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Monday, April 17, 2017
Question:
What height does a subpanel need to be mounted in an ADA accessible unit?
Jeff Lawrence
A
Answer:
Hey Jeff thanks for your question. The Americans with Disabilities Act is enforced by the US Justice Department. Some information is provided in Annex J with various dimensions based on forward and side reach access. Additional information is available at www.ada.gov and usually from the local building official.
Typically equipment such as receptacles and switches used by individuals in buildings that must meet the ADA requirements would need to meet the specific location dimensions. If in the "ADA accessible unit the occupant needs to access the overcurrent devices in the panelboard then the ADA dimensions must be complied with.
Each occupant must have access to overcurrent devices as stated in 240.24(B), with different provisions in 240.24(B)(1) and 240.24(B)(2). Electrical equipment rooms and enclosures can be locked as stated in 110.26(F) and the use of locks still meets the definition of readily accessible (Accessible, Readily) in Article 100.
If the overcurrent devices cannot or do not need to be accessed by the public then it would seem that maintaining a maximum height of 6 ft 7 inches to switches and circuit breaker handles as stated in 240.24(A) would be sufficient but make sure the local authority agrees.