Sprinkler Requirements for Freight Elevator?

1/12/2021

In NFPA 13 (2007 Edition) Section 8.15.5.5 is the term "passenger elevator" specifically different from a Freight Elevator?

NFPA 13 Section states that sprinklers are not required for noncombustible hoistways where the car enclosure meets ASME A17.1, but it states specifically "passenger elevators".

Does this mean that a hydraulic freight elevator will definitely need a sprinkler at the top and at the bottom of the shaft?

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7 Comments

Jonathan Sullivan

1/12/2021 08:36:28 am

ASME 17.1 defines passenger elevator differently than a freight elevator so I would say this exception doesn't apply, but I'm curious to see what others think.

Does the rest of the building require a sprinkler system?

Dan Wilder

1/12/2021 08:36:42 am

Short answer - Yes* and Yes**
*If it's not a "Passenger" designation, it gets a sprinkler
**Again, if it's not defined as "Passenger" then yes to both. I have not found a MSDS/SDS for hydraulic fluid that indicates non-combustibility, especially at high pressures where it gets aerosolized.

This section has gone through a couple clarifications over the years to better align with ASME and the use of traction/suspension/belt type elevators as well. It also continues to be a talking point (in the meetings I am in anyway) as to need/want/value on return vs actual saves from both a cost and ITM aspect.

Danial Bartle

1/12/2021 09:09:19 am

We have a new building going up and I have spent a lot of time on the sprinkler vs no sprinkler. Traction and two-stop is the only exception I found for requiring sprinklers in the shaft. I would think any hydraulic would require it.

Jeanne Tebera

1/12/2021 10:22:51 am

This is a "frequently asked question" on the NFPA Xchange website as well. The response from NFPA Staff (David Hague) is that the concern for freight elevators is that one cannot always predict with an degree of accuracy the combustibility of the contents of a freight elevator, therefore the sprinkler at the top of the hoistway is required.

ALI AKHAVAN link

1/13/2021 01:59:06 pm

According to clause 8-15-5, if the materials are flammable or low in capability, sprinkler is not required, but freight elevators according to NFPA 101 for the elevator car and control room that have hydraulic oil, sprinkler installation is required.
Ali Akhavan

Dean Melanson

1/18/2021 10:02:14 am

Don't forget to check for any local changes that would conflict. As an example in Massachusetts elevator equipment rooms, shafts, pits are forbidden to be sprinkler protected or have any water piping running through them. If your code requires sprinkler protection, especially at the top of the shaft, ensure that it will be protected against freezing in cold climate areas.

Jeanne Tebera

1/18/2021 10:20:49 am

Dean,
Good point. I believe the same goes for passenger elevators in California regardless of whether they are traction or hydraulic.It's important to note that a true freight elevator (as defined by ASME A17.1) always requires sprinkler protection at the top of the hoistway.

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