Elevator Fireman’s automatic recall and Fireman’s service Phase I & II [FEO]

We have been getting more and more questions about FEO[Firefighters emergency operation].  I wanted to put a better posting together to show the different items that encompass FEO.  For this purpose it is to explain what fire equipment is needed for modernization of a control system.

Definitions

Fireman’s service phase I – This is the key switch on the main floor that will recall the elevator to the floor.  The intention is to bring the elevator to the main landing to give access to the elevator to emergency personnel.  This key switch is provided by the elevator contractor during a modernization.

Fireman’s service phase II – This is the key switch in the elevator that when initiated will allow emergency personnel to use the elevator.  All hall calls are disabled, the elevator can only be operated from the car station inside the elevator.

Automatic recall – This is when the elevator is hooked to smoke detectors.  When a fire detector goes off the elevator will “recall” to the appropriate floor.  I.E. if the main lobby fire recall detector goes off the elevator will “recall” away from the main lobby floor and stay there with the doors open, no one can call or use the elevator[with exception of emergency personnel].  If a fire recall detector goes off on the 7^th floor the elevator would “recall” to the main landing and stay there with the doors open, no one can call or use the elevator.

What fire equipment does the fire control company need?

1.    Fire recall detector at each landing

2.    Fire recall detector in the machine room

3.    Relays in the elevator machine room

4.    Annunciator somewhere in the building[look for direction from the fire panel company]

5.    If you have sprinklers in the machine room you will need a heat detector and shunt trip

6.    If you have sprinklers in the hoistway you will need a heat detector, if you have a heat detector you need a smoke detector.  If you have a heat detector you will need a shunt trip.

[Fire detector outside of each hoist way entrance]

[Phase I key switch in hall way - This is a City of Chicago location in door frame]

[Phase II operation with closed door]

[Phase II operation with open door showing fire controls]

[Fire relays in machine room - Provided by fire control panel company]

[On left fire control panel provided by fire control panel company]

*In the City of Chicago, it has been permitted in the past to be hooked to sprinkler flow switches.

Guidance form AHJ[Authority Having Jurisdiction] – If you live in AHJ that is open to giving direction I would recommend having your fire panel company get information on what they need to do from them.  At times the AHJ will require additional work, strobes and pull stations.  Any additional scope of work is up to the AHJ’s Fire Prevention Bureau as they have authority on this item.  Get the AHJ’s requirements in writing!  You don’t want any surprises after you start the elevator project because a new Fire Chief starts and doesn’t know the conversation you had with the previous Fire Chief.

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.