City of Chicago Fireman’s Emergency Operation [FEO] Phase 2 Mandate – Elevator Fire Service Update

Back on 1/1/17 the City of Chicago mandated all elevators that had Fireman’s Service Phase 2 to operate the same.  Many elevators are still not compliant with the mandate and we are still seeing violations or “have elevator company verify” violations[see below].  If you are unsure, or have gotten a notice, call up your elevator contractor.

[If you get one of these, call your elevator company]

[Original document notifying buildings of the mandate published November 2016]

[Updated Phase II mandate instructions]

Does it affect my building?  This is a good question, you can ask your elevator inspector or your current elevator contractor.  Most of the items can be checked with one competent person.  Unfortunately it is very difficult to check portions of the required operations with one person.  This only affects buildings with FEO phase II[key switch in the car station]. 

Who is checking?  Your elevator inspector[AIC or City of Chicago] or elevator contractor should be checking this for compliance.  As I mentioned, until recently many people where not informed to the extent that was intended due to the document that passed around originally.

What is occurring? Many buildings are replacing their control systems or modifying their existing control systems with software updates, wiring changes or an auxiliary panel. Buildings are going to admin hearings for non-compliance, not getting their certificates, and being fined.  Many buildings have hired companies to rewire their controller to try and make it work with software updates. However, I have heard about a lot of failures from talking to building owners/other contractors.

What is the best strategy - replacement or modification?  Each building’s elevator controller will be a bit different.  If it is a simple software change with a control manufacturer that is still supporting your product, this is a viable option.  If your elevator controller is 10-15+ years old, then it may be time to consider the entire controller replacement.  There are also auxiliary panels that can be installed by a few different manufacturers.  We do not recommend too many auxiliary panels/rewiring at this time as they tend to get complicated.

[Many Dover DMC controllers failed portions of the mandate]

[Your elevator contractor may recommend a new controller]

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.