CHAPTER 7: COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS AND FEATURES

ANSI Chapter 7. Communication Elements and Features

701 General

ANSI 701 General

701.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 7 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where referenced by a requirement in this document.

ANSI 701.1 Scope. Communications elements and features required to be accessible by the scoping provisions adopted by the administrative authority shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 7.

702 Fire Alarm Systems

4.28 Alarms.

ANSI 702 Alarms

702.1 General. Fire alarm systems shall have permanently installed audible and visible alarms complying with NFPA 72 (1999 or 2002 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1), except that the maximum allowable sound level of audible notification appliances complying with section 4-3.2.1 of NFPA 72 (1999 edition) shall have a sound level no more than 110 dB at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance. In addition, alarms in guest rooms required to provide communication features shall comply with sections 4-3 and 4-4 of NFPA 72 (1999 edition) or sections 7.4 and 7.5 of NFPA 72 (2002 edition).

EXCEPTION: Fire alarm systems in medical care facilities shall be permitted to be provided in accordance with industry practice.

4.28.1 General. Alarm systems required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.28. At a minimum, visual signal appliances shall be provided in buildings and facilities in each of the following areas: restrooms and any other general usage areas (e.g., meeting rooms), hallways, lobbies, and any other area for common use.

4.28.2 Audible Alarms. If provided, audible emergency alarms shall produce a sound that exceeds the prevailing equivalent sound level in the room or space by at least 15 dbA or exceeds any maximum sound level with a duration of 60 seconds by 5 dbA, whichever is louder. Sound levels for alarm signals shall not exceed 120 dbA. 

ANSI 702.1 General. Accessible audible and visual alarms and notification appliances shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 listed in Section 105.2.2, be powered by a commercial light and power source, be permanently connected to the wiring of the premises electric system, and be permanently installed.

4.28.3 Visual Alarms. Visual alarm signal appliances shall be integrated into the building or facility alarm system. If single station audible alarms are provided then single station visual alarm signals shall be provided. Visual alarm signals shall have the following minimum photometric and location features:

(1) The lamp shall be a xenon strobe type or equivalent.

(2) The color shall be clear or nominal white (i.e., unfiltered or clear filtered white light).

(3) The maximum pulse duration shall be two-tenths of one second (0.2 sec) with a maximum duty cycle of 40 percent. The pulse duration is defined as the time interval between initial and final points of 10 percent of maximum signal.

(4) The intensity shall be a minimum of 75 candela.

(5) The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1 Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.

(6) The appliance shall be placed 80 in (2030 mm) above the highest floor level within the space or 6 in (152 mm) below the ceiling, whichever is lower.

(7) In general, no place in any room or space required to have a visual signal appliance shall be more than 50 ft (15 m) from the signal (in the horizontal plane). In large rooms and spaces exceeding 100 ft (30 m) across, without obstructions 6 ft (2 m) above the finish floor, such as auditoriums, devices may be placed around the perimeter, spaced a maximum 100 ft (30 m) apart, in lieu of suspending appliances from the ceiling.

(8) No place in common corridors or hallways in which visual alarm signalling appliances are required shall be more than 50 ft (15 m) from the signal.

703 Signs

4.30 Signage.

ANSI 703 Signs

703.1 General. Signs shall comply with 703. Where both visual and tactile characters are required, either one sign with both visual and tactile characters, or two separate signs, one with visual, and one with tactile characters, shall be provided.

4.30.1 General. Signage required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with the applicable provisions of 4.30. 

ANSI 703.1 General. Accessible signs shall comply with Section 703.

703.2 Raised Characters. Raised characters shall comply with 703.2 and shall be duplicated in braille complying with 703.3. Raised characters shall be installed in accordance with 703.4.

4.30.4 Raised and Brailled Characters and Pictorial Symbol Signs (Pictograms). Letters and numerals shall be raised 1/32 in (0.8 mm) minimum, upper case, sans serif or simple serif type and shall be accompanied with Grade 2 Braille. Raised characters shall be at least 5/8 in (16 mm) high, but no higher than 2 in (50 mm). Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6 in (152 mm) minimum in height. 

ANSI 703.3 Tactile Characters.

ANSI 703.3.1 General. Tactile characters shall comply with Section 703.3, and shall be duplicated in braille complying with Section 703.4.

703.2.1 Depth. Raised characters shall be 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) minimum above their background.

ANSI 703.3.2 Depth. Tactile characters shall be raised 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) minimum above their background.

703.2.2 Case. Characters shall be uppercase.

ANSI 703.3.3 Case. Characters shall be uppercase.

703.2.3 Style. Characters shall be sans serif. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

ANSI 703.3.4 Style. Characters shall be sans serif. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.2.4 Character Proportions. Characters shall be selected from fonts where the width of the uppercase letter "O" is 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter "I".

4.30.2 Character Proportion. Letters and numbers on signs shall have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10. 

ANSI 703.3.6 Character Width. The uppercase letter “O” shall be used to determine the allowable width of all characters of a font. The width of the uppercase letter “O” of the font shall be 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font.

703.2.5 Character Height. Character height measured vertically from the baseline of the character shall be 5/8 inch (16 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum based on the height of the uppercase letter "I".

EXCEPTION: Where separate raised and visual characters with the same information are provided, raised character height shall be permitted to be 1/2 inch (13 mm) minimum.

4.30.3 Character Height. Characters and numbers on signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read. The minimum height is measured using an upper case X. Lower case characters are permitted.

ANSI 703.3.5 Character Height. The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable height of all characters of a font. The height of the uppercase letter “I” of the font, measured vertically from the baseline of the character, shall be 5/8 inch (16 mm) minimum, and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum.

EXCEPTION: Where separate tactile and visual characters with the same information are provided, the height of the tactile uppercase letter “I” shall be permitted to be 1/2 inch (13 mm) minimum.

703.2.6 Stroke Thickness. Stroke thickness of the uppercase letter "I" shall be 15 percent maximum of the height of the character.

See 4.30.2

ANSI 703.3.7 Stroke Width. Tactile character stroke width shall comply with Section 703.3.7. The uppercase letter “I” of the font shall be used to determine the allowable stroke width of all characters of a font.

ANSI 703.3.7.1 Maximum. The stroke width shall be 15 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter “I” measured at the top surface of the character, and 30 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter “I” measured at the base of the character.

ANSI 703.3.7.2 Minimum. When characters are both visual and tactile, the stroke width shall be 10 percent minimum of the height of the uppercase letter “I”.

703.2.7 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent raised characters within a message, excluding word spaces. Where characters have rectangular cross sections, spacing between individual raised characters shall be 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised character stroke width maximum. Where characters have other cross sections, spacing between individual raised characters shall be 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised character stroke width maximum at the base of the cross sections, and 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised character stroke width maximum at the top of the cross sections. Characters shall be separated from raised borders and decorative elements 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum.

ANSI 703.3.8 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent tactile characters within a message, excluding word spaces. Spacing between individual tactile character shall be 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum measured at the top surface of the characters, 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) minimum measured at the base of the characters, and four times the tactile character stroke width maximum. Characters shall be separated from raised borders and decorative elements 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum.

703.2.8 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of raised characters within a message shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the raised character height.

ANSI 703.3.9 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of tactile characters within a message shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the tactile character height.

703.3 Braille. Braille shall be contracted (Grade 2) and shall comply with 703.3 and 703.4.

ANSI 703.4 Braille.

ANSI 703.4.1 General. Braille shall be contracted (Grade 2) braille and shall comply with Section 703.4.

703.3.1 Dimensions and Capitalization. Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.3.1. The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, and acronyms.

ANSI 703.4.3 Dimensions. Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.4.3.

ANSI 703.4.2 Uppercase Letters. The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, or acronyms.

New ADAAG 703.3.1 Braille Dimensions

Measurement Range

Minimum in Inches

Maximum in Inches

Dot base diameter

0.059 (1.5 mm) to 0.063 (1.6 mm)

Distance between two dots in the same cell1

0.090 (2.3 mm) to 0.100 (2.5 mm)

Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells1

0.241 (6.1 mm) to 0.300 (7.6 mm)

Dot height

0.025 (0.6 mm) to 0.037 (0.9 mm)

Distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly below1

0.395 (10 mm) to 0.400 (10.2 mm)

1. Measured center to center.

ANSI Table 703.4.3— Braille Dimensions

Measurement range

Minimum in inches
Maximum in inches

Dot base diameter

0.059 (1.5 mm) to 0.063 (1.6 mm)

Distance between two dots in the same cell

0.090 (2.3 mm) to 0.100 (2.5 mm)

Distance between corresponding
dots in adjacent cells1

0.241 (6.1 mm) to 0.300 (7.6 mm)

Dot height

0.025 (0.6 mm) to 0.037 (0.9 mm)

Distance between corresponding dots
from one cell directly below1

0.395 (10.0 mm) to 0.400 (10.2 mm)

¹Measured center to center

703.3.2 Position. Braille shall be positioned below the corresponding text. If text is multi-lined, braille shall be placed below the entire text. Braille shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from any other tactile characters and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements.

EXCEPTION: Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) minimum and shall be located either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised characters or symbols.

ANSI 703.4.4 Position. Braille shall be below the corresponding text. If text is multilined, braille shall be placed below entire text. Braille shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from any other tactile characters and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements. Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) minimum either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised characters or symbols.

703.4 Installation Height and Location. Signs with tactile characters shall comply with 703.4.

703.4.1 Height Above Finish Floor or Ground. Tactile characters on signs shall be located 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the highest tactile character.

EXCEPTION: Tactile characters for elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with 703.4.1.

4.30.6 Mounting Location and Height. Where permanent identification is provided for rooms and spaces, signs shall be installed on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including at double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall. Mounting height shall be 60 in (1525 mm) above the finish floor to the centerline of the sign. Mounting location for such signage shall be so that a person may approach within 3 in (76 mm) of signage without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of a door.

ANSI 703.3.10 Height above Floor. Tactile characters shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above the floor, measured to the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the floor, measured to the baseline of the highest tactile character.

EXCEPTION: Tactile characters for elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with Section 703.3.10.

ANSI 703.4.5 Mounting Height. Braille shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the floor, measured to the baseline of the braille cells.

EXCEPTION: Elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with Section 703.4.5.

703.4.2 Location. Where a tactile sign is provided at a door, the sign shall be located alongside the door at the latch side. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with one active leaf, the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with two active leafs, the sign shall be located to the right of the right hand door. Where there is no wall space at the latch side of a single door or at the right side of double doors, signs shall be located on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs containing tactile characters shall be located so that a clear floor space of 18 inches (455 mm) minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) minimum, centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.

EXCEPTION: Signs with tactile characters shall be permitted on the push side of doors with closers and without hold-open devices.

ANSI 703.3.11 Location. Where a tactile sign is provided at a door, the sign shall be alongside the door at the latch side. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with one active leaf, the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with two active leaves, the sign shall be to the right of the right–hand door. Where there is no wall space on the latch side of a single door, or to the right side of double doors, signs shall be on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs containing tactile characters shall be located so that a clear floor area 18 inches (455 mm) minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) minimum, centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.

EXCEPTION: Signs with tactile characters shall be permitted on the push side of doors with closers and without hold–open devices.

703.5 Visual Characters. Visual characters shall comply with 703.5.

EXCEPTION: Where visual characters comply with 703.2 and are accompanied by braille complying with 703.3, they shall not be required to comply with 703.5.2 through 703.5.9.

ANSI 703.2 Visual Characters.

ANSI 703.2.1 General. Visual characters shall comply with Section 703.2.

EXCEPTION: Visual characters complying with Section 703.3 shall not be required to comply with Section 703.2.

703.5.1 Finish and Contrast. Characters and their background shall have a non-glare finish. Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.

4.30.5 Finish and Contrast. The characters and background of signs shall be eggshell, matte, or other non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background -- either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background. 

ANSI 703.2.10 Finish and Contrast. Characters and their background shall have a nonglare finish. Characters shall contrast with their background, with either light characters on a dark background, or dark characters on a light background.

ANSI 703.3.12 Finish and Contrast. Characters and their background shall have a nonglare finish. Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background, or dark characters on a light background.

EXCEPTION: Where separate tactile characters and visual characters with the same information are provided, tactile characters are not required to have nonglare finish or to contrast with their background.

703.5.2 Case. Characters shall be uppercase or lowercase or a combination of both.

ANSI 703.2.2 Case. Characters shall be uppercase, lowercase, or a combination of both.

703.5.3 Style. Characters shall be conventional in form. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

ANSI 703.2.3 Style. Characters shall be conventional in form. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.5.4 Character Proportions. Characters shall be selected from fonts where the width of the uppercase letter "O" is 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter "I".

ANSI 703.2.5 Character Width. The uppercase letter “O” shall be used to determine the allowable width of all characters of a font. The width of the uppercase letter “O” of the font shall be 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font.

703.5.5 Character Height. Minimum character height shall comply with Table 703.5.5. Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance between the character and an obstruction preventing further approach towards the sign. Character height shall be based on the uppercase letter "I".

4.30.3 Character Height. Characters and numbers on signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read. The minimum height is measured using an upper case X. Lower case characters are permitted.

ANSI 703.2.4 Character Height. The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable height of all characters of a font. The uppercase letter “I” of the font shall have a minimum height complying with Table 703.2.4. Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance between the character and an obstruction preventing further approach towards the sign.

New ADAAG 703.5.5 Visual Character Height

Height to Finish Floor or Ground From Baseline of Character

Horizontal Viewing Distance

Minimum Character Height

40 inches (1015 mm) to less than or equal to 70 inches (1780 mm)

less than 72 inches (1830 mm)

5/8 inch (16 mm)

72 inches (1830 mm) and greater

5/8 inch (16 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 72 inches (1830 mm)

Greater than 70 inches (1780 mm) to less than or equal to 120 inches (3050 mm)

less than 180 inches (4570 mm)

2 inches (51 mm)

180 inches (4570 mm) and greater

2 inches (51 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 180 inches (4570 mm)

greater than 120 inches

(3050 mm)

less than 21 feet (6400 mm)

3 inches (75 mm)

21 feet (6400 mm) and greater

3 inches (75 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 21 feet (6400 mm)

DOJ Table 4.30.3

Height Above Finished Floor

Minimum Character Height

Suspended or Projected Overhead in compliance with 4.4.2

3 in (75 mm) minimum

ANSI Table 703.2.4—Visual Character Height

Height above Floor to Baseline of Character

Horizontal Viewing Distance

Minimum Character Height

40 inches (1015 mm) to less than or equal to 70 inches (1780 mm)

Less than 6 feet (1830 mm)