recept height for handicapped

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Re: recept height for handicapped

A few years ago I built an assisted living center for the Marriot folks. Their specs. were +24" for outlets and +36" for switches. I don't know if that was per ADA requirements or not. Best to check with ADA guidelines.
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

curt
I know that i am going to start something here, but where did you come up with 15". For all of you who don't want to see this again, I am sorry.
Lou
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

From ADA requirments in MA

Code: 
 6.5 FORWARD REACH
 If the clear floor space only allows forward
 approach to an object, the maximum high forward
 reach allowed shall be 48 inches (48" = 1219mm)
 (See Fig. 6k). The minimum low forward reach is
 15 inches (15" = 381mm). If the high forward
 reach is over an obstruction, reach and 
  clearances shall be as shown in Fig. 6l.
Code: 
 6.6 SIDE REACH
 If the clear floor space allows parallel approach by
 a person in a wheelchair, the maximum high side
 reach allowed shall be 54 inches (54" = 1372mm)
 and the low side reach shall be no less than nine
 inches (9" = 229mm) above the floor (See Fig.
 6m). If the side reach is over an obstruction,
  reach and clearances shall be as shown in Fig. 6n.
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

See this thread.

Curt is right for forward approach.

Bob's post goes with the diagrams in the linked thread.

Roger
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

What receptacles would have to meet this requirement? Residential? Commercial? I am assuming not all receptacles have to meet the ADA height requirements.

Steve
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Receptacles does not need to comply with ADA. only devices with oprable parts, such as switches, phone instrument, fire alarm pull stations, etc..
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Hassaf,
Originally posted by hassaf:
Receptacles does not need to comply with ADA. only devices with oprable parts, such as switches, phone instrument, fire alarm pull stations, etc..
Click to expand...
please provide some back up to this.

Roger
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Originally posted by hassaf:
Receptacles does not need to comply with ADA. only devices with oprable parts, such as switches, phone instrument, fire alarm pull stations, etc..
Click to expand...
Does this mean that the employer refuses to hire disabled employees? Or does this mean that only able-bodied people are allowed to enter the premises?

Refer to Section 1108.13 of the International Building Code...it tends to disagree with you.
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

ryan,

I didn't think that receptacles were subject to ADA since they have no operable parts. But you're right, I checked the building code and here it was; they need to be at least 15" above finished floor. Thanks.
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Your very welcome. Its easy to get into a trap with accessibility rules, like the two situations I pointed out above. The one that really gets people is thermostats, since alot of times these aren't in at the rough inspection and it has to be brought up at the final...ouch :(
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Does this include "placebo" thermostats?

Roger
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Originally posted by roger:
Does this include "placebo" thermostats?

Roger
Click to expand...
As stupid as it may sound, I would say yes, they do. Here it what Section 1108.13 of the 2000 IBC says (sorry, I don't have the 2003 here).

1108.13 Controls, operating mechanisms and hardware:
Controls, operating mechanisms and hardware intended for use by the occupant, including switches that control lighting and ventilation, and electrical convience outlets, in accessible spaces, along accessible routes or as part of accessible elements shall be accessible.
Click to expand...
So, these placebo thermostats are installed with the intent of the occupant using them, correct? I mean, even though they serve no function, could there be a lawsuit?

Lets see...I have an employee that has been with me in my building for 10 years. He likes his thermostat at 81 degrees, but the people that occupy the building at night like to set it at 78. So, every morning, my employee resets his thermostat to 82 degrees, even though it does nothing to the temperature. Now this employee gets in an accident and is wheelchair bound. He is throwing a fit because the thermostat is set at 60", above his reach range. What are my choices? Do I remodel and put his thermostat down to 48" or do I fire him?
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Hello Ryan,
Do I remodel and put his thermostat down to 48" or do I fire him?
Click to expand...
well it would be easy to move, the wiring wouldn't be difficult. :D :D

Roger
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

The state specs for ADA heights on receptacles are 18" from finish floor and 48" for switches

[ June 03, 2004, 04:55 PM: Message edited by: escape ]
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

Hello Escape, welcome to the forum.

What state are you referencing and are you sure there are no other provisions?

Do the side approach dimensions shown in this thread not apply?

Roger
 
Re: recept height for handicapped

I wire additions all over the NE Illinois area, from Danville to Zion, Chicago Heights to Peru, and am finding several communities requiring outlets to be at 15 inches, citing the new international building code which is being used instead of BOCA in more and more areas.
I have not read the code, just respond to the AHJ's request.
In most areas, unless specific exceptions are printed, I wire 2002 NEC, which has occasionally resulted in a room being declined because what I did was "not authorized". One aluminum sunroom which was GFCI protected was failed because the inspector "wanted to see a GFCI in the outside outlet"!? Just trying to say, ask the AHJ.
 
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