Note: Elevators have been an ongoing fire protection problem, not only for the VA, but
for the whole industry. Many conflicting requirements seem to exist at any given time.
Although other methods are permitted in the National Fire Alarm Code for power shut
down when sprinkler protection is present, the VA uses the heat detector option as
identified in the National Fire Alarm Code and as clarified below.
1. Provide smoke detection for Phase I recall for new elevators. Provide smoke detection
for Phase I recall for existing elevators which have a travel distance of 25 feet or more
above or below the level of fire department response (this is generally a building greater
than three stories).
Note: The requirements for Phase I recall do not apply when the hoistway, or
portion thereof, is not required to be fire-resistive construction, the travel does not
exceed 6 ft 8 in., and the hoistway does not penetrate a floor.
a. Provide smoke detectors in the elevator lobbies and machine rooms to activate the
Phase I recall. Provide smoke detectors at the top of the elevator hoistway to
activate Phase I recall only when sprinklers are installed at the top of the hoistway.
b. Provide two supervised signals to a point within three feet of the elevator controller
for Phase I elevator interface. These two signals will be for the designated and
alternate levels.
Note: The third signal that is identified in the National Fire Alarm Code is not
being utilized by the Elevator Code at this time. The Elevator Code ANSI A17.1
should be updated around 1998/1999 to include the requirement for the third
signal. The third signal will be required to flash the fire fighter's hat in the
elevator cab when a smoke detector located in the elevator hoistway or machine
room activates during Phase II operation. This will tell the fire fighters that the
elevator may not operate correctly due to a possible fire in these areas or the
elevator may have its power removed due to sprinkler operation in the hoistway
or machine room.
2. Where sprinklers are installed, provide heat detection to remove power from the elevator
prior to water discharge. In non-combustible hoistways and where cars meet the
flammability requirements of ASME A17.1, the sprinkler at the top of the hoistway should
be omitted. Sprinklers can be omitted from elevator pits of enclosed, noncombustible
shafts where there are no combustible hydraulic fluids contained in the shaft.
Note: Elevator cars which were built to the requirements of the ANSI code since
1985 have a flame spread no greater than 75 and a smoke developed rating no
greater than 450 (Class B, per ASTM E 84 / NFPA 255). Where the elevator cars
meet these requirements, NFPA 13 allows sprinklers to be omitted from the top of
the hoistway as well as from the pit as indicated. When sprinklers are omitted from
the top of the hoistway, NFPA 72 does not require, nor does it permit, a smoke
detector to be installed at the top of the hoistway due to the maintenance and testing
problems.
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