interpretations no. 8

A17.3 Existing Elevators andEscalators

INTERPRETATIONSNO. 8February 2008–January 2011

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

THREE PARK AVENUE O NEW YORK, NY 10016

Copyright ASME International Provided by IHS under license with ASME Licensee=Purdue University/5923082001

Not for Resale, 04/10/2012 20:13:43 MDTNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

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No part of this document may be reproduced in any form,in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,

without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright © 2011 byTHE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

All rights reservedPrinted in U.S.A.



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ASME A17.3INTERPRETATIONS NO. 8

February 2008 Through January 2011

INTRODUCTION

As a service to persons who use the A17.3 Code forenforcement or as a guide, the A17 Committee rendersinterpretations of the requirements upon request. ThePreface to the Code explains the procedure forrequesting interpretations.

This booklet includes the interpretations that wereissued by the A17 Committee from February 2008through January 2011. Subsequent interpretations willbe included with each new edition of the Code.

APPLICABILITY OF INTERPRETATIONS

Each interpretation applies to the edition and supple-ments listed for that inquiry. Many of the Rules on whichthe interpretations have been made have been revisedin later editions or supplements. Where such revisionshave been made, the interpretations may no longer beapplicable to the revised requirement.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of theseinterpretations when or if additional information isavailable which might affect any interpretation. Further,persons aggrieved by any interpretation may appeal tothe cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. ASME

iii

does not “approve,” “certify,“ ”rate,“ or “endorse” anyitem, construction, proprietary device, or activity.

FORM AND ARRANGEMENT

Inquiry Number. The interpretations are listed in theorder of the assigned serial numbers. The first two digitsrepresent the year in which the interpretations werereceived.

Subject. The primary Rule and subject of the interpre-tation is listed for each inquiry.

Edition. For each interpretation, the edition andaddenda, if any, on which the interpretation was ren-dered are listed.

Question. The questions are taken verbatim from theoriginal inquiries except for editorial corrections neces-sary to improve clarity.

Answer. The answers are those approved by the A17Committee, except for editorial corrections necessary toimprove clarity.

Figures. Where the original inquiry included a planor drawing that was essential for the understanding ofthe interpretation, a figure has been included.

Approval Dates. The date of approval by the A17Committee is listed for each interpretation.



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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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ASME A17.3 INTERPRETATIONS NO. 8

Inquiry: 09-17

Subject: Paragraph 3.4.5

Edition: A17.3-2002

Background: This paragraph establishes the requirements for car illumination. The paragraphdoes not contain a positive statement that spells out the requirement for car top lighting.

Question: Does subpara. 3.4.5(e) require top-of-car lighting to be provided on existing elevators?

Answer: No, see Inquiry 05-09.

A17 Standards Committee Approval: September 16, 2009

Inquiry: 09-43

Subject: Section 1.5, Alterations, Maintenance, and Inspections and Tests

Edition: ASME A17.3-2002

Background: Subparagraph 1.5(a) specified 8.10.8.11 in ASME A17.1-2000. Subparagraph 1.5(b)specified 8.6.8.7 in ASME A17.1-2000. The subsequent edition ASME A17.3-2005 specified require-ments 8.10 and 8.11 in subpara. 1.5(a), and 8.6 and 8.7 in subpara. 1.5(b). Also, Section 1.5 inprevious editions of A17.3 required compliance with Parts X and XII of A17.1. There is not an8.10.8.11 in A17.1-2000, and 8.6.8.7 has to do only with maintenance of roller tracks and chains.

Question: Was it the intent of A17.3-2002 to require compliance with 8.6, 8.7, 8.10, and 8.11 inA17.1-2000?

Answer: Yes, this was editorially corrected in A17.3-2005.


Inquiry: 10-1494

Subject: Subparagraphs 2.1.4.1(a) through (e), Existing Pipes Conveying Gases, Vapors, or Liquids

Edition: A17.3-2008

Question (1): Are previously installed low-pressure steam riser and return piping, not servingthe elevator, in an existing single-car elevator shaft considered hazardous?

Answer (1): Yes.

Question (2): If so, do these pipes need to be securely fastened and covered in such a manneras to separate them from the hoistway?

Answer (2): If they cannot be removed or rerouted, yes.

Question (3): If covering the existing pipes is required, does the use of a polyurea protectivecoating on the existing piping qualify as “covered in such a manner as to separate them fromthe hoistway”?

Answer (3): The Code does not specify the method, but it needs to be separated from thehoistway.

A17 Standards Committee Approval: January 26, 2011

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A17.3 Existing Elevators andEscalators

INTERPRETATIONSNO. 7January 2005–January 2008


THREE PARK AVENUE O NEW YORK, NY 10016



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No part of this document may be reproduced in any form,in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,


Copyright © 2009 byTHE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

All rights reservedPrinted in U.S.A.



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ASME A17.3INTERPRETATIONS NO. 7

January 2005 through January 2008

INTRODUCTION

As a service to persons who use the A17.3 Code forenforcement or as a guide, the A17 Committee rendersinterpretations of the requirements upon request. ThePreface to the Code explains the procedure forrequesting interpretations.

This booklet includes the interpretations that wereissued by the A17 Committee from January 2005 throughJanuary 2008. Subsequent interpretations will beincluded with each addenda and new edition of theCode.


Each interpretation applies to the edition and supple-ments listed for that inquiry. Many of the Rules on whichthe interpretations have been made have been revisedin later editions or supplements. Where such revisionshave been made, the interpretations may no longer beapplicable to the revised requirement.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of theseinterpretations when or if additional information isavailable which might affect any interpretation. Further,persons aggrieved by any interpretation may appeal tothe cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. ASME

iii

does not “approve,” “certify,“ ”rate,“ or “endorse” anyitem, construction, proprietary device, or activity.


Inquiry Number. The interpretations are listed in theorder of the assigned serial numbers. The first two digitsrepresent the year in which the interpretations werereceived.

Subject. The primary Rule and subject of the interpre-tation is listed for each inquiry.

Edition. For each interpretation, the edition andaddenda, if any, on which the interpretation was ren-dered are listed.

Question. The questions are taken verbatim from theoriginal inquiries except for editorial corrections neces-sary to improve clarity.

Answer. The answers are those approved by the A17Committee, except for editorial corrections necessary toimprove clarity.

Figures. Where the original inquiry included a planor drawing that was essential for the understanding ofthe interpretation, a figure has been included.

Approval Dates. The date of approval by the A17Committee is listed for each interpretation.



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A17.3 INTERPRETATIONS NO. 7

Inquiry: 05-09

Subject: Para. 3.4.5


Question: Does A17.3 require top-of-car lighting?

Answer: No.

A17 Standards Committee Approval: May 18, 2005

Inquiry: 05-10

Subject: Para. 3.10.4(u)


Question: Are the emergency stop switches required by 3.10.4(u) required to conform to3.10.4(e)?

Answer: No.


Inquiry: 05-47

Subject: Para. 2.2.2, Access to Machine Rooms and Machinery Spaces


Background: The following questions are based on having a basement of mid-hoistway mounteddriving machine with an overhead machinery space with beams, sheaves, and a governor at thetop of the hoistway with no floor underneath the equipment.

Question (1): Does para. 2.2.2 permit the only means of access to a governor to be through thehoistway?

Answer (1): Yes. However, other means of access are permitted.

Question (2): Does 2.2.2 permit the only means of access to an overhead machinery spacecontaining sheaves and governor to be through the hoistway?


Question (3): Does 2.2.2 permit the only means of access to an overhead machinery spacecontaining sheaves and governor to be through the hoistway via the car top?


Question (4): Does 2.2.2 permit the only means of access to an overhead machinery spacecontaining sheaves and a governor to be through the hoistway via a permanently installed ladderrunning through the full length of the hoistway?


Question (5): Would the answers to Questions (1) through (4) be any different if the beams,sheaves, and governor had a floor underneath them?

Answer (5): No.


1



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A17.3 INTERPRETATIONS NO. 7

Inquiry: 06-38

Subject: 2.2.5(c), Pipes Conveying Gases, Vapors, or Liquids; 3.11.3, Firefighter’s Service; 4.7.8,Emergency Operation and Signaling Devices


Question (1): Per 4.7.8, an existing hydraulic elevator that has a travel distance of less than25 ft is not required to perform recall functions. If sprinklers are proposed to be installed withinthe elevator machine room and pit, is automatic power shunt-trip required prior to sprinkleractivation (via heat detectors)? If “yes,” can power be removed if the existing elevator controlleris incapable of recalling the elevator?

Answer (1): This is not addressed in A17.3-1996.

Question (2): Automatic sprinklers are proposed to be installed within the elevator machineroom of a 45 yr old elevator. The existing traction elevator is incapable of performing recallfunctions (recall was not required at the time of the original installation). Is automatic powershunt-trip required prior to sprinkler activation (via heat detectors)? If “yes,” can power beremoved if the existing elevator controller is incapable of recalling the elevator?

Answer (2): See answer to Question (1).


Inquiry: 07-15

Subject: Section 2.3


Question: Does Section 2.3 require pit ladders to be installed?

Answer: Means of access is required; however, that means of access does not need to be apermanently installed pit ladder.


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ASME Al7.3 INTERPRETATIONS NO. 6

January 2003 through January 2005

INTRODUCTION

As a service to persons who use the A17.3 Code for enforcement or as a guide, the A17 Committee renders interpretations of the requirements upon request. The Preface to the Code explains the procedure for requesting interpretations.

This booklet includes the interpretations that were issued by the A17 Committee from January 2003 through January 2005. Subsequent interpretations will be included with each addenda and new edition of the Code.


Each interpretation applies to the edition and supplements listed for that inquiry. Many of the Rules on which the interpretations have been made have been revised in later editions or supplements. Where such revisions have been made, the interpretations may no longer be applicable to the revised requirement.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additional information is available which might affect any interpretation. Further, persons aggrieved by any interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. ASME

does not "approve," "certify," "rate," or "endorse" any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.


Inquiry Number. The interpretations are listed in the order of the assigned serial numbers. The first two digits represent the year in which the interpretations were received.

Subject. The primary Rule and subject of the interpretation is listed for each inquiry.

Edition. For each interpretation, the edition and addenda, if any, on which the interpretation was ren- dered are listed.

Question. The questions are taken verbatim from the original inquiries except for editorial corrections necessary to improve clarity.

Answer. The answers are those approved by the A17 Committee, except for editorial corrections necessary to improve clarity.

Figures. Where the original inquiry included a plan or drawing that was essential for the understanding of the interpretation, a figure has been included.

Approval Dates. The date of approval by the A17 Com- mittee is listed for each interpretation.

... 111



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02-38, 04-14 A17.3 INTERPRETATIONS NO. 6

Inquiry: 02-38

Subject: Restricted Opening of Hoistway Doors and/or Car Doors on Passenger Elevators

Edition: Paragraph 2.7.4 of A17.3-1996

Question: Would door restrictors be required on an existing two-stop hydraulic passenger elevator equipped with front and rear, manually operated, horizontal sliding scissor gates, both of which can be opened at any point in the hoistway?

Answer: Yes.

A17 Committee Approval: January 8,2003

Inquiry: 04-14

Subject: Part 8 General Requirements, Scope

Edition: ASME A17.1-2000 including A17.la-2002

Question (1): Does this part require retroactive system upgrades for elevators installed or modernized before the date of the standard publication if no work other than regular maintenance procedures are performed? Example: 8.6.5.8 safety bulkhead requirements for below-ground cylinders with no evidence of unexplained oil loss or other voluntary upgrading installed prior to 1971 would require unjustified renewal of cylinders or system alterations using a car safety device.

Answer (1): Yes. See requirement 8.6.1.1.3.

Question (2): If the response is "yes," what is the purpose of A17.3-2002 para. 4.3.3(a)?

Answer (2): A17.3 is a stand-alone code. See General in the Preface of A17.3.

A17 Standards Committee Approval: January 27,2005

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A l 2305



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A l 7.3

Safety Code for Existing

Elevators and Escalators

I N TE R P R ETATI O N S

No. 5

June 1996 - December 2001


THREE PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10016



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No part of this document may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,


Copyright O 2002 by THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

All Rights Reserved Printed in U.S.A.



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No. 5

June 1996 through December 2001

INTRODUCTION

As a service to persons who use the A17.3 Code for enforcement or as a guide, the A17 Committee renders interpretations of the requirements upon request. The Preface to the Code explains the procedure for requesting interpretations.

This booklet includes the interpretations that were issued by the A17 Committee from June 1996 through December 2001. Subsequent interpretations will be included with each addenda and new edition of the Code.


Each interpretation applies to the edition and supplements listed for that inquiry. Many of the Rules on which the interpretations have been made have been revised in later editions or supplements. Where such revisions have been made, the interpretations may no longer be applicable to the revised requirement.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additional information is available which might affect any interpretation. Further, persons aggrieved by any interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. ASME

does not "approve," "certify," "rate," or "endorse" any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.


Inquiry Number. The interpretations are listed in the order of the assigned serial numbers. The first two digits represent the year in which the interpretations were received.

Subject. The primary Rule and subject of the interpretation is listed for each inquiry.

Edition. For each interpretation, the edition and addenda, if any, on which the interpretation was ren- dered are listed.

Question. The questions are taken verbatim from the original inquiries except for editorial corrections necessary to improve clarity.

Answer. The answers are those approved by the A17 Committee, except for editorial corrections necessary to improve clarity.

Figures. Where the original inquiry included a plan or drawing that was essential for the understanding of the interpretation, a figure has been included.

ApprovaI Dates. The date of approval by the A17 Com- mittee is listed for each interpretation.

iii Copyright ASME International Provided by IHS under license with ASME Licensee=Purdue University/5923082001


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ACME A17.3 Interpretations No. 5 97-12, 97-33

Inquiry: 97-12

Subject: Section 1.1 (A17.3); Part XII (A17.1) Scope

Edition: A17.3-1993; A17.1-1993

Question: (1) Does an elevator located within a Seismic Zone 2 have to comply with A17.1-1993,

(2) Under a modernization, do the rails have to comply with Seismic Zone 2 require-

(3) If the answer is "yes," exactly what must it comply with?

Part XXIV?

ments (as per Section 2403)?

Answer: (1) No, as there are no references from A17.1, Part XII to A17.1, Part XXIV. (2) No, as there are no references from A17.3 to A17.2, Part XXIV. (3) See response above.

A17 Committee Approval: June 12,1997

Inquiry: 97-33

Subject: Rule 305.la (A17.1) and Para. 3.9.1 (A17.3) Normal Terminal Stopping Devices

Edition: A17.1-1996; A17.3-1996

Question: We have quite a number of hydraulic elevators where the bottom terminal stopping device is used for the normal stopping means. The car cam activates this device for the slow down and the elevator stops at the terminal landing by the leveling device. There are two top terminal devices and an emergency terminal device when required, plus the leveling device. In the arrangement described, would the bottom terminal condition comply with A17.1, Rule 305.la and A17.3, para. 3.9.1?

Answer: No. Upper and lower normal terminal stopping devices are required by A17.1, Rule 305.la and A17.3. In addition, see response to Inquiry 97-32.

A17 Committee Approval: April 1,1998

1 Copyright ASME International Provided by IHS under license with ASME Licensee=Purdue University/5923082001


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9&25,99-lla ACME A17.3 Interpretations No. 5

Inquiry: 98-25

Subject: Paragraph 3.7.5 Signs on Freight Elevators

Edition: A17.3-1993

Question: (1) In ACME A17.3-1993, para. 3.7.5 does the definition of the words the operator refer to a venue designated employee (an experienced professional elevator operator), or just anyone that they (the management or their staff) permit to use the elevator, regardless of that person’s experience or qualifications to run the elevator, even if it was the first time that person tried to operate the manual elevator and without any assistance or familiarity of how to operate it?

Note: I know how to ”operate” a telephone, but I may need to call the ”operator” at the telephone company to be connected to another party.

Just as the telephone operator can connect one person to another, would it not also follow that the operator of a manual elevator should be someone hired by the owner or management of the venue to get persons connected up and down the different floors in a building safely?

(2) In the same rule, do the words ”freight handlers” refer to experienced freight handlers who routinely load and unload freight for a living, or does it refer to anyone, even inexperienced, to say, roll an empty service cart into the elevator in order to use it to facilitate getting their equipment loaded into the elevator for a one-time only job?

Answer: The terms operator andfreight handler are not defined in A17.3. See also Inquiry 84-94.

A17 Committee Approval June 23, 1999

Inquiry: 99-lla

Subject: Section 1.5 Alterations, Maintenance, Inspections, and Tests

Edition: ACME A17.3-1996

Question: If an existing elevator, in an existing Group C1 (Business) multistory building, where the primary occupancy or use is the transaction of administrative and civic service, which is currently not equipped with ADA compliant features, is upgraded as follows:

(a) New hall-mounted illuminated call buttons. (b) New hall or car-mounted illuminated car directional arrows with audible signals. (c) New raised and Braille floor designation signage at hall elevator door openings

(d) New infrared door protection and reopening device. (e) New car-mounted operating panel with illuminated call buttons, raised Braille

( f ) New hands-free emergency phone with voice communication and illuminated

(g) New battery powered emergency car lighting and alarm bell. Is this upgraded elevator now required to comply with ACME A17.1, Safety Code for

at each floor.

floor designations, and audible signals.

signaling.

Elevators and Escalators?

Answer: Any alterations to the equipment must comply with the applicable requirements of A17.1, Part XII.

A17 Committee Approval June 23,1999



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ASME A17.3 Interpretations No. 5 99-35, 99-37, 00-03

Inquiry: 99-35

Subject: Paragraph 3.11.3, Firefighters’ Service


Question: There are many double-button low rise, low speed elevators currently in service. Double- button operations appear to be described under ”control, operation” subparagraph “operation, continuous-pressure” in A17.3-1996, Section 1.4. The majority of these elevators are equipped with hoistway gates or manual freight doors.

How is this type of elevator to be treated when Firefighters’ Service is installed? The existing control system would not permit the car to be returned automatically to either the designated or alternate landings.

Answer: It shall meet the requirements in A17.3-1996, Appendix C, Rule 211.4.

A17 Committee Approval: January 12,2000

Inquiry: 99-37

Subject: Rule 1200.1 Alterations


Question: Does Rule 1200.1 require the elevator or escalator when altered to meet A17.3 or just the equipment that is altered?

Answer: When an alteration is made, the elevator or escalator must conform to A17.3 in its entirety.

A17 Committee Approval: September 15,1999

Inquiry: 00-03

Subject: Section 2.2.4 Ventilation

Edition: A17.3-1993 including A17.3a-1994

Questions: Does the use of exhaust air from the toilet and janitor closets of a building being vented through the elevator room to temper that space meet the intent of this rule on existing elevator machine rooms?

Answer: This is outside the Scope of the A17.3 Code.

A17 Committee Approval: April 5,2000



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00-27, 01-11 ASME A17.3 interpretations No. 5

Inquiry: 00-27

Subject: Paragraph 5.3.9 Reversal Stop Device


Question: Does an escalator have to be equipped with a specific reversal stop device if it has a missing step device, handrail motion device and safety brake detector device?

Answer: Paragraph 5.3.9 is a performance requirement for sensing the reversal of escalator steps. The paragraph does not specify how this performance requirement should be met. If the performance requirement in para. 5.3.9 is fulfilled by other devices installed on the escalator, a separate reversal stop device is not required to be installed.


Inquiry: 01-11

Subject: Rule 102.2(c) (A17.1), Sprinkler Piping and Elevator Machine Rooms and Hoistway Paragraph 2.1.4 (A17.3), Pipes Containing Gases, Vapors, or Liquids

Edition: A17.1-1996 including A17.ld-2000 A17.3-1996 including A17.3a-2000

Question: Rule 102.2(c) of A17.1, provides the specific requirements for sprinkler protection being installed in hoistways and machine rooms associated with the elevator. Five stipulations are underneath this section, none of which require an isolation valve on the sprinkler system for the specific sprinklers located in the hoistway or machine room.

Paragraph 2.1.4(c) of A17.3, lists three stipulations associated with sprinklers in the hoistways, one of the three stipulations is an isolation valve provided in an accessible location outside of hoistway.

It appears that an isolation valve will not be required on a new installation; however, upon the first inspection would be required to have one. Was the isolation valve requirement removed from A17.1 in error or was it failed to be removed from A17.3?

Answer: The isolation valve requirement was intentionally removed from A17.1, but inadvertently was not removed from A17.3, para. 2.1.4(~)(3).




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ACME A17.3 Interpretations No. 5

Inquiry: 01-15

Subject: Restricted Opening of Hoistway Doors and/or Car Doors on Passenger Elevators

Edition: Rule 111.5 of A17.1-1996 including A17.ld-2000 Requirement 2.12.5 of A17.1-2000 Paragraph 2.7.4 of A17.3-1996 including A17.3a-2000

Question: Above rule, requirement, and paragraph require door restrictions on passenger elevators. Are restrictors required on all passenger elevators regardless of the type of operation or only on automatic operation elevators?

Answer: The requirement applies to all passenger elevators.


01-15

Committee: Hoistway



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S T D - A S I I E A 2 7 . 3 I N T NO V-ENGL 1 9 9 b 0759b70 0578439 735 m

Safety Code for Existing 7 and Escalators E I evato r s

INTERPRETATIONS

No. 4 June 1995 - May 1996

THE AMERICAN SOC ETY OF MECHA IICAL E



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STDmASME AL7.3 INT N O '4-ENGL L77b 0757b70 0578'4'40 457

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,


Copyright O 1997 by THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

All Rights Reserved Printed in U.S.A.



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INTERPRETATIONS

No. 4

June 1995 through May 1996

INTRODUCTION

As a service to persons who use the A17.3 Code for enforcement or as a guide, the A17 Committee renders interpretations of the requirements upon request. The Preface to the Code explains the procedure for requesting interpretations.

This booklet includes the interpretations which were issued by the A17 Committee from June 1995 through May 1996. Subsequent interpretations will be included with each addenda and new edition of the Code.


Each interpretation applies to the edition and supplements listed for that inquiry. Many of the Rules on which the interpretations have been made have been revised in later editions or supplements. Where such revisions have been made, the interpretations may n o longer be applicable to the revised requirement.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additional information is available which might affect any interpretation. Further, persons aggrieved by any interpretation may

appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. ACME does not "approve," "certify," "rate," or "endorse" any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.


Inquiry Number. The interpretations are listed in the order of the assigned serial numbers. The first two digits represent the year in which the interpretations were received.

Subject. The primary Rule and subject of the interpretation is listed for each inquiry.

Edition. For each interpretation, the edition and addenda, if any, on which the interpretation was rendered are listed.

Question. The questions are taken verbatim from the original inquiries except for editorial corrections necessary to improve clarity.

Answer. The answers are those approved by the A17 Committee, except for editorial corrections necessary to improve clarity.

Figures. Where the original inquiry included a plan or drawing which was essential for the understanding of the interpretation, a figure has been included.

Approval Dates. The date of approval by the A17 Committee is listed for each interpretation.

... III



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STD-ASME AL7.3 I N T NO Y-ENGL L99b m 0759b70 0578442 22T m

Interpretations No. 4 96-07

Inquiry: 96-07

Subject: Section 3.1 Buffers and Bumpers

Edition: A 17.3- 1 986

Question: A17.3-1996, Section 3.1, Buffers and Bumpers reads as follows:

Car and counterweight buffers or bumpers shall be provided. Solid bumpers may be used in lieu of buffers:

(a) Where the rated speed is 50 Wmin or less; or (b) Where type C safeties are used.

(1) Are bumpers allowed to be used with cable elevators with any type of safety

(2) Are bumpers only allowed to be used with type C safeties for roped elevators

(3) Are solid bumpers only allowed on hydraulic elevators? Please clarify.

as long as the speed of the elevator is 50 ft/min or less?

as stated in ASME A17.la-1988, Rule Z O I ?

Answer: (1) Yes. (2) No. (3) Refer to A17.3, Section 4.2 for requirements on hydraulic elevators.

A17 Committee Approval: April I O , 1996



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STD-ASME A17-3 I N T NO 3-ENGL 1775 0759b70 ObOb353 7TL

Gal l x a17p3$$i95 01-15-99 10:14:47

inquirv: 93-68

Subject

Edition:

Questions:

Answer:

Paragraph 3.1 1.3 Firefighters' Service

A l 7.3-1 990 including A l 7.3b-1992

(1) If an alteration does not require compliance with A17.1, Rule 211.3, does the elevator(s1 have to be provided with "Firefighters' Service" as per A17.3, para. 3.11.31

(2) If the elevatods) has a travel of less than 25 ft, as listed in Appendix C, is "Firefighters' Service" reg uired?

(3) Does ASME A17.3, para. 3.13.3 require compliance weitti the latest edition of A17.1, or that listed in Appendix C?

(1) Yes. (2) No. (3) ASME A17.3, para. 3.13.3 requires compliance with Appendix C, unless compli-

ance with a later edition of A17.1 was required at the time of installation or alteration.

A17 Committee Approval: December 14, 1994



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Gai 1 a17p3$$i94 01-15-99 1013:27

Inquiry: 91-30

Subject: A17.1, Rule 110.3; A17.3, Paras. 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 Closing of Hoistway Door

Edition: A17.1-1990 and A17.3-1990

Question: (1) Paragraph 2.6.1 (A17.3) prohibits handles or knobs on the hoistway side of the hoistway doors for automatic elevators. Rule 110.6 allows handles and other devices for opening manually operated hoistway doors. Since automatic elevators can have manually operated hoistway doors, there appears to be a conflict between A17.1 and A17.3. Does the Committee agree? Please explain if not.

(2) Rule 110.3(a) and para. 2.6.2 require that horizontally sliding hoistway doors of automatic elevators must be closed automatically if the car leaves the landing for any reason. Does this prohibit manually sliding hoistway doors? If not, how can this requirement be met?

(3) Rule 110.3(b) requires horizontally sliding doors to be closed when a car is at a landing except if three conditions are met. The first condition (operated by a designated operator in the car) conflicts with the third condition (actively dispatched by an automatic system which controls the doors). Should this Rule have an "or" instead of an 'and" between the second and third conditions? Please explain what is meant by 'actively dispatching" an elevator that is at a landing. This requirement also conflicts with Rule 211.3a(l).

(4) Paragraph 2.7.3 does not define an access landing. A17.1 only defines an access landing in Rule 111.9. Please clarify.

Answer: (1) There is no conflict. The requirements in A17.1, Rule 110.13c(3) are identical to the second paragraph of A17.3, para. 2.6.l(a). The intent of A17.3 is that this provision applies to swing doors.

(2) Manually sliding hoistway doors are permitted. They must be provided with a closing device meeting the requirements of A17.1, Rule 110.3a or A17.3, para. 2.6.2.

(3) A review of previous publications indicates that this requirement was first published in A17.ld-1970, with the word 'and" between the second and third conditions. The intent is that any one of the conditions triggers conformance with the requirement.

The term "actively dispatched" was clarified in Inquiry 86-22. Rule 211.3a(l) takes preference when firefighters' service is activated.

(4) The access landing is the landing one would use for ingress and egress to the hoistway.

A17 Committee Approval: September 22, 1993

Inquiry: 93-67

Subject: Paragraph 1.1.2tw) Equipment Not Covered by A17.3

Edition: A17.3-1990

Question: Is a powered sidewalk elevator, installed prior to the first edition of ASME A17.1, covered under the scope of this edition of ASME A17.3 considering the number of impractical requirements for sidewalk elevators in this edition and the implementation of a section on powered sidewalk elevators in A17.3-1993.

Answer: Sidewalk elevators were not covered in A17.3 until the 1993 edition.



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STD-ASME AL7.3 I N T NO 2-ENGL 199'4 0759b70 ObOb35L O29 D

Gai 2x a17p3$$i94 01-15-99 101327

A17 Committee Approval: March 16, 1994



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STDOASME A 1 7 - 3 I N T NO 1-ENGL 1771 0757b70 ObOb352 Tb5

Gai l x a17p3$$i91 01-15-99 10:06:47 L e r p e h k Q l y pa -- w -. - .

Inquiry: 90-55

Subject: A17.3 Foreword, Preface, and Para. 3.11.3 Firefighter's Service

Edition: A17.3-1996

Question: (1) What events or conditions made the need for a 'nationally recognized code for existing elevators" become evident as stated in the last paragraph of the Foreword?

(2) In regard to the Preface "Date of Application" section, was it the intent of the Committee to have representatives of the listed groups participate with local jurisdic- tional authorities in a pre-adoption review of the Code and come to an agreement as to specifically what sections of the Code are appropriate for local inclusion and what time frame should be allowed for implementation?

(3) Is it the intent of para. 3.11.3 to require all existing elevators to be retrofitted to comply with the A17.1-1987 Phase I and Phase II Firefighters' Service requirements even if these elevators currently meet the Firefighters' Service requirements of A17.1- 19817

Answer: (1) The rationale for this statement reflects the consensus of the individuals in the categories of interest who approved the wording through ASME committee and supervisory board actions and by public review.

(2) That is the recommendation of the Committee. (3) Yes.

A17 Committee Approval: November 14, 1990



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interpretations no. 8

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