36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines - Preamble (Discussion of Comments and Changes)

Comment. The proposed rule included an exception from the height requirements in 309.3 for special equipment and electrical and communications systems receptacles. This exception’s coverage of various operable parts was considered to be too broad.

Response. This exception has been revised to specifically cover operable parts that are "intended for use only by service or maintenance personnel," "electrical or communication receptacles serving a dedicated use," and "floor electrical receptacles." However, since such equipment may merit exception from other criteria for operable parts besides the height specifications, this exception has been recast as a general exception from section 309 and has been relocated to the scoping requirement for operable parts in Chapter 2 (see section 205.1, exceptions 1, 2, and 4).