Elevator Shaft Smoke Detectors

[hbendillo]

I am working on an elevator modernization project. It is a hydraulic type elevator. This building has no fire protection sprinkler system. I have smoke detectors in the elevator lobbies and elevator machine room for elevator recall purposes. Usually when we have sprinkler heads in the elevator shaft we show heat and smoke detectors in the shaft. Since we have no sprinkler system no heat detectors required for elevator shutdown. Do we still need smoke detectors in the elevator shaft?

 

[Sdpaddler50]

I would think you can find this in the code somewhere. From a perf based standpoint: If you have hydraulics within the shaft, and there is a chance for a leak, and fire, I would have them put in the detectors in the shafts.

 

[sspeare]

I will quote from a very "old" (2002 edition) NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code:

Chapter 6 Protected Premises Fire Alarm Systems.

6.15.3 Elevator Recall for Fire Fighter's Service.

6.15.3.6 Smoke Detectors shall not be installed in un-sprinklered elevator hoistways unless they are installed to activate the elevator hoistway smoke relief equipment.

I know this is a very old edition of NFPA 72; the Code Officials we work with do not require smokes in the hoistway, unless we have a smoke relief damper at the top.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Be careful here Hbendillio. The requirements from ASME A17.1 can be different than those in NFPA 72, depending on the edition adopted by the jurisdiction. You need to look at both ASME A17.1 and NFPA 72.

 

[sspeare]

I attached 2 pages from the second Addenda to ASME A17.1b-2003, relating to smoke detectors in the hoistway.

 

[hbendillo]

Thanks everyone. In the last elevator modernization I did we were specifically told by the inspector not to install smoke detectors in the elevator shafts if there were no sprinklers but I had never read that in any of the codes.

 

[cdafd]

Read what stookey referenced

Do you know what building code you are under?

Seems like you need the smoke for recall

 

[sspeare]

A smoke detector is required in the hoistway, IF there is a sprinkler head in the hoistway. BUT, per the 2007 edition of NFPA 13, you can OMIT the hoistway sprinkler under certain conditions. Paragraph 8.15.5.5 of the 2007 edition of NFPA 13 tells you how to omit the hoistway sprinkler. I quote the 2007 edition of NFPA 13 because that's the edition currently enforced in my State.

 

[cdafd]

Might Check the elevator code first

Than nfpa 72

If recall is required something has to trigger it

 

[cdafd]

Correction

Nfpa 72 2010 edition prohibits them in hoist way unless sprinkler is present or activate smoke relief

Not sure about the elevator code

 

[sspeare]

Guys, on 3 July I posted 2 pages from the ASME Elevator Code.

 

[cdafd]

Sspeare

Missed the fine print, guess it does not change with phase 2[tt][/tt]