Are you curious about the standard door peephole height? A door peephole or door viewer is a small security feature that lets you view who is at your front door. When looking through the peephole, the person on the other side cannot see you.
The average height of door peepholes ranges from 54″ to 62″ for occupants in a home. While a door peephole height is adjustable, these measurements are best for most households with no occupants in wheelchairs.
If you want a convenient door peephole for your home, it’s best to learn the ideal height for your door. This helpful article will discuss door peephole height and other important information about a door viewer.
Door Peephole Building Codes
In the United States, it’s required in some building codes that every dwelling has a peephole in the entrance door of each unit. These security features offer a clear view of any person at the entrance of your home without opening your door.
However, the building codes are dependent on local building regulations. A door peephole is not a requirement in the conventional International Residential Code. While a door viewer is useful, it’s up to your local area to decide if a door peephole is necessary.
If you need clarification on the building codes in your area, the best way to find out is by contacting your regulations office. A representative can answer any questions about a door peephole’s height.
What Is The Standard Door Peephole Height?
In most cases, a peephole will be between 54″ and 62″ on a standard occupant’s property. According to the CDC, The average man is 69″ tall, and the average woman is 63.5″ tall. By having a door peephole at this height, you don’t have to worry about not being able to reach it.
At this door peephole height, you can also see a clear view of the immediate surroundings of your door. If someone is knocking on your door, you can quickly walk up to the door without needing to bend over significantly.
Along with the typical door peephole height, there are specifications made for those in wheelchairs. To meet ADA compliance, it’s recommended to have another door viewer at around 43″.
How Do You Measure a Door Peephole?
Now that you know the ideal door peephole height, you must learn the door peephole measurement process. When measuring a door peephole, you should follow these steps for a correct measurement.
- Step 1: Take a tape measure and place the end of it on the floor in front of the entrance door.
- Step 2: Bring the end of the tape measure up until you reach the preferred door peephole height.
- Step 3: Mark the door peephole location with a [+] pattern to make it easy for the drill bit to find the right area.
When you follow these three steps, the height of your door peephole will meet in the center of the door viewer. This measurement process can be used for any height and provide reliable results for your doors.
Are Door Peepholes Mandatory?
While door peepholes are a simple and effective safety feature that you can use for door security, they are not mandatory. There are living arrangements such as apartments or dormitories where a peephole is not allowed for privacy reasons.
If you are renting a property, you should speak with your landlord before you make any changes to an entry door. A door peephole may not be allowed in the rental agreement or the state’s local regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your door’s peephole is damaged or outdated, you can replace it with a modern replacement. You can remove the existing door peephole with a pair of needlenose pliers before adding your new door viewer. An exterior remodeling company can also do this if you are not experienced with DIY projects.
Do you want to capture a photo of someone standing in front of your door? If you have a phone camera, you can align the phone camera lens with the door peephole. You may need to wait a few seconds for the camera to focus. Once it’s focused, you can take several photos through your door peephole.
The most common size of a door peephole is a 12mm diameter that offers enough visibility for the occupant. However, there is a wide range of peephole sizes that you can choose from for your property. A door peephole that is 14mm offers a wider point of view that allows you to see more outside the door.
Conclusion
Door peepholes are a simple feature that makes a difference in your home’s security. If you want the best functionality from your door viewer, it’s best to choose the right door peephole height.
Your door peephole height should range from 54″ to 62″ if you want an option that’s easy to access. With these things in mind, you can now have a proper door peephole installation for your home.