What is the ADA reach range?
For an unobstructed forward or side reach, operable parts must be no higher than 48 inches and no lower than 15 inches above the floor (2010 ADA §308.2.1, §308.3.1). Reaching over an obstruction lowers the maximum — for example, 44 inches for a forward reach over a surface 20–25 inches deep (§308.2.2).
Source: 2010 ADA §308 · Verify against your AHJ and the adopted code edition.
Anything a person operates — switches, outlets, controls, dispensers — has to land within a reachable band. For an unobstructed reach (nothing in the way):
- High reach: 48 inches maximum above the floor.
- Low reach: 15 inches minimum above the floor.
This holds for both forward (§308.2.1) and side (§308.3.1) reaches.
Reaching over an obstruction (a counter or shelf) lowers the maximum:
- Forward over a surface 20–25 inches deep → 44 inches max (§308.2.2).
- Side over a surface up to 24 inches deep → 46 inches max (§308.3.2).
That’s why a light switch sits around 48 inches and outlets no lower than 15 inches. State codes and ICC A117.1 can differ — verify with your AHJ.
Look it up: the ADA clearances reference has the forward and side reach ranges (obstructed and unobstructed) with diagrams.
Sources
- U.S. Access Board — 2010 ADA Standards — 2010 ADA Standards §308