Elevator and Escalator Contractor (2022-05-24)

Adopted in all 50 states, the NEC is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards. The NEC addresses the installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and raceways; signaling and communications conductors, equipment, and raceways; and optical fiber cables and raceways in commercial, residential, and industrial occupancies.

A17.1 covers the design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of the following equipment, its associated parts, and its hoist ways, where located in or adjacent to a building or structure: (a) hoisting and lowering mechanisms, equipped with a car or platform, which move between two or more landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, elevators; (b) power driven stairways and walkways for carrying persons between landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to escalators and moving walks; (c) hoisting and lowering mechanisms equipped with a car which serves two or more landings and is restricted to the carrying of material by its limited size or limited access to the car. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, dumbwaiters and material lifts.

This Code is designed to guide state and local authorities in adopting retroactive safety requirements for existing elevators and escalators, with the goal of enhancing public safety. It also serves as a standard reference for architects, engineers, manufacturers, insurance providers, contractors, building owners, and facility managers responsible for maintaining or overseeing elevator equipment within the Code’s scope.

The primary purpose of this Code is to establish minimum safety requirements that ensure a reasonable level of protection for the general public. While some provisions may also improve safety for elevator mechanics and inspectors, that aspect is not the primary focus of this edition.

Operational and maintenance instructions outlined in this Code are intended for general guidance. For equipment-specific procedures, building owners or operators should consult the manufacturer or installer for detailed operating and maintenance instructions.

The requirements of this Standard apply to the following electrical equipment for elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, material lifts, and elevating devices for persons with physical disabilities (platform lifts and stairway chairlifts). The equipment specified in this Standard is intended for installation in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1) and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), whichever is applicable. Note: Controllers (i.e., motion, motor, and operation controllers) are defined in CSA B44 and ASME A17.1.