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How to install a dispenser - ADA Guidelines

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has published their technical  assistance guide.  You can find it here, or use this link as a starting point:  https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm  

The above is a great reference when installing and selecting dispensers.  Always check the most current guidelines at the ADA website before installing.  We have provided information below as a convenience.

Have a question, we are here to help.  Let's work together and make sure your restrooms are in compliance.  800-893-0488 or contact us.

Toilet Paper Dispensers.



604.7 Dispensers. - Toilet paper dispensers shall comply with 309.4 and shall be 7 inches (180 mm)
minimum and 9 inches (230 mm) maximum in front of the water closet measured to the centerline of the
dispenser. The outlet of the dispenser shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm)
maximum above the finish floor and shall not be located behind grab bars. Dispensers shall not be of a
type that controls delivery or that does not allow continuous paper flow.

309.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping,
pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N)
maximum.

Advisory 604.7 Dispensers. If toilet paper dispensers are installed above the side wall
grab bar, the outlet of the toilet paper dispenser must be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum
above the finish floor and the top of the gripping surface of the grab bar must be 33 inches
(840 mm) minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finish floor.


Toilet Paper Dispensers for Childrens Use (ages 3-12)
604.9 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments for Children's Use. Water closets and toilet
compartments for children's use shall comply with 604.9.

Advisory 604.9 Water Closets and Toilet Compartments for Children's Use. The
requirements in 604.9 are to be followed where the exception for children's water closets in
604.1 is used. The following table provides additional guidance in applying the
specifications for water closets for children according to the age group served and reflects
the differences in the size, stature, and reach ranges of children ages 3 through 12. The
specifications chosen should correspond to the age of the primary user group. The
specifications of one age group should be applied consistently in the installation of a water
closet and related elements. 

Advisory Specifications for Water Closets Serving Children Ages 3 through 12
Ages 3 and 4,
Dispenser Height 14 inches (355 mm)

Ages 5 through 8,
Dispenser Height 14 to 17 inches (355 to 430 mm)

Ages 9 through 12,
Dispenser Height 17 to 19 inches (430 to 485 mm)

604.9.6 Dispensers. Toilet paper dispensers shall comply with 309.4 and shall be 7 inches (180
mm) minimum and 9 inches (230 mm) maximum in front of the water closet measured to the
centerline of the dispenser. The outlet of the dispenser shall be 14 inches (355 mm) minimum and
19 inches (485 mm) maximum above the finish floor. There shall be a clearance of 1½ inches (38
mm) minimum below the grab bar. Dispensers shall not be of a type that controls delivery or that
does not allow continuous paper flow.

Paper Towel and Soap Dispensers when Provided.
308.1 General. Reach ranges shall comply with 308.

Advisory 308.1 General. The following table provides guidance on reach ranges for
children according to age where building elements such as coat hooks, lockers, or operable
parts are designed for use primarily by children. These dimensions apply to either forward
or side reaches. Accessible elements and operable parts designed for adult use or children
over age 12 can be located outside these ranges but must be within the adult reach ranges
required by 308.

Children's Reach Ranges Forward or Side

Reach Ages 3 and 4
High (maximum) 36 in (915 mm)
Low (minimum) 20 in (510 mm)

Ages 5 through 8
High (maximum) 40 in (1015 mm)
Low (minimum) 18 in (455 mm)

Ages 9 through 12
High (maximum) 44 in (1120 mm)
Low (minimum) 16 in (405 mm)

308.2 Forward Reach.
308.2.1 Unobstructed.



Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48
inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above
the finish floor or ground. 

 308.2.2 Obstructed High Reach.



Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the clear floor
space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over
the obstruction. The high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum where the reach
depth is 20 inches (510 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 20 inches (510 mm), the
high forward reach shall be 44 inches (1120 mm) maximum and the reach depth shall be 25 inches
(635 mm) maximum.

308.3 Side Reach.
308.3.1 Unobstructed. 



Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an
element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and the low side reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or
ground.  EXCEPTIONS: 1. An obstruction shall be permitted between the clear floor or ground space
and the element where the depth of the obstruction is 10 inches (255 mm) maximum.
2. Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum
measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing
curbs.

308.3.2 Obstructed High Reach.



 Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to
an element and the high side reach is over an obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34
inches (865 mm) maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24 inches (610 mm) maximum.
The high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 10 inches (255
mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 10 inches (255 mm), the high side reach shall be
46 inches (1170 mm) maximum for a reach depth of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. The top of washing machines and clothes dryers shall be permitted to be 36
inches (915 mm) maximum above the finish floor.
2. Operable parts of fuel dispensers shall be permitted to be 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum
measured from the surface of the vehicular way where fuel dispensers are installed on existing
curbs.

Have a question, we are here to help.  Let's work together and make sure your restrooms are in compliance.  800-893-0488 or contact us.
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