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PHONE HOTLINE: 01420 543 222 E-MAIL: sales@specialistdoorsolutions.com
Effective-Clear-Width-Calculator

Effective Clear Width Calculator

Accessibility is a vital element of any doorset - here you can calculate what level of effective width you require

What is Effective Clear Width?

The Building Regulations Approved Document Part M (BS 8300-2:2018), states that ‘doors to the principal, or alternative accessible, entrance should be accessible to all, particularly wheelchair users and people with limited physical dexterity’.

This document goes on to state that ‘once open, all doors to accessible entrances should be wide enough to allow unrestricted passage for a variety of users including wheelchair users…’

In order to ensure that a doorset provides unrestricted access, we use the term ‘Effective Clear Width’.

How is Effective Clear Width Measured?

Effective Clear Width is the width of the opening measured at right angles to the wall in which the door is situated from the outside of the door stop on the closing side, to any obstruction on the hinge side. Therefore, if the door only opens to 90 degrees, then the ironmongery projection must be taken into account, but if the door opens beyond 90 degrees, then the measurement can be taken from the door stop to the door leaf, as shown in Diagram 9.

 

ECW-Drg-1

How is Effective Clear Width Measured?

Effective Clear Width is the width of the opening measured at right angles to the wall in which the door is situated from the outside of the door stop on the closing side, to any obstruction on the hinge side. Therefore, if the door only opens to 90 degrees, then the ironmongery projection must be taken into account, but if the door opens beyond 90 degrees, then the measurement can be taken from the door stop to the door leaf, as shown below

 

Direction and width of approach
Measurements in mm

Straight-on (without a turn)

New building: 800
Existing building: 750

At right angles to an access route at least
1500mm wide

 New building: 800
Existing building: 750
At right angles to an access route at least
1200mm wide		 New building: 825
Existing building: 750
External doors to buildings used by
the general public		 New building: 1,000
Existing building: 750

 

What are the Minimum Effective Clear Widths?

The Effective Clear Width through a single leaf door, or one leaf of a double door must be in accordance with the following table. Request a copy of our calculator below to check your opening.

Request Clear Widths calculator

CASE STUDIES

We are very proud of our 40-year track record of successful collaboration with architects, contractors, NHS Trusts and private hospitals, partnerships which are based on our core tenets: Specialisation, Dedication and Sincerity.

Read from our selection of case studies to see just how we have helped to make a difference in a range of projects, including healthcare and clinical environments. 

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