Section 296-96-02480. How does the department enforce ASME requirements for sprinklers, smoke detectors, and heat detectors in hoistways and machine rooms?

ASME A17.1-2.8.2.3.2 states: "Means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the mainline power supply to the affected elevator upon or prior to the application of water from sprinklers located in the machine room or in the hoistway more than 600 mm (24 inches) above the pit floor. This means shall be independent of the elevator control and shall not be self-resetting. The activation of sprinklers outside the hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the main line power supply." This section applies to both new and altered elevators when sprinklers have been installed in the elevator machine room and/or hoistway.

(1) The department enforces this rule as follows:

(a) When sprinkler systems are installed in an elevator hoistway, fixed temperature heat detectors set only at one hundred thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit must be located at the top of the hoistway. If sprinklers are installed in the machine room, the same rule applies to heat detectors in the machine room. If heat detectors are installed, they must be no more than eighteen inches from the sprinkler and in accordance with NFPA must also be installed for elevator recall. The purpose of the heat detector is to automatically disconnect mainline power to the elevator before water flows from any sprinkler associated with the elevator system.

(b) Activation of a smoke detector or other department approved initiating device at the top of the hoistway shall cause all elevators having any equipment in that hoistway, and any associated elevators of a group automatic operation, to be returned nonstop to the designated level.

(c) Heat detectors must be:

(i) Located within eighteen inches of each sprinkler head, as required by the local building official, or as required by NFPA 13.

(ii) Ceiling mounted. However, pit detectors, if installed, may only be used as a signaling device and wall-mounted if they are so designed.

(iii) Heat detectors are not required in pits provided the automatic sprinkler heads are installed in such a way that the water spray pattern does not spray higher than three feet above the pit floor with a spray pattern directed level and down.

(d) The shunt trip disconnect must be installed in the machine room or machinery space and it must be easily identifiable.

(e) Power for the automatic disconnect control circuit.

(i) Must be derived from a one hundred twenty volt separate branch circuit. Circuit location must be identified on or next to the elevator disconnects; and

(ii) An illuminated visual device must be installed in the machine room adjacent to each elevator's disconnect. The purpose of this visual device is to indicate that power is available to the shunt trip activation mechanism; or

(iii) The department will allow disconnects that are labeled and listed to have built-in circuits that transform the power for the shunt trip device. This must be a one hundred twenty volt supply to the device. The shunt trip device must initiate shunt trip of the main line, not the fire panel. There must be an illuminated visual device incorporated on the disconnect switch that identifies that power is available to the shunt trip device.

(f) All electrical equipment and wiring associated with shunt trip devices must conform to the applicable ANSI/NFPA 70.

(g) The department does not require sprinkler shut-off valves. However, where they are installed, they must be located in an accessible place outside the hoistway, machine room or machinery space with their handles placed at no more than six feet above the floor.

(h) Emergency return units must be disabled when the shunt trip is activated.

(2) Alternative methods used to achieve ASME A17.1-2.8.2.3.2 must be approved by the department prior to installation.

EXCEPTION:	Limited use/limited application (LULA), special purpose, and residential elevators are exempt from this section.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.87 RCW. WSR 07-24-041, § 296-96-02480, filed 11/30/07, effective 1/1/08.]

Chapter 70.87 RCW. WSR 07-24-041, § 296-96-02480, filed 11/30/07, effective 1/1/08.