What is it and how does it apply to hardware?
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. Accessibility Guidelines for hardware apply to places of public accommodation and commercial facilities and are to be considered during the design, construction, and alteration of such building projects.
While there are currently no official ADA regulations specifically governing cabinet handles or cabinet pulls, we offer options designed with accessibility in mind to ensure they meet ADA-friendly principles.
Below are the guidelines we follow:
- One-Handed Operation: Hardware must be operable with one hand. It should not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
- Force to Operate: Hardware should require no more than 5 pounds of force to operate.
- Clearance and Space: Cabinet pulls must provide a minimum clearance of 7/8” between the pull and the surface to allow comfortable use for fingers or assistive devices. A minimum inner length of 3-1/4” for pulls to ensure adequate gripping space.
- Placement: Pulls must be mounted within 15” - 48” above the floor to meet accessible reach range guidelines.
- Shape and Grip: Pulls should have a shape that is easy to grasp, avoiding designs that require precise pinching or tight grasping (e.g., cup pulls, edge pulls, and finger pulls). Rounded or gently contoured shapes are preferred for comfort and accessibility.
The following information comes from www.ada.gov and includes information as it pertains to our Door Pulls, Grab Bars, and Power Track wireway systems:
404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors
and gates shall comply with 309.4. Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm)
minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground. Where sliding doors
are in the fully open position, operating hardware shall be exposed and usable from both sides.
Advisory 404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. Door hardware that can be operated with a
closed fist or a loose grip accommodates the greatest range of users. Hardware that
requires simultaneous hand and finger movements require greater dexterity and
coordination, and is not recommended.
604.5 Grab Bars. Grab bars for water closets shall comply with 609. Grab bars shall be provided on the
side wall closest to the water closet and on the rear wall.
303.3 Beveled. Changes in level between ¼ inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and ½ inch (13 mm) high
maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
Advisory 303.3 Beveled. A change in level of ½ inch (13 mm) is permitted to be ¼ inch
(6.4 mm) vertical plus ¼ inch (6.4 mm) beveled. However, in no case may the combined
change in level exceed ½ inch (13 mm). Changes in level exceeding ½ inch (13 mm) must
comply with 405 (Ramps) or 406 (Curb Ramps).
303.4 Ramps. Changes in level greater than ½ inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall comply
with 405 or 406.
Slope.
| Slope1 |
Maximum Rise |
| Steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8 |
3 inches (75 mm) |
| Steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10 |
6 inches (150 mm) |
1. A slope steeper than 1:8 is prohibited.
Advisory 405.2 Slope. To accommodate the widest range of users, provide ramps with the
least possible running slope and, wherever possible, accompany ramps with stairs for use
by those individuals for whom distance presents a greater barrier than steps, e.g., people
with heart disease or limited stamina.
205 Operable Parts
205.1 General. Operable parts on accessible elements, accessible routes, and in accessible rooms and
spaces shall comply with 309.
EXCEPTIONS: Electrical or communication receptacles serving a dedicated use shall not be required to comply
with 309.
Floor electrical receptacles shall not be required to comply with 309.
902.4.2 Height. The tops of tables and counters shall be 26 inches (660 mm) minimum and 30
inches (760 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.
Click to view our collection of ADA compliant hardware.
