Umair Gaines
Hi-Lo drinking fountains are designed to be accessible to people with varying physical abilities. They feature a combination of high and low spouts, catering to both wheelchair users and standing individuals. While the exact specifications may vary across different locations and codes, the fundamental principle remains consistent: ensuring equal access to hydration for all. This raises the question: do these hi-lo drinking fountains require electricity to function?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of drinking fountains required | If three drinking fountains are required, one can be high, one can be low, and the third can be either high or low. |
| Minimum number of drinking fountains required | Two (one high and one low) |
| Height of spout for low drinking fountains | Not more than 36 inches above the finished floor |
| Height of spout for high drinking fountains | 38 to 43 inches |
| Height of spout for drinking fountains designed for children | 30 inches maximum |
| Distance of spout from front edge of unit | No more than 3.5 inches for drinking fountains designed for children; 5 inches maximum for drinking fountains for standing persons |
| Distance of spout from vertical support | 15 inches minimum for drinking fountains for standing persons |
| Clear floor space required for forward approach to accessible fountain | 30" x 48" |
| Mounting width of pre-manufactured hi-lo unit | 38-1/2" |
| Distance between drinking fountains | Drinking fountains shall not be located more than 500 feet (152 m) apart and not more than one story above or below |
| Operable parts requirements | Controls must be within accessible reach range, usable with one hand, and not require more than 5 pounds of force |
| Bottle fillers | Must comply with operable parts requirements; it is advisable to locate them at the wheelchair-accessible unit |
| Requirements for wheelchair-accessible units | Must provide access for a forward approach, address spouts, water flow, and operable parts; can be wall-mounted or free-standing |
| Requirements for drinking fountains in secured areas | Half of the units must be wheelchair-accessible, and the other half must be accessible for standees |
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What You'll Learn
- Hi-lo drinking fountains are a single fixture
- Federal accessibility code requires a minimum of two drinking fountains
- Drinking fountains must be wheelchair accessible
- Drinking fountains for standing persons have specific height requirements
- Water coolers and bottle fillers must meet operable parts requirements
Hi-lo drinking fountains are a single fixture
The plumbing code determines the number of drinking fountains required for a building, while the accessibility standard indicates how to configure them. If only one drinking fountain is required, then a combination hi-lo unit is necessary to provide access for both wheelchair users and standing persons. However, if two or more drinking fountains are required, then they must be split evenly between high and low units.
The installation of hi-lo drinking fountains can be complicated by the need to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and building codes. For example, the clear floor space required for wheelchair access to the low unit of a hi-lo fountain may restrict access to the high unit. Additionally, the width of the hi-lo unit may require enlarging the alcove in which it is installed.
While the plumbing code and building code provide guidelines for the number and type of drinking fountains required, the specific regulations can vary based on location and the latest code updates. It is important to refer to the relevant codes and consult with professionals to ensure compliance when installing drinking fountains in a building.
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Federal accessibility code requires a minimum of two drinking fountains
Federal accessibility standards require a minimum of two drinking fountains, one for wheelchair users and one for standing users. This dual access requirement applies to each floor of a facility, as well as exterior sites and secured areas with drinking fountains.
The plumbing code determines the number of drinking fountains needed in a building, while the accessibility standard outlines how they should be configured. If only one drinking fountain is planned for a location, at least two separate units or a combination high-low unit is necessary for dual access.
Drinking fountains for wheelchair users must be accessible for a forward approach, with specific requirements for spouts, water flow, and operable parts. These units can be wall-mounted or free-standing, with spouts positioned 15 inches from the vertical support and no more than 5 inches from the unit's front edge. Clear floor space for a forward approach should be centred on the unit, and knee and toe space is required, with a combined depth of at least 17 inches.
Drinking fountains for standing persons should have spouts between 38 and 43 inches high and be placed on an accessible route without obstructing the forward approach clearance of wheelchair-accessible units. While these units can overlap the clear floor space of adjacent wheelchair-accessible units, it is preferable to locate them outside this space to maintain access to low units.
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Drinking fountains must be wheelchair accessible
In the United States, the Access Board and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide guidelines for wheelchair accessibility to drinking fountains. These guidelines ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to drinking fountains in various facilities.
The scoping for drinking fountains applies separately to each floor of a facility, secured area, and exterior site. In locations with drinking fountains, it is recommended that half of the units be wheelchair-accessible, and the other half be accessible for standees. If only one unit is planned, at least two separate units or a combination high-low unit is required to provide dual access. This combination hi-lo unit is considered a single fixture but provides access for both wheelchair users and standing persons.
When installing drinking fountains, it is important to consider the clear floor space required for wheelchair users. A minimum clear floor space of 30" x 48" is necessary to accommodate wheelchair users comfortably. This space should be centred on the hi-lo fixture to ensure accessibility. Additionally, the spout should be 15" minimum from the vertical support and a maximum of 5" from the unit's front edge, including bumpers.
Drinking fountains for standing persons should have spouts 38" to 43" high and compliant operable parts. They should be located on an accessible route and should not obstruct the forward approach clearance required for wheelchair-accessible units. This includes ensuring sufficient knee and toe space for wheelchair users. While cantilevered units for standing persons can overlap the clear floor space of adjacent wheelchair-accessible units, it is preferable to locate them outside this space to avoid impeding access to low units.
Water coolers and bottle fillers integrated with drinking fountains must also be accessible. Hand-operated controls should be within reach and usable with one hand without requiring tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and should not exceed 5 pounds of force. If only one bottle filler is provided at a hi-lo unit, it is advisable to locate it at the wheelchair-accessible bowl.
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Drinking fountains for standing persons have specific height requirements
The spout should provide a water flow with a minimum height of 4 inches (100 mm). The angle of the water stream is also regulated. For spouts within 3 inches (75 mm) of the front of the drinking fountain, the maximum angle is 30 degrees, while for spouts between 3 and 5 inches (75-125 mm) from the front, the maximum angle is 15 degrees. These angle restrictions are measured horizontally relative to the front face of the drinking fountain.
It is important to note that drinking fountains must comply with accessibility standards. In locations with drinking fountains, it is recommended that half of the units be wheelchair accessible, while the other half be accessible for standing individuals. This ratio ensures equal access for all users. When only one unit is planned, a combination high-low unit is required to provide dual access for both wheelchair users and standing persons.
The placement of drinking fountains should also consider the available space. While cantilevered units for standing persons can overlap the clear floor space of adjacent wheelchair-accessible units, it is generally recommended to locate them outside this space to avoid obstructing access to low units. Additionally, drinking fountains should be positioned on an accessible route, ensuring they do not hinder the forward approach clearance required for wheelchair-accessible units.
In conclusion, drinking fountains for standing persons have specific height requirements to ensure accessibility and convenience. These requirements include spout height, water flow height, and angle restrictions. By adhering to these standards, drinking fountains can accommodate the needs of individuals who use them while standing, providing them with a comfortable and accessible water source.
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Water coolers and bottle fillers must meet operable parts requirements
Water coolers and bottle fillers are not substitutes for wheelchair-accessible drinking fountains or units for standees. However, they can be provided in addition to or integrated with drinking fountains. If drinking fountains are not provided, a compliant drinking fountain is not required even if water coolers or bottle fillers are provided.
Water coolers and bottle fillers that are fixed or built-in must comply with operable parts requirements (§205, §309) but are not subject to other requirements for drinking fountains. These requirements include:
- Location on an accessible route
- Clear floor space for either a forward or side approach
- Controls, if hand-operated, that are within accessible reach range and can be used with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, twisting of the wrist, or more than 5 pounds of force
- Spouts must be a minimum of 15" from the vertical support and a maximum of 5" from the unit's front edge, including bumpers
The plumbing code determines the number of drinking fountains required for a building, while the accessibility standard indicates how to configure them. For example, if three drinking fountains are required, this could be provided as one high, one low, and the third at either height. The IBC requires that if more than two drinking fountains are provided, 50% must be high and 50% must be low.
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