inoperable elevator car wiring 620.21

[Jerry the Phone Guy]

I know the wiring for an operating elevator is highly restrictive, but what about elevators that are no longer in use? The situation is a 3-story building with a freight elevator that was taken out of service. The car is permanently parked on the top floor where the tenant has installed their computer servers (due to lack of space). Does this violate code? I feel it does, because of the obvious ease with which smoke can travel to other offices via the shaft, but nothing in Art. 620 seems to address elevator cars used for other purposes.

 

[Buck Parrish]

This violates the "Code of Common Sense".

First of all park the elevator at the bottom.

 

[kb8713]

Probably not a NEC code violation, but definetly a building code violation.

 

[480sparky]

Probably not a NEC code violation, but definetly a building code violation.

The Fire Marshal may be interested in investigating.....

 

[Jerry the Phone Guy]

inoperable elevator car wiring 620.21

Ah, I didn't think what would happen if the elevator car was mistakenly summoned! I really know nothing about how elevators work; I'm coming from the LAN-wiring perspective.
I hope I made it clear that the server is installed inside the elevator car with power and LAN cables snaked out the door? And naturally, this means the barn-style doors cannot be closed? I guess that would prevent the car being summoned ASSuming the interlocking switch (or whatever it's called) is still doing it's job?
The client did this with their computer guys (without consulting me), who typically know nothing about wiring to code, they're concerned with 'weightier' matters.
Oh well, it's a small building, the buildings dept. may never notice this. Should I tell the client? And would this enhance or damage my relationship?

 

[iwire]

The Fire Marshal may be interested in investigating.....

I agree, I am very sure they would be a fire rating being violated with the doors left permanently open.

 

[LarryFine]

First of all park the elevator at the bottom.

Actually, the counterweight is heavier than the empty car.

 

[iwire]

Actually, the counterweight is heavier than the empty car.

I agree

I was going to point that out earlier but we don't know how much weight is in the car. Either way I doubt it will ever move as long as the power has been removed. :smile:

The brake is generally on the input shaft of a worm drive gear box, it is almost imposable for the output shaft / gear to drive the worm even without the brake.

Here is a nice cutaway of a worm-drive gear box.

 

[Jerry the Phone Guy]

Well, that's reassuring. But, when an elevator is taken out of service, maintenance ends. How long a life does the cable and fasteners supporting the car have?