Notice: This site currently shows the 2012/2017 edition of the Ontario Building Code. The current legally effective code is the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24), in effect since January 1, 2025. Confirm current requirements at ontario.ca.

The Ontario Building Code | Maximum Size of Opening

9.10.13.8. Maximum Size of opening

(1) The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 11 m², with no dimension greater than 3.7 m, if a fire compartment on either side of the fire separationis not sprinklered.

(2) The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 22 m², with no dimension greater than 6 m, when the fire compartments on both sides of the fire separation are sprinklered.

In Plain Language

The maximum size of an opening protected by a closure is set out in this article, since fire doors and similar assemblies are only rated up to a certain tested size.

This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.