railings

[ed mac]

need to match this design but they are 4 3/4 on center
does this pass code

[kburd]

for pa i believe code states so that a four inch diameter sphere (read kids ball or head) cannot pass

[DesertRider33]

In CA it's no more than 4" free space between pickets.

[Spaulding Metals]

All above are correct. 4" mininmum spacing and now with the new international code a minimum of 42" tall. I am in California as well. Might be different in other states.

[Burnit]

So if the bars are 3/4 stock hes ok then

[lugweld]

You should be ok...If you can see the scroll work there, it looks like it fills the spot just fine. I think that a pendulem test has to be conducted at 30 inches or so....I think you spacing is actually only about 2 inches or so counting the scroll

[rusty ripple]

are you sure about the 42" i know that's what osha requires. the ibc requires 42 inches and a handrail between 34" and 38". but it more importantly it depends on what your locality has adopted.
however, the 4inch rule is pretty standard, if its an elevated surface above 30" at no point can a 4" sphere pass through.

[MetalArchitect]

New York City allows for 5" max center line spacing, 42" A.F.F. any exterior railing at a landing, platform, or balcony.
Interior can be 36" at a landing, or overlook and the stair itself can be down to 32" i believe.

One of the first things the inspector looks at when doing a C of O inspection is measure the 42" exterior railing.

[MoonRise]

Ed,

As stated, it may vary from region to region as to what the code requirements are.

Most often for railings is the 'can't pass a 4 inch diameter sphere (aka kids head) through the railing' test/code.

So if (a big IF) that railing has the pickets on 4-3/4 inch centers then the pickets would have to be 3/4 inch or bigger to meet that requirement. The scroll-work doesn't count, unless it totally filled the space between pickets and kept a 4 inch diameter sphere from passing through anywhere.