Extending Elevator Travel to a New Basement Stop
A five-story hotel is adding a basement fitness center. The existing geared traction elevator currently serves five stops. The owner wants to extend the hoistway down one level and add a basement stop. The contractor plans to lengthen the guide rails, install a new pit, add a landing door and lock, and modify the controller for the new stop. The existing elevator has a certificate for the current travel. The owner wants to keep the elevator running during construction and to have the basement stop operational for a soft opening in eight weeks. The contractor says the work is 'just an extension' and that the existing inspection certificate can be amended after the fact. The pit will be 4 feet 6 inches deep, and the existing buffer stroke and pit ladder will be reused.
1. Is this an alteration? What permits and plan approvals are required before work begins?
Read the worked answer
Yes. Adding a stop and extending the hoistway changes the elevator's design and operating envelope. It is an alteration, not a repair or a routine extension. A permit is required before construction begins, and the plans must show the new pit, rail extensions, landing door and lock, controller changes, and clearances. The existing certificate covers only the current travel and does not authorize the new stop. The contractor's plan to amend the certificate after the fact is not acceptable; approval and inspection must precede use.
2. What code issues should the mechanic check for the new pit and stop?
Read the worked answer
The mechanic should check the new pit depth against the adopted code for the required buffer stroke and refuge. Reusing the existing buffer and ladder is acceptable only if they still meet the code for the new travel and pit dimensions; a 4-foot-6-inch pit may not provide the required buffer stroke or clearance. The pit must have required lighting, a stop switch, and a ladder. The new landing door needs an approved lock and emergency unlocking. The guide-rail extensions, hoistway clearances, and controller changes for the new stop must be designed and approved. The mechanic should also verify firefighter's service and leveling for the new landing.
3. What acceptance tests and certification steps are needed before the basement stop can be used?
Read the worked answer
The AHJ must inspect the altered equipment and witness acceptance tests, including door lock and emergency unlocking, leveling at the new stop, buffer operation, pit stop switch, and firefighter's service. The certificate of inspection must be revised to show the new travel and stop before the elevator is used. The mechanic should not allow the soft opening to proceed until the revised certificate is issued. If any test fails, the unit should remain out of service until corrected and reinspected.