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Fire Code Changes Could Impact Your New Construction and Renovation Projects
Whether you're planning new construction or renovating an existing building, elevator hoistway (often called the elevator shaft) fire protection requirements can affect your fire alarm or fire sprinkler scope and budget. For renovations that include elevator modernization, current fire codes may require changes to the smoke and heat detection methods already in place.
What Changed with NFPA 72?
Beginning with the 2019 edition of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, fire alarm initiating devices, such as smoke and heat detectors, installed inside an elevator hoistway must be accessible for inspection, testing, and maintenance from outside the hoistway. The requirement helps improve technician safety by reducing the need to enter the hoistway or ride on top of an elevator car during routine maintenance.
For new construction, elevator hoistway detection should be designed to meet the applicable adopted code from the start. In existing buildings, a renovation that includes elevator modernization or replacement of existing devices may trigger current requirements, depending on the code edition adopted by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). In those cases, traditional spot-type smoke and heat detectors located at the top and bottom of the hoistway may not meet the accessibility requirements for the new installation.
Fire sprinkler protection may also need to be considered as part of the overall hoistway design. Sprinkler requirements for elevator hoistways vary based on factors such as the type of elevator, hoistway construction and applicable adopted codes. Considering fire alarm, sprinkler and elevator requirements early in the project can help identify potential scope, coordination and budget impacts.
Detection Options for Elevator Hoistways
Depending on the building, your fire protection contractor may recommend alternative detection methods that can be serviced from outside the hoistway, including:
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Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD): Continuously samples air from the hoistway through small sampling pipes while the detector unit is mounted in an accessible location outside the hoistway.
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Remote-access spot detector assemblies: Specially designed installations that allow testing, maintenance, and replacement without entering the hoistway.
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Linear heat detection: In applications requiring heat detection, linear heat detection cable, can provide the required protection while allowing testing and connection points to remain accessible.
Depending on the required protection method, the project may involve additional fire alarm or fire sprinkler design, equipment and coordination with the elevator contractor. For renovation and modernization projects, that work may fall outside the original elevator project scope, creating additional costs that weren't initially anticipated.
Planning for Elevator Hoistway Fire Protection
Whether you're planning new construction or renovating an existing building, addressing evelator hoistway fire protection early can help you account for the appropriate fire alarm and fire sprinkler scope and cost. For elevator modernization projects in particular, evaluating the existing system before work begins can help identify whether changes will be required. Before work begins:
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Confirm which edition of NFPA code (NFPA 72, 25, 13, etc.) has been adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
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Engage a qualified fire protection contractor early to evaluate the fire alarm and fire sprinkler requirements for the elevator hoistway.
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Budget for potential changes to the required fire protection, including smoke or heat detection and fire sprinkler systems, as applicable.
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Coordinate closely between the elevator contractor and fire alarm contractor to avoid delays during construction and final acceptance testing.
The best time to identify fire protection requirements is before construction or renovation work is underway. Addressing elevator hoistway protection early gives your fire protection and elevator contractors time to coordinate, helps you account for the appropriate scope and reduces the risk of unexpected costs or delays during construction or acceptance testing.
If you're planning new construction or a building renovation that includes elevator work, our team can help you understand the fire alarm and fire sprinkler requirements that may apply to your project and locally adopted codes.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Every fire protection system is unique, with specific inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements determined by system type, manufacturer specifications, building use, and local regulations. Consult a qualified fire protection professional or your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with applicable standards. Century Fire Protection assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.