Along with all of the code requirements associated with an elevator modernization (or upgrade), there are specific projects and/or items that go along with the modernization that the elevator companies do not cover.   As such, other vendors are brought in to cover these items and MUST be brought in for the elevators in question to pass a State inspection upon completion of the elevator contractor’s portion of the work.

These items are as follows (where applicable)

MACHINE ROOM

• Provide self-closing, self-locking 1 1/2 hour “B” rated access door
• Provide ABC rated fire extinguisher mounted to machine room wall next do access door
• Install guarding on machine room lights
• New and/or increased lighting (19 foot candles at the floor level)
• Provide battery powered emergency lighting
• The entire room must be fire rated with no penetrations
• Cover or remove existing non-elevator duct and pipe
• Provide AC/Heating to machine room (60-95 degrees; 80% humidity; non-condensing)
• Cover existing venting to hoistway (often in machine room floor on traction cars)
• Provide fire rated duct from hoistway vents to outside
• Patch holes in walls and floors
• Relocate existing disconnects to “line of sight of machines”
• Provide additional disconnects if previous condition cannot be met
• Replace existing disconnects:  fused, lockable
• Provide 110VAC fuse, lockable disconnects (one per car) for cab lights
• Provide wiring from disconnects (main and 110vac) to elevator controller
• Provide 110VAC GFCI outlets in machine room
• Run telephone line in metal conduit to elevator controller
• Provide smoke detector(s); quantity based on size of room and coverage
• Provide heat detector for sprinklers, mounted within 24″ of each sprinkler head
• Monitor heat detector power at fire alarm control panel (failure to cause signal)
• Provide shunt trip on Mainline disconnects(s), tie into heat detectors

HOISTWAY/PIT/LANDINGS

• Provide smoke vents at the top of shafts to the outside with motorized damper (>3x; 3.5% of hw)
• Provide smoke detectors at each landing: non-resetting, tied to general alarm – 3 zones
• Provide smoke detector(s) at the top of shaft(s) where applicable
• Provide audible/visual smoke annunciator panel, location per Fire Authority
• Provide heat detector for sprinkler(s) at the top of shaft(s), within 24″ of each head
• Patch holes in hoistway to provide fire rated enclosure
• Cut walls for installation of new fixtures
• Patch/redecorate walls after installation of new fixtures
• Provide NEMA 4 guarded light and switch in each pit (10 foot candles)
• Provide 110VAC GFCI protected outlet in pit
• Provide metal ladder extending 42″ above floor level at each entrance to pit
• Provide 110VAC outlet to pit sump pump (non-GFI)
• Provide metal cover on sump hole – securely attached
• Replace sump pump
• Waterproof pits with epoxy solution to prevent the intrusion of water

As you can see, there are a few other vendors needed to successfully complete an elevator modernization.  This is primarily due to code requirements that are in parallel with the elevator code (N.E.C., NFPA) and as such are necessitated when altering any portion of the building’s electrical or fire alarm systems.  At Alliance Elevator Consultants, Inc., we have worked hard to foster good business relationships with some very reputable contractors in the event the building does not have a contracted vendor to perform this work.  We will be happy to bring some of these companies in for an interview and also take measures to ensure that the “work by others” is also being bid upon in the same manner (e.g., “Apples to Apples).

For more information, feel free to contact us at any time with any questions.