The maximum rim height of a handicapped accessible urinal is __________ inches from the floor.

The maximum rim height for a handicapped accessible urinal is set at 17 inches from the floor. This measurement is critical because it ensures compliance with accessibility standards, allowing individuals with disabilities to use the urinal comfortably and safely. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines to create accessible restroom facilities, and the specification of 17 inches aligns with these requirements.

This standard is designed to ensure that individuals in wheelchairs can access the fixture without difficulty, promoting inclusivity in public restrooms. Maintaining a rim height of 17 inches helps to accommodate users of varying heights and mobility levels, contributing to a more accessible restroom design.

In the context of other heights listed, options such as 16, 24, and 36 inches do not meet the established guidelines for accessible fixtures, as they would either be too low, limiting usability for those in standard seating, or too high, making them inaccessible for wheelchair users. Therefore, 17 inches is the precise height that balances accessibility and usability effectively.