Interfacing Fire Alarm - Elevators

I nterf nterfaci acing ng Fire nterfacing F ire Alarm , Sprink ler and E levator Systems Elevator Codes and Applications Northern California/ Nevada Chapter, SFPE January 20, 200 6

Bruce Fraser Director, Industry Relations SimplexGrinnell LP Westminster, MA

Agenda: 

Elevator Recall and Power Shut-down



Historical Perspective



Where we are today, code-wise



Look at specific code sections



Discuss some of the issues



Where we appear to be headed

Agenda: 

Elevator Recall and Power Shut-down



Historical Perspective



Where we are today, code-wise



Look at specific code sections



Discuss some of the issues



Where we appear to be headed

AS M E A1 ASM A17. 7.1 1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Esc alators Provides operationa l P rovides requirements require m ents for operational requirem sequences for:

- Phase Phase 1 - Eme Emerge rgency ncy Reca Recallll Opera Operation tion - Powe Powerr Shu Shutd tdow own n - “S “Shu hunt nt Trip Trip”” Oper Operat atio ion n

ASM E A17.1 P hase Ph ase I - Emergency R ecall Operation The operation of an elevator wherein it is automatically or manually recalled to a specific landing and removed from normal service because of activation of firefighters’ service

ASM E A17.1 Pow er Shutdow n (shunt trip) Mainline elevator power is disconnected from the elevator to eliminate potential problems as a result of sprinkler actuation in the hoistway or elevator machine room

Elevator R ecall: Historical Perspective 

1973 ASME A17.1b (supplement to the 1971 Code)



Purpose: 

Prevent people from using elevators



Responding Firefighters Account for Elevators



Stage Equipment (Hose lines, air tanks, etc.)



Evacuate Occupants with Mobility Restrictions



Prevent Car from being called to the Fire Floor


Identified Designated Level



Both Manual and Automatic Recall 

Key Switch (only by firefighters)



Smoke Detectors in Lobbies



Travel of 25’ above or below designated level



1981 introduced the “Alternate” Level


1984 introduced “only” lobby and machine room detectors were to initiate recall



A17.1 referred users to NFPA 72E, Automatic Fire Detectors



NFPA first mentions A17.1 requirements in 1987 edition of NFPA 72A, Installation, Maintenance and use of Local Protective Signaling Systems – “Elevator Recall for Firefighters’ Service”


Two “elevator zone circuits” were required to be terminated at the associated elevator controller



In 1989, A17.1 required smoke detectors in hoistways … only when hoistways had sprinklers





First detector actuated determines the recall floor A17.1b, 1992 Supplement drops the 25 ft. criterion … now applies to all automatic elevators regardless of travel distance


1993 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code

addressed cases where there was no required building fire alarm system … “Elevator Recall and Supervisory Panel” 

1996 edition of NFPA 72 introduced “other” fire

detection as being permissible if environment was not appropriate for a smoke detector.


A “third” control circuit was added to provide a warning of fire in the hoistway or elevator machine room



The 2000 A17.1 was “harmonized” with the Canadian B44 Elevator Safety Standard



NFPA 72 [2002] and A17.1 [2004] now both address new technology elevators … machine room-less elevators

Shu nt Trip: (Historical Perspective) 

First introduced in ASME A17.1 - 1984



Purpose: 

Remove Main-line Power prior to sprinkler activation



Prevent Elevator from Moving/Operating dangerously

Note: the requirement does not include circuits for ventilation, in-car lights and communication, pit receptacles and lights, etc.

Applicable Codes Elevator & Escalator Safety Code ASME/ANSI A17.1

Building Codes and NFPA 101

NFPA NFPA NFPA

13 70 72

“ Out of Sync ” Codes ASM E A17 .1

•3–

4 Year Cycle with Yearly Addenda

• A 1 7.1 - 1 9 9 6 • A 1 7.1 a - 1 9 9 7 • A 1 7.1 b - 1 9 9 8 • A17.1c - 1999 • A 1 7.1 d - 2 0 0 0 • A 1 7.1 a - 2 0 0 2 • A 1 7.1 b - 2 0 0 3 • A 1 7.1 - 2 0 0 4

NFPA 72 and NFPA 13

• 3 Year Cycle • 199 6, 199 9, 200 2, 200 7 etc.

Confusion? … Can ’ t find all the information in one place!

M ust use A17.1, A17 .1, N FPA 72 and NFPA 13

… together!

Here ’ s w here to find them !

ASM E A17.1 - 2004 Section 2 .27 Emergency Operation and Signaling Devices 2.27.3.2 Phase I Emergency Recall Operation by Fire Alarm Initiating Devices

ASM E A17.1 - 2004 Section 2.8 Equipm ent in Hoistw ays, M achinery Spaces, M achine Room s, Control Spaces and Control Room s 2.8.2.3.2 (Shunt Trip / Power Disconnect requirement)

NFPA 72 - 2002 Chapter 6 – Protected Premises 6.15 P rotected Prem ises Fire Safety Functions. 6.15.3 Elevator Recall for Fire Fighters’ Service 6.15.4 Elevator Shutdown

NFPA 13 - 2002 Chapter 8 – Installation Requirements 8.14 Special Situation s 8.14.5 Elevator Hoistway and Machine Rooms

Simplified Hydraulic Elevator System

Heat Detector Smoke Detector Sprinkler

2

2

Detector Operation 1

Recall to Alternate Level

2

Recall to Designated Level

3

Flash FF Helmet in Car (warning)

4

Power Disconnect (shunt trip)

2 Alternate Level 4 Designated Level

1 3 Elevator Machine Room

1

Elevator P it

Simplified Traction Elevator System

Alternate Level

Designated Level

Elevator Machine Room

ASM E A17.1 - 2004 2.27.3.2.1 In jurisdictions not enforcing the NBCC, fire alarm initiating devices used to initiate Phase I Emergency Recall Operation shall be installed in conformance with the requirements of NFPA 72, and shall be located (a) at each floor served by the elevator; (b) in the associated elevator machine room; and (c) in the elevator hoistway, when sprinklers are located in those hoistways.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.7 If ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection, other automatic fire detection shall be permitted.

NFPA 72 - 2002 5.7.1.8 Special Cond iti ons 5.7.1.8* Unless specifically designed and listed for the expected conditions, smoke detectors shall not be installed if any of the following ambient conditions exist: (1)

Temperature below 0°C (32°F)

(2)

Temperature above 38°C (100°F)

(3)

Relative humidity above 93 percent

(4)

Air velocity greater than 1.5 m/sec (300 ft/min)

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.1 System-type smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 6.15.3.7 located in elevator lobbies, elevator hoistways, and elevator machine rooms including machine space, control room, and control space used to initiate fire fighters’ service recall shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.2* In facilities without a building fire alarm system, these smoke detectors … shall be connected to a dedicated fire alarm system control unit that shall be designated as “elevator recall control and supervisory panel,” permanently identified on the control unit and on the record drawings.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.3 Unless otherwise required by the authority having jurisdiction, only the elevator lobby, elevator hoistway, and the elevator machine room smoke detectors … shall be used to recall elevators for firefighters’ service.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.5* A lobby smoke detector shall be located on the ceiling within 21 ft. of the centerline of each elevator door within the elevator bank under control of the detector. Exception: For lobby ceiling configurations exceeding 15 ft. in height or that are other than flat and smooth, detector locations shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5.

Sm oke Detector D etector Location

NFPA 72 [2002] - I nitiating Devices 5.7 Smok e - Sensing Fire Detectors 5.7.3.2.1* Spot-type smoke detectors shall be located on the ceiling not less than 4 in. from a sidewall to the near edge or, if on a sidewall, between 4 in. and 12 in. down from the ceiling to the top of the detector.

NFPA 72 [2002] - I nitiating Devices Devic es 5.7 Sm oke - Sensing Fire Detectors 5.7 5.7.3.1.3 If the intent is to protect against a specific hazard, the detector(s) shall be permitted to be installed closer to the hazard in a position where the detector can intercept the smoke.

New Anne Ann e x w or ordi ding ng:: Smok e Dete Detector ctor Mounting De tector M ounting 

Where the ceiling height exceeds 15 ’ in height, the smoke detector should be installed on the wall above and within 6 ’ of the top of the control unit The purpose of this detector is to initiate action prior to the control panel being disabled by fire.

M ounting Lo Locatio cation: n:

6 ’ 6 ’ 6 ’ 6’

6’

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.9 Actuation from elevator hoistway and elevator machine room smoke detectors … shall cause separate and distinct visible annunciation at the control unit and required annunciators to alert fire fighters and other emergency personnel that the elevators are no longer safe to use.

ASM E A17.1 - 2004 2.27.3.2 Phase I Emergency Recall Operation by Fire Alarm Initiating Devices 2.27.3.2.6 When activated, a fire alarm initiating device in the m achine room shall cause the visual signal to illuminate intermittently only in car(s) with equipment in that m achine room .

ASM E A17.1 - 2004 2.27.3.2 Phase I Emergency Recall Operation by Fire Alarm Initiating Devices 2.27.3.2.6 When activated, a fire alarm initiating device in the machine room shall cause the visual signal to illuminate intermittently only in car(s) with equipment in that machine room. When activated, a fire alarm initiating device in the hoistway shall cause the visual signal to illuminate intermittently only in car(s) with equipment in that hoistw ay.

ASM E A17.1 - 2004 2.27.3 Firefighters’ Emergency Operation - Autom atic Elevators

FIG. 2.27.3.1.6(h) Visual Signal

or

“ W hen flashing, exit elevat or ” ”

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.10* For each group of elevators within a building, a minimum of three separate elevator control circuits shall be terminated at the designated elevator controller within the group’s elevator machine room(s) … The smoke detectors … shall actuate the elevator control circuits as follows:

NFPA 72 - 2002

1

6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.10*

cont’d …

(1) The smoke detector located in the designated elevator recall lobby shall actuate the first elevator control circuit.

NFPA 72 - 2002

1

6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.10*

cont’d …

(1) The smoke detector located in the designated elevator recall lobby shall actuate the first elevator control circuit. In addition, if the elevator is equipped with front and rear doors, or if the elevator machine room is located at the designated level, the required detectors shall actuate the first elevator control circuit.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.10*

2

cont’d …

(2) The detectors in the remaining elevator lobbies shall actuate the second elevator control circuit.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .3 Elevator R ecall 6.15.3.10*

2

cont’d …

(2) The detectors in the remaining elevator lobbies shall actuate the second elevator control circuit. (3) The detectors in elevator hoistways and the elevator machine room(s) shall actuate a third elevator control circuit.

3

Pictorial R epresentation of Signals from Fire Alarm System to Elevator Controller Fire Alarm System

Elevator Machine Room Detector(s)

Elevator Controller

2

Recall to Designated Level

3

Warning to Elevator Cab

1

Recall to Alternate Level

Elevator Lobby Detectors

Elevator Hoistway Detector(s) Elevator Lobby Detector at Designated Level

Activation of sm oke detector(s) causes signal(s) to elevator controller

Fire Alarm System / Elevator Controller Relationship Elevator Controller

S Elevator Hoistway Smoke Detector(s)

R1

R2

R3

EOL

EOL

EOL

Elevator Machine Room Smoke Detector(s)

Elevator Lobby Smoke Detector 5th Floor

S Elevator Machine Room Heat Detector(s)


Elevator Hoistway Heat Detector(s)

S Elevator Lobby Smoke Detector 3rd Floor

S Elevator Lobby Smoke Detector 2nd Floor (Alternate Level)

S Elevator Lobby Smoke Detector Ground Floor (Designated Level)

SCC 1

SCC 2

actuation causes recall to alternate level

actuation causes recall to designated level

SCC 3 actuation causes flashing of warning signal

Fire Alarm Control Panel

S Elevator Lobby Smoke Detector Basement

Conventional or Addressable Zone / Circuit Module

S

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 P rotected Prem ises Fire Safety Functions 6.15.2.2 A listed relay or other listed appliance connected to the fire alarm system used to initiate control of protected premises fire safety functions shall be located w ithin 3 ft of the controlled circuit or appliance. 6.15.2.3 The relay or other appliance shall function within the voltage and current limitations of the fire alarm control unit.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 P rotected Prem ises Fire Safety Functions 6.15.2.4 The installation wiring between the fire alarm control unit and the relay or other appliance shall be monitored for integrity. Exception: Relays or appliances that operate on loss of power shall be considered self-monitoring for integrity.

Addressable Control Relays

Addressable Control Relays

NFPA 13 - 2002 8.14.5 Elevator Hoistw ay and M achine Rooms 8.14.5.4* Upright or pendent spray sprinklers shall be installed at the top of elevator hoistways. 8.14.5.5 The sprinkler required at the top of the elevator hoistway by 8.14.5.4 shall not be required where the hoistway for passenger elevators is noncombustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1

NFPA 13 - 2002 8.14.5 Elevator Hoistw ay and M achine Rooms 8.14.5.1* Sidewall spray sprinklers shall be installed at the bottom of each elevator hoistway not more than 2 ft above the floor of the pit. 8.14.5.2 The sprinkler required at the bottom of the elevator hoistway by 8.14.5.1 shall not be required for enclosed, noncombustible elevator shafts that do not contain combustible hydraulic fluids.

ASM E A17.1 - 2004 2.8 Equipment in Hoistw ays and M achine Room s 2.8.2.3.2 … means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main line power supply to the affected elevator upon or prior to the application of water from the sprinklers located in the machine room or in the hoistway more than 24 in. above the pit floor. * Any delay or retard Vane Type Flow Switch *

is not permitted !

Heat Detector Sprinkler Flow Switch

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15.4 Elevator Shutdow n 6.15.4.3* If pressure or waterflow switches are used to shut down elevator power immediately upon or prior to the discharge of water from sprinklers, the use of devices with time-delay switches or time-delay capability shall not be permitted.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15.4 Elevator Shutdow n 6.15.4.1* Where heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, the detector shall have both a lower temperature rating and a higher sensitivity as compared to the sprinkler.

Recommendation: Recommendation: [Example] 

Use 165 o F , ordinary temperature rated sprinkler.



Use 135 o F , thermistor-based heat detector.

Or maintain a similar relationship based on ambient temperatures Note: Sprinklers in elevator machine rooms and hoistways must be of ordinary or intermediate temperature rating. (NFPA 13 [2002], 8.14.5.3)

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15.4 Elevator Shutdow n 6.15.4.2 If heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, they shall be placed within 2 ft of each sprinkler head and be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15.4 Elevator Shutdow n 6.15.4.2 If heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, they shall be placed within 2 ft of each sprinkler head and be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5. Alternatively, engineering methods, such as specified in Annex B, shall be permitted to be used to select and place heat detectors to ensure response prior to any sprinkler head operation under a variety of fire growth rate scenarios.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .4 Elevator Shut dow n 6.15.4.5 The initiating devices described in 6.15.4.2 (WFS) and 6.15.4.3 (HD) shall be monitored for integrity by the control unit required in Section 6.15.3.

Background: Water from sprinklers in the hoistway and elevator machine room presents a hazard to safe elevator operation: 

“Shorts” on circuit conductors

- Uncontrolled and dangerous elevator operation 

Wet brakes (traction elevators)

- Uncontrolled stopping

Shu nt Trip Operation – (theoretical) 

Smoke detector actuates, causing elevator recall



Elevators arrive at the recall floor and open doors



Heat buildup causes heat detector to actuate



Shunt trip operates, removing power from the elevator



Sprinkler operates

Concern: Potential of passengers becoming entrapped in the elevator if a heat detector or waterflow switch actuates (to cause “shunt trip”) prior to the completion of the recall function!

Sprinkler/ Pow er Shutdow n Concerns: A17.1 Task Group addressed “Shunt Trip” and Sprinklers





Risk Analysis was performed



Concern of “over-temperature” of elevator controller  



Equipment stops Equipment runs erratically / uncontrollably

Concern water from sprinklers may cause:  

Brake Failure Shorting out of an electrical safety or control circuit

Sprinkler/ Pow er Shutdow n Concerns: 

A17 .1 Task Grou p Recom m endations: 

Exemption of sprinklers in elevator machine rooms

Proposal:






If sprinklers are installed in elevator machine rooms, then the delay of the release of water from sprinklers will be required so recall can be completed first. 

the “delay strategy”






If sprinklers are installed in elevator machine rooms,

then the delay of the release of water from sprinklers will be required so recall can be completed first. 



the “delay strategy”

Consideration of “Earthquake M ode” as a strategy 

Stop at next floor

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .4 Elevator Shut dow n A.6.15.4.4 Upon activation of the heat detector used for elevator power shut down, there should be a delay in the activation of the power shunt trip.

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .4 Elevator Shut dow n A.6.15.4.4 Upon activation of the heat detector used for elevator power shut down, there should be a delay in the activation of the power shunt trip. This delay should be the time that it takes the elevator cab to travel from the top of the hoistway to the lowest recall level.

Shun t Trip Operation - Delay Strategy Smoke Smok e Detector Recall Heat Detector Recall “ X ” Ti me D el ay Shunt Trip

Elevator Arrival

Open Pre-action Valve Release Water

P r e- ac ti on V al ve ve Sprinkler(s)



R1

R2

R3

EOL

EOL

EOL






Shunt Trip Breaker


R4

S Elevator Lobby Smoke Detector 2nd Floor (Alternate Level)

EOL

Hot Neut 120 VAC Circuit (Power to Operate Shunt Trip Breaker) From Emergency Power Source

SCC 1

SCC 2






SCC 4

actuation causes disconnect of main line elevator power


Conventional or Addressable Zone / Circuit Module

S

NFPA 72 - 2002 6.15 .4 Elevator Shut dow n 6.15.4.4* Control circuits to shut down elevator power shall be monitored for presence of operating voltage. Loss of voltage to the control circuit for the disconnecting means shall cause a supervisory signal to be indicated at the control unit and required remote annunciators.



R1

R2

R3

EOL

EOL

EOL






Shunt Trip Breaker


R5

*

R4

S

EOL EOL

*inrelay R5 contacts shown deenergized position

Hot Neut 120 VAC Circuit (Power to Operate Shunt Trip Breaker) From Emergency Power Source

SCC 1

SCC 2





SCC 4

actuation causes disconnect of main line elevator power

Elevator Lobby Smoke Detector 2nd Floor (Alternate Level)


IDC 1 (Supervisory) actuation causes supervisory signal Conventional or Addressable Zone / Circuit Module


S

Future: 

A17.1 - 2006 Edition



NFPA 72 - 2007 Edition



Elevator Use in Fires and Other Emergencies





For Occupants



For Firefighters



Risk Assessment in process

Testing Issues

Issue: R equired Testing of Fire Alarm and Elevator I nterfacing

Fire Alarm and Elevator Testing Testing : 

Consistent Themes: 

High percentage of failed tests (50 – 60%)



End-to-End testing rarely performed



Vulnerable to software/programming changes



Lack of enforcement



Lack of documentation



Costly to have both Elevator and Fire Alarm technicians

on site at the same time (and difficult to coordinate)

Interface and Test Panel

1

Fire Alarm Signals

2 3

Indicators and Switches

Elevator Inputs

I nterf nterfaci acing ng Fire nterfacing F ire Alarm , Sprink ler and E levator Systems Elevator Codes and Applications Northern California/ Nevada Chapter, SFPE January 20, 200 6

Bruce Fraser Director, Industry Relations SimplexGrinnell LP Westminster, MA

M assac assachusetts husetts Approach T o Shu nt Trip T rip I ssues

T he M assac assachusetts husetts A pproach 780 CM C M R 904.1 904.1 - Initi Initial al M or orat ator orium ium Emergency Code Change (Exception to Sprinkler requirement) Automatic sprinkler protection is precluded in:





all n e w construction elevator machine rooms of traction/drum elevators



all n e w construction elevator machine rooms of hydraulic elevators



all n e w construction elevator hoistways and elevator pits

M assachusetts Building R egulations Board of Building Regulations – CMR 780 On May 14, 2003, by emergency action, the Massachusetts State Building Code was amended to: 

Exempt the requirement for sprinklers in all elevator

machine rooms, hoistways, and pits. 

On September 9, 2005 the action became permanent

M assachusetts Elevator Regulations Board of Elevator R egulations 524 CM R 17.02 

Requires removal of sprinklers and their piping from all

locations where they were installed before or during the code action. 524 CM R 17 .02(20)(f)(1) 

Requires the removal or deactivation of the shunt trip

circuit breakers in the elevator machine rooms. 524 CM R 17 .02(20)(f)(2)

M assachusetts Building R egulations Board of Building Regulations – CMR 780 Implementation: After 1-1-2004, and during regular annual inspection of



elevators by the Dept of Public Safety, owners will be cited and advised that the existence of sprinklers and the shunt trip circuit breakers are not in compliance with regulations and must be removed within 180 days.

M assachusetts Building R egulations Board of Building Regulations – CMR 780 Implementation: cont’d 

Notice must be given to and a permit received from the Fire

Department prior to the removal of sprinklers as required by MGL 148 Sec. 27A. 

The Dept of Public Safety will also require a permit for the

removal (disabling) of the shunt trip breaker to ensure it has been deactivated.

M assachusetts Building R egulations Board of Building Regulations – CMR 780 Implementation: cont’d 

During annual inspection, the department will verify the

existence of: 

Fire stopping that seals all holes caused by the removal of sprinkler pipes



Housekeeping measures to remove all combustibles from the Elevator Machine Room



Required signage on the EMR door

Interfacing Fire Alarm - Elevators

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