What Version of ASME 17.1 Is The Governing Code for Elevators in California

[arwat23]

I'm working on a project where we're designing and installing an elevator in an existing building in California. While I was reviewing the submittal we received, I noticed that the elevator manufacture lists the 1996 version of ASME 17.1 as the governing code. I know basically nothing about ASME anything (this is the first elevator project anyone at my firm has worked on in at least a decade), so I checked building code and saw that the 2019 version is listed in Ch 35 of the CBC. I mentioned this to the manufacture and was told that, actually, the 2004 version of ASME 17.1 is the governing code. On top of that, CBC Ch 35, immediately after referencing what I believe to be the 2019 version of this, says "the version listed in Title 8...." which is both the 1996 and 2004 version (unless I'm missing something).

So now I have three versions that may or may not apply...

Does anyone here know what version applies to elevator construction in California?

 

[CASpAccess]

ANSWER:

NOTE THAT THE ADOPTED EDITION OF ASME A17.1-1996 APPLIES UNLESS AMENDED.
THE ADOPTED EDITION OF ASME A17.1-2004 APPLIES FOR CONVEYANCE INSTALLATIONS WITH CONTRACT SIGNED ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 2008
SEE Title 8, CCR, DI, Ch. 4, Sub Ch. 6, Group 4

Title 8, California Code of Regulations
Division 1. Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4. Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 6. Elevator Safety Orders
Article 1. Application
§3000. Application.

(a) Where Applicable. The Elevator Safety Orders are applicable to elevators in the State of California except:
(1) Elevators under the jurisdiction of the United States government.
(2) Elevators located in a single-unit private home and not accessible to the public. (3) Elevators located in a multiunit residential building serving no more than two dwelling units and not accessible to the public.
EXCEPTION TO (a)(3): See section 3001(b)(5).
Note: Unless otherwise designated in this subchapter, the term “division” refers to the current Division of Occupational Safety and Health or any of its predecessors including the former Division of Industrial Safety or the Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Reference to the former Division of Industrial Safety or Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration in these orders is meant to refer to their successor, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or any subsequent successor agency.
(Title 24, Part 7, Section 7-3000(a))
(b) Use and Precedence of Orders.
(1) When ASME A17.1-1996 is cited or incorporated by reference in these Orders, it shall mean the 1996 edition of ASME A17.1, and shall be referred as ASME A17.1-1996, unless otherwise indicated.
(2) The Elevator Safety Orders shall apply if any difference exists between the Elevator Safety Orders and ASME A17.1-1996; or any other code, document or standard referenced in ASME A17.1-1996. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
(3) If a section in the Elevator Safety Orders makes a cross-reference to a section, rule or table in ASME A17.1-1996, such cross-referencing shall be that which is shown in ASME A17.1-1996 unless the referenced section, rule or table has been amended in the Elevator Safety Orders.
(4) If a section, rule, or table in ASME A17.1-1996 makes a cross-reference to another section, rule or table in ASME A17.1-1996, such cross-referencing shall be that which is shown in ASME A17.1-1996 unless the referenced section, rule or table has been amended in the Elevator Safety Orders.

Title 8, California Code of Regulations
Division 1. Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4. Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 6. Elevator Safety Orders
GROUP 4. CONVEYANCE INSTALLATIONS FOR WHICH THE INSTALLATION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 2008

ARTICLE 41. CONVEYANCES COVERED BY ASME A17.1-2004​

• §3141. Scope.
• 3141.1. Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement
• §3141.2. Alterations
• §3141.3. Static Controls
• §3141.4. Acceptance Inspections and Tests
• §3141.5. Periodic Inspections
• §3141.6. Periodic Tests
• §3141.7. General Requirements
• §3141.8. Electric Conveyances
• §3141.9. Limited-Use/Limited-Application Conveyances
• §3141.10. Conveyances Used for Construction
• §3141.11. Escalators
• §3141.12. Moving Walks.
• §3141.13. Seismic Requirements

---

​

 

[Paul Sweet]

I guess they don't want those new-fangled machin room-less elevators. I remember having to jump through several hoops and request a few code modifications to get one approved in Virginia using the 1996 elevator code.

 

[Yikes]

I guess they don't want those new-fangled machin room-less elevators. I remember having to jump through several hoops and request a few code modifications to get one approved in Virginia using the 1996 elevator code.

They are fine with machine room-less elevators (cab roof-mounted motors, etc.), but they are not fine with what I would call "control room-less" elevators.

They want the elevator control unit to have its own dedicated room, not accessible to anyone else except a certified elevator technician or elevator inspector.
That room also needs to have the elevator motor electrical disconnects and any circuit breakers related to elevator operation and service, such as cab lights, hoistway service lights, service outlets, etc., as well as the light switch and circuit breaker that serve lighting within the control room. No mere mortal from non-elevator tribe of humanity can go in there and accidentally shut off the pit lighting while a technician is at work.
They do allow an package fan-coil unit within the machine room to keep it within operating temperatures.

I had a project where an otherwise experienced engineering firm (a large corporation) put the control unit within the same room as a couple of other subpanels that serviced some outdoor lighting. Chaos ensured right at the end of the project as the inspector made it clear we needed 2 separate rooms. Fortunately all the elevator-related components were at the far end of the room. In the end, the inspector approved installing a full-height chain link fence in the room to subdivide it, along with a screen security door (like you might see on the front door of a house in a tough neighborhood).