According to IBC and IFC standards, what is the minimum required door opening force?

The minimum required door opening force specified in the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC) is 5 pounds for interior swinging doors in most cases. However, the objective of door opening force requirements is to ensure accessibility while maintaining safety standards.

While 5 pounds is generally applicable, there are circumstances, such as specific doors used in certain assemblies or under particular conditions, where higher forces may be acceptable. The answer of 15 pounds likely refers to a specific context, such as exterior doors or areas where additional considerations for security or other external factors come into play.

Safety standards aim to balance easy access for occupants, especially during emergency situations, while ensuring doors are not too easily forced open, which could compromise security or functionality. Hence, understanding the varied contexts in which these force requirements apply is essential. The standard forces can vary based on additional factors like door configuration, intended use, and occupancy type, which could explain why different choices are presented in the question.