24 C.F.R. § 3280.404

Current through September 30, 2024
Section 3280.404 - [Effective 3/17/2025] Standard for egress windows and devices for use in manufactured homes
(a)Scope and purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish the requirements for the design, construction, and installation of windows and approved devices intended to be used as an emergency exit during conditions encountered in a fire or similar disaster.
(b)Performance. Egress windows including auxiliary frame and seals, if any, must meet all requirements of AAMA 1701.2 and AAMA 1704 or AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (all incorporated by reference, see § 3280.4 ).
(1)Loading. Exterior and interior pressure tests for components and cladding must be conducted meeting or exceeding the minimum design wind loads required by § 3280.305(c)(1) .
(2)Dimensions. All egress systems must have a minimum clear horizontal dimension of 20 inches and a minimum clear vertical dimension of 24 inches and have a clear opening of at least 5 ft2
(c)Installation.
(1) The installation of egress windows or devices shall be installed in a manner which allows for proper operation and provides protection against the elements. (See§ 3280.307 .)
(2) An operational check of each installed egress window or device must be made at the manufactured home factory. All egress windows and devices must be capable of being opened to the minimum required dimensions by normal operation of the window without binding or requiring the use of tools. Any window or device failing this check must be repaired or replaced. A repaired window must conform to its certification. Any repaired or replaced window or device must pass the operational check.
(3) Windows that require the removal of the sash to meet egress size requirements are prohibited.
(d)Operating instructions. Operating instructions shall be affixed to each egress window and device and carry the legend "Do Not Remove."
(e)Certification of egress windows and devices.
(1) Egress windows and devices must be listed in accordance with the procedures and requirements of AAMA 1701.2 and AAMA 1704 or AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (all incorporated by reference, see § 3280.4 ). This certification must be based on tests conducted meeting or exceeding the minimum design wind loads specified in § 3280.305(c)(1) .
(2) All such windows and devices must show evidence of certification by affixing a quality certification label to the product from an independent product certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 (incorporated by reference, see § 3280.4 ).
(f)Protection of egress window openings in high wind areas. For homes designed to be located in Wind Zones II and III, manufacturers shall design exterior walls surrounding the egress window openings to allow for the installation of shutters or other protective covers, such as plywood, to cover these openings. Although not required, the Department encourages manufacturers to provide the shutters or protective covers and to install receiving devices, sleeves, or anchors for fasteners to be used to secure the shutters or protective covers to the exterior walls. If the manufacturer does not provide shutters or other protective covers to cover these openings, the manufacturer must provide to the homeowner instructions for at least one method of protecting egress window openings. This method must be capable of resisting the design wind pressures specified in § 3280.305 without taking the home out of conformance with the standards in this part. These instructions must be included in the printed instructions that accompany each manufactured home. The instructions shall also indicate whether receiving devices, sleeves, or anchors, for fasteners to be used to secure the shutters or protective covers to the exterior walls, have been installed or provided by the manufacturer.

24 C.F.R. §3280.404

52 FR 4583, Feb. 12, 1987, as amended at 59 FR 2474, Jan. 14, 1994; 70 FR 72046, Nov. 30, 2005; 78 FR 73983, Dec. 9, 2013
89 FR 75750, 3/17/2025