We frequently get questions about whether an office buildout/renovation changes the existing elevator recall sequence or mandates it if there is no recall. The simple answer is that if the elevator equipment is not substantially altered after its installation, the requirements applicable at the time of installation remain in force. Whether or not the space surrounding the equipment changes has no bearing on how the equipment functions. Seems simple enough, but there is often confusion among code officials, property owners and contractors over what they’re used to seeing and what is actually required. Many elevators were installed before recall was required and continue to function properly without being substantially altered since its installation. Additionally, most code officials will expect recall to be controlled by the building’s fire alarm system and when it’s not, demand the recall activation method be changed to reflect their expectations. However, what may seem like a violation may simply be an assumption that the fire alarm panel was present at the time of elevator recall installation. If there was no fire alarm panel at the time of recall installation, a stand alone, local panel that does not evacuate the building nor call the fire department may be installed (if a local code doesn’t override NFPA 72). Bottom line: If the method of elevator recall was submitted to and approved by the local reviewing agency, and the equipment present at the time of approval has not been substantially altered subsequently (new elevator controller, shaft alteration, cab alteration, etc.), then the current method of elevator recall can remain the same and remain compliant, even if the floor space is substantially altered. You may have to add a detector in the lobby if the detector that was being used is now incorrectly spaced from the lobby, but you won’t have to add smoke detectors or recall itself if they weren’t being used previously.
As your preferred Gamewell – FCI fire alarm equipment distributor, Affiliated Fire Systems has all the knowledge and experience to complete your installation as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. Contact us at your convenience for more inforamtion.
Gene Rowe, SET
About Gene Rowe
Thanks for sharing. My work is going through some renovations right now. My boss was wondering about the recall for the elevators. We do not have a fire panel that can recall the elevator or that helps with the evacuation process. It is an older building and an old elevator. I will have to let my boss know that most likely we do not have to update the recall. I will have to look up local codes to make sure, though.