New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

What is the required door swinging direction for exits less than 25 feet from a working space?

1. It must swing inward

2. It can swing either direction

3. It must swing outward

4. It can be a sliding door

The correct answer is: It must swing outward

The requirement for door swinging direction for exits located less than 25 feet from a working space is that they must swing outward. This regulation is primarily for safety reasons, ensuring that in case of an emergency, such as a fire or other hazardous situations, individuals can exit quickly without obstacles. An outward-swinging door facilitates a rapid evacuation since it allows for easier passage when many people need to leave simultaneously. In environments like electrical rooms, maintenance areas, or other high-risk zones, this rule helps reduce the potential for bottlenecks and ensures that individuals can get to safety quickly. The outward swing minimizes the chance of the door colliding with equipment or personnel that may be present in tight working areas. Other options, such as inward swinging doors or sliding doors, do not provide the same level of immediate access and may pose hazards during emergencies, which is why they are not suitable in this context. An inward-swinging door could block the exit further in an emergency situation, while sliding doors may not always be effective in high-traffic scenarios or may require additional mechanisms to operate efficiently under stress. Thus, the outward-swinging requirement emphasizes safety and efficiency in emergency evacuations.