Design and Height of Shower Spray Unit in Transfer Type Shower Compartment

The jurisdiction is ADAAG Section 608.5.1, 608.6, and 308.2.1. 

Chapter 6 Plumbing Elements and facilities.

608 Shower Compartments.

608.5 Controls.

608.5.1 Transfer Type Shower Compartments.

“In transfer type shower compartments, the controls, faucets, and shower spray unit shall be installed on the side wall opposite the seat 38 inches minimum and 48 inches maximum above the shower floor and shall be located on the control wall 15 inches maximum from the centerline of the seat toward the shower opening.”

608 Shower Compartments.

608.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water.

“A shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches long minimum that can be used both as a fixed-position shower head and as a hand-held shower shall be provided.  The shower spray unit shall have an on/off control with a non-positive shut-off.  If an adjustable-height shower head on a vertical bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as not to obstruct the use of grab bars.  Shower spray units shall deliver water that is 120ºF maximum.”

Chapter 3 building blocks.

308 Reach Ranges.

308.2 Forward Reach.

308.2.1 Unobstructed.

“Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 48 inches maximum and the low forward reach shall be 15 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground.”

In the opinion of ACCESS, shower spray units mounted on sliding bars are not in compliance with Section 308.2.1 because the slide that holds the shower spray unit top is typically mounted above 48 inches; one has to hold the shower spray unit, then reach one hand above 48 inches to lift the shower spray unit off the slide. 

The better solution ACCESS has seen is when the shower spray unit is hung on a hook at 44 inches above finish floor, and the shower controller has a diverter valve in conjunction with a fixed shower head.  The diverter valve switches the water flow from the fixed, standard height shower head to the hand-held shower spray unit.

 

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The above are opinions of Hank Falstad, AIA, Managing Senior Associate of Access Technologies Services, Inc. (ACCESS).  See our web site for additional information:  www.accessts.net.