For horizontal clearance near the hinge, what is the maximum allowed distance from the center hinge to the edge of a column or wall before entrapment protection is required?

• A. Less than 4 inches (or cover this area with entrapment protection)
• B. Less than 8 inches
• C. Less than 6 inches
• D. Less than 12 inches

Answer: (A)

Preventing finger entrapment in the hinge area is the focus here. The rule says the horizontal gap from the center of the hinge to a fixed edge (like a column or wall) must be four inches or less. If that distance is less than four inches, you don’t have to add extra entrapment protection in that zone. If the gap is greater than four inches, you must install entrapment protection in that area (such as safety edges or sensors) to prevent pinching.

That’s why four inches is the threshold—the correct choice reflects the idea that the maximum distance before protection is required is a gap under four inches, with the option noting that anything larger would require protection. Distances like six, eight, or twelve inches imply the space is wide enough to need protective devices, which is not the threshold described.