ADA/ANSI and UFAS Accessibility Guidelines (ADA/ANSI and UFAS are the same for all appliances except Refrigerators)
 

REFRIGERATORS

 

UFAS - Top Freezers and Side-by-Sides that Meet the Standard

 

  • Side Reach: If the clear floor space allows parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair, the maximum high side reach allowed shall be 54" and the low side reach shall be no less than 9" above the floor.

  • Operation: Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs of force.

  • Refrigerators/Freezers -  Provision shall be made for refrigerators which are: (1) Of the vertical side-by-side refrigerator/freezer type; OR (2) Of the over-and-under type and meet the following requirements: (a) Have at least 50 percent of the freezer space below 54" above the floor.

 

ADA/ANSI - Top Freezers and French Door Bottom Freezers with External Dispenser Controls that meet the Standard

 

  • Operation: Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs of force. (Exception: Appliance door and door latching devices do not need to comply with requirement.)

  •  Refrigerators/freezers shall have at least 50 percent of the freezer space 54" max. above the floor.

  • The clear floor or ground space shall be positioned for a parallel approach to the space dedicated to a refrigerator/freezer with the centerline of the clear floor or ground space offset 24" maximum from the centerline of the dedicated space.

  • Preference for side-by-side and top-mount eliminated; bottom-mount now acceptable.

 

DISHWASHERS

 

  • Maximum high forward reach for controls and operating mechanisms is 48"; maximum low forward reach is 15".

  • Controls and operating mechanisms must be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no more than 5 lbs.

  • All rack space shall be accessible from the front of the machine for loading and unloading dishes.

 

LAUNDRY

 

  • Washing machines and clothes dryers shall be front loading.

  • Maximum high forward reach for controls and operating mechanisms is 48"; maximum low forward reach is 15".

  • 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 lbs.

  • Front loading machines shall have the bottom of the opening to the laundry compartment located 15" minimum and 36" maximum from the floor.

 

Note: Washer/Dryer Combo (ex. HLC1700) is ADA compliant if a wood platform is built for ADA compliance. For more information, visit: Platform Requirements.

 

MICROWAVE OVENS

 

  • Maximum high forward reach for controls and operating mechanisms is 48"; maximum low forward reach is 15".

  • Controls and operating mechanisms must be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no more than 5 lbs.

 

RANGES, WALL OVENS, AND COOKTOPS

 

  • Maximum high forward reach for controls and operating mechanisms is 48"; maximum low forward reach is 15".

  • Controls and operating mechanisms must be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no more than 5 lbs.

  • If ovens or cooktops have knee spaces underneath then they shall be insulated or otherwise protected on the exposed surfaces to prevent burns, abrasions, or electrical shock.

  • The location of controls for ranges and cooktops shall not require reaching across burners.

 

ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS

 

  • Maximum high forward reach for controls and operating mechanisms is 48"; minimum low forward reach is 15".

  • Controls and operating mechanisms must be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.

  • The force required to activate controls shall be no more than 5 lbs.