The rule states a 6 inch sphere should be unable to pass through this triangular gap. The exception to the 4 inch sphere rule is the gap created between the bottom run of infill and the 90 degree angle created where the rear of a stair tread meets a stair riser (consult the diagram above for reference). This is why Viewrail posts are drilled with holes 3 ⅛” center-to-center, to avoid any deflection exceeding 4 inches. The rule states that a 4” sphere should be unable to pass through any gap in a railing system. The 4 Inch Sphere Rule refers to naturally occurring gaps and spaces within a railing system. Additionally, if stairs are involved, you will hear the 6 inch Sphere Rule referenced. In any guide to cable railing code, you’ll hear reference to the 4 inch Sphere Rule. Most often, horizontal railing systems are subject to the Sphere Rules, Handrail & Guardrail Height Requirements, and Load Requirements.
#IRC STAIR RAIL CODE CODE#
We always recommend verifying your project details with a local code official before finalizing a project. While there are some standards for railing for both residential and commercial projects, local code presents minor differences that are important to consider. What are the Codes Affecting Cable Railing?Ī number of code stipulations will apply to your project given its environment: residential or commercial. Within this page, you’ll find helpful information about horizontal railing codes, and how Viewrail cable railing products are designed to exceed those code requirements without sacrificing on beautiful aesthetic and design. However, building code can be a challenge to navigate. When built to code, cable railing is a very safe option for railing. Local, city, or state codes (For example here is California’s Guardrail Code).The IRC (International Residential Code).In general, cable railing code requirements come from two different sources: There are specific requirements for each aspect of the railing system, such as handrail height, the amount of pressure that the system must be able to withstand, and how far apart the posts must be spaced. Whether you are installing cable railing on a deck, staircase, or balcony, it’s important to make sure that your railing system is up to code. What are the Codes Affecting Cable Railing?Ĭable Railing Code & Guardrail Requirements.Cable Railing Code & Guardrail Requirements.of force applied to the mid span, on the side of a post and on top of a post.Ī safety factor of 2.5 is included in the numbers listed above. Concentrated Load Test: The top rail must be capable of holding a point load of 500 lbs.Uniform Load Test (for IBC applications): The top rail must be able to sustain 125 lbs./foot length of force applied horizontally or vertically.Infill Load Test: The strength of the balusters are tested so that a one-square foot area must resist 125 lbs.If you are using a circular cross section, then the handrail must have an outside diameter of between 1-1/4” and 2”.Įngineered railing systems must be tested and certified to meet IRC and IBC building codes. Flat 2x4 and 2圆 handrails do not meet the requirements for graspable handrails. A variety of gripping shapes may be acceptable but must meet requirements for the gripping surface. The handgrips must allow a minimum of 1-1/2” space between the handrail and the guardrail or wall. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311.5.6.3 in the IRC code. The sweep space between the deck surface and the bottom rail must be less than 4". To achieve this, you should check to make sure you meet the post spacing requirements for the type of posts you are using and how they are attached to the deck. There is also a safety factor required by the code, so testing loads are higher for manufactured railing systems. force anywhere along the top of the rail. The guardrails must be strong enough to withstand a concentrated 200 lb. In the case of guardrails for stairs, there is an exception that allows up to a 6” diameter sphere through the triangle opening formed by the stair riser, stairtread and bottom rail. A variety of styles are allowed as long as the interior sections of the rail don’t possess any openings large enough to pass a 4” diameter sphere through.
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