Examples of Sprinkler, Heat, and Smoke Detector Locations for Elevators
Purpose
To assist in determining the fire sprinklering, heat detector and smoke detector locations within elevator hoistways, machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces based on the current and most recent previous editions of the applicable codes. Requirements vary depending on the codes in effect, whether the elevator is a passenger or freight elevator, utilizes an electric traction or hydraulic drive system located in a machine room or in the hoistway, has a combustible or non-combustible hoistway and if the building or part of the building is sprinklered per NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R.
New Buildings
This document is intended for application to new buildings with partial or full sprinkler systems. For new buildings that are unsprinklered, sprinklers, heat detectors and shunt trip disconnect systems are not required.
Existing Buildings
Requirements to add sprinklers in existing buildings may depend upon changes in use or occupancy, additions, exit distances, requirements of other code authorities or other factors. Requirements to add sprinklers are not part of elevator modernizations because sprinklering requirements do not originate in the elevator code. To determine sprinkler requirements in existing buildings, consult with the appropriate building code or fire code official.
Where installing sprinklers in new or existing elevator machine rooms, at the top of hoistways or in elevator pits where sprinkler activation would effect elevator operation, SPS 318.17087(1) and (9) require installation of the current version of firefighters emergency operation and table SPS 318.1007-1, Item 7 requires installation of a shunt trip disconnect system. A permit applied for by a licensed elevator contractor and an inspection are required prior to beginning the project.
Removing or delaying the connection of new sprinkler heads requires the written approval of the appropriate building code or fire code authority, not the elevator code authority.
Code Editions
This document and corresponding code application and enforcement are based on:
Code | Building Code Applies Date prior to May 1, 2018 | Building Code Applies Date on or after May 1, 2018 |
Wisconsin Commercial Building Code SPS 362 | August 2014 | April 2018 |
The adopted IBC – International Building Code | 2009 | 2015 |
Wisconsin Existing Commercial Building Code SPS 366 | August 2014 | April 2018 |
IEBC – International Existing Building Code | 2009 | 2015 |
NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R Fire Sprinkler Codes | 2007 | 2013 |
NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code | 2007 | 2013 |
Wisconsin Elevators Escalators and Lift Devices Code SPS 318 | August 2014 | August 2014 |
The adopted ASME A17.1 National Elevator Code | 2013 | 2013 |
Determining the Building Code Applies Date
This date is not based on any documentation related to the elevator. This date is determined based upon receipt of certain building plans for building plan review. Often this date is related to the initial footing and foundation plans being received for review but could be based upon building shell or complete building plan submittal. For buildings reviewed by DSPS, the Code Applies Date will be stated near the middle of the first page of the conditional approval letter along with other details of the project such as occupancy type. For buildings reviewed by other agencies such as local code officials or the state Department of Health Services, the approval letter or building permit may be missing this information. The building plan reviewer will have to be contacted to provide the building code applies date.
Elevators in buildings regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Hospitals and nursing homes are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health Services (DHS). At this time DHS is still enforcing the 2010 edition of NFPA 13. Where the cases in this document have both a left column for building code applies date prior to May 1, 2018 and a right column for on or after May 1, 2018, the left column must be used for DHS projects.
Specific Codes
NFPA 13 (2013), 8.15.5. Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms.
8.15.5.1. Sprinklers in elevator pits to be sidewall type not more than 2 feet above the pit floor.
8.15.5.2. Where a hoistway is non-combustible and the elevator is not hydraulic, the pit sprinkler may be omitted.
NEW with 6-4-2019 revision: 8.15.5.3. Sprinklers are no longer required in elevator machine rooms, machinery rooms, control rooms, control spaces or hoistways for traction elevators installed to meet the building code and where (1) the elevator spaces are dedicated to elevator equipment only, (2) the elevator spaces are protected by smoke detectors, (3) the elevator spaces are separated from the rest of the building as required by the building code, (4) The elevator spaces are not used for storage of non-elevator-related materials and (5) the elevator is not hydraulic.
8.15.5.4. Temperature ratings for sprinklers in elevator machine rooms or at the tops of hoistways shall be of ordinary or intermediate temperature rating. Glass bulbs will be orange, red, yellow or green and of the commercial, not residential type.
* NEW with 6-4-2019 revision: 8.15.5.7.1. Where the suspension means for a traction elevator do not meet the FT-1 fire test rating, the top and pit of the hoistway must be sprinklered.
NEW with 6-4-2019 revision: 8.15.5.7.2. Where the suspension means for a traction elevator meet the FT-1 fire test rating, the hoistway is not required to be sprinklered.
NFPA 72 (2013), Chapter 17. Initiating Devices
17.4.10. To protect an object or space, the detector shall be placed in close proximity to the object or space. In an elevator lobby where the ceiling is in excess of 15 feet, the detector may be placed on a side wall above and within 60 inches of the top of the elevator hoistway door.
17.7.3.2.4.2. See this section for spot-type smoke detection for ceilings with beams or pockets, for corridors of 15 feet in width or less and for rooms of 900 square feet or less.
NFPA 72 (2013), 21.2. General
21.2.4. The relays necessary for connection of the fire alarm system to the elevator controller for firefighters emergency operation must be located within 3 feet of the elevator controller.
Per ASME A17.1, 2.27.3.2.7(c) these relays are not permitted to be accessed through the elevator hoistway. Provisions must be made to access the relays from the landing with the ITP. The relays may be enclosed in wallmounted or recessed boxes or panels, above the ceiling with access provided, or in rooms or other spaces within 3 feet of the ITP accessible to fire alarm servicing personnel.
NFPA 72 (2013), 21.3. Elevator Recall for Firefighters' Emergency Operation.
21.3.5. Initiating devices in elevator lobbies are required to be within 21 feet horizontally of the centerline of elevator hoistway doors for elevator firefighters emergency operation.
NEW with 6-4-2019 revision: SPS 362.0907(5). New requirements have been provided in NFPA 72 [2013], 21.3.7(2) for heat detection and smoke detection of elevator pits however Wisconsin has not adopted these changes. Smoke detection in pits is dependent on using smoke detectors specifically listed for elevator pits (21.3.8) however detectors with this specific listing are not available at this time. Heat detection in sprinklered pits is not required at this time due to incompatibility with 17.6.3.1.3.1.
21.3.9 and ASME A17.1, 2.27.3.2.1. Initiating devices for firefighters emergency operation are shown in this document as smoke detectors. If the environment is not suitable for smoke detectors, other automatic fire detection (heat detectors) shall be permitted.
NFPA 72 (2013), 21.4. Elevator Shutdown (shunt trip).
21.4.1. Heat detectors for elevator shutdown prior to sprinkler operation must have a lower temperature and higher sensitivity compared to the sprinkler.
21.4.2. Heat detectors for elevator shutdown are required within 2 feet of each sprinkler head that could discharge water onto the elevator.
21.4.3. Water flow switches can be used in place of heat detectors but are not common.
IBC (2015), Section 202. A penthouse is an enclosed, unoccupied structure above the roof of a building, other than a tank, tower, spire, dome, cupola or bulkhead.
Combustible or non-combustible construction is defined as follows:
If a wall or ceiling assembly contain only materials considered non-combustible such as drywall attached to steel studs or steel joists, the assembly is considered non-combustible. A hoistway entirely of such assemblies is considers non-combustible. If any part of an assembly is combustible such as drywall attached to wood studs or wood joists, the assembly and therefore the hoistway are considered combustible.
Fire Service Access Elevators – IBC Section 3007
Per IBC 403.6.1, buildings with an occupied floor more than 120’ above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access must have the single elevator (if there is only one elevator), or at least two elevators (if there are two or more elevators) equipped as Fire Service Access elevators meeting Section 3007.
Per IBC 3007.2.1, automatic sprinklers shall not be installed in elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of Fire Service Access elevators.
Per IBC 3007.4, because Fire Service Access elevators will not have sprinklers, they also shall not have shunt trip disconnects.
Also see NFPA 72, 21.5 for additional requirements for Fire Service Access Elevators.
The cases in this document do not apply to Fire Service Access elevators. Although not sprinklered, Fire Service Access elevator spaces may have smoke detectors.
Fire Service Access elevators should not be confused with elevators equipped with firefighters emergency operation which is sometimes referred to as “fire service”.
Occupant Evacuation Elevators – IBC Section 3008
Elevators meeting IBC Section 3008 may be used by the general public for self-evacuation.
Per IBC 3008.2.1, automatic sprinklers shall not be installed in elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and elevator hoistways of Occupant Evacuation elevators.
Per IBC 3008.4, because Occupant Evacuation elevators will not have sprinklers, they also shall not have shunt trip disconnects.
Also see NFPA 72, 21.6 for additional requirements for Occupant Evacuation Elevators.
The cases in this document do not apply to Occupant Evacuation elevators. Although not sprinklered, Occupant Evacuation elevator spaces may have smoke detectors.
Occupant Evacuation elevators should not be confused with accessible-means-of-egress elevators addressed in IBC 1009.2.1.
Case 1a: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger or freight elevator
Combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Machine room on any level, not in penthouse
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or after without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means:
Note: Ordered in how they should show up in the conveyance.
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room Basement Traction
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means:
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Smoke detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Machine Room Basement Traction
Smoke Detector
Case 1b: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13
Passenger or freight elevator
Combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator
Machine room on any level, not in penthouse
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Control Room or Closet
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 2: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator
Machine room on any level, not in penthouse
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Not Applicable
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 2a: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13
Freight elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator
Machine room on any level, not in penthouse
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 3: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger or freight elevator
Combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Penthouse machine room
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 4: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Penthouse machine room
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Not Applicable
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler – was not applicable prior to June 4th 2019
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 4a: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Freight elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Penthouse machine room
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 4b-1: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Combustible hoistway
Machine-room-less electric traction elevator, machine at top of hoistway
Controller in control room or control closet on any floor level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Control Room or Closet
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Control Room or Closet
Smoke Detector
Case 4b-2: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Machine-room-less electric traction elevator, machine at top of hoistway
Controller in control room or control closet on any floor level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler* Was not applicable prior to June 4th 2019
Control Room or Closet
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Control Room or Closet
Smoke Detector
Case 4c: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Combustible or non-combustible hoistway
Machine-room-less electric traction elevator, machine at bottom of hoistway
Controller in control room or control closet on any floor level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Flow Switch
Control Room or Closet
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Control Room or Closet
Smoke Detector
Case 4d-1: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Machine and some control equipment at top of hoistway and an inspection and test panel (ITP) in an elevator hoistway door frame
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 4d-2: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Machine and some control equipment at top of hoistway and an inspection and test panel (ITP) in an elevator hoistway door frame
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler* Was not applicable prior to June 4th 2019
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 4e: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Combustible or non-combustible hoistway
Machine-room-less hydraulic elevator
Hydraulic tank within the hoistway with machine/control equipment in hoistway accessed at a floor level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Closet
Smoke Detector
Case 4f: Building completely sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Combustible or non-combustible hoistway
Machine-room-less hydraulic elevator
Hydraulic tank in pit with machine/control equipment in hoistway and inspection and test panel (ITP) in an elevator hoistway door frame
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Case 5: Building sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger elevator
R-2 occupancy with dwelling units in basement level
Non-combustible hoistway
Electric or hydraulic elevator
Machine room on any level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Not Applicable
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Case 6: Building sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator.
Machine room on lowest level
R-2 occupancy on lowest level
Parking sprinklered per NFPA 13 on lowest level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Not Applicable
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 7: Building sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger elevator
Combustible or non-combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Penthouse machine room
Lowest level with fire department access openings
R-2 occupancy in lowest level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Not Applicable
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 8: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger elevator
Combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator.
Machine room on lowest level
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level or parking
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 9: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator.
Machine room on lowest level
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level or parking
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Not Applicable
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 9a: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Freight elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator.
Machine room on lowest level
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level or parking
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 10: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger or freight elevator
Combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Penthouse machine room
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level or parking
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler* was not applicable prior to June 4th 2019
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 11: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Penthouse machine room
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level or parking
Smoke detector also at each landing
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Not Applicable
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 11a: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13R.
Passenger elevator
Non-combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Machine and some control eq. At top of hoistway and an inspection and test panel (ITP) in an elevator hoistway door frame
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level or parking
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway or Machinery Space
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable
Case 12: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Combustible hoistway
Hydraulic elevator
Machine room on lowest level
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Machine Room
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Case 13: Building partially sprinklered per NFPA 13.
Passenger elevator
Combustible hoistway
Electric traction elevator
Penthouse machine room
Lowest level sprinklered per NFPA 13 because of windowless floor level
Smoke detector also at each landing
Building Code Applies Date Prior to May 1, 2018, or After without FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Sprinkler
Heat Detector or Flow Switch
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Sprinkler
Building Code Applies Date On or After May 1, 2018 with FT-1 Rated Suspension Means
Machine Room
Smoke Detector
Hoistway
Top of Hoistway
Smoke Detector
Elevator Pit
Not Applicable