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Building Codes

Is Cable Railing Code Compliant?

According to the International Building Code there is no restriction on the use of Horizontal Cable Railing, but there are guidelines and regulations that apply to all railing systems, and they must be followed.

In 2001 the ICC (International Code Council) removed the ladder effect restriction on horizontal railings and the questions of safety were revisited recently in a three year study concluded in 2008. The ICC concluded that the most current documentation shows no indication that a problem exist with climbable guard rails and that there has not been sufficient justification established to mandate a higher level of climb-ability restriction on guard rails than what is currently required in the 2006 ICC codes. In summary the current ICC developed codes, The International building Code, does not prohibit climbable or horizontal railings.

It is still the prerogative of each state and municipality to adopt fully or partially the International Building Code as their own, but most do exactly that.Please check with your local building department before building as they may have different requirements.

The complete ICC report is available at : Http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/cc/cts/climable.html

To insure our systems are compliant with building codes we submitted our railing systems to an outside agency for testing against the requirements of the International Building Code and we have the completed reports available for building departments to review.

We space our cable between 3 and 2.75 inches depending on the distance between intermediate post in a rail system. This appropriate spacing is necessary to restrict deflection enough to reject a 4" sphere from passing between cables when applied with reasonable force.

Code Issues with ADA Handicap Railings

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Slope and Rise



Therefore, to build according to wheelchair ramp specs, the least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction shall be 1:12. The maximum rise for any run shall be 30 in (760 mm).

No alteration shall be undertaken which decreases or has the effect of decreasing accessibility or usability of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of alteration.

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Clear Width


Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Landings

Level landings are essential toward maintaining an aggregate slope that complies with ADA guidelines. A ramp landing that is not level causes individuals using wheelchairs to tip backward or bottom out when the ramp is approached.

Therefore, ramps shall have level landings at bottom and top of each ramp and each ramp run. Landings shall have the following features
# The landing shall be at least as wide as the ramp run leading to it.

# The landing length shall be a minimum of 60 in (1525 mm) clear.


# If a doorway is located at a landing, then the area in front of the doorway shall comply with the ADA wheelchair ramp specs shown in this illustration (click here). Entry doors to acute care hospital bedrooms for in-patients shall be exempted from the requirement for space at the latch side of the if the door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Handrails

The requirements for stair and ramp handrails in this guideline are for adults. When children are principal users in a building or facility (e.g. elementary schools), a second set of handrails at an appropriate height can assist them and aid in preventing accidents.

A maximum height of 28 inches measured to the top of the gripping surface from the ramp surface or stair nosing is recommended for handrails designed for children.

Sufficient vertical clearance between upper and lower handrails (9 inches minimum) should be provided to help prevent entrapment.


Handrails are not required on curb ramps or adjacent to seating in assembly areas. Handrails shall have the following features:


# If handrails are not continuous, they shall e


# Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.



# Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

Cross Slope and Surfaces

The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1:50. Ramp surfaces shall comply with ADA standards for ground and floor surface.

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Edge Protection


Ramp Specs: Outdoor Conditions

