• Specifications for controls and fixtures are included in ADA guidelines.View of Hotel Bathroom image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
  
  The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, specifies how buildings should be constructed and arranged so that handicapped individuals can access all areas and controls. Electrical outlets, switches and controls are included in the ADA guidelines. In addition to height limitations, controls must have clearance so that wheelchair occupants can approach them. The minimum clearance is 30 inches by 48 inches and can provide either a forward or parallel wheelchair approach. This clearance may be included in the knee space requirement that applies to fixtures such as sinks.
  
  

Forward Approach

• If access is by a forward approach and the controls can be accessed with a forward reach, the outlet or switch must be at least 15 inches above floor level. If the user does not need to reach over any obstruction or if the depth of the obstruction is no more than 20 inches, the maximum height is 48 inches above floor level. Should an obstruction have a depth of more than 20 inches but less than 25 inches, the maximum height is 44 inches above floor level.
  
  

Parallel Approach

• A parallel approach is one that requires the occupant of the wheelchair to reach to his side to access the switch or outlet. The controls must be at least nine inches above floor level and no more than 54 inches above floor level. If the user must reach across an obstruction, which can be no more than 24 inches deep and 34 inches high, the maximum height of the control is 46 inches.
  
  

Exceptions

• ADA guidelines provide for exceptions to the height requirements if the controls are not intended for normal use or if special equipment requires a different configuration. Outlets that do not receive regular, frequent use, such as those dedicated to wall clocks, are exempt from the guidelines. Receptacles for appliances such as refrigerators or kitchen ranges are also exempt.