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Codes & standards

ORION "LU/LA" (Limited Use/Limited Application Elevator)

Applicable National Codes and Standards - USA Public Buildings

GENERAL
A "LU/LA" (Limited Use/Limited Application) elevator is by definition "a power passenger elevator where the use and application is limited by size, capacity, speed and rise", and may be used by the general public. It is not limited to use by physically disabled persons.

The "LU/LA" elevator is new and many jurisdictions have not yet modified their legislation to adopt the new standard, but are permitting it’s use by variance. There are a few areas where the LU/LA is not yet permitted to be installed, pending legislation changes. There are some restrictions to the use and installation of LU/LA elevators (see ADAAG section below).

The main area of difference between a standard passenger elevator and a LU/LA is the hoistway, pit and overhead clearances, and machine room requirements; most other requirements for an elevator apply. It is especially suited for retro-fit in existing buildings.

The National Standard used by most States and localities is the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Part 25. The most current edition is 1996, with a 1999 Addendum.

Some areas adopt the standard in it’s entirety, and some areas adopt the standard in part, or a local standard may have been developed which has been legislated for use. Check with your local enforcing authorities for the requirements in your area.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA):
The Architect/Specifier should be aware that a LU/LA elevator does not yet meet the current ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements for elevators installed on an accessible route.(See GENERAL section above). The new proposed ADAAG (See note), has been amended to permit LU/LA elevators....but it has not yet been legislated. If ADA compliance is required, contact Concord Elevator’s Architectural consultant for more information.

ADAAG
For complete and detailed information concerning the location and usage of LU/LA elevators on an accessible route, the Architect/Specifier should have available the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). This is available for free download from the Access Board’s Internet Web Page at http://www.access-board.gov.

Note: A new proposal for ADAAG Rules is currently undergoing the approval process. A copy of the proposed new ADAAG Rules is also available from the above web site.

Installation
The applicable standard governing the requirements for field installation and wiring of the ORION "LU/LA" Elevator is the ANSI/NFPA 70 (The National Electrical Code) Article 620. Referenced by Rule 2502.7 (which references Section 306 and Rule 306.6(a)) of the ASME A17.1 - 1996.The Architect/Specifier should be aware of the requirements of this section especially as it applies to the location and installation of the elevator power supply, and other machine room requirements. In most areas, the power supply to an elevator is the responsibility of other contractors, not the installing Concord dealer. Check with your local Concord dealer, for assistance and information concerning the requirements of this standard. All field wiring of the elevator components will be performed in accordance with this standard by dealer Technicians who have been factory trained by Concord.

Certifications
The applicable standard governing the requirements for Certification of the Electrical Equipment of the Concord ORION "LU/LA" elevator is the CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5 . (Referenced by Rule 2502.7 (which references Section 306 and Rule 306.6(b)) of the ASME A17.1-1996). This is the North American harmonized standard for certification of electrical equipment used with all elevating devices which are covered by the ASME A17.1 Standard.. The Architect/Specifier should be aware of this requirement and ensure that all elevator electrical equipment specified for use on the project is certified to this standard. Certification must be by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, and the certification mark must clearly indicate the approved testing laboratory. Some examples of certification laboratories are: CSA (Canadian Standards Association); UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories); ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories); WH (Warnock-Hersey Testing Laboratories); and there are others. Concord equipment is certified to American Standards by CSA (Canadian Standards Association).

Requirements for Disabled Persons
To ensure that the elevator meets the needs of disabled users, the American National Standards Institute, A117.1 Standard, "Providing Accessibility and Usability for Physically Disabled People" is referenced frequently throughout the standard. There are requirements within the A117.1 which impact on the design of the building in areas approaching the elevator entrances. The Architect/Specifier should be aware of these requirements. The most current edition is 1999.

Building Codes and Standards
Depending on the area of the USA where the lift is to be installed , the local building codes may have requirements which will affect the design and installation of LU/LA elevators. Reference should be made by the Architect/Specifier to the actual building code legislated in their area.

It may be (for example):

1. UBC (Uniform building Code) available from the ICBO (See other pages for address)

2. NBC (National Building Code) available from BOCA (See other pages for address)

ICBO=International Conference of Building Officials

BOCA = Building Officials and Code Administrators