608 Shower Compartments

608.1 General.

Shower compartments shall comply with 608.

Advisory 608.1 General. Shower stalls that are 60 inches (1525 mm) wide and have no curb may increase the usability of a bathroom because the shower area provides additional maneuvering space.

608.2 Size and Clearances for Shower Compartments.

Shower compartments shall have sizes and clearances complying with 608.2.

608.2.1 Transfer Type Shower Compartments.

Transfer type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall shall be provided.

A transfer stall is shown in plan view to be 36 by 36 inches (915 by 915 mm). Clear floor space in front is 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum measured from the control wall.

Note: Inside finished dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides

Figure 608.2.1 Transfer Type Shower Compartment Size and Clearance

608.2.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.

Standard roll-in type shower compartments shall be 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum clear inside dimensions measured at center points of opposing sides and shall have a 60 inches (1525 mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the shower compartment.

A plan view shows the shower compartment is 30 inches (760 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum with a 60 inch (1525 mm) wide entry on the face of the compartment. A clear floor space 30 inches (760 mm) side is provided adjacent to the open face of the compartment. A seat is shown on one end. A lavatory is permitted within the clear floor space on the end opposite the seat.

Note: Inside finished dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides.

Figure 608.2.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Size and Clearance

608.2.2.1 Clearance.

A 30 inch (760 mm) wide minimum by 60 inch (1525 mm) long minimum clearance shall be provided adjacent to the open face of the shower compartment.

EXCEPTION: A lavatory complying with 606 shall be permitted on one 30 inch (760 mm) wide minimum side of the clearance provided that it is not on the side of the clearance adjacent to the controls or, where provided, not on the side of the clearance adjacent to the shower seat.

608.2.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.

Alternate roll-in type shower compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide and 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum clear inside dimensions measured at center points of opposing sides. A 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry shall be provided at one end of the long side of the compartment.

A plan view shows the shower compartment is 36 inches (915 mm) wide absolute and 60 inches (1525 mm) deep minimum. A 36 inch (915 mm) wide minimum entry is provided on one long wall. A seat is provided adjacent to the entry on the same wall.

Note: inside finished dimensions measured at the center points of opposing sides

Figure 608.2.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Size and Clearance

608.3 Grab Bars.

Grab bars shall comply with 609 and shall be provided in accordance with 608.3. Where multiple grab bars are used, required horizontal grab bars shall be installed at the same height above the finish floor. [ECTCR UFAS 4.21.4, Fig. 37, 4.34.5.5(3), Fig. 49]

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Grab bars shall not be required to be installed in a shower located in a bathing facility for a single occupant accessed only through a private office, and not for common use or public use provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of grab bars complying with 608.3.

2. In residential dwelling units, grab bars shall not be required to be installed in showers located in bathing facilities provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls and located so as to permit the installation of grab bars complying with 608.3.

608.3.1 Transfer Type Shower Compartments.

In transfer type compartments, grab bars shall be provided across the control wall and back wall to a point 18 inches (455 mm) from the control wall.

Plan view shows a grab bar that extends across the control wall and the back wall to a point 18 inches (455 mm) from the control wall.

Figure 608.3.1 Grab Bars for Transfer Type Showers

608.3.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.

Where a seat is provided in standard roll-in type shower compartments, grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall opposite the seat. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. Where a seat is not provided in standard roll-in type shower compartments, grab bars shall be provided on three walls. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from adjacent walls. [ECTCR UFAS 4.21.4, Fig. 37(b), 4.34.5.5(3), Fig. 49(b)]

Figure (a) is a plan view of a shower without a seat. Grab bars are provided on three walls that are 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from the adjacent wall.

Figure (b) is a plan view of a shower with a seat on one side wall. Grab bars are provided on the opposite side wall and the back wall. The back wall grab bar does not extend over the seat. The grab bars are 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from the adjacent wall.

Figure 608.3.2 Grab Bars for Standard Roll-In Type Showers

608.3.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.

In alternate roll-in type shower compartments, grab bars shall be provided on the back wall and the side wall farthest from the compartment entry. Grab bars shall not be provided above the seat. Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from adjacent walls.

This figure shows an alternate roll-in shower with a seat. A grab bar extends on the wall opposite the seat and is 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from adjacent walls. Another grab bar is mounted on the side wall adjacent to the seat; this grab bar does not extend over the seat and is 6 inches (150 mm) maximum from the back wall.

Figure 608.3.3 Grab Bars for Alternate Roll-In Type Showers

608.4 Seats.

A folding or non-folding seat shall be provided in transfer type shower compartments. A folding seat shall be provided in roll-in type showers required in transient lodging guest rooms with mobility features complying with 806.2. Seats shall comply with 610.

EXCEPTION: In residential dwelling units, seats shall not be required in transfer type shower compartments provided that reinforcement has been installed in walls so as to permit the installation of seats complying with 608.4.

608.5 Controls.

Controls, faucets, and shower spray units shall comply with 309.4.

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 (965 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the shower floor and shall be located on the control wall 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the centerline of the seat toward the shower opening. [ECTCR UFAS 4.21.5, Fig. 37(a), 4.34.5.5(4)]

The area for controls, faucets and shower spray units is located 38 inches (965 mm) minimum to 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the shower floor on the control wall 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the centerline of the seat, toward the shower opening.

Figure 608.5.1 Transfer Type Shower Compartment Control Location

608.5.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.

In standard roll-in type shower compartments, the controls, faucets, and shower spray unit shall be located above the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the shower floor. Where a seat is provided, the controls, faucets, and shower spray unit shall be installed on the back wall adjacent to the seat wall and shall be located 27 inches (685 mm) maximum from the seat wall. [ECTCR UFAS 4.21.5, Fig. 37(b) if seat is provided]

Advisory 608.5.2 Standard Roll-in Type Shower Compartments. In standard roll-in type showers without seats, the shower head and operable parts can be located on any of the three walls of the shower without adversely affecting accessibility.

Figure (a) is an elevation drawing of a compartment without a seat. The area for controls, faucets and shower spray units is located on any wall of the shower above the grab bar but no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the shower floor.

Figure (b) is an elevation drawing of a compartment with a seat. The area for controls, faucets and shower spray units is located on the back wall 27 inches (685 mm) from the seat wall and above the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the shower floor.

Figure 608.5.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Control Location

608.5.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartments.

In alternate roll-in type shower compartments, the controls, faucets, and shower spray unit shall be located above the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the shower floor. Where a seat is provided, the controls, faucets, and shower spray unit shall be located on the side wall adjacent to the seat 27 inches (685 mm) maximum from the side wall behind the seat or shall be located on the back wall opposite the seat 15 inches (380 mm) maximum, left or right, of the centerline of the seat. Where a seat is not provided, the controls, faucets, and shower spray unit shall be installed on the side wall farthest from the compartment entry.

Figure (a) is an elevation drawing of a side wall adjacent to a seat. The area for controls, faucets and shower spray units is located on the side wall adjacent to the seat, above the grab bar but no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the shower floor, and extending 27 inches (685 mm) maximum from the seat wall.

Figures (c) and (d) are plan views of compartments without and with a seat, respectively.

Figure (b) shows an alternate location on the back wall, above the grab bar but no higher than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the shower floor, and extending from the side wall to 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from the center line of the seat.

Figure 608.5.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower Compartment Control Location

608.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water.

A shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches (1500 mm) 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 120°F (49°C) maximum. [ECTCR UFAS 4.21.6, 4.34.5.5(5)]

EXCEPTION: A fixed shower head located at 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the shower finish floor shall be permitted instead of a hand-held spray unit in facilities that are not medical care facilities, long-term care facilities, transient lodging guest rooms, or residential dwelling units.

Advisory 608.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water. Ensure that hand-held shower spray units are capable of delivering water pressure substantially equivalent to fixed shower heads.

608.7 Thresholds.

Thresholds in roll-in type shower compartments shall be ½ inch (13 mm) high maximum in accordance with 303. In transfer type shower compartments, thresholds ½ inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled, rounded, or vertical.

EXCEPTION: A threshold 2 inches (51 mm) high maximum shall be permitted in transfer type shower compartments in existing facilities where provision of a ½ inch (13 mm) high threshold would disturb the structural reinforcement of the floor slab.

608.8 Shower Enclosures.

Enclosures for shower compartments shall not obstruct controls, faucets, and shower spray units or obstruct transfer from wheelchairs onto shower seats. [ECTCR UFAS 4.21.8, 4.34.5.6]

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