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Prolift
- Special Private Residential Type Elevator
Applicable National Codes and Standards - USA Public Buildings
GENERAL
The Prolift is designed as a private residential elevator exceeding
the requirements of Part V of the ASME A17.1 Standard (See below).
However, a number of jurisdictions have been permitting the installation
of "Part V" elevators in Public Buildings where accessibility
for the disabled is required or as a low-rise elevator but in
both cases only in buildings or areas where a passenger elevator
is not required by the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act).
See also ADAAG below. The Architect/Specifier should refer to
the local enforcing authorities for information in their area,
or contact Savaria Concord Lifts' Architectural Consultant.
Information Note: The Prolift is a heavy-duty Residential type
elevator, with a specially designed structure to allow for larger
platforms and capacities, where permitted by the local enforcing
authorities, and for use in Public Buildings. Numerous interior
designs and configurations are possible, which are not normally
available on a standard, residential Part V elevator. The Prolift
may also be installed as a Vertical Wheelchair Lift, in conformance
to Part 20, Section 2000, where permitted by the local enforcing
authorities.
Additional Information Note: A new standard for "Platform
Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts" has been published by ASME
and is effective January 2000. The standard is the "ANSI/ASME
A18.1". This will be the applicable standard for those states,
cities, etc. which have officially adopted the A18.1 in legislation.
Until then, A17.1 will continue to be the standard of record for
most (but not all) jurisdictions. It is important to know the
requirements of your local jurisdiction.
The National Standard used by most States and localities is the
ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Part 5 (Or
Part 20, Section 2000 where permitted.)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 some jurisdictions
do not permit a Private Residential elevator to be installed in
a Public Building and thus on an accessible route, or permit installation
only in modified form. A private residential elevator, designed
to Part V of the A17.1 Standard, is not ADA compliant. Code requirements
are continually evolving, and If ADA compliance is required, contact
Savaria Concord Lifts' Architectural consultant for more information.
ADAAG
For complete and detailed information concerning the location
and usage of Lifts for Disabled persons 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 Prolift is the ANSI/NFPA 70 (The National Electrical
Code) Article 620.(Referenced by Rule 508.4(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 lift power supply. In most areas, the power supply to a
lift 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 lift 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 Prolift is the CSA B44.1/ASME
A17.5 . (Referenced by Rule 508.4(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 lift electrical
equipment specified for use on the project is certified to this
standard. Certification must be by a Federal OSHA approved, 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).
Operating devices
As a Part V elevator, there are no Rules within that section referencing
the requirements of the A117.1. However, the local jurisdictions
permitting the use of Part V elevators in Public Buildings, usually
reference this Standard within their local legislation. The following
information is usually relevant to this situation:
To ensure that the operating devices, ie: push buttons, key switches,
etc. are at the proper height and of the proper design for ease
of use by Physically Disabled persons, the American National Standards
Institute, A117.1, "Providing Accessibility and Usability
for Physically Disabled People" is referenced. There are
requirements within the A117.1 which impact on the design of the
building in areas approaching the lift entrances. The Architect/Specifier
should be aware of these requirements.
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 Private Residential Elevators,
used in Public Buildings. 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
web pages for address)
2. NBC (National Building Code) available from BOCA (See other
web pages for address)
ICBO = International Conference of Building Officials
BOCA = Building Officials and Code Administrators
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