ELEVATOR SHAFT ENCLOSURE

[VLADIMIR LEVIN]

I'm putting an elevator in a (A2 occupancy) building connecting the first floor and basement floor.
2020 BCNYS Section 3002.1 says "Elevator... hoistway enclosures shall be shaft enclosures complying with sections 712 and 713.
712.1.9 says vertical opening are allowed if they don't connect more than 2 stories.
If the opening is allowed and thus does not need protection, does that mean that the elevator hoistway does not have to be a shaft enclosure?

 

[RLGA]

Section 712.1.9 also says, "3. Is not concealed within the construction of a wall or floor/ceiling assembly." I have been subject to the interpretation by plans examiners and inspectors that if walls surround the opening, then it is concealed and must be 1-hour rated. Personally, I don't think that is the intent of the wording "within the construction of a wall," but, hey, constructing a 1-hour wall is not that difficult.

On the other hand, if you do not enclose the opening with walls to create a shaft, then there is no issue with the interpretation of subparagraph 3 quoted above. Of course, you will still need a guard around the opening.

 

[Paul Sweet]

How about glass? The opening wouldn't be concealed. However, it would probably cost 10 times as much as a 1-hour wall.

 

[VLADIMIR LEVIN]

How about glass? The opening wouldn't be concealed. However, it would probably cost 10 times as much as a 1-hour wall.

I'm going to have a hoistway, but was asking if it needed to be rated...

 

[JPohling]

Is there no exception for connecting only 2 floors?