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Existing High Rise that was converted from office to residential (large Massachusetts program). I am the third party reviewer and they currently don't have a elevator recall.
Google searches point to that if the elevator doesn't change they don't need add recall, but for the "Trust but Verify" portion of this code investigation is turning up naught. Closest I can find is IEBC, Section 902.1.2 commentary, but as this is a change of occupancy I am not sure if I can apply Level 3 Alterations Requirements to Change in Occupancy. Is there an applicable code or standard reference that requires retrofit of elevator recall for an elevator that doesn't already have this capability? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
10 Comments
Glenn Berger
9/12/2025 08:12:46 am
The answer depends on several factors:
Ed Berkel
9/12/2025 08:26:48 am
IFC 604.2 requires existing elevators with travel distance of 25' or more to meet requirements of Chapter 11 for recall.
Pete D.
9/12/2025 08:50:39 am
Yes. IEBC says for changes in occupancy, equipment, egress path, etc. the life safety systems are required to be brought up to the current adopted IBC. For level 2 and 3 alterations, existing no longer applies to life safety. This includes passive fire protection which could become expensive . Egress stair enclosures, hoistway construction, vertical duct shafts, dampers on horizontal tributaries, slab penetrations for electrical bus ducts, etc. However, I've found in many jurisdictions regardless of relevant code is, that elevator is under the jurisdiction of the state or county elevator inspector. I would confer with him/her before going on record down this unpopular rabbit hole. You may find the elevator controller isn't conducive to performing primary and alternate recall, then you could be forcing the builder into an elevator modernization.
Jose R Figueroa
9/12/2025 09:54:08 am
Global best practices in fire life safety highlight the importance of recalling elevators in high-rise buildings to ground level. It allows the fire department to take control, facilitating effective firefighting and the safe evacuation of individuals from upper floors. While I can't recall the specific standard it references, I’ve observed this approach successfully implemented across Europe and the USA.
Jack G
9/12/2025 04:29:39 pm
Run into it all the time. Sounds like the elevator was never brought up to speed.
Wes
9/15/2025 08:01:52 am
Jack, I don't think pre-action systems for elevator recall are common. Actually have never seen it happen on any project I've been associated with.
Pete D.
9/17/2025 12:00:17 pm
Wes. Some AHJs and jurisdictions require pit and hoistway devices, regardless of whether the elevators are hydraulic or traction, or if traction, regardless of whether the traction element is combustible. This practice was born out of ignorance or apathy, being unable or disinterested to make a determination on whether a particular elevator requires fire protection or not. The preaction being referenced, however, is typically a single 1.25" line with a supervised butterball and NC solenoid downstream that is opened on the hoistway initiating device. It's not a listed preaction system valve, and it's a freeze mitigation technique due to the hoistways (particularly at the top where there's a penthouse or rooftop dog house) being unconditioned. I've also seen antifreeze loops installed to supply hoistway sprinklers.
sean
9/13/2025 08:56:31 pm
see chapter 11 of the fire code and your state laws
R J
9/14/2025 10:23:29 am
I am in Canada and work for an AHJ. This would classify as a Change of Use. Current Code requirements would apply including elevator recall unless there is a case built as to how the requirements of this are otherwise satsified. I recently visited a low rise residential converted to a 3 storey mercantile (i.e. furniture store) and they had no elevator; elevator was added to comply with barrier-free requirements.
chad
9/15/2025 07:03:50 am
You need to check with the MA Board of Elevator Regulations, model codes be damned they have their own rules. Leave a Reply. |
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