Elevator Shafts with Fire Alarm Devices

Nearly every project we work on has residential elevators for everyday passengers and more than likely a frieght elevator for workers.  If the building has a fire protection system then chances are it will be connected to the elevator equipment.  We call this elevator service or elevator recall.  With elevator recall you typically have a smoke detector in each elevator lobby within 21 feet centerline of the elevator door if the ceiling is 15 feet or less in height.  If one of these smoke detectors wee to go into alarm then the elevator would automatically recall to an alternate floor of egress. 

The elevator equipment room also has coverage by smoke detection and if an automatic sprinkler head is present, then heat detection is also required.

In some casees, typically older buildings, you will have fire alarm devices in the top and/or bottom of the elevator shafts.  The code states that if the actual elevator cab or car is made of a non-combustible material, then an automatic sprinkler head is not required within the elevator shaft.  According to NFPA 72, a smoke detector and heat detector are required in the elevator shaft only if an automatic sprinkler head is pressent.

When testing these fire protection devices, if applicable, make sure there is an access panel with some sort of mesh screen in place to prevent the devices from falling into the elevator shafts.