Tempered Glass

NC Department of Insurance
Office of the State Fire Marshal - Engineering Division
1202 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1202
919-661-5880

Tempered Glass Next to Doors
Code: 2006 Residential Code. Date: October 1, 2007
Section: R308.4

Question:
If a window is located within 24" of a door, is tempered glass required?

Answer:
Glazing that is within 24 inches of either the hinge or latch side of a door, whose bottom edge is less than 60" above the floor or walking surface and is in the same plane (same wall) as the door, must be tempered or safety glazing which meets CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201. This is different from the NC Building Code (Commercial Code) and the International Residential Code.
Exception 4 applies to a door to a closet or storage area 3 feet or less in depth.