Buttons, sensors, and how to measure
The Standards never mention hand dryers or sensors. They do define an operable part as a component used to activate, deactivate, or adjust an element, and a push button plainly qualifies.
A sensor window starts a touch-free dryer in the same way, so the cautious reading treats it as an operable part. Measure from the finish floor to the button or the sensor window.
Some sensors detect hands below the housing rather than at the window. As a practical step, not a written rule, keep that detection zone between 15 and 48 in. as well.
Projection into the circulation path
Section 204.1 applies the protruding object rules in 307 to objects on circulation paths. A dryer on the wall of a walkway through the restroom is the case to check.
Under 307.2, a dryer may protrude 4 in. maximum if its leading edge sits more than 27 in. but not more than 80 in. up. Take the height at the lowest edge of the housing and the depth at its farthest point from the wall.
Section 307.5 adds a separate test. Even a shallow dryer cannot reduce the clear width required for an accessible route.
Placement and common mistakes
Section 309.2 requires a clear floor or ground space complying with 305 at operable parts. A freestanding waste receptacle parked under the dryer can take that space away.
Review the finished room layout, not just the wall elevation. Bins, carts, and benches placed after the dryer goes up can block the same space.
Two height errors show up on the tape measure. A button above 48 in. misses 309.3. A housing deeper than 4 in. with its bottom edge above 27 in. breaks 307.2 on a circulation path.
What to check when buying a hand dryer
Start with the installed projection on the manufacturer's drawing, including any wall plate or trim. Compare it with the 4 in. limit if the dryer will hang on a circulation path.
Recess kits and low-profile housings can reduce projection. Confirm the finished depth with the kit installed, not the depth of the dryer alone.
For push-button models, get the rated activation force in writing and check it against 309.4. For sensor models, find where the sensor window sits on the housing so you can set it within reach.
