Elevator Power Shut Down

[jhines]

NFPA 3-9.4 states "Where heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation..." I have been trying to find out what code requires the shut down. I was told that ASME A17.1 is it. Is this required in other areas and by what code? I'm in California.

 

[hornetd]

Re: Elevator Power Shut Down

The elavator code contains those requirements. I do not know if the ANSI # that you offered is correct or not.
--
Tom

 

[websparky]

Re: Elevator Power Shut Down

Yes, it is a National Code.

1996 ASME A17.1 Rule 102.2:
(c) Standard sprinkler protection conforming to the requirements of ANSI/
NFPA 13 shall be permitted to be installed in these spaces, subject to the
following.
(1) All risers and returns shall be located outside these spaces.
(2) Branch lines in the hoistway shall supply sprinklers at not more than
one floor level.
(3) Means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main line
power supply to the affected elevator upon or prior to the application of
water from sprinklers located in the machine room or in the hoistway more
than 2 ft (610 mm) above the pit floor. This means shall be independent of
the elevator control and shall not be self-resetting. The activation of sprinklers
outside of the hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the
main line power supply.
(4) Smoke detectors shall not be used to activate sprinklers in these spaces
or to disconnect the main line power supply.
(5) When sprinklers are installed in the hoistway, all electrical equipment,
except earthquake protective devices conforming to the requirements of
Rule 2409.1b(4), located less than 4 ft above the pit floor shall be:
(a) weatherproof (NEMA4); and
(b) wiring shall be identified for use in wet locations in accordance with
the requirements in ANSI/NFPA 70.

[ September 02, 2003, 08:10 PM: Message edited by: websparky ]

 

[jhines]

Re: Elevator Power Shut Down

Websparky: Thanks much. I have the California elevator code, but not this. I wanted to know exactly what was stated concerning the equipment room and was challenged on providing both a smoke and thermal. If some fire guy uses an electronic rate of rise thermal and a smoke, I'm taking the stairs!

 

[websparky]

Re: Elevator Power Shut Down

You are welcome.

Combination smoke / heat will not satisfy the code requirement because of their listing and manufacturer's instructions.

 

[ctkern]

Re: Elevator Power Shut Down

You can call your local Bussmann rep and get a really good answer to this question. They spent thousands of dollars and lots of time coming up with the Power Module for elevator code requirements. The real problem lies in the fact that you have to be aware of electrical codes, sprinkler codes and fire safety codes. Elevator circuits must also be properly isolated and coordinated so that a fault in one elevator does not cause a shutdown in any other elevator while meeting the sprinkler codes for orderly shutdown in case of a fire. Not an easy task using circuit breakers if not impossible to do properly.