266 Chapter 11
Arrangement of exits is specified by code. They should be located as far apart from one another as
possible so that if one is blocked in an emergency, the other(s) can still be reached. The code states that
when two or more exits are required, they must be placed a distance apart equal to and not less than
one-half the length of the longest diagonal dimension within the building or area to be served, as meas-
ured in a straight line between the exits. This is known as the half-diagonal rule and is shown diagram-
matically in Figure 11.4).
The codes limit the length of travel distance from within a single space to an exit-access corridor.
This is defined as the maximum distance and cannot exceed 200 feet (61 m) in an unsprinklered build-
ing and 250 feet (76.25 m) in a sprinklered building (Figure 11.5). There are exceptions to the rule, such
as when the last portion of the travel distance is entirely within a 1-hour-rated exit corridor. Basically,
codes classify travel distances into two types: The first relates to the length of travel distance from within
a single space to the exit-access corridor (also known as the common path of travel), and the second
Figure 11.4 The half-diagonal rule (source: The Codes Guidebook for Interiors by S.K. Harmon and
K.G.Kennon).