The Financial Implications Of Door Lock Monitoring (DLM)

We've been talking about the upcoming changes to the elevator safety code for more than a year. Though we're still waiting for the state's official approval of A17.1 2022, we want to remind our customers to be prepared. This applies to our suburban customers - City of Chicago is exempt.

As currently written, the moment Illinois' Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) approves it, elevator contractors and inspectors will need to adhere to it. That means little to no notice once the code is adopted.

We've discussed what this means for existing elevators from an equipment standpoint. The question then becomes what it means from a financial standpoint and, unfortunately there are no good answers. Until DLM has been on the books for a few months and the dust settles, we can only speak generally.

To try to brace for this new code requirement:

If an Elevator Already HAS DLM

Door Lock Monitoring has been a standard part of elevator controllers since approximately 1996 in different iterations. However there is no guarantee that the elevator has the correct version of it. Even elevators permitted under Illinois' current code A17.1 2019 may not meet the 2022 code. A lot will depend on how the State of Illinois decides to interpret the new code.

Regardless of whether the elevator has the specific DLM required, if it has it it needs to be tested. The test will become incorporated into the annual category 1 (CAT1) safety test which means there is an additional item to test. Extra items mean extra time and from our standpoint could mean an additional mechanic. There will undoubtedly be higher inspection fees. Estimates today are between AN ADDITIONAL $750 - $1000 depending on the time and labor needed.

Another potential issue is if the elevator does not meet 2022 and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) does not allow it to pass inspection, a customer can expect the following:

• A software/board upgrade to enable the specific 2022 code.
• Either a mandate to upgrade immediately since the car will fail its CAT1 test or a three year grace period similar to elevators that do not have DLM.

If an Elevator DOES NOT HAVE DLM

If your elevator's controller was built before 2000, it almost certainly DOES NOT have DLM. If it was built between 2000 and 2008 it is questionable. As written, these elevators will have until January 1, 2029 to become compliant. There is NO GRANDFATHERING of DLM so expect a costly solution with a fair amount of downtime.

As we've mentioned before, there are only two options if the elevator does not have door lock monitoring:

1. Replace the elevator controller – Replacing the elevator controller and door operator will ensure the elevator has door lock monitoring and is the most reliable way to complete the requirement. This is also the most expensive way to get DLM because it will trigger other code requirements on the elevator and with the building.

Expense – High
Reliability and chances of compliance - High

2. Install an auxiliary DLM panel on an existing controller– This is the quickest and least expensive option, though we don't recommend it for older elevator controllers and door operators. Older equipment may become less reliable as they may not be able to support the new systems. Also wiring the new door lock system to an elevator that has had several wiring changes over the years, and may not have them documented correctly, could be challenging. Some may be impossible to have a door lock monitoring system added and will require a full mod.

Expense – Lower

Reliability and chances of compliance - Lower

Next Steps?

For now, we don't expect the code to be adopted until early in the coming year so we've been placed in a holding pattern until then. Once it's passed, we anticipate confusion in the first few months as we get feedback from inspectors and AHJ's regarding their interpretations of the new rules. 

In the meantime, feel free to contact us with your questions and concerns. We will continue to do our best to get out in front of this and provide our customers with the most timely and accurate information possible.