relevant stages of the opening cycle using calibrated equipment. The results are then compared against the relevant guidance in Approved Document M Volume 1 or Volume 2, depending on the building type and applicable accessibility requirement.
