The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does affect electrical work. Annex J of the NEC cites provisions from the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It includes 10 illustrations. This is a handy reference when you’re out in the field with your NEC, but don’t have the ADA standard with you and a question arises.
Annex J covers these aspects of objects that protrude into the circulation path:
• Limits on how far objects can protrude into the circulation path.
• Objects mounted on posts or pylons, and the spaces required between them and the finished floor or ground.
• Vertical clearances between those objects and the finished floor or ground.
• Required clear width. Protruding objects can’t reduce the clear width required for accessible routes.
Annex J also covers distance requirements for forward reach and side reach.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.