This Code covers the design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of the following equipment and its associated parts, rooms, spaces, and hoistways, where located in or adjacent to a building or structure (see 1.2):
(a) hoisting and lowering mechanisms, equipped with a car, that move between two or more landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to elevators (see 1.3).
(b) power-driven stairways and walkways for carrying persons between landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to escalators and moving walks (see 1.3).
(c) hoisting and lowering mechanisms equipped with a car that 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; it does not include vertical reciprocating conveyors (see 1.3).
Equipment not covered by this Code includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) personnel hoists within the scope of ANSI A10.4 and CSA-Z185
(b) material hoists within the scope of ANSI A10.5 and CSA-Z256
(c) platform lifts and stairway chairlifts within the scope of ASME A18.1, CSA B355, and CSA B613
(d) manlifts within the scope of ASME A90.1 and CSA B311, and in jurisdictions enforcing NBCC Special Purpose Personnel Elevators (ASME A17.1, Section 5.7)
(e) mobile scaffolds and towers; platforms within the scope of ANSI/SIA A92 and CSA-B354
(f) powered platform and equipment for exterior and interior building maintenance within the scope of ASME A120.1 and CSA-Z271
(g) conveyors and related equipment within the scope of ASME B20.1
(h) cranes, derricks, hoists, hooks, jacks, and slings within the scope of ASME B30, CSA Z150, CSA B167, CSA Z202, and CSA Z248
(i) industrial trucks within the scope of ASME B56 and CSA B335
(j) portable equipment, except for portable escalators, that are covered by 6.1
(k) tiering or piling machines used to move material to and from storage located and operating entirely within one story
(l) equipment for feeding or positioning material at machine tools, printing presses, etc.
(m) skip or furnace hoists
(n) wharf ramps
(o) amusement devices
(p) stage and orchestra lifts
(q) lift bridges
(r) railroad car lifts and dumpers
(s) mechanized parking garage equipment
(t) line jacks, false cars, shafters, moving platforms, and similar equipment used for installing an elevator
(u) platform-type elevators installed on board a marine vessel
NOTES:
- A maritime, industrial-use device with no car enclosure. Controls are located outside of the hoistway. Typically utilizes elevator-type rail systems and elevator-type interlock systems.
- Not a platform lift within the scope of A18.1.
(v) dock levelers (freight platform lifts) having a rise of 500 mm (20 in.) or less
(w) in Canadian jurisdictions, devices having a rise of 2 000 mm (79 in.) or less and used only for the transfer of materials or equipment
(x) in jurisdictions enforcing NBCC, mine elevators within the scope of 5.9
This Code applies to new installations only, except Part 1, and 5.10, 8.1, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 8.10, and 8.11, that apply to both new and existing installations.
The requirements of this edition to the Code are effective as of the date noted on the Summary of Changes page of this document with the exception of 8.10.1.1.3 and 8.11.1.1 that shall be effective immediately. The authority having jurisdiction will establish the effective date for their local regulations.
The purpose of this Code is to provide for the safety of life and limb, and to promote the public welfare. Compliance with this Code shall be achieved by
(a) conformance with the requirements in ASME A17.1/CSA B44; or
(b) conformance with some of the requirements in ASME A17.1/CSA B44 and for systems, subsystems, components, or functions that do not conform with certain requirements in ASME A17.1/CSA B44, conform with the applicable requirements in ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7; or
(c) conformance with the requirements in ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7
The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by this Code, provided that there is technical documentation to demonstrate the equivalency of the system, method, or device.
The specific requirements of this Code shall be permitted to be modified by the authority having jurisdiction based upon technical documentation or physical performance verification to allow alternative arrangements that will assure safety equivalent to that which would be provided by conformance to the corresponding requirements of this Code.
This Code contains requirements that are also covered in the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). Reference to the NBCC is recognition that said requirements are not within the scope of this Code in Canada.
In jurisdictions not enforcing the NBCC, the use of the NBCC is not intended.
Section 1.3 defines various terms used in this Code. In addition, some nomenclature and terminology used 2 in the elevator industry and other ASME publications are defined.
accredited certifying organization: a certifying organization that holds valid Documentation of Accreditation issued by an independent internationally or nationally recognized accrediting organization that accredits personnel certification bodies.
NOTE: A Certificate of Accreditation is an example of such documentation.
accrediting body: an independent internationally or nationally recognized organization that accredits organizations concerned with personnel certification.
alteration: any change to equipment, including its parts, components, and/or subsystems, other than maintenance, repair, or replacement.
alteration, as part of an: a repair or replacement that is included with other work that is classified as an alteration
alternate level: a floor level identified by the building code or fire authority, other than the designated level.
annunciator, car: an electrical device in the car that indicates visually the landings at which an elevator landing signal registering device has been actuated.
applied frame entrance: a wraparound or partial addition to an existing entrance frame used to improve the appearance or to provide the required clearances.
approved: acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
authority having jurisdiction: the organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcement of this Code. Where compliance with this Code has been mandated by legislation or regulation, the "authority having jurisdiction" is the regulatory authority (see regulatory authority).
authorized personnel: persons who have been instructed in the operation of the equipment and designated by the owner to use the equipment.
automatic transfer device: a power-operated mechanism that automatically moves a load consisting of a cart, tote box, pallet, wheeled vehicle, box, or other similar object from and/or to the car.
auxiliary power lowering device: an alternatively powered auxiliary control system that will, upon failure of the main power supply, allow a hydraulic elevator to descend to a lower landing.
base, building: the level at which the horizontal seismic ground motions are considered to be imparted to the structure.
brake, driving machine, elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift: an electromechanically or electrohydraulically released spring, or gravity applied device, that is part of the electric driving machine of the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift used to apply a controlled force at a braking surface to hold or retard the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift. See Nonmandatory Appendix F.
electrohydraulically released: a means of release in which an electric current applied to a solenoid valve or the motor of a hydraulic pump directs pressurized hydraulic fluid to an actuator (such as a hydraulic jack) that overcomes a resisting force (such as a spring) as long as the electric current flows.
electromechanically released: a means of release in which an electric current applied to an actuator (such as a solenoid) causes an electromagnetic force that overcomes a resisting force (such as a spring) as long as the electric current flows.
brake, driving machine, escalator, or moving walk: an electromechanical device that is part of the electric driving machine of the escalator or moving walk, used to apply a controlled force to a braking surface to stop and hold the escalator/moving walk system.
brake, emergency: a mechanical device independent of the braking system used to retard or stop an elevator should the car overspeed or move in an unintended manner. Such devices include, but are not limited to, those that apply braking force on one or more of the following:
(a) car rails
(b) counterweight rails
(c) suspension or compensation ropes
(d) drive sheaves
(e) brake drums
For further information, see Nonmandatory Appendix F.
brake, main drive shaft, escalator and moving walk: a device located on the main drive shaft of the escalator or moving walk used to apply a controlled force to the braking surface to stop and hold the escalator or moving walk system.
braking, electrically assisted: retardation of the elevator, assisted by energy generated by the driving-machine motor. See Nonmandatory Appendix F.
braking system: driving-machine brake alone, or in combination with electrically assisted braking, that operates to slow down and stop the elevator. See Nonmandatory Appendix F.
buffer: a device designed to stop a descending car or counterweight beyond its normal limit of travel by storing or by absorbing and dissipating the kinetic energy of the car or counterweight.
oil buffer: a buffer using oil as a medium, that absorbs and dissipates the kinetic energy of the descending car or counterweight.
gas spring-return oil buffer: an oil buffer utilizing the pressure of a compressed gas to return the buffer plunger or piston to its fully extended position.
mechanical spring-return oil buffer: an oil buffer utilizing the force of the compressed mechanical spring or springs to return the buffer plunger or piston to its fully extended position.
oil buffer stroke: the oil-displacing movement of the buffer plunger or piston, excluding the travel of the buffer plunger accelerating device.
spring buffer: a buffer utilizing one or more springs to cushion the impact force of the descending car or counterweight.
spring buffer load rating: the load required to compress the spring buffer an amount equal to its stroke.
spring buffer stroke: the distance the contact end of the spring can move under a compressive load until all coils are essentially in contact or until a fixed stop is reached.
building code: an ordinance that sets forth requirements for building design and construction, or where such an ordinance has not been enacted, one of the following model codes:
(a) International Building Code (IBC)
(b) Building Construction and Safety Code (NFPA 5000)
(c) National Building Code of Canada (NBCC)
NOTE: Local regulations or laws take precedence. In the absence of local regulation a model building code is applicable.
bumper: a device, other than an oil or spring buffer, designed to stop a descending car or counterweight beyond its normal limit of travel by absorbing the impact.
capacity: see rated load.
car-direction indicator: a visual signaling device that displays the current direction of travel.
car door interlock: a device having two related and interdependent functions, which are
(a) to prevent the operation of the driving machine by the normal operating device unless the car door is locked in the closed position
(b) to prevent the opening of the car door from inside the car unless the car is within the landing zone and is either stopped or being stopped
car door or gate electric contact: an electrical device, the function of which is to prevent operation of the driving machine by the normal operating device unless the car door or gate is in the closed position.
car door or gate power closer: a device or assembly of devices that closes a manually opened car door or gate by power other than hand, gravity, springs, or the movement of the car.
car, dumbwaiter, material lift: the load-carrying unit that includes a platform or transfer device and may include an enclosure and/or car frame.
car, elevator: the load-carrying unit including its platform, car frame, enclosure, and car door or gate.
car enclosure: the top and the walls of the car resting on and attached to the car platform.
car frame: the supporting frame to which the car platform, upper and lower sets of guide shoes, car safety, and the hoisting ropes or hoisting-rope sheaves, or the plunger or cylinder of a direct-acting elevator, are attached.
car frame, overslung: a car frame to which the hoisting rope fastenings or hoisting-rope sheaves are attached to the crosshead or top member of the car frame.
car frame, underslung: a car frame to which the hoisting rope fastenings or hoisting-rope sheaves are attached at or below the car platform.
car lantern: an audible and visual signaling device located in a car to indicate the car is answering the call and the car's intended direction of travel.
car platform: the structure that forms the floor of the car and that directly supports the load.
car platform frame: a structural frame, composed of interconnecting members, that supports the car platform floor
car platform, laminated: a self-supporting platform constructed of plywood, with a bonded steel sheet facing on both top and bottom surfaces.
car top access panel: a car top access panel is similar in design to a car top emergency exit panel. Used on mine elevators to permit frequent inspection of mine elevator hoistways for damage caused by environmental conditions. Such panels are openable without the use of tools or keys.
NOTE: Subject to the modifications specified in 5.9.14.1(c)
ceramic permanent magnet: a magnet of the type that has a force that does not deteriorate with time.
certified: see listed/certified.
certifying organization: an approved or accredited, independent organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed/certified equipment or material and whose listing/certification states whether that equipment meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
NOTE: For the purpose of this definition, accredited means that an organization has been evaluated and approved by an Authorized Agency to operate a Certification/Listing program, and is designated as such in a publication of the Authorized Agency.
chain, suspension (hoisting): chain used to raise and lower a dumbwaiter or material lift car or its counterweight.
chassis: that portion of an inclined elevator that serves as a car frame with weight-bearing guide rollers.
clearance, bottom car: the clear vertical distance from the pit floor to the lowest structural or mechanical part, equipment, or device installed beneath the car platform, except guide shoes or rollers, safety jaw assemblies, and platform or guards, when the car rests on its fully compressed buffers.
clearance, top car, inclined elevators: the shortest distance in the direction of travel between the upwardmost portion of the chassis (car frame) and the nearest obstruction when the car is level with the top terminal landing.
clearance, top counterweight: the shortest vertical distance between any part of the counterweight structure and the nearest part of the overhead structure or any other obstruction when the car floor is level with the bottom terminal landing.
comb, escalator and moving walk: the toothed portion of a combplate designed to mesh with a grooved step, pallet, or treadway surface.
combplate, escalator and moving walk: that portion of the landing adjacent to the step, pallet, or treadway consisting of one or more plates to which the combs are fastened.
compensating rope sheave switch: a device that automatically causes the electric power to be removed from the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift driving-machine motor and brake when the compensating sheave approaches its upper or lower limit of travel.
compensation means: wire rope, chain, or other mechanical means used to counterbalance, or partially counterbalance, the weight of the suspension ropes.
component rated pressure: the pressure to which a hydraulic component can be subjected.
control, motion: that portion of a control system that governs the acceleration, speed, retardation, and stopping of the moving member.
control, AC motor, DC injection: a motion control for an AC motor that produces retardation torque by injecting a DC current into either a stator winding of the motor or a separate eddy-current brake.
control, two speed AC: a motion control for an AC motor that has two different synchronous speeds by connecting the motor windings so as to obtain a different number of poles.
control, variable voltage, variable frequency (VVVF): a motion control that changes the magnitude and frequency of the voltage applied to the motor.
control, variable voltage AC (VVAC): a motion control for an AC motor that varies the amount and direction of output torque by controlling the magnitude and phase sequence of the voltage to the motor.
control, dual bridge thyristor converter: a motion control for a DC motor that supplies the armature with variable voltage of either polarity, and is capable of current flow in both directions.
control, generator field: a motion control that is accomplished by the use of an individual generator for each driving-machine motor wherein the voltage applied to the motor armature is adjusted by varying the strength and direction of the generator field current.
control, multivoltage: a motion control that is accomplished by impressing successively on the armature of the driving-machine motor a number of substantially fixed voltages such as may be obtained from multi-commutator generators common to a group of elevators.
control, rheostatic: a motion control that is accomplished by varying resistance and/or reactance in the armature and/or field circuit of the driving-machine motor.
control, single bridge thyristor converter: a motion control for a DC motor that supplies the armature with variable voltage of fixed polarity. The field is reversed to control direction and to cause regeneration.
control, electrohydraulic: a motion control in which the acceleration, speed, retardation, and stopping are governed by varying fluid flow to/from the hydraulic jack by electrically operated valves.
control, mechanical-hydraulic: a motion control in which acceleration, speed, retardation, and stopping are governed by varying the fluid flow to/from the hydraulic jack by direct mechanical operation of the valves by shipper rope or operating lever device.
control, operation: that portion of a control system that initiates the starting, stopping, and direction of motion, in response to a signal from an operating device.
operation, automatic: operation control wherein the starting of the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift car is effected in response to the momentary actuation of operating devices at the landing, and/or of operating devices in the car identified with the landings, and/or in response to an automatic starting mechanism, and wherein the car is stopped automatically at the landings.
operation, automatic call: operation control wherein the starting of a wind turbine tower elevator car is effected in response to the momentary actuation of operating devices not mounted on the car and wherein the car is stopped automatically at the terminal landing or at the next landing in the direction of travel.
operation, automatic send: operation control wherein the starting of a wind turbine tower elevator car is effected in response to the momentary actuation of operating devices mounted on the car and only accessible from outside the car, wherein the car is stopped automatically at the terminal landing or at the next landing in the direction of travel.
operation, group automatic: automatic operation of two or more nonattendant elevators equipped with power-operated car and hoistway doors. The operation of the cars is coordinated by a supervisory control system including automatic dispatching means whereby selected cars at designated dispatching points automatically close their doors and proceed on their trips in a regulated manner. It may include but is not limited to: operating device(s) in the car and/or at each landing that provide a means to select destinations identified with landings; keypads or touch screens at each landing and/or in the car; buttons in each car for each floor served and "UP" and "DOWN" buttons at each landing (single buttons at terminal landings). The stops set up by the momentary actuation of these devices are made automatically in succession as a car reaches the corresponding landing, irrespective of its direction of travel or the sequence in which the devices are actuated. The stops set up by the momentary actuation of the device(s) at the landing may be accomplished by any elevator in the group, and are made automatically.
operation, nonselective collective automatic: automatic operation by means of one button in the car for each landing served and one button at each landing, wherein all stops registered by the momentary actuation of landing or car buttons are made irrespective of the number of buttons actuated or of the sequence in which the buttons are actuated. With this type of operation, the car stops at all landings for which buttons have been actuated, making the stops in the order in which the landings are reached after the buttons have been actuated, but irrespective of its direction of travel.
operation, selective collective automatic: automatic operation by means of one button in the car for each landing served and by "UP" and "DOWN" buttons at the landings, wherein all stops registered by the momentary actuation of the car buttons are made as defined under nonselective collective automatic operation, but wherein the stops registered by the momentary actuation of the landing buttons are made in the order in which the landings are reached in each direction of travel after the buttons have been actuated. With this type of operation, all "UP" landing calls are answered when the car is traveling in the up direction and all "DOWN" landing calls are answered when the car is traveling in the down direction, except in the case of the uppermost or lowermost calls, that are answered as soon as they are reached, irrespective of the direction of travel of the car.
operation, single automatic: automatic operation by means of one button in the car for each landing served and one button at each landing, so arranged that if any car or landing button has been actuated the actuation of any other car or landing operating button will have no effect on the operation of the car until the response to the first button has been completed.
operation, car switch: operation control wherein the movement and direction of travel of the car are directly and solely under the control of the attendant by means of a manually operated car switch or of continuous pressure buttons in the car.
operation, car switch automatic floor-stop: operation in which the stop is initiated by the attendant from within the car with a definite reference to the landing at which it is desired to stop, after which the slowing down and stopping of the elevator is effected automatically.
operation, continuous-pressure: operation control by means of buttons or switches in the car and at the landings, any one of which may be used to control the movement of the car as long as the button or switch is manually maintained in the actuating position.
operation, preregister: operation control in which signals to stop are registered in advance by buttons in the car and at the landings. At the proper point in the car travel, the attendant in the car is notified by a signal, visual, audible, or otherwise, to initiate the stop, after which the landing stop is automatic.
operation, signal: operation control by means of single buttons or switches (or both) in the car, and "UP" or "DOWN" direction buttons (or both) at the landings, by which predetermined landing stops may be set up or registered for an elevator or for a group of elevators. The stops set up by the momentary actuation of the car buttons are made automatically in succession as the car reaches those landings, irrespective of its direction of travel or the sequence in which the buttons are actuated. The stops set up by the momentary actuation of the "UP" and "DOWN" buttons at the landing are made automatically by the first available car in the group approaching the landings in the corresponding direction, irrespective of the sequence in which the buttons are actuated. With this type of operation, the car can be started only by means of a starting switch or button in the car.
control room, elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift: an enclosed control space outside the hoistway, intended for full bodily entry, that contains the motor controller. The room could also contain electrical and/or mechanical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift but not the electric driving machine or the hydraulic machine. (See Nonmandatory Appendix Q.)
control space, elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift: a space inside or outside the hoistway, intended to be accessed with or without full bodily entry, that contains the motor controller. This space could also contain electrical and/or mechanical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift but not the electric driving machine or the hydraulic machine. (See Nonmandatory Appendix Q.)
NOTE: See 2.7.6.3.2 for an exception regarding the location of a motor controller.
control system: the overall system governing the starting, stopping, direction of motion, acceleration, speed, and retardation of the moving member. See Nonmandatory Appendix A.
controller: a device or group of devices that serves to control in a predetermined manner the apparatus to which it is connected.
controller, motion: an operative unit comprising a device or group of devices for actuating the moving member.
controller, motor: the operative units of a motion control system comprising the starter devices and power conversion equipment required to drive an electric motor.
controller, operation: an operative unit comprising a device or group of devices for actuating the motion control
conveyor, vertical reciprocating (VRC): see ASME B20.1 for definition and safety requirements.
creep: slight incremental, natural movement of the suspension means over their arc of contact with the driving sheave due to tractive force. The tractive force is a result of unequal tensile loads in the suspension means at points of entry and exit from the driving sheave, the tensile elasticity of the suspension member, and the frictional work occurring in the direction of the greater tension. Creep is independent of the motion status or direction of rotation of the driving sheave.
NOTE: Creep exists in all traction systems and is not loss of traction, and can occur while the drive sheave is stationary or rotating.
designated attendant: where elevator operation is controlled solely by authorized personnel (attendant service, independent, hospital service, and other similar operations).
designated level: the main floor or other floor level that best serves the needs of emergency personnel for firefighting or rescue purposes identified by the building code or fire authority.
dispatching device, elevator automatic: a device, the principal function of which is to either
(a) operate a signal in the car to indicate when the car should leave a designated landing, or
(b) actuate its starting mechanism when the car is at a designated landing
displacement switch: a device actuated by the displacement of the counterweight, at any point in the hoistway, to provide a signal that the counterweight has moved from its normal lane of travel or has left its guide rails.
door: the movable portion(s) of an entrance that closes the openings. It consists of one or more solid face panels that are permitted to be equipped with a vision panel.
center-opening: a horizontally sliding door consisting of two panels, so arranged to open away from each other.
center-opening, multiple-speed: a horizontally sliding door consisting of more than two panels, so arranged that the panels or groups of panels open away from each other.
multiple-speed: a horizontally sliding door with two or more panels, so arranged to open away from one side.
door or gate, power-operated: a door or gate that is opened and closed by a door or gate power-operator.
door, vertically sliding: a counterweighted or counterbalanced door consisting of one or more panels that move vertically to open or close.
door, biparting: a vertically sliding door consisting of two or more sections, so arranged that the sections or groups of sections open away from each other.
door, vertically sliding sequence operation: where the opening and closing relationship of the car and hoistway doors do not occur simultaneously.
door locked out of service: a hoistway entrance in which the door is mechanically locked by means other than the interlock to prevent the door being opened from the car side without keys or special equipment.
door or gate electric contact: an electrical device, the function of which is to prevent operation of the driving machine by the normal operating device unless the door or gate is in the closed position.
door or gate power operator: a device or assembly of devices that opens a hoistway door(s) and/or a car door or car gate by power other than hand, gravity, springs, or the movement of the car; and that closes them by power other than hand, gravity, or the movement of the car.
driving machine, traction climbing: an uncounterweighted driving machine where traction results from the weight of the car and its load.
dumbwaiter: a hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car of limited size that moves in guide rails and serves two or more landings that is used exclusively for carrying materials, and is classified by the following types.
dumbwaiter, power: a dumbwaiter utilizing energy other than gravitational or manual to move the car.
dumbwaiter, electric: a power dumbwaiter where the energy is applied by means of an electric driving machine.
dumbwaiter, hydraulic: a power dumbwaiter where the energy is applied, by means of a liquid under pressure, in a cylinder equipped with a plunger or piston.
dumbwaiter, direct-plunger hydraulic: a hydraulic dumbwaiter having a plunger or cylinder directly attached to the car frame or platform.
dumbwaiter, electrohydraulic: a direct-plunger dumbwaiter where liquid is pumped under pressure directly into the cylinder by a pump driven by an electric motor.
dumbwaiter, maintained-pressure hydraulic: a direct-plunger dumbwaiter where liquid under pressure is available at all times for transfer into the cylinder.
dumbwaiter, roped-hydraulic: a hydraulic dumbwaiter having its piston connected to the car with wire rope.
dumbwaiter, undercounter: a dumbwaiter that has its top terminal landing located underneath a counter.
earthquake protective devices: a device or group of devices that serve to regulate the operation of an elevator or group of elevators in a predetermined manner during or after an earthquake.
electrical/electronic/programmable electronic (E/E/PE): based on electrical (E), and/or electronic (E), and/or programmable electronic (PE) technology.
NOTE: The term is intended to cover any and all devices or systems operating on electrical principles.
EXAMPLE: Electrical/electronic/programmable electronic devices include
(a) electromechanical devices (electrical)
(b) solid-state nonprogrammable electronic devices (electronic)
(c) electronic devices based on computer technology (programmable electronic)
electrical/electronic/programmable electronic system (E/E/PES): a system for control, protection, or monitoring based on one or more electrical/electronic/programmable electronic (E/E/PE) devices, including all elements of the system such as power supplies, sensors and other input devices, data highways and other communication paths, and actuators and other output devices.
elevator: a hoisting and lowering mechanism, equipped with a car, that moves within guides and serves two or more landings and is classified by the following types
NOTE: See 1.1.2, Equipment Not Covered by this Code.
elevator, freight: an elevator used primarily for carrying freight and on which only the operator and the persons necessary for unloading and loading the freight are permitted to ride.
NOTE (elevator, freight): Its use is subject to the modifications specified in 2.16.
elevator, inclined: an elevator that travels at an angle of inclination of 70 deg or less from the horizontal.
elevator, limited-use/limited-application: a power passenger elevator in which the use and application is limited by size, capacity, speed, and rise.
elevator, marine: an elevator installed on board a marine vessel.
NOTES:
- Marine vessels are defined by the authority having jurisdiction for the design and safety of marine vessels. Such authorities include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Coast Guard, Transport Canada, and the American Bureau of Shipping or other members of the International Association of Classification Societies.
- Marine elevators are designed to operate under marine design conditions that reflect the motions, forces, and environmental conditions imposed on the vessel and the elevator, under a variety of vessel operating scenarios. See Section 5.8.
elevator, mine: an elevator installed in the mine hoistway, used to provide access to the mine for personnel, materials, equipment, and supplies. To meet the requirements of a mine elevator, the components must be designed and installed in conformance to Part 2 of this Code, except as modified in 5.9. Mine elevators are similar to electric passenger elevators but are modified to operate in the mine environment.
elevator, multicompartment: an elevator having two or more compartments located one above the other.
elevator, observation: an elevator that permits exterior viewing by passengers while the car is traveling.
elevator, outside emergency: an elevator operating on the outside of a building having up to five compartments that is operated only by emergency personnel and used solely for emergency evacuation of building occupants and transportation of a limited number of emergency responders involved in the evacuation.
elevator, passenger: an elevator used primarily to carry persons other than the operator and persons necessary for loading and unloading.
elevator, electric: a power elevator where the energy is applied by means of an electric driving machine.
elevator, hydraulic: a power elevator in which the energy is applied, by means of a liquid under pressure, in a hydraulic jack.
elevator, direct-acting hydraulic: a hydraulic elevator in which the energy is applied by a direct hydraulic driving machine.
elevator, electrohydraulic: a hydraulic elevator in which liquid under pressure is supplied by a hydraulic machine.
elevator, maintained-pressure hydraulic: a direct-acting hydraulic elevator in which liquid under pressure is available at all times for transfer into the hydraulic jack.
elevator, roped-hydraulic: a hydraulic elevator in which the energy is applied by a roped-hydraulic driving machine.
elevator, private residence: a power passenger elevator that is limited in size, capacity, rise, and speed, and is installed in a private residence or in a multiple dwelling as a means of access to a private residence.
elevator, rack-and-pinion: a power elevator with or without a counterweight that is supported, raised, and lowered by a motor or motors that drive a pinion or pinions on a stationary rack mounted in the hoistway.
elevator, rooftop: a power passenger or freight elevator operating between a landing at roof level and landings below. It opens onto the exterior roof level of a building through a horizontal opening.
elevator, screw column: a power elevator having an uncounterweighted car that is supported, raised, and lowered by means of a screw thread.
elevator, sidewalk: an elevator of the freight type operating between a landing in a sidewalk or other exterior area and floors below the sidewalk or grade level. It opens onto the exterior area through a horizontal opening.
elevator, special purpose personnel: an elevator that is limited in size, capacity, and speed, and permanently installed in structures such as grain elevators, radio antenna, bridge towers, underground facilities, dams, power plants, and similar structures to provide vertical transportation of authorized personnel and their tools and equipment only.
elevator, used for construction: an elevator being used temporarily, only for construction purposes.
elevator, wind turbine tower: a hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car installed in a wind turbine tower.
elevator discharge level: the floor, served by elevators, that occupants will use to leave the building during an emergency evacuation
elevator personnel: persons who have been trained in the construction, maintenance, repair, inspection, or testing of equipment.
emergency personnel: persons who have been trained in the operation of emergency or standby power and firefighters' emergency operation or emergency evacuation.
emergency signal device: a device that can be operated from within the elevator car to inform persons outside the hoistway that help is required.
emergency stop switch: a device located as required and readily accessible for operation, that, when manually operated, causes the electric power to be removed from the driving-machine motor and brake of an electric elevator; or from the electrically operated valves and pump motor of a hydraulic elevator; or of a dumbwaiter; or of a material lift.
endurance limit of a component: the maximum stress that can be alternated or reversed within specified limits without producing fracture of the component material.
engineering test: a test carried out by or witnessed by a registered or licensed professional engineer, testing laboratory, or certifying organization to ensure conformance to Code requirements.
entrance assembly, elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift: the protective assembly that closes the hoistway openings normally used for loading and unloading, including the door panel(s), gate(s), transom panel, fixed side panel, gibs/guides, sill/sill structure, header, frame, and entrance hardware assembly, if provided.
entrance assembly, horizontally sliding type: an entrance assembly in which the door(s) slides horizontally.
entrance assembly, swinging type: an entrance assembly in which the door(s) swings around vertical hinges.
entrance assembly, vertically sliding type: an entrance assembly in which the door(s) slides vertically.
entrance hardware assembly: the track(s), hangers, drive arms, pendant bolts, chains, belts, cables, sheaves, pulleys, hinges, vertically sliding guide shoes, and related hardware that are necessary to suspend and maintain the position of the doors within the entrance assembly.
escalator: power-driven, inclined, continuous stairway used for raising or lowering passengers.
escalator, conventional: an escalator on which the running gear is driven by a single drive shaft at a terminal.
escalator, modular: an escalator on which the running gear along the incline is driven by one or more drive units.
escalator deck: the transverse members of the balustrade, having an interior or exterior section, or both. A high deck is located immediately below the handrail stand. A low deck is located immediately above the skirt panel.
escalator molding: the connecting means between the various portions of the balustrade.
escalator newel: the balustrade termination at the landing.
escalator newel base: the panel located immediately under the newel.
escalator panel, exterior: the panel enclosing the exterior side of the balustrade.
escalator panel, interior: the panel located between the skirt and the escalator high deck or the handrail stand.
escalator skirt: the fixed, vertical panels located immediately adjacent to the steps.
escalator skirt cover, dynamic: the stationary cover that protects the interface between the dynamic skirt panel and the escalator balustrade.
escalator wellway: an opening in a floor provided for escalator installation between two levels of a building.
escalators, tandem operation: escalators used in series with common intermediate landings.
factor of safety: the ratio of the ultimate strength to the working stress of a member under maximum static loading, unless otherwise specified in a particular requirement.
fail safe: a characteristic of a system or its elements whereby any failure or malfunction affecting safety will cause the system to revert to a state that is known to be safe.
fire barrier: a fire-resistance-rated vertical or horizontal assembly of material designed to restrict the spread of fire in which the openings are protected.
fire-protection rating: a designation indicating the duration of the fire test exposure to which a fire door assembly (entrance) was exposed and for which it met all the acceptance criteria as determined in accordance with a recognized fire test standard. Ratings are stated in hours or minutes.
fire-resistance rating: a designation indicating the duration of the fire test exposure to which components of building construction (walls, floors, roofs, beams, and columns) are exposed and for which it met all the acceptance criteria as determined in accordance with a recognized fire test standard. Ratings are stated in hours or minutes.
fire-resistive construction: a method of construction that prevents or retards the passage of hot gases or flames, specified by the building code.
fixed side panel: a panel used to close a hoistway enclosure opening on the side of a hoistway entrance.
flat steps: the distance, expressed in step lengths, that the leading edge of the escalator step travels after emerging from the comb before moving vertically.
horizontally sliding collapsible gate: a series of horizontally sliding vertical members, joined by a scissors-like linkage that allows the assembly to collapse.
horizontally sliding noncollapsible gate: a noncollapsible assembly consisting of one or more sections that slide horizontally.
vertically sliding gate: a counterweighted or counterbalanced assembly, consisting of one or more sections that move vertically to open or close.
gate, semiautomatic: a gate that is opened manually and that is closed automatically as the car leaves the landing.
governor: see speed governor.
governor pull-through tension (force): the magnitude of the tensile load developed in the moving governor rope after the governor rope retarding means is actuated.
governor rope retarding means: a mechanical means of developing a sufficient force in the governor rope to activate the car or counterweight safeties or to trip the governor rope releasing carrier, where used. Such mechanical means include, but are not limited to, rope-gripping jaws, clutch mechanisms, and traction arrangements.
guide rope fixes: wire guide rope attachment hardware securing the guiding system to the structure.
guiding means, ladder: the guide system where the tower ladder is used to guide the car within the travel path.
hall lantern: an audible and visual signaling device located at a hoistway entrance to indicate which car is answering the call and the car's intended direction of travel.
handrail stand: the uppermost portion of the balustrade that supports and guides the handrail.
hoistway (shaft), elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift: an opening through a building or structure for the travel of elevators, dumbwaiters, or material lifts, extending from the pit floor to the roof or floor above.
hoistway, blind: the portion of a hoistway where hoistway entrances are not provided.
hoistway, mine: The area within a mine shaft, and its aboveground structure required for the elevator equipment, associated supports, and operations, including a minimum of 450 mm (18 in.) around same.
hoistway access switch: a switch, located at a landing, the function of which is to permit operation of the car with the hoistway door at this landing and the car door or gate open, in order to permit access to the top of the car or to the pit.
hoistway door: see door.
hoistway door or gate locking device: a device that secures a hoistway door or gate in the closed position and prevents it from being opened from the landing side except under certain specified conditions.
hoistway door combination mechanical lock and electric contact: a combination mechanical and electrical device with two related, but entirely independent functions, that are
(a) to prevent operation of the driving machine by the normal operating device unless the hoistway door is in the closed position
(b) to lock the hoistway door in the closed position and prevent it from being opened from the landing side unless the car is within the landing zone
NOTE: As there is no positive mechanical connection between the electric contact and the door locking mechanism, this device ensures only that the door will be closed, but not necessarily locked, when the car leaves the landing. Should the lock mechanism fail to operate as intended when released by a stationary or retiring car-cam device, the door can be opened from the landing side even though the car is not at the landing. If operated by a stationary car-cam device, it does not prevent opening the door from the landing side as the car passes the floor.
hoistway door interlock: a device having two related and interdependent functions, that are
(a) to prevent the operation of the driving machine by the normal operating device unless the hoistway door is locked in the closed position
(b) to prevent the opening of the hoistway door from the landing side unless the car is within the landing zone and is either stopped or being stopped
hoistway door interlock retiring cam device: a device that consists of a retractable cam and its actuating mechanism and that is entirely independent of the car door or hoistway door power operator.
hoistway gate separate mechanical lock: a mechanical device the function of which is to lock a hoistway gate in the closed position after the car leaves a landing and prevent the gate from being opened from the landing side unless the car is within the landing zone.
hoistway enclosure: the fixed structure, consisting of vertical walls or partitions, that isolates the hoistway from all other areas or from an adjacent hoistway and in which entrances are installed.
hoistway gate: usually a counterweighted (counterbalanced) assembly, consisting of one or more sections that are guided in the vertical direction to open or close. The gate may be of wood or metal construction. Wood gates may consist of either horizontal or vertical slats. Metal gates are usually constructed of perforated or expanded metal.
hospital service: a special case of operation by a designated attendant used only for medical emergencies.
hydraulic jack: a unit consisting of a cylinder equipped with a plunger (ram) or piston, that applies the energy provided by a liquid under pressure.
hydraulic machine: a unit consisting of pump, motor, valves, and associated internal piping, that converts electrical energy and supplies it as a liquid under pressure.
in-car stop switch: a device located in the car and accessible for operation by elevator personnel only, that, when manually operated, causes the electric power to be removed from the driving-machine motor and brake of an electric elevator or from the electrically operated valves and pump motor of a hydraulic elevator.
installation: a complete elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, material lift, or moving walk, including its hoistway, hoistway enclosures and related construction, and all machinery and equipment necessary for its operation.
installation, existing: an installation that has been completed or is under construction prior to the effective date of this Code.
installation, new: any installation not classified as an existing installation by definition, or an existing elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, material lift, inclined lift, or moving walk moved to a new location subsequent to the effective date of this Code.
intended car movement: controlled movement of an elevator car, including starting, leveling, running, and stopping, due to
(b) motion control
(c) continuous pressure on an operating device during inspection operation, inspection operation with open door circuits, or hoistway access operation
NOTE: "Stopping" includes movement of an elevator car towards rest once stopping is initiated, and any movement of an elevator car due to suspension system elasticity that occurs after the brake is set, since this movement was the result of the intended operation
labeled/marked: equipment or material to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an approved or accredited independent certifying organization, concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled/marked equipment or material, and by whose labeling/marking the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
NOTE: For the purpose of this definition, accredited means that an organization has been evaluated and approved by an Authorized Agency to operate a Certification/Listing program, and is designated as such in a publication of the Authorized Agency.
landing, dumbwaiter: that portion of a floor, balcony, platform, or landing door used to discharge and receive materials.
landing, elevator or material lift: that portion of a floor, balcony, or platform used to receive and discharge passengers or freight.
landing, bottom terminal: the lowest landing served by the elevator or material lift that is equipped with a hoistway entrance.
landing, top terminal: the highest landing served by the elevator or material lift that is equipped with a hoistway entrance.
landing, escalator or moving walk: the stationary area at the entrance to or exit from an escalator, a moving walk, or moving walk system.
landing, lower, escalator: that landing of least elevation of the two landings.
landing, lower, moving walk: that landing of least elevation of the two landings. On moving walks where the two landings are of equal elevation, the lower landing is that landing designated by the manufacturer.
landing, upper, escalator: that landing of greatest elevation of the two landings.
landing, upper, moving walk: that landing of greatest elevation of the two landings. On moving walks where the two landings are of equal elevation, the upper landing is that landing designated by the manufacturer.
landing, next available: the first landing in the direction of travel that the elevator is electrically and mechanically capable of serving with a normal slowdown and stop.
landing zone: a zone extending from a point 450 mm (18 in.) below a landing to a point 450 mm (18 in.) above the landing.
left, right convention: left and right designations of escalator and moving walk components are determined by facing the equipment at the lower landing.
leveling: controlled car movement toward the landing, within the leveling zone, by means of a leveling device, that vertically aligns the car platform sill relative to the hoistway landing sill to attain a predetermined accuracy.
leveling device, elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift car: the portion of a motion control system comprised of a device or group of devices that, either automatically or under control of the operator, initiates leveling, and automatically stops the car at the landing.
leveling device, anticreep: a leveling device used on hydraulic elevators to correct automatically a change in car level caused by leakage or contraction of fluid in the hydraulic system.
leveling device, inching: a leveling device that is controlled by the operator by means of continuous-pressure switches.
leveling device, one-way automatic: a device that corrects the car level only in case of under-run of the car, but will not maintain the level during loading and unloading.
leveling device, two-way automatic maintaining: a device that corrects the car level on both under-run and over-run, and maintains the level during loading and unloading.
leveling device, two-way automatic nonmaintaining: a device that corrects the car level on both under-run and over-run, but will not maintain the level during loading and unloading.
leveling zone: the limited distance above or below an elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift landing within which the leveling device is permitted to cause movement of the car toward the landing.
listed/certified: equipment or materials accepted for inclusion in a publication by a certifying organization.
NOTE: The means for identifying listed/certified equipment may vary for each organization concerned with product evaluation, some of which do not recognize equipment as listed/certified unless it is also labeled/marked. The authority having jurisdiction utilizes the system employed by the listing/certifying organization to identify a listed/certified product.
load, dynamic: the load applied as a result of acceleration or deceleration.
load, impact: a suddenly applied load.
load, static: the load applied as a result of the weight.
machine, driving: the power unit that applies the energy necessary to drive an elevator or other equipment covered by the scope of this Code.
driving machine, chain, dumbwaiter or material lift: a driving machine in which the motion of a car is obtained through a connection between a driven sprocket and the suspension chains.
driving machine, electric: a driving machine in which the energy is applied by an electric motor. It includes the motor, driving-machine brake, and the driving sheave or drum, together with its connecting gearing, belt, or chain, if any. See Nonmandatory Appendix F.
driving machine, direct: an electric driving machine, the motor of which is directly connected mechanically to the driving sheave, drum, or shaft without the use of belts or chains, either with or without intermediate gears.
geared driving machine: a direct driving machine in which the energy is transmitted from the motor to the driving sheave, drum, or shaft through gearing.
winding drum machine: a geared driving machine in which the suspension ropes are fastened to and wind on a drum.
traction machine: a direct driving machine in which the motion of a car is obtained through friction between the suspension ropes and a traction sheave.
gearless traction machine: a traction machine, without intermediate gearing, that has the traction sheave and the brake drum mounted directly on the motor shaft.
worm-geared machine: a direct driving machine in which the energy from the motor is transmitted to the driving sheave or drum through worm gearing.
driving machine, indirect: an electric driving machine, the motor of which is connected indirectly to the driving sheave, drum, gear reducer, or shaft by means of a belt drive or chain drive.
belt driving machine: an indirect driving machine equipped with a belt system as the connecting means.
chain driving machine: an indirect driving machine with a chain system as the connecting means.
driving machine, rack-and-pinion: an electric driving machine in which the motion of the car is obtained by a power-driven rotation pinion(s) mounted on the car, traveling on a stationary rack mounted in the hoistway.
driving machine, screw: an electric driving machine, the motor of which drives a nut on a vertical screw or rotates a vertical screw to raise or lower an elevator car.
driving machine, hydraulic: a driving machine in which the energy is provided by a hydraulic machine and applied by a hydraulic jack.
chain-hydraulic drive machine: a hydraulic driving machine in which the drive member of the hydraulic jack is connected to the car by chains or indirectly coupled to the car by means of chains and sprockets.
direct hydraulic driving machine: a hydraulic driving machine in which the driving member of the hydraulic jack is directly attached to the car frame or platform.
roped-hydraulic driving machine: a hydraulic driving machine in which the driving member of the hydraulic jack is connected to the car by wire ropes or indirectly coupled to the car by means of wire ropes and sheaves. It includes multiplying sheaves, if any, and their guides.
machine room and control room, remote, elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift: a machine room or control room that is not attached to the outside perimeter or surface of the walls, ceiling, or floor of the hoistway. (See Nonmandatory Appendix Q.)
machine room, elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift: an enclosed machinery space outside the hoistway, intended for full bodily entry, that contains the electric driving machine or the hydraulic machine. The room could also contain electrical and/or mechanical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift. (See Nonmandatory Appendix Q.)
machinery space, elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift: a space inside or outside the hoistway, intended to be accessed with or without full bodily entry, that contains elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift mechanical equipment, and could also contain electrical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift. This space could also contain the electric driving machine or the hydraulic machine. (See Nonmandatory Appendix Q.)
machinery space and control space, remote, elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift: a machinery space or control space that is not within the hoistway, machine room, or control room, and that is not attached to the outside perimeter or surface of the walls, ceiling, or floor of the hoistway. (See Nonmandatory Appendix Q.)
main floor: the floor providing normal egress from a building.
maintained pressure: the hydraulic pressure between the pressure source and the control valves of a maintained pressure hydraulic elevator.
maintenance: a process of routine examination, lubrication, cleaning, and adjustment of parts, components, and/or subsystems for the purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with the applicable Code requirements. (See also repair and replacement.)
maintenance control program (MCP): a documented set of maintenance tasks, maintenance procedures, examinations, and tests to ensure that equipment is maintained in compliance with the requirements of 8.6.
maintenance interval: the specified period between the occurrences of a specific maintenance task.
maintenance procedure: an instruction or sequence of instructions for performing a specific task(s).
(a) a type or feature of an elevator part or component that, when actuated, requires intervention of a person in order to reinstate it to its non-actuated state.
(b) a type of action required to be taken by a person to reinstate an elevator part or component from an actuated state to its non-actuated state.
manual reset, escalator and moving walk: a means, not accessible to the general public or authorized personnel, requiring on-site intervention by elevator personnel prior to restarting the escalator or moving walk.
material lift: an elevator designed or modified for the purpose of transporting materials that are manually or automatically loaded or unloaded and are not a vertical reciprocating conveyor (see 1.3). Material lifts without an automatic transfer device are Type A or Type B. On Type A material lifts no persons are permitted to ride. On Type B material lifts authorized personnel are permitted to ride.
may: indicates permission, not a mandatory requirement.
means, compensation: the method by which unbalanced forces due to suspension means are reduced, utilizing one or more compensation members and their terminations.
means, suspension: tensile components that support, raise, and lower a car, counterweight, or both.
mechanical lock: see hoistway door combination mechanical lock and electric contact and hoistway gate separate mechanical lock.
member, compensation: a single component of a traction elevator the weight of which provides tensile forces on the car and counterweight that reduce unbalanced forces due to the weight of the suspension means.
member, suspension: an individual load-carrying component of the suspension means (e.g., a single rope or belt).
mode of operation: a way in which a safety-related system is intended to be used, with respect to the rate of demands made upon it, that may by either
(a) low demand mode: where the frequency of demands for operation made on an electrical safety function is not greater than one per year and not greater than twice the proof-test frequency
(b) high demand or continuous mode: where the frequency of demands for operation made on a safety-related system is greater than one per year or greater than twice the proof-test frequency
NOTE: High demand or continuous mode covers those safety-related systems that implement continuous control to maintain functional safety.
(c) proof-test: a periodic test performed to detect failures in a safety-related system so that, if necessary, the system can be restored to an "as new" condition or as close as practical to this condition
NOTE: See IEC 61508-4, Clause 3.8.5 for additional information on this definition.
modernization: see alteration.
moving walk: a type of passenger-carrying device on which passengers stand or walk, and in which the passenger-carrying surface remains parallel to its direction of motion and is uninterrupted.
moving walk, belt pallet type: a moving walk with a series of connected and power-driven pallets to which a continuous belt treadway is fastened.
moving walk, edge-supported belt type: a moving walk with the treadway supported near its edges by a succession of rollers.
moving walk, pallet type: a moving walk with a series of connected and power-driven pallets that together constitute the treadway.
moving walk, roller-bed type: a moving walk with the treadway supported throughout its width by a succession of rollers.
moving walk newel: the balustrade termination at the landing.
moving walk newel base: the panel located immediately under the newel.
nonstop switch, elevator: a switch that, when operated, will prevent the elevator from making registered landing stops.
normal stopping means: that portion of the operation control that initiates stopping of the car in normal operation at landings.
Occupant Evacuation Operation: the operation of an elevator system for occupant evacuation under emergency conditions.
operating device: the car switch, push buttons, key or toggle switches, or other devices used to actuate the operation control.
operating speed in the down direction: the speed at which a hydraulic elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift is set to lower with rated load.
operation, inspection: a special case of continuous-pressure operation used for troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, adjustments, rescue, and inspection.
overhead structure: all of the structural members, walls, platforms, etc., supporting the elevator machinery, sheaves, and equipment at the top of the hoistway.
pallet, moving walk: one of a series of rigid platforms that together form an articulated treadway or the support for a continuous treadway.
pallet band: the complete assembly formed by all of the pallets and their interconnecting means.
parking device, elevator: an electrical or mechanical device, the function of which is to permit the opening of the hoistway door from the landing side when the car is within the landing zone of that landing. The device may also be used to close the door.
penetrate a floor: to pass through or pierce a floor in such a way that the opening has a continuous perimeter and is provided only to allow the equipment to pass through the floor.
periodic tests, category: a grouping of tests performed at common time intervals required by the authority having jurisdiction.
Phase I Emergency Recall Operation: the operation of an elevator where it is automatically or manually recalled to the recall level and removed from normal service because of activation of firefighters' emergency operation.
Phase II Emergency In-Car Operation: the operation of an elevator by firefighters where the elevator is under their control.
piston: a short cylindrical member that is provided with a sealing means that travels with the member within a hydraulic cylinder. Pistons may be coupled to the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift by a coupling means that passes through a sealing means provided in the cylinder head.
piston, rod: the coupling means between the piston and its driven member.
pit, dumbwaiter, material lift: the portion of a hoistway extending from the floor level of the bottom terminal landing to the floor at the bottom of the hoistway.
pit, elevator: the portion of a hoistway extending from the sill level of the bottom terminal landing to the floor at the bottom of the hoistway.
platform, landing: permanent deck installed in wind turbine towers to access tower components.
plunger (ram): a long cylindrical compression member that is directly or indirectly coupled to the car frame. This member is not provided with a sealing means. Where used in assembly with a cylinder, the sealing means is provided on the cylinder head. In the case of telescopic plungers and cylinders, a sealing means may be used in the moving plunger, that is also a cylinder.
plunger gripper: a mechanical device attached to a supporting structure in the pit, that stops and holds the car by gripping the plunger.
position indicator: a device that indicates the position of the elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift car in the hoistway. It is called a hall position indicator when placed at a landing or a car position indicator when placed in the car.
private residence: a separate dwelling or a separate apartment in a multiple dwelling that is occupied only by the members of a single family unit.
rated load, elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift, or escalator: the load that the equipment is designed and installed to lift at the rated speed.
rated load, moving walk: the load that the moving walk is designed and installed to move, horizontally or at an incline, at the rated speed.
rated speed: the speed at which the elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk, or material lift is designed to operate under the following conditions:
elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift: the speed in the up direction with rated load in the car. (See also operating speed in the down direction.)
escalator: the rate of travel of the steps, measured along the centerline of the steps in the direction of travel, with rated load on the steps. In the case of a reversible escalator, the rated speed shall be the rate of travel of the steps in the up direction, measured along the centerline of the steps on the incline, with rated load on the steps.
moving walk: the rate of travel of the tread way, horizontally or at an incline, with rated load on the treadway. In the case of reversible inclined moving walks, the rated speed is the rate of travel of the treadway in the up direction, measured along the centerline of the treadway surface in the direction of travel, with rated load on the tread way.
readily accessible: capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspection, without requiring those to whom ready access is a requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or resort to portable ladders, chairs, etc.
recall level: the designated or alternate level that cars are returned to when Phase I Emergency Recall Operation is activated.
records, electronic: a viewable computer-generated record or log of all items specified in the maintenance records.
recycling operation, telescope plunger: an operation for restoring the relative vertical positions of the multiple plungers in a telescoping plunger arrangement.
regulatory authority: the person or organization responsible for the administration and enforcement of the applicable legislation or regulation governing the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, or alteration of equipment covered by this Code. (See also authority having jurisdiction.)
releasing carrier, governor rope: a mechanical device to which the governor rope may be fastened, calibrated to control the activation of a safety at a predetermined tripping force.
remote machine and control rooms: rooms that do not share a common wall, floor, or ceiling with the hoistway.
repair: reconditioning or renewal of parts, components, and/or subsystems necessary to keep equipment in compliance with applicable Code requirements. (See also replacement and maintenance.)
replacement: the substitution of a device or component and/or subsystems, in its entirety, with a unit that is basically the same as the original for the purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with applicable Code requirements. (See also repair and maintenance.)
residual strength: the actual breaking strength of a suspension member at any time during its operational life cycle.
NOTE: The residual strength will be reduced as the suspension member is used and is subjected to wear.
restricted area: (applicable to Part 7) an area accessible only to authorized personnel who have been instructed in the use and operation of the equipment.
rise: the vertical distance between the bottom terminal landing and the top terminal landing of an elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift.
rise, escalator and moving walk: the vertical distance between the top and bottom landings of the escalator or moving walk.
rope, aircraft cable: a wire rope built for a special purpose having special flexibility properties, zinc-coating, high breaking strength, and antirust qualities. Designed originally for use with aircraft controls.
rope, car counterweight: wire rope used to connect the car and counterweight that does not pass over the driving means.
rope, counterweight: wire rope used to raise and lower the counterweight on an electric elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift having a winding drum machine.
rope, governor: wire rope with at least one end fastened to the safety activating means or governor rope releasing carrier, passing over and driving the governor sheave, and providing continuous information on the speed and direction of the car or counterweight.
rope, safety drum (also known as "Tail rope" and "Minne Line"): a corrosion-resistant wire rope used to connect the governor rope to the safety. Primarily used with wedge clamp safeties.
rope, suspension (hoisting): wire rope used to raise and lower an elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift car or its counterweight, or both.
rope equalizer, suspension: a device installed on an elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift car or counterweight to equalize automatically the tensions in the suspension wire ropes.
rope-fastening device, auxiliary: a device attached to the car or counterweight or to the overhead dead-end rope-hitch support that will function automatically to support the car or counterweight in case the regular wire rope fastening fails at the point of connection to the car or counterweight or at the overhead dead-end hitch.
rope sprocket drive: a driving means consisting of wire rope with fixed links at constant intervals throughout its length. The links engage in slots on a grooved drive cog to provide a positive drive force.
runby, bottom, elevator car: the distance between the car buffer striker plate and the striking surface of the car buffer when the car floor is level with the bottom terminal landing.
runby, bottom, elevator counterweight: the distance between the counterweight buffer striker plate and the striking surface of the counterweight buffer when the car floor is level with the top terminal landing.
runby, top, direct-plunger hydraulic elevator: the distance the elevator car can run above its top terminal landing before the plunger strikes its mechanical stop.
running gear, escalator: all the components of an escalator moving along the tracks.
running gear, moving walk: all the components of a moving walk moving along the tracks.
safety, car or counterweight: a mechanical device attached to the car, car frame, or to an auxiliary frame; or to the counterweight or counterweight frame; to stop and hold the car or counterweight under one or more of the following conditions: predetermined overspeed, free fall, or if the suspension ropes slacken.
safety, self-resetting: a car or counterweight safety released and reset by movement in the up direction.
safety bulkhead: a closure at the bottom of the cylinder located above the cylinder head and provided with an orifice for controlling the loss of fluid in the event of cylinder head failure.
safety integrity level (SIL): the discrete level (one out of a possible four) for specifying the safety integrity requirements of the safety functions to be allocated to the E/E/PE safety-related system, where safety integrity level 4 has the highest level of safety integrity and safety integrity level 1 has the lowest (see IEC 61508).
screw column: a vertical structural member provided with screw threads that support the car of a screw column elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift. The screw column may be either in tension or compression.
seal, adjustment: a device or means to prevent adjustment of a component that must be broken to change the adjustment. Sealing includes a method to document the date and name of the person and/or firm applying the seal or other means to acquire this information.
seismic switch: a device activated by ground movement to provide a signal that a potentially damaging earthquake is imminent.
shaft: see hoistway.
shall: indicates a mandatory requirement.
should: indicates a recommendation, not a mandatory requirement.
sight guard: a vertical member mounted on the hoistway side of the leading edge of the hoistway door. It is used to reduce the opening between the leading edges of the hoistway door and the car door.
signal device, elevator car flash: one providing a signal light in the car, that is illuminated when the car approaches the landings at which a landing signal registering device has been actuated.
signal registering device, elevator landing: a button or other device located at the elevator landing, that, when actuated by a waiting passenger, causes a stop signal to be registered in the car.
signal system, elevator separate: one consisting of buttons or other devices located at the landings, that, when actuated by a waiting passenger, illuminates a flash signal or operates an annunciator in the car indicating floors at which stops are to be made.
signal transfer device, elevator automatic: a device by means of which a signal to be registered in a car is automatically transferred to the next car following, in case the first car passes a floor for which a signal has been registered without making a stop.
signal transfer switch, elevator: a manually operated switch, located in the car, by means of which the operator can transfer a signal to the next car approaching in the same direction, when the operator desires to pass a floor at which a signal has been registered in the car.
SIL rated: electrical/electronic/programmable electronic system (E/E/PES) that is listed/certified to a safety integrity level that is in accordance with the applicable requirements of IEC 61508-2 and IEC 61508-3.
skirt panel, dynamic: the moving vertical panels, with a positive mechanical connection to the running gear, adjacent to, and moving with the steps.
slack-rope switch: a device that automatically causes the electric power to be removed from the elevator driving machine motor and brake when the suspension ropes of a winding drum machine become slack.
sleeving (liner): the insertion of a smaller diameter cylinder inside the existing cylinder of a hydraulic jack.
slope, moving walk: the angle that the centerline of the treadway makes with the horizontal.
software system failure: a behavior of the software, including its support (host) hardware, that is not in accordance with the intended function.
solid-state device: an element that can control current flow without moving parts.
speed governor: a continuously operating speed monitoring and detection device that, at predetermined speeds, provides signals to the controller and imparts a retarding force to activate the car or counterweight safety.
speed governor, escalator and moving walk: a continuously operating speed monitoring and detection device that, at predetermined speeds, provides signals to the controller to stop the escalator or moving walk.
starters control panel, elevator: an assembly of devices by means of which the starter may control the manner in which an elevator or group of elevators function.
static switching: switching of circuits by means of solid-state devices.
step band: the complete assembly formed by all of the steps and their interconnecting means.
suspension member, noncircular elastomeric-coated steel (hoisting): a noncircular suspension member, such as an elastomeric-coated steel belt constructed of encapsulated steel cords, used to raise and lower an elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift car or its counterweight or both.
sway control guide: a device attached to the car or the counterweight used to limit the sway of suspension means, compensating means, traveling cables, etc., to prevent tangling or snagging on other hoistway components.
sway control guide suspension means: tensile components that support, raise, and lower sway control guides for electric traction elevators.
tail line: the slack portion of the suspension member extending below the traction climbing driving machine.
terminal speed-limiting device, emergency: a device that automatically reduces the car and counterweight speed to within the rated buffer striking speed prior to buffer engagement.
terminal speed-reducing device, hydraulic: a device on hydraulic elevators that will reduce the speed prior to contacting the stop ring in the up direction.
terminal stopping device, emergency: a device that automatically causes the power to be removed from the driving-machine motor and brake if the car fails to slow down as intended when approaching the terminal landing.
terminal stopping device, final: a device that automatically causes the power to be removed from a driving machine motor and brake, or from a hydraulic machine, after the car has passed a terminal landing.
terminal stopping device, machine final (stop-motion switch): final terminal stopping device operated directly by the driving machine.
terminal stopping device, normal: device(s) to slow down and stop an elevator, dumbwaiter, or material lift car automatically at or near a terminal landing.
travel path: in a wind turbine tower elevator, the space defined by the projected footprint of the car, inclusive of any horizontal displacement of the car, from the bottom landing platform to the uppermost point of travel or the final limit.
traveling cable: a cable made up of electric conductors, that provides electrical connection between an elevator, dumbwaiter, material lift car, or counterweight, and a fixed outlet in the hoistway or machine room.
treadway, moving walk: the passenger-carrying member of a moving walk.
truck zone, elevator: the limited distance above an elevator landing within which the truck zoning device permits movement of the elevator car.
truck zoning device, elevator: a device that will permit the operator in the car to move a freight elevator within the truck zone with the car door or gate and a hoistway door open.
type test: a test carried out by or witnessed by a certifying organization concerned with product evaluation and the issuing of certificates to ensure conformance to Code requirements.
unintended car movement: any movement of an elevator car that is not intended car movement resulting from a component or system failure.
unlocking device, hoistway door: a mechanical device, the function of which is to unlock and permit the opening of a hoistway door from a landing irrespective of the position of the car.
unlocking zone: a zone extending from the landing floor level to a point not less than 75 mm (3 in.) nor more than 175 mm (7 in.), except not more than 450 mm (18 in.) for freight elevators with vertically sliding doors, above and below the landing.
valley break: a broken wire in a wire rope in which the outside wire of a strand breaks in the immediate vicinity of the point where it contacts a wire or wires of an adjacent strand, generally at a point not visible when the wire rope is examined externally. One end of the broken wire is long enough to reach from one valley to the next one and the other end of the broken wire generally cannot be seen.
valve, overspeed: a device installed in the pressure piping of a hydraulic elevator, between the hydraulic machine and the hydraulic jack, that restricts and ceases oil flow from the hydraulic jack through the pressure piping when such flow exceeds a preset value.
volatile memory: memory lost when operating power is removed.
waiting-passenger indicator: an indicator that shows at which landings and for which direction elevator hall stop-or-signal calls have been registered and are unanswered.
weatherproof: so constructed or protected that exposure to the weather will not interfere with successful operation.
width, moving walk: the exposed width of the treadway.
window: an assembly consisting of a surrounding frame and one or more sashes, ventilators, or fixed lights, or a combination of these, designed to be installed in a wall opening for the purpose of admitting light or air, or both.
working pressure: the pressure measured at the hydraulic machine when lifting car and its rated load at rated speed, or with Class C2 loading when leveling up with maximum static load.
yield strength: the tensile stress that is sufficient to produce a permanent deformation of 0.2%.