Installing ADA Signs - An overview

How to Install ADA Room Signs and Overheads

Disclaimer: Check all local and state codes before proceeding to install ADA signs.

There is a lot of confusion regarding the installation of ADA signage. Most times the confusion is the result of the guidelines administered by the federal government – particularly the Department of Justice – and the tendency to consider "Wayfinding Signs" as ADA Signs.

There are guidelines and then there are specifications. The Department of Justice administers the guidelines for ADA Signage. The guidelines include the materials used to make ADA Signs, the location of ADA signs, when ADA signs are to be used, colors, and more. In other words, the makeup of the sign. The word guidelines is important because a sign company can build and install signs according to the DOJ guidelines and still the facility where the signs are installed can be cited for violations. This is because the guidelines are then interpreted by state and local governments to meet with their sign ordinances. For instance, California may have a local ordinance for ADA signs that is different than New Jersey.

Wayfinding Signs are those signs that help the public find their way through public facilities such as Hospitals, Airports, and other places. The guidelines set up for these types of signs relate to the overhead signs and their distance from floor to the bottom of the sign. There are also specifications as to the types of lettering and the letter height. Other than the latter, the production, design, and materials used are not codified.

ADA Signs have very specific guidelines for build and installation. As mush as possible they are to go on the latch side of the door and sit 60" OC from the floor. This makes sense in the context of signs with braille lettering. One must be able to read the sign and open the door (or at least stay out of the path of the door).

The following graphic displays information regarding the installation of room signs and overheads. Consult your local authorities for specific rules and regulations.

ada installation