How to Install ADA Elevator Floor Number Signs | Elevator Jamb Plate Signs with Braille

ADA Elevator Jamb Plate Sign Installation (Floor Number / Star & Braille Sign)

For a standard ADA-compliant elevator jamb plate (floor designation sign with Braille), install as follows:

Step 1 – Verify the Sign

The sign should include:

• Raised tactile floor number/letter
• Grade 2 Braille
• 2" minimum high tactile characters
• Tactile star on the main entry floor (lobby floor)

Step 2 – Determine Location

Install the sign on both elevator door jambs (left and right side of the elevator entrance). ADA requires floor designation signs on both jambs of the hoistway entrance.

Step 3 – Measure Height

Current ADA Standard (2010 ADA):

• Raised characters and Braille should be mounted so the tactile characters fall within the 48"–60" zone above finished floor.

Elevator Industry Standard / Legacy ADA Figure 20 (still widely used):

• Centerline of the floor designation characters at 60 inches above finished floor (AFF).

For elevator jamb plates, most elevator consultants and inspectors still use:

60" AFF to center of sign

Step 4 – Mark Location

Measure from finished floor:

60" AFF
   |
   X  ← Center of sign

Center the sign vertically on that mark.

Step 5 – Clean Surface

Clean jamb with:

• Isopropyl alcohol (70–90%)
• Remove dust, oil, wax, paint residue

Allow surface to dry completely.

Step 6 – Apply Sign

If using VHB tape or adhesive backing:

1. Peel liner.
2. Align center of sign with 60" mark.
3. Press firmly for 30–60 seconds.
4. Do not disturb for 24 hours.

For stainless steel jambs, 3M VHB tape is commonly used.

Step 7 – Verify Clearances

Sign should:

• Not interfere with elevator doors.
• Not project excessively into walking path.
• Be easily reachable for tactile reading.

Typical Layout

      Elevator Entrance

 ┌─────┐       ┌─────┐
 │ ADA │       │ ADA │
 │Sign │       │Sign │
 └─────┘       └─────┘
    ↑             ↑
  60" AFF      60" AFF

Main Entry Floor Requirement

At the primary entrance floor (usually Lobby, G, or 1):

• Install a tactile star next to the floor designation.
• Install on both jambs.

Common NYC Inspector Practice

For HPD, DOB, elevator inspectors, and accessibility surveys, the most commonly accepted installation is:

• Both jambs
• Center of sign at 60 inches AFF
• Raised 2" characters
• Braille below
• Star at main entry level only.

This is the installation method generally used for 4" × 4" elevator jamb plate floor number signs in NYC buildings.

ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design

Section 407.2.3.1 – Floor Designation (Elevator Hoistway Signs)

This section requires:

• Floor designation signs on both jambs of every elevator entrance.
• Raised tactile characters and Grade 2 Braille.
• Tactile characters 2 inches minimum height.
• A tactile star on the main entry floor.

However, the installation height comes from the referenced sign section:

ADA 2010 Standards

Section 703.4.1 – Height Above Finish Floor or Ground

For tactile signs, the height must be:

• 48 inches minimum
• 60 inches maximum
• Measured to the baseline of the highest tactile character.

Elevator Industry Standard / Common NYC Practice

Although ADA allows the tactile character baseline to fall within the 48"–60" range, the elevator industry has long used the hoistway sign detail shown in ADA Figure 407.2.3.1:

• Call buttons at 42" AFF
• Floor designation sign centered at approximately 60" AFF
• Hall lantern at 72" minimum AFF

What NYC Inspectors Typically Expect

For elevator jamb plates in NYC:

✔ Sign on both jambs
✔ 2" tactile number minimum
✔ Braille below number
✔ Star at main entry floor
✔ Installed with sign center approximately 60" above finished floor

Code References for Your Flyer

ADA 2010 Standards

• §407.2.3.1 Floor Designation
• §703.2 Raised Characters
• §703.3 Braille
• §703.4.1 Height Above Finish Floor or Ground