Elevator modernization requirements – “work by others”

Many times when we are bidding elevator modernization the building owners do not know what they are required to do.  Or the “work by others” portion of everyone’s contracts.  Even after 2 other companies have come by I ask them if they know what they are required to do for their electrical and fire alarms, sometimes I get, “I don’t know, no one said anything”.  These can be fairly sizable information omissions if we do not communicate this to building owners.

Right above the price of the agreement we write the “work by others”, many companies have this away in small print in their terms and conditions which could be 30-40 items long many items have nothing to do with that specific installation.

I have put a general list together for building owners to review when contemplating modernization for “work by others”.  Remember all jurisdictions are different so this is not an all-encompassing list for all, just a start.  These costs can be $10,000 or more depending on your existing fire system.

-          Suitable environment for new elevator equipment

o   Temperature 45 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit

o   Relative humidity of 85 percent

-          Provide adequate electrical power for lighting, tools, hoisting during installation as well as for normal operation of elevator system

-          Provide fire recall detectors at each landing, machine room to be tied into a building fire panel

-          Higher rise buildings may need an elevator fire panel in the lobby or in the fire command room

-          Provide heat detectors if there are sprinklers present

-          If there are sprinklers present you must install a shunt trip

-          If you have a heat detector in the hoistway you must install a smoke detector

-          NEC code complaint main line disconnects & associated outlets - labeled

o   Heavy duty fused lockable for mainline & car lighting with proper earth grounds

o   GFCI in the machine room and in elevator pit

o   Regular outlet if sump pump is in and/or required in elevator pit

o   Telephone line adjacent to elevator control system

o   Machine room light swtich[not on timer]

o   If the building has a generator and the elevator is run on the generator a pair of wires must be run to elevator controller so we know the building is on generator power

[Mainline disconnect, GFCI & machine room light switch, light switch cannot be on timer]

 [110vac lighting circuit disconnect]

  [Elevator pit light swtich, GFCI]

  [Pit light in back left corner & fire alarm - requires repair]

  [Machine room fire recall detector]

  [Fire recall relays - tied into fire recall detectors & panel]

                                     [Fire panel in lobby]

Remember that all areas have different rules and requirements and before getting pricing for work consult a competent elevator company for guidance.  If I forgot an item that should be on the list let me know.

If you have any questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.