Commercial Installations: Electronic Dart Board Height Guidelines

Commercial Installations: electronic dart board height guidelines

Installing electronic dart machines in commercial venues requires more than dropping a unit against a wall. Proper electronic dart board height and associated site requirements ensure fair play, player comfort, safety, and reliable operation — all of which protect your investment and maximize revenue. This guide distills official standards, commercial best practices, and practical tips for bars, entertainment centers, clubs, and events.

Why electronic dart board height matters

Electronic dart board height directly affects game fairness and player experience. For tournaments and league play, consistent height and throwing distance maintain scoring integrity. For commercial venues, correct setup reduces disputes, lowers maintenance issues, and improves throughput — more satisfied players spend more time and money on your machines.

Key official measurements: bull height and throwing distance

The widely accepted standard for the bull's center (the board center) is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) above finished floor level. Throwing distances differ by dart type: for steel-tip darts the oche (throw line) is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 m) from the board face; for soft-tip (electronic) darts the common standard is 8 feet (2.44 m) from the board face. These measurements are used internationally in reputable leagues and events and should be the baseline for commercial installations that host serious play.

Official standard comparison: steel-tip vs electronic dart board height and distance

How to measure electronic dart board height correctly

Accurate measurement is essential. Measure vertical height to the center of the bull (not the top of the cabinet). For the throwing line, measure horizontally from the face of the board (the play surface), not the wall or cabinet edge. If your cabinet has a protruding bezel or protective surround, measure to the actual surface players hit. Use a laser distance meter and a spirit level for reliable results in commercial settings.

Step-by-step measuring checklist

1) Clear the play area and position the board where it will be permanently mounted. 2) Mark the center point at 173 cm from finished floor. 3) Secure the board at that center. 4) From the face of the board, measure 2.44 m (soft-tip) or 2.37 m (steel-tip) along floor to place the oche. 5) Mark the throw line clearly with tape or a removable oche strip.

Mounting options for electronic dart machines and height considerations

Commercial venues commonly use three mounting approaches: wall-mounted play-boards, freestanding/stand-up cabinets, and enclosed multi-play units. Each has height implications you must control to guarantee the electronic dart board height is correct.

Wall-mounted units

Wall-mounted electronic dart boards give the most flexibility. Ensure the mounting bracket allows final adjustment so the bull center aligns at 173 cm. Account for cabinet depth; measure distance to the board face after the cabinet is fixed. Use heavy-duty fasteners anchored to studs or masonry and follow manufacturer torque specs to avoid sag over time.

Stand-up and cabinet machines

Stand-up machines often have a fixed internal frame and face. Verify the factory-specified bull height before purchase; reputable manufacturers (such as WillDarts) design cabinets with the standard 173 cm bull height. When installing, check that floor levelness does not alter the effective height — use shims or adjustable feet to compensate.

Clearances and space planning for commercial installations

Beyond height and throw distance, space planning is vital. Players need unobstructed room for stance and follow-through; spectators and staff need safe passage. Poor spacing causes collisions, increases machine wear, and reduces the number of players you can serve simultaneously.

Recommended play area dimensions

For commercial venues we recommend the following minimums (practical and commonly adopted across pubs and gaming centers):

• Minimum width per lane: 1.8 m (6 ft). Preferable width: 2.4 m (8 ft) for spectator space.
• Minimum depth (from board face to back wall or circulation area): 2.5–3.0 m. Preferable depth: 3.5–4.0 m to accommodate multiple players and spectators.
• Vertical clearance: minimum 2.4 m ceiling height. Preferable: 2.7–3.0 m for comfortable throws and lighting fixtures.

Lighting, power and environmental conditions that affect electronic dart board height performance

Proper lighting and power are critical to scoring accuracy and player comfort. Electronic sensors can be sensitive to glare, flicker, and poor voltage stability.

Lighting guidelines

Aim for even, non-glare illumination of the board surface. Target horizontal illuminance on the board surface: 300–500 lux measured at the board plane. Use diffused LED fixtures positioned to avoid direct reflection. Avoid spotlights that create hotspots; test with players during installation to confirm visibility of segments and display readouts.

Power and ventilation

Commercial electronic dart machines typically require a stable 110–240 VAC supply depending on regional models. Place outlets within safe cable reach and avoid extension cords across walkways. Ensure cabinets have adequate ventilation — electronic components and scoreboards generate heat that can reduce lifespan if confined.

Accessibility (ADA) and special considerations for electronic dart board height

Standard bull height (173 cm) can be unreachable for many wheelchair users. To create an inclusive venue while preserving regulation height for competition, consider providing at least one adjustable or dedicated accessible board positioned lower for ADA access during non-competitive hours.

Practical ADA options

Options include: 1) A dedicated accessible board with bull center at 48 in (122 cm) or within the local accessibility forward reach standard; 2) Adjustable mounts (hydraulic or mechanical) that allow staff to lower the board safely when needed; 3) Portable electronic units that can be temporarily lowered. Make sure any adjustment method is safe, secure, and does not risk damage to electronics.

Maintenance, calibration and quality checks tied to height and installation

Correct initial installation is only the beginning. Routine inspections keep the electronic dart board height consistent and systems accurate. Loose mounts, floor settling, and accidental bumps can change effective heights and distances over time.

Scheduled maintenance checklist

Monthly: verify bull height (173 cm) and throw line position; inspect mounting fasteners. Quarterly: test scoring accuracy across segments and update firmware. Annually: full hardware inspection (sensors, wiring, power supply) and replace wear items. Maintain a log for each machine to track uptime and repairs — valuable for warranty claims and operator decisions.

WillDarts commercial solutions: ensuring correct electronic dart board height and reliable installations

WillDarts, founded in 2015, is a leading electric dart machine manufacturer based in China. With a decade of focused R&D, over 20 patents, and CE/ROHS certifications, WillDarts designs commercial-grade stand-up and wall-mounted electronic dart machines engineered for consistent bull height, robust mounting, and easy service access. Our machines are widely used in bars, entertainment centers, clubs, homes, and events worldwide.

Why choose WillDarts for your commercial installation

We provide: factory-calibrated cabinets set to 173 cm bull height; clear installation guides for throw distances (2.44 m soft-tip, 2.37 m steel-tip); on-request adjustable mounting brackets for accessible setups; and global dealer support. WillDarts is actively recruiting international dealers to deliver professional installation and after-sales support locally. Visit https://www.willdarts.com/ for product specs and dealer information.

Quick installation checklist for electronic dart board height compliance

Use this checklist to verify a professional commercial installation:

• Bull center at 173 cm above finished floor.
• Throw line at 2.44 m (soft-tip) or 2.37 m (steel-tip) from board face.
• Minimum lane width 1.8 m; preferred 2.4 m. Minimum depth 2.5 m; preferred 3.5 m.
• Even, non-glare lighting at 300–500 lux on board plane.
• Stable power outlet within safe reach; adequate ventilation for cabinet.
• Accessible solution available (adjustable or dedicated lower board) where required.
• Maintenance schedule and logbook established.

FAQ: Common questions about electronic dart board height and commercial installs

What is the correct electronic dart board height for commercial venues?

The accepted standard for the center of the bull is 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) above the finished floor. This applies to electronic (soft-tip) and steel-tip setups unless a venue needs an accessible alternative.

Do electronic machines require a different throw distance than traditional boards?

Yes. Commonly, soft-tip electronic play uses an oche distance of 8 ft (2.44 m) from the board face, while steel-tip uses 7 ft 9.25 in (2.37 m). Always measure from the board face, not the cabinet edge or wall.

Can I lower the electronic board for wheelchair users?

Lowering to an ADA-compliant reach (e.g., 48 in / 122 cm) makes play accessible but deviates from competition standards. Best practice is to provide one dedicated accessible board or an adjustable mounting solution rather than altering tournament lanes.

How much space do I need around each electronic dart machine?

Minimum recommended width is 1.8 m and minimum depth 2.5 m. Where space allows, use 2.4 m width and 3.5–4.0 m depth for player comfort and spectator room.

What lighting level is ideal for electronic dart boards?

Aim for 300–500 lux evenly spread across the board. Use diffused LED fixtures positioned to avoid glare and reflections on the play surface.

Do WillDarts machines come pre-calibrated for correct height?

WillDarts designs machines to align with official standards (173 cm bull height) and provides installation instructions and optional mounting brackets to ensure correct height in commercial settings. Contact WillDarts or a local dealer for installation support.

How often should I check mounting and height after installation?

Check bull height and throw line monthly and perform a more thorough inspection quarterly. Keep a maintenance log for each machine.