How to Access Smoke Detector in Elevator Shaft?

3/1/2023

How would you typically access a smoke detector at the top of an elevator shaft to change a battery or test it?

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6 Comments

chad

3/1/2023 08:05:51 am

The fact that you are asking about a battery concerns me, as there would never be a battery in a smoke in an elevator shaft.

All US states regulate elevators strictly. Although I cannot state its universal, I would say that most would require an elevator mechanic to operate the car to allow a tech access. They have a way of bringing the car down so you can get on top of the car and ride it up. This would be for existing installs...

There are new requirements for remote testing and access for new ones. I do not have access to that info from where I am.

Glenn Berger

3/1/2023 08:28:27 am

As Chad said, battery operated smoke detectors should not be used in this application.

Need to check the local requirements for detection at the top of the elevator shaft. If the shaft is vented to the exterior, the environmental conditions that can be experienced inside the shaft may be outside of the operating parameters of a smoke detector.

Also as Chad mentioned, a qualified elevator inspector/maintainer can "allow riding the top of the cab" to inspect the top of the cab and devices inside the shaft.

Todd E Wyatt

3/1/2023 09:52:23 am

SUMMARY
NFPA 72 (2019) A.21.3.7 references (3) proposed methods for providing access to a smoke detector in a hoistway :

(1) Access hatch door,
(2) Provide sampling-type detector,
(3) Heat detectors with connection points located outside the hoistway

The “Enhanced Content” per NFPA 72 21.1 states the following “Historically, fire alarm service personnel needed to ride the elevator or lean into the open door of the hoistway to perform routine inspection, testing, and maintenance tasks. This new requirement for access from outside the elevator hoistway improves the safety of these inspection, testing, and maintenance tasks.”

EXPLANATION
The scoping Code (2021 IBC) determines IF the hoistway requires an automatic smoke detection system (ASDS) as part of the Fire Alarm and Detection System (FADS).

FADS are required per “907.2 Where required - new buildings and structures” based on the building’s Occupancy Classifications(s) (OC) ... Group A, Group B, Group E, Group F, Group H, Group I, Group M, Group R-1, Group R-2, and Group S.

Smoke Alarms (per 907.2.11) are required in Group R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and I-1 as well as specific areas in all OCs (e.g. near cooking appliances), and in other specialized building types (e.g. Special Amusement Buildings, High-Rise Buildings, Atriums ...).

Since your question does not include a description of the building, we shall assume that the smoke detector in the elevator hoistway is required by 2021 IBC.

The scoping Code (2021 IBC) references the applicable standard(s) and/or listing. “UL 268” is the listing for smoke detectors. “NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code” (2019) is the applicable standard for FADS per 2021 IBC.

2019 NFPA 72 includes (17) references of “hoistway” ... mostly related to “Chapter 21 Emergency Control Function Interfaces.”

“ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators” includes references to “smoke detectors” but does not include methods for providing access to a smoke detector in a hoistway.

REFERENCES
NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (2019)
Chapter 21 Emergency Control Function Interfaces
21.1* Application.
The provisions of Chapter 21 shall cover the minimum requirements and methods for emergency control function interfaces to fire alarm systems and emergency communications systems in accordance with this chapter.

A.21.3.7
Since it is permitted by ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, to have access for fire alarm initiating devices installed inside elevator hoistways, the following are examples for proposed methods for providing such access (other methods could be acceptable if approved by the authority having jurisdiction):
(1) Provide an access hatch door and associated protective guard for a spot type fire detector, where the fire detector is installed within the protective guard.
(2) Provide an air sampling-type detector as specified in 17.7.3.6 installed outside the hoistway with its sampling tube installed to sample the air within the hoistway.
(3) If heat detection is required, linear heat detectors with connection points located outside the hoistway or spot type heat detectors installed in accordance with A.21.3.7(1) are acceptable.

ENHANCED CONTENT
Historically, fire alarm service personnel needed to ride the elevator or lean into the open door of the hoistway to perform routine inspection, testing, and maintenance tasks. This new requirement for access from outside the elevator hoistway improves the safety of these inspection, testing, and maintenance tasks.

21.3.8*
When sprinklers are required in elevator hoistways by other codes and standards, fire alarm initiating devices shall be installed to initiate Elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operation in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and the following shall apply:
(1) Where sprinklers are located at the top of the hoistway, the fire detection device(s) shall be located at the top of the hoistway.
(2) Where sprinklers are located at the bottom of the hoistway (the pit), fire detection device(s) shall be installed in the pit in accordance with Chapter 17.
(3) Outputs from the fire alarm system to the elevator system shall comply with 21.3.14.
(4) The fire alarm initiating device(s) shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 17.

Subsection 21.3.8(2) addresses the location of fire alarm initiating devices when sprinklers are installed in the elevator pit. The need to have sprinklers installed in the elevator hoistway, including the elevator pit, is established by the requirements in 9.3.6 of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

Shane

3/1/2023 09:53:42 am

Perhaps he/she is referring to something like a swift wireless detector?

I have typically seen a fire rated access panel at the top of the shaft with a screen to protect the detector(s) from debris.

I agree with Glenn. Check local requirements, the detector(s) may not be required.

Koray Uluc link

3/3/2023 03:44:51 am

There is a simple and functional solution for this; drill a hole on top of the elevator shaft, make a fire rated hatch for this hole and place your detector on the hatch at elevator shaft side.
Whenever you need to test it open hatch and test it.

Chris Schaeffer

6/2/2023 08:56:34 am

Todd - With the change in the 2019 NFPA, do you have any insight on what the most common method being performed in the field to adhere to this code change.

Are most companies installing air sampling tubes? My understanding is that is a very costly method.

Any info will be helpful

How to Access Smoke Detector in Elevator Shaft?

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