If your commercial building is open to the public, ADA compliance is not optional, it’s the law. But when most people think of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they think of ramps, door widths, or elevator buttons. What often gets overlooked is a crucial part of daily access and safety: lighting.

ADA-compliant lighting plays a major role in creating safe, accessible environments for everyone, including those with visual impairments, mobility challenges, or neurological sensitivities. So what exactly does it mean for lighting to meet ADA standards? Let’s take a look.

Why ADA Compliance Matters for Lighting

Proper lighting ensures that individuals with disabilities can safely and comfortably navigate public and commercial spaces. The right lighting reduces fall risks, supports clear signage visibility, and helps avoid sensory overload for individuals with light sensitivity or neurological disorders.

Failing to meet ADA standards can result in fines, lawsuits, and damage to your business’s reputation. More importantly, it can exclude people who rely on accessible environments to live and work independently.

What Makes a Lighting Fixture ADA Compliant?

Here are some key factors that affect whether or not a light fixture meets ADA guidelines:

1. Fixture Depth for Wall-Mounted Lights

In corridors or walkways, wall-mounted light fixtures must extend no more than 4 inches from the wall if they are mounted between 27 inches and 80 inches above the floor. This prevents them from becoming a hazard for individuals who are visually impaired or use mobility aids like canes or wheelchairs.

2. Lighting Levels and Glare

Lighting must be consistent and not create excessive glare or shadowing, especially in stairwells, hallways, and entrances. This helps individuals with low vision see the environment more clearly. Matte finishes and indirect lighting often help reduce glare.

3. Switch and Control Accessibility

Light switches and controls should be mounted between 15 and 48 inches from the floor and be operable with one hand, without tight grasping or twisting. This ensures that people with limited mobility can access lighting controls independently.

4. Emergency and Exit Lighting

Properly illuminated exit signs and egress pathways are required for safety and accessibility. These fixtures must remain visible during power outages, which is why many businesses use battery-backed emergency lighting systems.

5. Color Temperature and Comfort

Bright, cold lighting can be disorienting or overstimulating for some individuals with neurological conditions. ADA compliance doesn’t require a specific color temperature, but lighting design that prioritizes comfort helps promote a more accessible environment overall.

Who Needs to Worry About ADA Lighting Compliance?

If you operate any of the following, ADA compliance is essential:

• Government buildings
• Medical offices and hospitals
• Schools and universities
• Retail stores
• Restaurants and public venues
• Offices with client-facing spaces
• Multi-family housing properties

Even if your facility isn’t strictly required to meet ADA standards, following these guidelines is a best practice that promotes safety, inclusion, and professionalism.

How Southern Lighting Services Can Help

Understanding lighting codes can be complex, but you’re not in it alone. At Southern Lighting Services, we specialize in helping businesses and property owners assess and upgrade their lighting systems, not just for performance and energy efficiency, but for safety and accessibility too.

We offer:

• ADA-compliant fixture recommendations
• Safe, streamlined installation
• Lighting layout assessments
• Energy-efficient upgrades that also meet code

Let us help you create a well-lit space that’s welcoming to everyone.

Not sure if your current setup is ADA compliant?
Contact Southern Lighting Services for a consultation and let us help you light the way. safely and inclusively.