12 Codes of Christmas - Day 12

On the twelfth day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
Door lock monitoring per 8.6.4.24 and 2.26.5 

Related to yesterday's item, day twelve's code change is by far the biggest. Door lock monitoring will present the most challenges once the state mandates the 2022 code. 

Door lock monitoring is a safety feature that does not allow the door locks to be jumped out or to malfunction while the car is able to run. It is already a feature of controllers built after 2008, but the code specifically mandates it on all new installations.

The challenge will be on older elevators as there will be no grandfathering. Some elevators that were installed between 2000 and 2008 may already have this feature; those before 2000 almost certainly do not.

We are following this item closely and will communicate details with our customers as they become available. Currently the Elevator Safety Review Board has approved a 3 year compliance period once the 2022 code is adopted. More details may be found here.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 11

On the eleventh day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
Testing of door lock monitoring per 8.6.19.21 

As we wind down the 12 codes of Christmas, days 11 and 12 go hand in hand. We've saved the biggest for last as we foresee it causing the most headaches.

Door lock monitoring will present the most challenges once the state moves to the 2022 code. Simply put, door lock monitoring is a safety feature that does not allow the door locks to be jumped out or to malfunction while the car is able to run.

Testing this feature will be required and written documentation must be kept onsite. 

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 10

On the tenth day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
Replacement of driving machine or controller per 8.6.3.17 

Sometimes a driving machine or controller needs replacement. Usually this is part of a modernization project, but occasionally it's due to damage or loss.

The 2022 code clarifies that if it is due to damage or loss, it may be replaced with the original or equivalent model. More importantly, it is allowed to conform to the original code per the elevator's code data plate.

If the controller is not being replaced due to damage or loss, it is considered an alteration and must conform to the current code.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 9

On the ninth day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
A slight change to testing per 3.18.4.1

Though several 2022 code changes will directly affect our customers, this item only pertains to us. It states that it is not required to run the elevator onto the stop ring during testing.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 8

On the eighth day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
Revisions to occupant evacuation operation inspection per 2.27.6

Minor changes to firefighter emergency operation (FEO) or occupant evacuation operation (OEO) inspections include the addition of 'test' to the list of operations that alert personnel of Phase I activation. Now all 3 operations shall alert personnel of activation.

Additionally, the height of the keyed switch shall be between 36" and 66" above the finished floor.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 7

On the seventh day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
Additions to emergency communications per 2.27.1.1.4

Halfway through 2021, Illinois adopted the 2019 code which introduced visual/text communication capabilities to aid the hearing impaired. With 2022, there's an added requirement for elevators that have 60 feet or more of rise.

If that's the case, the visual/text communication means must be located in the fire command center (FCC). If there is no FCC, then it must be located behind a locked (group 3) cover and the location shall be approved by the Fire Department.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 6

On the sixth day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
Remote interaction per 2.26.13

Bet you didn't think elevator professionals could work from home. Whether they're actually at home or at a distant office, the code allows for limited remote interactions with the elevator:

• The interactions are limited to call and features. The elevator must be in automatic operations.
• The interactions CANNOT enable, disable, override, reset or otherwise interfere with non-automatic operations.

If remote interaction is possible, a sign must be placed on the controller.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 5

On the fifth day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
Additions to the executable software list per 2.26.1.7.1

The list of executable software contains functions that must be performed on site. Most of these pertain to safety features that cannot be performed remotely. The list will include:

• Test enable operation
• Group 1 operating modes
• Restricted opening of car doors
• Passenger overload in the down direction
• Any code required manual reset
• Function, device or means

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 4

On the fourth day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
The ability to install ERRC in hoistways per 2.8.7

Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (EERC) equipment will now be permitted within elevator hoistways. This includes radiating coaxial cables and antennas. 

The location of such equipment must be acceptable to the elevator contractor. It also must be able to be serviced from either outside the hoistway or through access panels.

Somewhat related is the provision that now non-elevator equipment may be permitted in machinery spaces, machine rooms, control spaces and control rooms if it is permitted in the hoistway (per 2.8.1)

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 3

On the third day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
A means to detect floods per 2.2.9

This code change only pertains to buildings where the elevator can travel below the flood elevation for the property. If that's the case, flood detection must be provided between 6" and 12" above the finished floor (AFF). How the elevator responds to the detection of water is governed by section 2.27.13.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 2

On the second day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
A change to pit ladders per 2.2.4

Our industry is so safe that sometimes we forget how dangerous an elevator pit can be. To make sure a person can safely get in and out, the following changes will be made:

• The ladder will be at least 16" in width. 
• Ladder rungs (cleats or steps) shall be provided for the full height.
• Detection of at least 20 lbs on the ladder is required. There are various methods to detect a person, but once detected the elevator must stop. Several vendors in the elevator industry now make such a ladder so it will be relatively easy to find.

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.

12 Codes of Christmas - Day 1

On the first day of Christmas ASME gave to me 
A revision to hoistway lighting guidelines per 2.1.1.7

Hoistways are dark places, but we still need to work there. If the illumination in your elevator's hoistway doesn't meet code, or is non-existent, this change will definitely impact you.

The lighting must be 5 foot candles (ftc) in brightness with switches at the top of the hoistway and at pit access. It must also automatically light, and cannot be turned off by the switches, when:

• The access switch is set to 'Enable'
• The car top switch is set to 'Inspection'
• Firefighter's Emergency Operation (FEO) phase 1 is activated.

Lighting must remain lit via emergency power if necessary.

If the elevator's controller can't adapt to these conditions, it may need to be modernized. 

If you have any questions regarding your specific situation, be sure to contact us.

Click here for a complete list of all changes in the 2022 code.