Elevator, Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Requirements

Fire protection requirements for elevator shafts has been a point of consternation for elevator inspectors, fire sprinkler installers, and fire alarm technicians alike. The need to balance requirements between ASME A17.1, International Building Code, NFPA 13, and NFPA 72 has led to confusion and questions for when sprinklers and detection are required in the elevator shaft.

 

NFPA 13 requires a sidewall sprinkler not more than 2 feet above the floor of the pit in the elevator hoistway when hydraulic fluids are present in the space. A proposal has been submitted for the 2025 edition of NFPA 13 to allow sprinklers to be omitted from all elevator hoistways. However, that proposal is waiting final approval through the NFPA standards development process. Sprinkler protection is not required in the hoistway for traction type elevators when the conditions outlined in Section 9.3.6.3 are met.

 

ASME A17.1 requires Phase I emergency recall for nearly all elevators. When Phase I recall is required, fire alarm detection must be provided in the elevator hoistway when sprinklers are installed in the hoistway. Since NFPA 13 requires sprinkler protection at the bottom of the hoistway for hydraulic elevators, a fire alarm detection device must also be placed in close proximity to the sprinkler. Where sprinklers are located above the lowest level of recall, the fire alarm initiating device must be located at the top of the hoistway. Where sprinklers are located in the pit, the fire alarm initiating device must be placed within 24 inches of each sprinkler. When heat detectors are installed to shut down the elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, the heat detector must have a lower temperature rating and a higher sensitivity compared to the sprinkler. According to ASME A17.1, smoke detectors are not permitted to be used to (1) activate sprinklers in the hoistway (preaction system), or (2) disconnect the main line power supply to the elevator equipment.

Location: Canada

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