The mounting height of lavatories (sinks) in public restrooms must comply with accessibility standards to ensure they are usable by individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs. The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual incorporates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design and ANSI A117.1, which specify the maximum mounting height for lavatories in accessible restrooms.

According to ADA Section 606.3 (Lavatories and Sinks):

The maximum height of the rim or counter surface of a lavatory in a public restroom is 34 inches (864 mm) above the finished floor. This height ensures that a wheelchair user can access the sink comfortably, with sufficient knee space underneath (minimum 27 inches [686 mm] high, per ADA Section 306.3).

The measurement is taken to the top of the rim or counter, whichever is higher, to ensure the sink is within reach for seated users.

Let’s evaluate the options:

A. 24" [610 mm]: This height is far too low for a lavatory, as it would be below the requiredknee space clearance (27 inches) and impractical for standing users. It does not meet accessibility standards.

B. 30" [762 mm]: While 30 inches is closer to the maximum, it is still below the ADA maximum of 34 inches. This height might be used in specific contexts (e.g., for children’s facilities), but it is not the maximum for public restrooms.

C. 34" [864 mm]: This matches the ADA maximum mounting height for lavatories in public restrooms, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users while remaining practical for standing users.

D. 36" [914 mm]: A height of 36 inches exceeds the ADA maximum of 34 inches, making the lavatory too high for wheelchair users to access comfortably. This height is often used for standard, non-accessible sinks but does not comply with accessibility requirements.

The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual confirms that the maximum mounting height for lavatories in public restrooms is 34 inches (864 mm), as specified by the ADA, to ensure accessibility.

Verified Answer from Official Source:The correct answer is C, as verified by the NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual and ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Exact Extract:

From the NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Chapter 2: Building Codes and Standards): "The maximum mounting height for lavatories in public restrooms is 34 inches (864 mm) above the finished floor, as required by accessibility standards to ensure usability for wheelchair users."

Explanation from Official Source:

The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual explains that the ADA sets the maximum mounting height for lavatories at 34 inches to accommodate wheelchair users, ensuring they can reach the sink while providing adequate knee space underneath. This height balances accessibility with practicality for all users in a public restroom setting.

Objectives:

Understand accessibility requirements for lavatory mounting heights in public restrooms.

Apply ADA standards to ensure inclusive design in restroom layouts.