Ventilation for Elevator Machine Rm

[masseng7911]

Guys,

I have to ventilate a elevator machine room. My question is at what rate do I have to ventilate it and any other details including duct construction, fire-proofing the fan..such as spark resistant blades, or explosion proof fans, fire dampers at the wall...can I dump it into the plenum or does it have to go outside? I've checked in the Massachusetts Elevator Code book, and I got no where with it...any help would be appreciated

 

[ChasBean1]

My experience (don't have the code books handy right now) is that the machine room can be connected to the hoistway, with fire dampered ductwork and no ventilator. If the machine room is not connected to the hoistway, there is a duct pitch issue to be followed, but I can't recall which direction and why. The top of the hoistway should be open, or equipped with a damper that closes to pressurize the hoistway for smoke control. The piston effect of the elevator will ventilate the machine room and supplemental cooling can be provided via recirc units.

I'll repost if I can be more specific. Check 527 CMR - Mass. Elevator Code. -CB

 

[elevmike]

Usually machine rooms are ventilated with an automatic damper for makeup air, (from the outside), and an exhaust fan w/damper and thermostat control. However an AC unit may be required depending on the climate & heat load produced by the elevator equipment. There are a lot of "ifs" associated with this issue. You should only need explosion proof equipment if the enviorment is classified as such. AMSE A17.1 covers this, however what section of the code depends on what version has been adopted by the local authorities.

There are a lot of "ifs" associated with this issue. You need to contact the elevator manufacture to find out the expected heat load, the state or local elevator authority to find out what version/section of A17.1, and the local fire marshall to find out what you need to do to vent smoke and or prevent migration.

 

[AEBuck]

Good advice so far. May I add that if this application is greater than 4-5 stories, stack effect starts to become an issue which suggests cooling by recirculation with a fan-coil unit - probably DX. I've never seen an "explosion-proof" elevator machine room, but have encountered many elevator inspectors who believe they've descended from above. Make sure you see the requirements in writing.