Slim - Exceeding ADA standards of Clearance
Slim Interior Wall Sconce Installation
We came up with the idea for Slim several years ago. Sean McMurray, founder of Alva Lighting, and I were having dinner in Las Vegas. We were discussing the importance of ADA when designing wall sconces. My question that evening was simple: Why are we designing to ADA standards? Can’t we make something better, exceed their requirements?
The American disabilities Act was signed into law by George H.W. Bush on 7/26/1990. The guidelines for ADA installation specify that a wall light be no more than 4-inches from the wall and be mounted between 2-feet 4-inches to 6-feet 8-inches above the finished floor. Let’s focus specifically how it relates to lighting.
A standard screw in A19 lamp
Where did the 4” standard of clearance come from?
When I started out in lighting back in the 1980s wall sconces had standard A19 lamps (bulbs). Old fashioned classic light bulbs were big. They also generated heat. Clearly with this lamp source it would be impossible to make a commercial grade sconce less than 4” in depth.
Reality? ADA set their standards based on 1980's lamp sources.
After the classic A lamp came the compact fluorescent. This came as a 4 pin, 2 pin and eventually a screw in model. However, all 3 were thick just like the classic A lamp.
Architects and designers do not want light fixtures to project far from the wall. My question to Sean was: Why don’t we make ultra-thin LED wall sconces suitable for corridors with a projection less than 2 inches?
If one utilizes LEDs with the correct optics it is possible to make a shallow wall sconce, exceed what ADA requires. ADA was based on technology from the 1980s. I said: Let’s change the rules.
Slim was born.
The greatest challenge we had with Slim was finding a low profile driver. We had to create one that would fit within the tight parameters for this design, one that would also be of exceptional quality. If there is one thing about Alva lighting - We love a good design challenge, solving lighting problems is what this company was built on. We were able to produce Slim with flawless optics and a world-class drive that fits within the space.
Slim lighting module
Available 16” or 32” long
Slim projects 1.75” from the wall surface. It was the first extreme low profile sconce ever produced. Available 16” or 32” long, it is clearly a product every designer and/or architect will opt for in corridors.
To make Slim even better we chose to seal the top and bottom.
Why? Keep out bugs and dirt. We also make Slim out of a durable resin, virtually indestructible. This fixture will look fresh and new for years to come.
When one needs a clean modern sconce for corridors, healthcare, rooms with limited space or any application where a low-profile sconce is the solution please consider Slim. Available in a myriad of resins and colors to comply with all of your design needs.
