Subchapter B. PASSENGER ELEVATORS
GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
7.51. Shaftway construction.
7.52. Shaftway equipment.
7.53. Shaftway clearances.
7.54. Landing doors and locking devices.
7.55. Machinery.
7.56. Cables.
7.57. Elevator cars.
7.58. Capacity.
7.59. Safety equipment.
7.60. Motive power.
7.61. Control apparatus.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
7.71. Conflicts.
7.72. Electric passenger elevators.
7.73. Automatic control passenger elevators.
7.74. Dual control passenger elevators.
7.75. Double-button control passenger elevators.
7.76. Hydraulic passenger elevators.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
§ 7.51. Shaftway construction.
(a) General. New and existing shaftways of passenger elevators shall conform to the following:
(1) New shaftways. The shaftways of new passenger elevators in buildings over two stories in height shall be enclosed by continuous walls of fire-resistive construction, except when overhead loads are carried on a steel or angle iron tower or by the structural parts of the building, in which case fire-resistive curtain walls may be provided in lieu thereof. There shall be no openings other than those for fire-resistive doors, windows, or skylights. When basement machines are installed, and when the openings in the shaftway walls for cables or sheaves exceed ten square feet, the machine rooms shall be constructed of fire-resistive materials. When fire-resistive construction is not required, the shaftways of passenger elevators shall be enclosed with a solid or substantial grille or latticework on all sides to ceiling height, except space required for landing doors. The open spaces in such grille or latticework shall be such that a ball two inches in diameter will not pass, and the wire or material used shall not be less than No. 10 standard steel wire gauge (.135 inch). When bordering on counterweight runways, or when moving parts are within four inches of such enclosures, the open spaces shall be such that a ball 3/8 inch in diameter will not pass. Machine room doors shall be locked at all times, except when repairs are being made or when the machinery is being inspected or serviced. Oil-electric pump units installed in basement areas do not require a machine room if the controller is enclosed in a fire-resistive cabinet equipped with a lock and the pumping unit is properly guarded.
(2) Existing shaftways. The shaftways of existing passenger elevators are not required to be of fire-resistive construction unless, in the judgment of the Department, such construction is essential for the protection of the occupants of the buildings in which such elevators are located. When such existing enclosures are composed of grille or metalwork of open construction which does not extend to full height from floor to ceiling, the owner may be required to continue such enclosures to the full height on the open side or sides of the car and on such other sides where hazards exist, such as stairways and similar conditions. All portions of enclosures within four inches of moving parts shall be further protected by wire screen of not more than 3/8 inch mesh to a height of not less than six feet from the floor and to a distance of at least six inches to the right and left of such moving parts.
(b) Overhead loads. Overhead loads shall conform to section 105 of the ANSI A17.1-1971 Code, Rules 105.1 through 105.5 inclusive and all subsequent amendments thereto. Overhead loads supported by bearing walls shall conform to the following:
Material Ultimate Tensile Strength
(in pounds per square inch)Medium steel 60,000 Cast iron 16,000 Ash 9,000 Yellow pine 9,000
(1) When overhead loads are carried by bearing walls of brick, concrete, or other approved materials and are erected independently of walls carrying building loads or resisting stresses or when independent shaftway and building walls jointly carry loads, they shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the values governing safe bearing loads as follows:Safe Bearing Loads
Brick Work
Type of
MotorPounds per Square Inch Lime 100 Portland cement 200 Rosendale cement 150 Masonry Material Pounds per Square Inch Granite, capstone 700 Stonework, squared 350 Sandstone, capstone 350 Stonework, squared 175 Rubble stonework in lime mortar 80 Rubble stonework in cement mortar 150 Limestone, capstone 500 Squared stonework 250 Rubble, in lime mortar 80 Rubble, in cement mortar 150 Concrete (one Portland, two sand, five broken stone) 150 Foundation Soils Material Tons per Square Foot Hard rock in native bed 100 Rock equal to ashlar masonry 25—40 Rock equal to best brick 15—120 Clay beds, dry and thick 4—6 Clay beds, moderately dry and thick 2—4 Clay beds, soft 1—2 Gravel and coarse sand, well cemented 8—10 Sand, well cemented and compact 4—6 Sand, clean and dry 2—4 Quicksand, alluvial soils, etc. 0.5—1 (2) Existing shaftway construction is acceptable if, in the judgment of the Department, such shaftways properly protect the occupants of buildings in which they are located and conform in other respects to safe practices.
(c) Contiguous shaftways. If passenger elevator shaftways are contiguous and are required to be of fire-resistive construction, it is not necessary to erect walls between such shaftways.
(d) Windows. As regards new installations, windows in the outside walls of buildings opening into passenger elevator shaftways shall be constructed of fire-resistive materials. In all cases, windows shall be set in fixed sash. Elevator shaftway windows located within the first seven stories above a street or within four stories of the roof of an adjacent building shall be fitted with approved metal bars or rods at least 5/8 inch in diameter not more than 10 inches apart except when inside window protection is provided in accordance with subsection (e). When, in the judgment of the Department, outside window guards are necessary on existing installations, they shall be provided.
(e) Other recesses. Recesses other than for windows or recesses other than necessary for installation of elevator equipment shall not be permitted. Beams, floor slabs or other building construction shall not project more than 4 inches inside the general line of the hoistway unless the top surface of the projection is beveled at an angle of not less than 75° with the horizontal. When setbacks occur in the enclosure wall, the top of the setback shall be beveled at an angle of not less than 75° with the horizontal. Separator beams between adjacent elevators are not required to have bevels. The following shall also apply:
(1) New installations. All recesses or offsets in shaftways of fireproof construction, except door lintels in the enclosing walls on the open sides of the car, shall be protected by substantial curtain walls, grating or vertical bars set on a flush line with the interior walls of the shaftway, the distance between the vertical members not to exceed two inches. Such grating or bars shall be of metal. No part of the curtain walls, grating or bars shall be more than 3 inches from the car platform on any open side of the car. When the distance between the edge of the car top and rear shaftway wall exceeds 18 inches, a protective railing shall be installed the width of the car.
(2) Existing installations. When the distance from car sill to shaftway wall on any open side of a car exceeds 7 inches, curtain walls, fascia plates, vertical metal bars spaced not more than 2 inches, or a substantial metal grill of not more than 2 inch mesh shall be provided, unless the car gate on that side is equipped with an approved interlock. When the clearance exceeds 15 inches, the car door shall be solid and equipped with an approved interlock or the shaftway constructed as specified.
(f) Shaftways shorter than buildings. Passenger elevator shaftways which are required to be of fire-resistive construction and which do not extend to the entire height of the building shall be protected with a fire-resistive, unpierced covering.
(g) Skylights and ventilators. Skylights and ventilators are permitted in passenger elevator shaftways if the walls of the shaftway are continued to a point not less than 3 feet above the level of the roof. Skylights and glass ventilators shall be of wire glass not less than 1/4 inch in thickness.
(h) Penthouses. In new installations, where penthouses are provided over fire-resistive passenger elevator shaftways, such penthouses shall be constructed of approved fire-resistive materials with a permanent means of entrance provided from the roof level. Penthouse doors shall be locked at all times, except when repairs are being made or when the machinery is being inspected or serviced. Penthouses shall not have less than a clear inside height of 6 feet and shall permit free access to all parts of machinery and apparatus therein. In existing structures, fire-resistive penthouses are not required unless conditions necessitate such construction. Access to all penthouses, overhead machinery and machine rooms shall be provided by means other than through the shaftway.
(i) Depth of shaftways. Shaftways and counterweight runways of elevators serving the street levels shall extend to the pit floor of the lowest cellar or basement, and the bottom of the shaftway shall be covered with concrete or other approved fire-resistive material to a thickness of at least 4 inches. When the space below the shaftway is used for a passageway, is occupied by persons, or, if unoccupied, is not secured against unauthorized access, the cars and counterweights shall be provided with governor-operated safeties, except that safeties operated as a result of the breaking of the suspension means may be used for dumbwaiters. Also, car and counterweight-buffer supports shall be of sufficient strength to withstand without failure the impact resulting from buffer engagement at governor-tripping speed or at 125% of rated speed when no governor is provided.
(j) Shaftways used as thoroughfares. No elevator shaftway shall be used as a thoroughfare when the elevator is above or below the landing or when the elevator is at the landing, except upon special permission of the Department. Existing shaftways used as thoroughfares may be required to be removed or reerected in new locations or their use as thoroughfares abandoned.
Source The provisions of this § 7.51 amended June 11, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 2278. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (8057).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.55 (relating to machinery); 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); 34 Pa. Code § 7.141 (relating to hoistway enclosure); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.181 (relating to hoistway enclosure).
§ 7.52. Shaftway equipment.
(a) Bumpers. Bumpers shall be installed pursuant to the following:
(1) Passenger elevators shall be provided with spring, air, or oil bumpers or other devices which reduce the velocity of the car at the maximum rate of 64.4 feet per second with an equivalent load of one person, descending at full speed. Spring, air or oil bumpers or their equivalent shall be used in connection with a car speed not exceeding 250 feet per minute. Oil bumpers or their equivalent shall be used in connection with a car speed in excess of 250 feet per minute. Gauges shall be provided to indicate the amount of oil in oil bumpers. All bumpers shall be so located as to strike the center sill or girder of the elevator car. Bumpers shall be tested by running the car into them with rated load in the car and with a minimum load of 150 pounds in the car at a car speed of not more than 115% of rated speed.
(2) Adequate pit and buffer protection shall be provided in the bottom of existing passenger elevator shaftways, especially when the car speed exceeds 100 feet per minute and when gradually-applied car safeties are used.
(3) If reduced stroke oil bumpers conforming to ANSI A171.1-1971, are permitted, they shall be tested in accordance with paragraph (4).
(4) If reduced stroke oil bumpers are permitted and where an emergency terminal speed limiting device conforming to the requirements of ANSI A17.1-1971 is installed which will limit the speed at which the car or counterweight can strike its bumper, the bumpers shall be tested by running the car into them with rated load in the car and with a minimum load of 150 pounds in the car at a car speed of not more than 115% of the predetermined reduced speed.
(5) Bumpers shall be provided for counterweights under the same conditions as required for cars.
(b) Openings in pit bottoms. There shall be no openings in the pit bottoms of new shaftways, except those necessary for wires or cables used in the operation of the elevator mechanism or for drainage. Doors may be installed to provide access into elevator pits but they shall be kept locked with the key in the permanent possession of a responsible person. In pits over five feet in depth a permanent metal ladder shall be installed to provide access from the lowest landing entrance, except when an access door to the pit is provided. In existing shaftways, such openings shall be eliminated when, in the judgment of the Department, such action is necessary.
(c) Overhead protecting platforms. A substantial iron working platform capable of sustaining a live load of not less than 50 pounds to the square foot shall be securely fastened underneath the overhead machinery of all passenger elevators, except when a reinforced concrete roof or ceiling is located beneath such machinery. The greatest dimensions of the open spaces in such a platform shall not be more than one inch, except the necessary open spaces for cables. Platforms shall cover the entire area of the shaftway, except when such area exceeds 100 square feet, in which case the platforms may be provided under that portion of the shaftway occupied by machinery, including vibrating, deflecting, and secondary sheaves. The platforms, however, shall be large enough to provide a working space of at least two feet beyond the edge of the machinery. In such cases standard railings and toeboards shall be provided. If doors are placed in platforms, they shall be accessible from the top of the car and hinged so they open upwards and self-close automatically. Underslung elevators constructed so that no elevator overhead sheaves, hitches, governors or other elevator equipment occurs directly over the car may be erected without an overhead working platform, provided the governor is made easily accessible from some point other than through the shaftway. Existing installations shall also be provided with platforms, except that the concessions granted for shaftway areas in excess of 100 square feet will, for existing installations, be granted for shaftway areas in excess of 80 square feet. Existing platforms may remain in position when, in the judgment of the Department, they are sufficiently strong.
(d) Counterweights. Counterweight runways shall be located in the elevator shaftway and the exposed sides of such runways shall be provided with solid metal guards to a height of not less than 7 feet from the bottom of the pit. A shorter guard elevated to the required height of 7 feet may be used, but in such cases the clearance between the bottom of the pit and the lowest point of the guard shall not exceed 12 inches. When winding drum machines are used, there shall be a permanent substantial beam or bar at the top of the counterweight sheaves to prevent the counterweights from being drawn into the sheaves. When compensating chains or cables are used from the car to the counterweights, the guarding at the bottom of the shaftway may be eliminated. When independent car counterweights are used, they shall be so proportioned as not to cause the slackening of any cables during the starting or stopping of the elevator car. In new installations, counterweights shall operate within the shaftway in guides, and their various sections shall be securely fastened together by thru-bolts, be secured in position by nuts, locknuts and cotter pins. In existing installations, counterweights shall operate in guides or in substantial boxing, the interior surfaces of which shall be flush. However, tie rods are not required where evidence is submitted to the Board indicating alternate, adequate means are provided to retain weight sections in place if they become broken.
(e) Guide rails. Guide rails for powerdriven passenger elevator cars and counterweights shall be constructed of iron or steel. The lower ends of guide rails shall have securely anchored footings and be secured to the walls or structural members of the building, and where the intervals between the points of support are in excess of 13 feet, such guide rails shall be suitably reinforced with steel. Car guide rails shall have a uniform weight of not less than seven pounds per lineal foot. For passenger elevators of 1,200 pounds capacity or less, car and counterweight guide rails, constructed of iron or steel having a uniform weight of seven pounds per lineal foot, may be used, if the intervals between the points of support are not in excess of 10 feet. In existing structures, guide rails may remain in position, if they are substantial and of suitable proportions for the car speed, load, and travel, and the proper functioning of the car safeties. Guide rails for cars and counterweights shall be permanently and securely fastened in position. However, guide rails other than conventional shape may be used on hydraulic elevators provided they meet the design criteria of the ANSI A17.1 Code.
(f) Beveled plates. On sides where there are car openings and where no leveling or floor-finding devices are used, substantial beveled plates of metal or of wood with metal facing, except as provided in this section, shall be located under all thresholds, beams, and other fixed construction projecting into the shaftway beyond its flush line. Beveled plates shall extend from the edge of the projection to the wall or to a point at least four inches horizontally from the edge of the car; the beveled surfaces shall have an angle of not less than 60° with the horizontal. An angle of 75° is preferred. In lieu of plates, the beveled surfaces may be of concrete, troweled to a smooth finish. When leveling or floor-finding devices are used, the shaftways shall be made flush, and aprons shall be provided under the car which exceed the length of the leveling range.
Source The provisions of this § 7.273 amended through September 23, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2696. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (31539) through (31541).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); 34 Pa. Code § 7.146 (relating to counterweights); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.186 (relating to counterweights).
§ 7.53. Shaftway clearances.
(a) General. Passenger elevators, except hydraulic plunger elevators, shall be so constructed that the minimum clearance between the highest point of the elevator car, the top of the crosshead, and any overhead construction when the car platform is flush with the upper terminal landing and that the minimum clearance between the lowest point of the elevator car and the bottom of the shaftway or the top of any construction contained in such shaftway when the elevator car is at the lower terminal landing shall conform to the following:
(1) Shaftway clearances as provided in sections 106 and 107 of the ANSI (A17.1-1971).
(2) In existing installations, shaftway clearances and over travel may be accepted, except when insufficient for the safety of repairmen, oilers, and inspectors, subject to change at the discretion of the Department.
(b) Plunger elevators. Shaftway clearances for plunger elevators shall comply with the following:
(1) New installations. Plunger hydraulic and plunger hydro-steam elevators shall be so constructed that the minimum clearance between the lowest point of any overhead construction and the top of the crosshead shall be two feet when the car platform has reached its highest limit of travel. The installation of plungers longer than necessary for present travel is prohibited unless the plunger is provided with a positive mechanical stop which would be adequate to absorb the maximum impact load. The clearance at the bottom, however, shall be the same as for electric passenger elevators, with an overrun of not less than six inches.
(2) Existing installations. Shaftway clearances and overhead travel may be accepted, except when, in the judgment of the Department, changes are necessary for the safety of repairmen, oilers, or inspectors.
(c) Clearance between car and sill. The clearance between the elevator car sill and the landing sill shall not be less than 1/2 inch nor more than 1 1/2 inches.
Source The provisions of this § 7.53 amended September 23, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2696. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (31542).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.274 (relating to shaftway clearances).
§ 7.54. Landing doors and locking devices.
(a) General. The shaftways of passenger elevators shall be equipped with landing doors. The main or lowest landing door of all elevators except automatic control, dual control, or double-button control elevators shall be provided with a removable service key by which the door may be opened when the car is at that landing. Doors at the lowest level and next to the lowest level of elevators located in adjacent or multiple shaftways in new installations except as noted in subsection (e) of this section, shall be equipped in such a manner that they may be opened, regardless of the location of the car, with a formed emergency key located under glass in the entryway or corridor on the lowest floor. Such elevators may have all landing doors so equipped. If an elevator is installed in a single shaftway, the emergency key shall open all shaftway doors. This rule also applies to existing installations when new landing doors are installed. A notice shall be placed on or over the enclosure for the key, to the effect that the key is not to be used except in case of emergency.
(b) Landing doors. The landing doors of passenger elevators shall conform to the following:
(1) Position. The landing doors of all passenger elevators shall have the inner side set as near flush with the interior walls of the shaftway as is con sistent with the proper operation of such doors.
(2) Doors. Swinging doors may be used at the shaftway entrances of automatic control elevators. Landing doors of the butterfly, or folding, and slide-swing types are permissible. The swinging panel arrangement shall be used only for emergency loads and not for passenger traffic. Biparting or vertical operating doors are not permitted on passenger elevators used exclusively for passenger service but may be installed on combination passenger and freight elevators as provided in § 7.37(d) (relating to combination elevators). Landing doors shall be at least 6 feet, 6 inches in height and shall be so constructed that when opened the opening does not have a width in excess of the opening of the elevator car, when the elevator car door or gate is in an open position.
(3) Construction of entrances. Landing entrances shall be securely attached to the walls of the shaftway and constructed of approved fire-resistive materials. Each door panel of such entrances shall be constructed to withstand a constant force of 250 pounds applied at right angles to, and approximately at the center of, the door panel without causing the door to be displaced, break, or be permanently deformed. When fireproof shaftway construction is required the door panels shall be of approved 1 1/2 hour fire-resistive construction, and shall bear certification to this effect from a recognized official testing laboratory. Such door panels shall be self-closing and kept normally closed. When transom panels are installed, they shall be of the same construction as the door panels. Where biparting or vertically opening doors are permitted, such entrances shall have a one hour certified fire-resistive test rating.
(4) New doors. New doors shall be provided if interlocks cannot be fitted to existing doors or if doors are in such condition as to prohibit the necessary changes or repairs being made. Existing hollow metal doors of existing shaftways meeting the intent of this provision may be reused upon approval by the Department.
(c) Operation—sliding doors. When horizontal sliding or rolling doors are used at the shaftway entrances of passenger elevators, they may be opened but shall not be closed by independent power, except when the mechanism employed has been approved by the Board. In such cases means shall be provided to permit the manual operation of the landing doors and car doors or gates from within the car in the event of failure of power. Kinetic energy and force limitations for power door operators used with horizontally sliding hoistway doors and horizontally sliding car tops or gates shall comply with Rule 112.4 of the ASA A17.1-1960.
(d) Locking devices. Elevators, except water or steam hydraulic passenger and freight elevators that are now in use or that may hereafter be constructed for the carriage of passengers, shall have placed on them or attached to them an automatic locking device, subject to the following:
(1) Locking devices shall be of the mechanical or electro-mechanical type, designed and constructed so as to secure the elevator car in the stop position or place the power of controlling the elevator beyond the control of the attendant while any gate or door at the landing which is used for entrance to the car is open and unsecured.
(2) The shaftway doors of hydraulic elevators shall be provided with an approved electro-mechanical locking device. On maintained-pressure hydraulic elevators it shall operate in conjunction with an approved, normally closed, electrical valve operating system.
(3) Locking devices shall be approved before use. No locking device of any kind other than an approved type is permitted on any hoistway door.
(4) Locking devices shall be such that they are not affected by ordinary deviation from true alignment of either the car or the landing doors and shall not project into the shaftway to such an extent as to create a hazard.
(5) On elevators installed subsequent to December 15, 1924, the operation of locking devices shall not cause the unlocking of the landing door as the car passes the landings with the controller in the ‘‘on’’ position.
(6) Each locking device installed in this Commonwealth shall be stamped or otherwise have irremovably placed thereon a type or model number which shall correspond to the type model number listed with the Department when such device was approved, and no change shall be made in the design of approved locking devices unless the Board is notified and agrees to such change.
(7) Interlocks using hoistway door-closer arms as a door-locking device shall conform to the following:
(i) Interlocks shall be so designed, installed, and adjusted that the making of the electric contact to permit operation of the driving machine will occur only when the door arms are in such a position as to prevent the manual opening of a closed hoistway door, from the landing side, except with a formed emergency key.
(ii) During the door-closing operation, means shall be provided for a substantial latitude in the relation between the mechanical lock of the door-closer arms, and the making of the electric contact, by auxiliary means, either by overtravel of door arms below horizontal, or other comparably approved means to prevent misadjustment and to provide adequate contact wiping action, satisfactory contact pressure, and reliable operation.
(iii) The design shall be such that the relationship between the locked position of the door arms and the making of the electric contact may not be readily misadjusted or changed, and will maintain proper adjustment between the mechanical lock and electric contact.
(iv) Interlocks using door-closer arms as a mechanical locking device are not permitted.
(v) Interlocks not conforming with these requirements may be submitted to the Board for special approval.
(8) When springs are used in locking devices to create and maintain a condition of safety, they shall be of such strength as to insure against a hazardous condition through breakage or misplacement.
(9) If the locking device is so constructed that it prevents the operation of the car due to the opening of any shaftway door or car gate other than the one at which the car may be standing, there may be an approved emergency release switch located in the car. Such emergency release, if furnished, shall be under glass cover. When actuated, such device will permit the operation of the car without regard to the position of the doors. Such a release shall be so constructed and installed that in order to allow the car to be moved in the event of emergency, it will be necessary to break the glass and hold the release in the operating position. The design of this device shall be such that it cannot be tampered with or plugged in the operating position. Its use shall be confined only to emergencies and a sign to this effect together with instructions for the proper use of the device shall be posted adjacent thereto. Inching buttons may, however, be used for the operation of elevators at creeping speed with landing door open provided such inching buttons will move the car only in a direction towards the landing, and are limited to a zone nine inches above or below the landing. Emergency release switches shall not be used on any elevators controlled from a landing. An emergency release switch is intended to release both car gates and landing doors.
(e) Emergency entrances. Each elevator operating in a single blind shaftway shall have emergency entrances provided in the blind portion of the shaftway. Such emergency entrances shall be provided at every third floor, but not over 36 feet apart, to permit access to the elevator in the blind portion of the shaftway. Such emergency entrances shall be at least 30 inches wide, 48 inches high, easily accessible, and free from obstructions. Such doors shall also be provided with a contact and a lock approved for the purpose. The special key used to operate such locks from the corridor side shall open all emergency entrances and shall be kept behind a break glass cover in the entry way or corridor at the main or street floor, and marked for emergency entrances in the blind shaftway.
Source The provisions of this § 7.54 amended through September 23, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2696. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (31543) through (31545), (8067), and (17297).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.17 (relating to prohibited installations); 34 Pa. Code § 7.37 (relating to combination elevators); 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); 34 Pa. Code § 7.149 (relating to hoistway doors); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.189 (relating to hoistway doors).
§ 7.55. Machinery.
(a) In new installations, overhead machinery for passenger elevators shall be securely fastened or cleated to its supports to prevent movement. Overhead bearings shall be placed on the tops of the beams or structural parts to which they may be secured, except that those for idler sheaves, may be placed below the beams, if the parts of the bearings in tension are composed of steel or wrought iron. Such bearings and supports shall possess a strength as specified in § 7.51 (relating to shaftway construction). In existing installations, the Department may, when it deems necessary, require that overhead machinery be relocated or so changed as to conform to safe practices.
(b) No new machinery may be located directly under the elevator shaftway. Existing machinery may remain in such a place, if there is sufficient pit depth, buffer support, and no other hazards involved, and subject to approval by the Board.
(c) Set screw fastenings shall not be used in lieu of keys in the construction or installation of hoisting and car safety mechanisms, except in new installations when the device has been approved by the Department. Cleats are not required when the ropes lead perpendicularly from both sides of the driving shaft.
(d) The operation of elevators by friction gearing or clutch mechanisms is prohibited when such mechanisms form the primary means for the transmission of the power required to operate elevators at normal speeds.
Source The provisions of this § 7.55 amended September 23, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2696. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (17297) and (8069).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
§ 7.56. Cables.
(a) At least three hoisting cables shall be used on all traction-type passenger elevators not already in use.
(b) Hoisting and counterweight cables shall be composed of iron or steel of high quality. The minimum diameter for any cable shall be 1/2 inch. When different diameters of cables from those given in subsection (c) are necessary, the strength of such cables shall be computed in the same ratio as shown in that subsection. When the material of existing hoisting and counterweight cables is unknown such cables shall be assumed to be of iron and the lifting capacity of the installation rated accordingly.
(c) No hoist or counterweight cable shall be stressed beyond a factor of safety as follows:
Cable Speed
(in feet per minute)Factor of Safety 50 7.60 100 7.95 150 8.25 200 8.60 250 8.90 300 9.20 350 9.50 400 9.75 450 10.00 500 10.25 600 10.70 700 11.00 800 11.25 900 11.45 1000 11.55 1200 11.80 1400 11.90 1500 11.90 (d) Only approved types of cable fastenings shall be used.
(e) Where cables pass through the floors on the outside of shaftway enclosures, solid enclosures or standard metal guards shall be provided to a height of at least six feet.
(f) In new installations, the diameters of drums and sheaves shall be at least 40 times the diameter of the cables used. In existing installations, the drums and sheave diameters may be accepted if changes are not considered necessary by the Department.
(g) There shall be at least two wraps of the hoisting and counterweight cables on the drums of passenger elevators of the winding drum type when ei ther the car or counterweights are at the limits of travel. The ends of the cables shall be clamped on the inside of the drum.
(h) Cables shall be provided with a means for equalizing. Drum-type elevators shall be provided with eveners. On existing installations the requirement for cable equalizers need not be complied with until the next cable renewal. Such equalizers shall be fastened in position with a nut, locknut, and cotter pin. Coil or helical springs, when used, shall be of a design which does not permit full compression under normal load. The ropes of the car and drum counterweights of power-driven elevators having drum type driving machines shall be reshackled every 2 years, except when auxiliary rope fastening devices are installed. Reshackling is required when the auxiliary rope fastener indicates failure of any rope fastening. Crosby clips and heart shackles shall be included, two to one roped under slung drum elevators are exempted. A metal tag shall be placed on the rope to show the reshackling date and the person who performed the work.
(i) A metal data tag shall be securely attached to one of the wire rope fastenings. A new tag shall be installed at each rope renewal. A data tag shall bear the following data:
(1) The diameter in inches.
(2) The breaking strength, as rated by the manufacturer.
(3) The grade of material used.
(4) The month and year the ropes were installed.
(5) Whether nonperformed or performed.
(6) The construction classification.
(7) The name of the person or firm who installed ropes.
(8) The name of the manufacturer of the rope.
Source The provisions of this § 7.56 amended through June 28, 1967.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.36 (relating to data plates and numbering); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
§ 7.57. Elevator cars.
(a) Elevator cars shall be constructed according to the following:
(1) Existing installations. Passenger elevator cars shall be completely enclosed, except at the door or gate openings. The tops and sides of such elevator cars may be of grillework or other open construction, if the places opposite moving parts which are within 4 inches of the car are covered with a wire screen having a mesh of not more than 3/8 inch to a height of at least 6 feet.
(2) New installations. The cars of passenger elevators shall be enclosed, except at door or gate openings. Such enclosures shall be of solid construction, to a height of not less than 6 feet above the car floor. Above the solid panel and extending to the top frame of the car, open work may be used, if the spacing between the members does not exceed 1 inch. That portion of the car enclosure bordering on the counterweight runways shall be of solid construction to its full height, or of wire mesh not less than No. 10 standard steel wire gauge or .135 inch diameter. Expanded metal, when used, shall not be less than No. 18 U.S. gauge or .05 inch in size, which will reject a ball 3/8 inch in diameter. Car frames shall be constructed of wrought iron or steel. The tops of passenger elevator cars shall be constructed to sustain a concentrated load of 150 pounds at any point. Any material used for insulating, padding, sound-deadening, decorative purposes, or any material used for light diffusion in passenger elevator cars shall conform to Rule 204.2, Subparagraph 2 including exception of ANSI A17.1-1971.
(b) Car openings shall conform to the following:
(1) The cars of passenger elevators shall not have door or gate openings on more than two sides. Such openings shall have sliding or rolling doors or collapsing gates. When collapsing gates are used, the openings in the fully expanded gates shall not exceed 3 inches.
(2) Doors or gates shall be equipped with an electrical or mechanical device so constructed and installed that the car will be immovable when the doors or gates are open.
(3) When collapsible car gates on automatic or double-button-controlled passenger elevators are opened by power, approved curtains or other approved devices shall be provided. Curtains are required only on power-operated collapsible car gates when the opening movement of the gate is sufficient to cause a shearing hazard. When curtains are used they shall be at least 4 feet in height and extend from approximately 1 foot of the car platform to 5 feet from the car platform.
(4) When self-leveling or floor-finding devices are installed on elevators, the car gate may be open while the elevator is leveling without interference with the operating circuit, if the shaftway is flush and the car is provided with an apron which exceeds the length of the leveling zone.
(5) When the requirements of this rule are not met on existing elevators the continued use of such elevators is subject to the approval of the Board.
(c) Emergency exits for elevator cars shall be provided as follows:
(1) The cars of passenger elevators shall have trapdoors located in the top enclosure of such size as to afford an easy means of egress for passengers. Such exits shall not contain fans or light fixtures. Such trap doors shall be installed so that they may be opened from the outside of the car enclosure only.
(2) When two or more cars operate in contiguous shaftways, and the distance between car platforms does not exceed 2 feet 6 inches, and when there are no intervening shaftway partitions, counterweights, or any fixed obstructions between the car, additional means of egress shall be provided in the sides of the cars. If such elevators are not permitted to have side exits, each elevator shall be treated as though it were in a single shaftway. Plunger oil hydraulic elevators are excluded, provided that all shaftway doors are equipped with emergency key-ways.
(3) Side exits shall be located so that they are not obstructed by car frame members, and, if possible, traveling cables and other hoistway equipment shall not be located in line with or so as to obstruct the exit. Exits from adjacent cars shall be directly opposite each other to allow easy transfer of passengers. Such exit doors shall be installed so that they may be opened from the inside and the outside of the car enclosure.
(4) Emergency trap doors and side exits shall be equipped with electric contacts to prevent the operation of the car when the panel or trap door is opened or removed.
(5) The cars of existing passenger elevators shall have trapdoors located in the top enclosure of such size to afford an easy means of egress for passengers. When two or more cars are operated in contiguous shaftways, additional means of egress may be provided in the sides of the cars.
(d) When double-deck elevators are installed, operating, emergency, and door safety equipment shall be installed in each cab or compartment in accordance with this chapter.
(e) No device shall be installed in elevator cars for the purpose of operating car doors or gates unless approved by the Board.
Source The provisions of this § 7.57 amended through January 27, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 251. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (8072).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
§ 7.58. Capacity.
(a) Net platform area shall not exceed the area given in the following table for various lifting capacities of passenger elevators. Intermediate capacities not listed shall have their maximum area interpolated from the ratings given:
Lifting Capacity Maximum Net Area
(in square feet)500 7.00 600 8.30 700 9.60 1000 13.25 1200 15.60 1500 18.90 1800 22.10 2000 24.20 2500 29.10 3000 33.70 3500 38.00 4000 42.20 4500 46.20 5000 50.00 6000 57.70 7000 65.30 8000 72.90 9000 80.50 10000 88.00 12000 103.00 15000 125.10 18000 146.90 20000 161.20 25000 196.50 30000 231.00 (b) The lifting capacity of an existing elevator shall be equal to a live load of not less than 75 pounds per square foot of floor area of the elevator car; 50 pounds per square foot may be accepted when elevators are located in hospitals and special permission is secured from the Department. The number of passengers permitted to ride on a passenger elevator at any one time is based on a ratio of one passenger to 2 square feet of floor area. Such rating shall be designated on the data plate posted in the car.
Source The provisions of this § 7.58 amended September 23, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2696. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (8074).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
§ 7.59. Safety equipment.
(a) Slack cable device. A slack cable device shall be used in connection with all passenger elevators of the winding drum type, which will automatically shut off the power, apply the brake, and stop the machinery, in case the car is obstructed in its descent. The device shall be so designed and installed that, after functioning, the mere resetting of the device shall not be sufficient to move the elevator car unless the operator is in the car and starts it in the regular manner.
(b) Limit switches and terminal stops. Normal terminal stopping devices for electric traction elevators may be located on the car or in the hatchway or in the machine room and shall be operated by the movement of the car. Electric passenger elevators shall be provided with top and bottom final limit switches so connected that the functioning of either switch will automatically shut off the power, apply the brake, and prevent the operation of the elevator in either direction until necessary adjustments are made to again place the elevator in operation. Such switches shall be in addition to directional switches. Limit switches may be located in the shaftway with a cam on the car or on the car with cams in the shaftway. When necessary because of flood conditions, lower shaftway limit switches may be actuated by the counterweight at the top of the shaftway. Cams actuating limit switches shall be composed of metal. Automatic terminal stops shall be provided on the machines of power-driven passenger elevators of the winding drum type, such devices to operate independently of the car-controlling mechanism.
(c) Brake. All passenger elevators, except hydraulic, shall be equipped with an effective magnet release brake which is automatically applied when the controlling mechanism of the car is in a stop position. The brake magnet shall be so installed that its action is not retarded by any motor field discharge or counter electro-motive force or by any single ground or accidental short circuit. When direct current elevator motors derive current from an alternating current power source through a nonrotating rectifying unit, means shall be provided to absorb a sufficient amount of energy regenerated by the motors under overhauling load conditions to prevent any elevator from attaining at any time, or under any conditions of load, more than 120% of the contract speed of the elevator. When a single rectifier is installed to supply power for a number of elevators, or elevators in conjunction with other electrical equipment in the building, separate means for absorbing the generated power shall be installed for each elevator and other equipment in the building shall not be depended upon for the absorption of this power.
(d) Car safeties. Passenger elevators shall be provided with car safeties as follows:
(1) All passenger elevator cars suspended from cables shall be provided with safeties, located under the car floors. Such safeties shall be capable of stopping or holding the elevator car at any point of its travel.
(2) Passenger elevators having a speed of 100 or less feet per minute shall be provided with car safeties actuated by a centrifugal speed governor, except when the car travel does not exceed 20 feet, in which case car safeties of the spring grip or broken rope type may be used.
(3) When the speed is in excess of 100 feet per minute, regardless of car travel, the car shall be provided with car safeties of the friction clamp or other approved type, actuated by a centrifugal speed governor in such a manner as to bring the elevator car to a gradual stop within a distance of approximately eight feet.
(4) A rack and pawl is not acceptable as a car safety device.
(5) Governor cables shall be iron or steel, monel metal, phosphor bronze or equivalent and shall be not less than 3/8 inch in diameter. Tiller rope construction shall not be used for governor cables except that it may be used for the portion of the cable wound on the safety drum.
(6) The size, material, and construction of the governor rope, and the proper tripping speed of the governor, shall be stamped on the governor stand or on a brass plate attached to it in letters not less than 1/4 inch in height.
(7) Friction-type governors without cable clamp dogs may not be used.
(e) Counterweights. When counterweights in an existing installation operate in the elevator shaftway they shall be guarded in accordance with the requirements for new installations. When counterweights do not operate in an elevator shaftway they shall be entirely enclosed on all sides.
(f) Shaftway doors. Shaftway doors providing entrance to air cushions shall be of the gravity type, with inside latches; and, at the lower terminal landings, shall be provided with emergency exits. The plates of such emergency exits shall be thoroughly braced.
Source The provisions of this § 7.59 amended July 22, 1971, 1 Pa.B. 1651.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
§ 7.60. Motive power.
The motive power of all passenger elevators shall be one of the following types:
(1) Direct connected electric, either drum or traction.
(2) Hydraulic plunger.
(3) Horizontal or vertical cylinder.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
§ 7.61. Control apparatus.
(a) New passenger elevators having a car speed in excess of 150 feet per minute, except hydraulic and automatic control-type elevators, shall be controlled by electric car switches. Passenger elevators having a car speed less than 150 feet per minute, except the automatic control type, may be operated either by hand wheels, levers, or electric car switches.
(b) Existing types of control apparatus shall be subject to change, at the discretion of the Department, when deemed necessary for safe operation.
(c) Electric car control switches shall be so designed and installed that, upon the removal of the hand of the operator, the switch handles automatically return to center in a locked position. When electric elevators are operated by lever or wheel, such low voltage and no voltage protection shall be installed and connected so that the elevator car does not restart upon the restoration of voltage or service until the elevator operator has first returned the controlling mechanism to the off position.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
§ 7.71. Conflicts.
In addition to the special requirements of this section and § § 7.72—7.75 for various types of passenger elevators, the general requirements contained in § § 7.51—7.61 and § § 7.31—7.37 shall also be complied with, except in cases of direct conflict, where these provisions shall govern.
§ 7.72. Electric passenger elevators.
(a) Electric passenger elevators operated by polyphase alternating current motors shall be provided with relays of the potential type or other approved devices which prevent the starting of the motor if the phase rotation is in the wrong direction, or if there is a failure in any phase.
(b) No potential difference in excess of 250 volts shall be used in connection with the car switch or automatic control circuits of electric passenger elevators. When direct current is the only available source of power supply and it is impracticable to keep within this requirement, application may be made to the Department for special permission to use a higher voltage. Full information shall be given with every application for special permit. When stepdown transformers are used in connection with alternating current car switch and automatic control circuits, they shall be of the two-winding type.
(c) The machine controllers of electric passenger elevators shall be equipped with a potential switch of either the manually or power-closing type, so designed that when the current is interrupted from any cause whatever it will automatically apply the brake and stop the elevator car.
(d) An emergency switch shall be installed in every electric elevator car except automatic control. Such emergency switch shall operate to open a main line switch independent of the car-controlling circuit wiring.
(e) When the power for elevator control circuits is dependent upon main line circuit breakers, potential switches, or other similar electric apparatus, connections shall be made so that the operation of any fire alarm system which may be connected to such main line circuit breakers, potential switches, or other similar electric apparatus, does not cut off the power to the elevator control circuit.
(f) Switches shall be provided in connection with electric passenger elevators so that the motor control circuit and the brake control circuit shall be opened before or at the time the governor trips, or, in existing installations, when the safety operates as well.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); 34 Pa. Code § 7.145 (relating to pipes and wiring); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.185 (relating to pipes and wiring).
§ 7.73. Automatic control passenger elevators.
(a) Automatic control passenger elevators shall not be constructed and installed unless a special permit is first obtained from the Department. Their use is at all times subject to any special regulations applied to them by the Department for the protection of the public and employes.
(b) Such elevators are subject to all of the requirements covering electric passenger elevators, except as to door interlocks, emergency releases, emergency stop switches, and operators.
(c) The landing doors of automatic control passenger elevators shall be equipped with approved interlocking switches so arranged that the elevator car is held immovable while any landing door is opened or unlocked, and so that such door or doors are not opened after the elevator car has left the landing. Retiring cams are not required on one story two-landing elevators erected prior to January 1, 1954. Such devices shall not be affected by ordinary deviation from true alignment of either the car or the landing doors and shall not project into the shaftway to such an extent as to create a hazard. On all elevators installed subsequent to December 15,1924, the operation of such a device shall not cause the unlocking of the landing door as the car passes the landing with the power on.
(d) The cars of automatic control passenger elevators shall not have openings on more than two sides. Sliding or rolling doors or collapsible gates are required at all car openings; and such gates shall be equipped with switches so connected to the car control circuit as to hold the car immovable while the gates are open.
(e) The control circuit shall be so arranged as to make it impossible for the elevator car to be started automatically upon the manual closing of any landing door, car door, or gate, but will operate only by the buttons or switches at the landing or in the elevator car. Such doors or gates shall also be so connected to the control circuit that if the car is started for a given landing no impulse may be given from any landing to send the car in the reverse direction until it reaches the destination corresponding to the first impulse. An exception exists when the car has stopped at an intermediate landing to take on or discharge passengers desiring to go in the direction determined by the first impulse when the closing of the car gate may be sufficient to start the car.
(f) In new installations, in addition to the directional buttons in the cars of automatic controlled elevators, a switch or button shall be provided to enable passengers to stop the car at any point of its travel. When a self-restoring switch or button is used and the car has been started from within, releasing the switch or button shall not permit restarting the car except by the operating device in the car, unless the car gate or hoistway landing door has been opened and closed. Switches and buttons shall be plainly marked ‘‘stop,’’ and the operating button or handle shall be of a different color from any other switch in the car. For new construction, contacts of emergency stop switches or buttons shall be directly opened mechanically and such operation shall not be dependent upon springs. In existing installations, in addition to the directional buttons in the cars of automatic-controlled elevators a switch or button shall be provided to enable passengers to stop the car at any point of its travel.
(g) Independent constant-pressure control buttons shall be provided in the cars of collective pushbutton elevators, which permit the car to be operated in either direction without interference from landings or normal car control buttons. The necessary controlling switches to make such buttons operative shall be located in the penthouse or on the main control board. When existing installations are provided with such switches in the cars, these switches may remain if they are properly marked and placed under glass cover. In new installations, independent constant-pressure control buttons shall be provided in or on top of all electric automatic-controlled elevators which permit the car to be operated in either direction at a speed not to exceed 150 feet per minute without interference from landing or normal car control buttons. If these control buttons are located on top of the car, a red manual stop button or switch shall be provided. Buttons shall be plainly marked to indicate their purpose.
(h) Pushbuttons shall not control the operation of elevators in school buildings, sanitariums for the mentally deficients, and similar classes of buildings where there is danger of the abuse of the purpose of such buttons, unless the pushbuttons are made inaccessible to the occupants or are key operated. A decision on this point all be made at the time of the approval of the plans for such elevators.
(i) Automatic operation elevators shall be provided with an audible emergency signal gong, at least 4 inches in diameter, operative from the car and located outside of the hoistway, or with a telephone connected to a central exchange.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts) 34 Pa. Code § 7.149 (relating to hoistway doors); 34 Pa. Code § 7.189 (relating to hoistway doors); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.293 (relating to automatic and dual control freight elevators).
§ 7.74. Dual control passenger elevators.
(a) Dual control elevators are subject to all the requirements covering automatic control passenger elevators.
(b) Emergency releases, if used, shall be so arranged as to be inoperative when the elevator is being operated as an automatic controlled elevator.
(c) Car gate contacts shall be mounted on the gate in such a position as to require the closing of the car gate while operating the car from either the car switch or the pushbutton circuit.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.293 (relating to automatic and dual control freight elevators).
§ 7.75. Double-button control passenger elevators.
(a) Double-button control passenger elevators shall not be constructed and installed unless a special permit is first obtained from the Department. Their use is at all times subject to regulations applied to them by the Department for the protection of the public and employes.
(b) Such elevators are subject to the same requirements as electric passenger elevators, except as to door interlocks, emergency releases, emergency switches, operators, and speed.
(c) The landing doors of double-button control passenger elevators shall be equipped with approved interlocking switches so arranged that the elevator car is immovable while any landing door is open, and so that such door or doors may not be opened unless the car is at that landing.
(d) The cars of such elevators shall not have openings on more than two sides. Sliding or rolling doors or collapsible gates are required at all car openings. Such gates shall be equipped with switches so connected to the car control circuit as to hold the car immovable while the gates are open.
(e) The wires to the safety switch shall be run in a special cable. Means shall be provided to prevent any interference from the hall buttons or switches when the elevator is being operated from within the car, such means to be automatic, or provision shall be made to enable the person operating the elevator from within the car to prevent interference from the landing buttons or switches, and to maintain complete control of the car.
(f) In addition to the directional buttons in the car of a double-button control elevator, a safety switch shall be provided in the car to enable the person operating the elevator from within the car to stop the car at any point of its travel. Such switch shall be manually operated.
(g) Double-button control passenger elevators are limited to a speed not exceeding 100 feet per minute.
(h) Pushbuttons shall not be permitted to control the operation of elevators in school buildings, sanitariums for the mentally deficients, and similar classes of buildings where there is danger of the abuse of the purpose of such bottons, unless the pushbuttons may be made inaccessible to the occupants or are key operated. A decision on this point shall be made at the time of the approval of the plans for such elevators.
(i) Automatic operation elevators shall be provided with an audible emergency signal gong, at least four inches in diameter, operative from the car and located outside of the hoistway, or shall be provided with a telephone connected to a central exchange.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts).
§ 7.76. Hydraulic passenger elevators.
(a) The valve chambers and cylinders of all hydraulic passenger elevators shall be equipped with means for removing any accumulation of air.
(b) New hydraulic and oil-electric elevators shall be equipped with supply and discharge pipes of sufficient area as to be unaffected by the operation of any other elevator on the same system. Supply tanks shall be of sufficient capacity to provide for an adequate liquid reserve to prevent the entrance of air or other gas into the system and to permit a travel of at least three feet beyond the upper terminal landing. Such permissible minimum liquid level shall be clearly indicated.
(c) In new installations, structural steel guides shall be provided for every crosshead having a travel in excess of 15 feet; structural steel hangers shall be provided for traveling sheaves when the travel of the sheaves exceeds l5 feet. In existing installations, structural steel guides shall be provided for every crosshead when necessary to prevent swaying of the crosshead.
(d) Each pump shall be equipped with an automatic bypass. Each pump connected to pressure tanks of hydraulic passenger elevators shall be equipped with one or more water relief valves, which shall be of ample capacity to prevent a pressure in excess of the maximum allowable pressure of the pump or tank. There shall be no shutoff valve between the water relief valve and the pump or tank which it protects. The discharge from the water relief valves shall be conducted to the discharge tank or to the pump suction.
(e) Pressure tanks of hydraulic passenger elevators shall be equipped with a water relief valve of sufficient capacity to discharge the pump delivery without an increase of more than l5 pounds above the allowable working pressure of the tank. If, in the judgment of the Department, the water relief valve on the pump will provide sufficient protection, the water relief valve for the pressure tank may be omitted.
(f) In new installations, the car platform of a direct plunger passenger elevator shall be securely fastened to the head of the plunger by not less than four 5/8 inch diameter bolts or by any other means whereby a factor of safety of four shall be maintained provided such alternate means be submitted to the Industrial Board for approval. When the plunger consists of more than three sections and the elevator car is equipped with counterweights, the car platform shall be further secured to the bottom section of the plunger by a noncorrosive cable inside of such plunger.
(g) When a new elevator car is equipped with counterweights the plunger head shall be constructed of steel or wrought iron material.
(h) The plunger of every uncounterweighted hydraulic elevator having a travel in excess of 75 feet shall be equipped with a traveling guide or follower which will remain midway between the car and the stuffing box throughout the entire length of travel.
(i) All pressure tanks for hydraulic passenger elevators and pipe materials other than threaded heavy-duty metal pipe shall first be approved by the Board.
(j) Each hydraulic passenger elevator shall be provided with automatic limit stops arranged to bring the car to a gradual stop at terminal landings independent of the car-controlling mechanism. For plunger elevators having a car speed of 100 or less feet per minute, the automatic limit stop may be an independent cable with button stops on the car, such cable to be connected to the main operating valve. For horizontal or vertical cylinder machines having a car speed of 100 or less feet per minute the automatic limit stop may be an independent cable actuated by the traveling crosshead and connected to the main operating valve. Each hydraulic passenger elevator having a car speed more than 100 feet per minute shall be provided with independent automatic stop valves.
(k) The capacity of operating and stop valves shall not be more than will permit the operation of the car with the maximum load at the allowable rate of speed.
(l) Piston rods shall be thoroughly examined by an approved inspector at least once every three years.
(m) Cylinder or plunger passenger elevators in which the motive power is steam, gas, or air shall, when possible, come within the requirements for hydraulic passenger elevators.
(n) Existing installations of every type of hydraulic elevator shall be changed to meet the requirements for new installations, when necessary for safe operation, if ordered by the Department.
(o) Electrically controlled hydraulic and oil electric elevators shall be equipped with two magnetic switches both of which shall be closed to complete the motor circuit unless there is a second control means (for example, a valve) in which case only one such magnetic switch is required in the motor control circuit.
(p) Each hydraulic passenger or freight elevator shall be equipped with an approved electrically-controlled normally closed valve, operating devices and control equipment, including anti-creep leveling devices, and terminal stopping devices.
(q) When electrically-operated valves are installed to replace existing mechanically-operated valves, for rated speeds of more than 100 feet per minute, existing terminal stopping devices, consisting of an automatic stop valve independent of the electric control valve and operated by the movement of the car as it approaches the terminals, where provided, shall be retained.
(r) Anti-creep leveling devices shall maintain the car within three inches of the landing from any point within the interlock zone irrespective of the position of the hoistway door. For electric hydraulic elevators, it is required to operate the car only in the ‘‘up’’ direction. For maintained-pressure hydraulic elevators, it is required to operate the car in both directions, and shall operate in conjunction with an approved electrically-controlled, valve-operating system. The closing of this control device shall not be dependent on the completion or maintenance of an electric circuit for the interruption of the power. However, movement of the car in response to the anti-creep leveling device shall be prevented by the operation of either the stop switches in the pit or on the car top or by the electric contacts provided for top or side emergency exits. This exception shall apply to all installations for which a permit has been issued subsequent to the effective date of this exception.
(s) Prior to the approval of the electrical control valve and related parts for water hydraulic elevators, the manufacturer of each control valve to be approved shall submit the following to the Board:
(1) Two complete sets of assembly and detail drawings of the control valve and related parts.
(2) All drawings shall be to scale.
(3) All pertinent information as to materials and clearances.
(t) Devices approved pursuant to subsection (s) shall be inspected and tested in the field under maximum operating conditions by a Department inspector.
Source The provisions of this § 7.76 amended through January 27, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 251. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (15209).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.295 (relating to hydraulic freight elevators).
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