Reach Ranges for Outlets and Controls (2010 ADA Standards 308)
Four rules, not one number, and which applies turns on the approach and on what is in the way. Forward: 48 in out to 20 in of reach depth, 44 in past that, and past 25 in NO height complies -- the element has to move, not come down. Side: 48 in out to 10 in of depth, 46 in from there to 24 in. The number that ends arguments is the obstruction's own ceiling on a side reach: it may be no more than 34 in high, so a standard 36 in counter is too TALL to be reached over under this section whatever is behind it. The 15 in low limit catches the other end -- a receptacle at the framer's usual 12 in fails it.
Formula and source
forward unobstructed: 15 to 48 in. Forward obstructed: 48 in maximum where the reach depth is 20 in or less, 44 in where it exceeds 20 in, and the reach depth may not exceed 25 in. Side unobstructed: 15 to 48 in. Side obstructed: 48 in maximum to a reach depth of 10 in, 46 in from there to a reach depth of 24 in, with the obstruction itself 34 in high maximum and 24 in deep maximum.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 308 Reach Ranges (308.2.1, 308.2.2, 308.3.1, 308.3.2). A US federal standard in the public domain, quoted directly.
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