In the Know

Home / In the Know / What is the Clear Opening Width and how do I work it out?

What is the Clear Opening Width and how do I work it out?

Clear Opnening Desktop

The clear opening width is the size of the gap any persons/objects can pass through freely when the door is opened to its full potential (most doors will usually only open to a 90-degree angle).

 How do I work out my clear opening width?

As shown in diagram below, the clear opening width is measured from the face of the door leaf to the opposite door frame/jamb. This measurement is usually taken when the door is open to 90-degrees.

Clear Opening Width

What if I have a double door?

If you have a double door-set, you should measure the gap between the two door leaf faces. Alternatively, if the doors open further than 90 degrees, you should measure the gap between the closest point of each door leaf.

Why is a clear opening width important?

Firstly, your door must meet the compliancy standards of Approved Document M. This document states ‘requirement M4(1) will be met when a new dwelling makes reasonable provision for most people, including wheelchair users, to approach and enter the dwelling’ and that ‘the door has a minimum clear opening width of 775mm’ for principle communal entrances. An ineffective clear opening may prevent access to buildings for wheelchair users. (Other entrance types minimum clear opening widths can be found within the Approved Document M and British Standard BS 8300-2:2018).
Secondly, clear opening widths should be considered when large objects, machinery and equipment may need to be taken in and out of a building through a specific door.

Why do some people refer to the ‘effective clear opening width’ instead?

You may often hear people refer to the ‘effective clear opening width’, this is slightly different to your clear opening width and is measured with a different approach. Located on page 2 of this document, we delve deeper into the effective clear opening width, explaining how this can be measured correctly.

 

Effective Clear Opening Width

What is the ‘effective clear opening width’?

The effective clear opening width is the size of the gap any persons/ objects can pass through freely when the door is opened fully. However, the effective clear opening width takes into consideration the ironmongery/hardware on your door.

How do I work out my effective clear opening width?

As shown in the diagram below, the clear opening width measurement is taken from the door jamb/frame to the door ironmongery/hardware. Only measuring between these two components will give you an accurate effective clear opening width.
The second diagram below refers to doors that open further than 90 degrees. If this is the case, you should measure again from the door jamb/ frame but instead to the closest point of the door leaf.

Effective clear openingEffective Clear Opening

What if I have a double door?

If you are working with a double door-set, you should measure the gap between the ironmongery/ hardware on either door leaf. Alternatively, if the doors open further than 90 degrees, you should measure the gap between the closest point of each door leaf.

For further technical specifications, visit the Knowledge Library here or contact the steel door experts on 01524 297671.

Please note, the diagrams within this document are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation.
The information provided is only a guide, full guidance regarding your clear opening can be found at the Approved Document M.

Related Content

Hollie And Carmen Mobile

Team Achievements - Hollie and Carmen!

Congratulations to our Sales Estimators, Hollie Eagle and Carmen Trevvett on passing their Sales Executive Level 4 Apprenticeship.

View Article

Strongdor donate steel door-sets to Lancashire Fire & Rescue

On Friday 24th March, Strongdor delivered steel door sets to Lancashire Fire and Rescue to help aid their internal training. Following an incident the team at Burnely Fire Station attended earlier this year, the crew thought it would be beneficial to provide further training in gaining access and breaking through very strong doors!

View Article
Red Nose 2

Red Nose Day 2023 Strongdor raise over £500 for Comic Relief!

Strongdor raises £547 for Comic Relief with various fun activities, bake sales and customer selfies.

View Article

Why Strongdor?

I3

Industry beating lead times

I2

Steel door experts

Strongdor Icons Fast Quotes

Fast quotations

Strongdor Icons Security

Secured by steel

Strongdor360
Ti

360 Interactive Tour

Step inside the Strongdor factory and discover how our doors are made!

Take a 360 Virtual Tour
Sp1

Get an expert quote

Get expert advice and a free quote with no obligation

Request a Quote

Technical help

Search our knowledge bank of tech specs, fitting guides and more

Visit our Knowledge Bank Sp2

Customer Reviews

DoorBook

Our latest brochure

Doorbook Hexagons

Projects

Our range of high-quality steel doors have been used across the country

Stay connected

Follow us on social media facebook icon twitter icon linkedin icon instagram icon

Trade customer?

Purchase steel doors regularly? Speak to one of our account managers and request to set up an account today.

Apply today

Stay in the know

Join our mailing list for industry news, product updates and more