What Is the ADA Height for a Soap Dispenser?
Under ADA Section 308, the soap dispenser operable part typically falls at 48 inches maximum for unobstructed reach or 44 inches maximum for obstructed forward reach over a sink, measured from the finished floor. Per Section 309, the dispenser should not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
Soap Dispenser Installation Requirements
- Maximum height to operable part: 44 inches (obstructed reach over a sink) or 48 inches (unobstructed)
- Minimum clear floor space: 30 by 48 inches
- Maximum force to activate: 5 pounds
- Acceptable types: automatic, push-bar, lever, or foot-operated
- Browse ADA-compliant soap dispensers designed to meet Section 308 reach specifications.
What Is the ADA Height for a Paper Towel Dispenser?
The ADA guideline for paper towel dispenser height is typically 40 inches maximum to the outlet where the towel emerges. Some dispensers place the operable control higher, but the towel outlet itself should typically be reachable at 40 inches or below to serve users in wheelchairs.
Paper Towel Dispenser Heights
- Recessed dispensers: 40 inches to outlet
- Surface-mounted dispensers: 40 inches to outlet
- Combination towel/waste units: 40 inches to towel outlet
- Multi-fold versus roll towel: same outlet rule applies
What Is the ADA Mirror Height?
Under ADA Section 603.3, the mirror bottom edge is typically 40 inches maximum above the finished floor when mounted above a lavatory or countertop, and 35 inches maximum when not. Mirrors above lavatories should allow viewing while seated in a wheelchair.
What Is the ADA Paper Towel Holder Height?
The ADA paper towel holder height typically matches the paper towel dispenser height of 40 inches to the outlet. Holders and dispensers commonly follow the same reach guidelines under Section 308, regardless of whether the product dispenses folded or roll towels.
What Is the ADA Toilet Paper Holder Height?
Under ADA Section 604.7, the toilet paper holder is typically located 7 to 9 inches in front of the toilet bowl, with the outlet of the dispenser commonly between 15 and 19 inches above the finished floor. The holder should not obstruct grab bar use. Dual-roll holders are commonly specified as an operational preference because they extend functional reach during a single transfer.
Outlet height above finished floor: typically 15 to 19 inches (Section 604.7)
Distance from toilet centerline to holder: 7 to 9 inches
Minimum roll capacity: continuous feed recommended
Location: on the wall adjacent to the water closet
See compliant options in the ASI toilet tissue dispenser catalog.
What Is the ADA Coat Hook Height?
The ADA coat hook height is typically 48 inches maximum above the finished floor, measured to the highest operable point. At least one coat hook is commonly installed at this height in ADA-accessible toilet stalls, depending on configuration.
What Is the ADA Hand Dryer Height?
Under ADA Section 308, the hand dryer operable part or sensor is typically 48 inches maximum above the finished floor. Forward-reach and side-reach guidelines apply, with clear floor space typically provided in front of the unit. Recessed hand dryers reduce protrusion into circulation paths.
Browse ASI hand dryers designed to meet Section 308 reach specifications.
What Is the ADA Grab Bar Height?
Under ADA Section 609.4, grab bars are typically mounted 33 to 36 inches above the finished floor, measured to the top of the gripping surface. Section 609.2.1 allows circular diameters from 1.25 to 2 inches (1.25 to 1.5 inches is most common). Section 609.3 calls for 1.5 inches between the wall and the grab bar. Load-force requirements should be verified against current Section 609 and ICC A117.1 specifications.
How to Get ADA Mounting Heights Right
ADA mounting heights are typically measured from the finished floor, not the subfloor or slab. Specifiers should confirm final floor elevation before locating blocking and verify current state and local accessibility requirements. The ASI Commercial Restroom Design guide includes elevation drawings.
Browse ASI paper towel dispensers, ADA-compliant grab bars, and the complete washroom accessories catalog to spec a compliant restroom.
