Interpretation #7441

Original Request

Code Version: 2010
Code: RESIDENT
Code Description: Residential
Chapter: 3
Section: 311.7.7.2
Topic: Handrail at base of flight

Question

Is it the intent of 311.7.7.2 Exception 2 to allow the

handrail, attached above a newel mounted on the

first ascending tread (lowest), to continue past

the newel at the same angle and slope and extend

past and over hanging the face of the newel by a

varying distance, without changing slope or

returning?

Answer Published 04/28/2015 at 3:51 PM

No, exception 2 allows the starting
newel to be over the lowest tread.
Does not say anything about allowing
the handrail to extend over the newel.

Commentary

The wording in 311.7.7.2 states: "Handrail ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel post for safety terminals." This indicates you can extend the handrail past the newel as long as you turn it down and back to the newel. A "D" shape return. An easing is a piece typically used to transition a direction. Below is an industry definition of easing. All literature reviewed shows the easing starting on the stair side of the bottom newel post. Definition - "EASING The curved junctions placed in a handrail to bring the parts at different levels into one flowing curve. A fitting that curves in a vertical plane, used to change the angle of the handrail."