WAC 296-96-02480
How does the department enforce ASME
requirements for sprinklers, smoke detectors, and heat
detectors in hoistways and machine rooms? ASME
A17.1-2.8.2.3.2 states: "Means shall be provided to
automatically disconnect the mainline power supply to the
affected elevator upon or prior to the application of water
from sprinklers located in the machine room or in the hoistway
more than 600 mm (24 inches) above the pit floor. This means
shall be independent of the elevator control and shall not be
self-resetting. The activation of sprinklers outside the
hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the main line
power supply." This section applies to both new and altered
elevators when sprinklers have been installed in the elevator
machine room and/or hoistway.
(1) The department enforces this rule as follows:
(a) When sprinkler systems are installed in an elevator
hoistway, fixed temperature heat detectors set only at one
hundred thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit must be located at the
top of the hoistway. If sprinklers are installed in the
machine room, the same rule applies to heat detectors in the
machine room. If heat detectors are installed, they must be
no more than eighteen inches from the sprinkler and in
accordance with NFPA must also be installed for elevator
recall. The purpose of the heat detector is to automatically
disconnect mainline power to the elevator before water flows
from any sprinkler associated with the elevator system.
(b) Activation of a smoke detector or other department
approved initiating device at the top of the hoistway shall
cause all elevators having any equipment in that hoistway, and
any associated elevators of a group automatic operation, to be
returned nonstop to the designated level.
(c) Heat detectors must be:
(i) Located within eighteen inches of each sprinkler
head, as required by the local building official, or as
required by NFPA 13.
(ii) Ceiling mounted. However, pit detectors, if
installed, may only be used as a signaling device and
wall-mounted if they are so designed.
(iii) Heat detectors are not required in pits provided
the automatic sprinkler heads are installed in such a way that
the water spray pattern does not spray higher than three feet
above the pit floor with a spray pattern directed level and
down.
(d) The shunt trip disconnect must be installed in the
machine room or machinery space and it must be easily
identifiable.
(e) Power for the automatic disconnect control circuit.
(i) Must be derived from a one hundred twenty volt
separate branch circuit. Circuit location must be identified
on or next to the elevator disconnects; and
(ii) An illuminated visual device must be installed in
the machine room adjacent to each elevator's disconnect. The
purpose of this visual device is to indicate that power is
available to the shunt trip activation mechanism; or
(iii) The department will allow disconnects that are
labeled and listed to have built-in circuits that transform
the power for the shunt trip device. This must be a one
hundred twenty volt supply to the device. The shunt trip
device must initiate shunt trip of the main line, not the fire
panel. There must be an illuminated visual device
incorporated on the disconnect switch that identifies that
power is available to the shunt trip device.
(f) All electrical equipment and wiring associated with
shunt trip devices must conform to the applicable ANSI/NFPA
70.
(g) The department does not require sprinkler shut-off
valves. However, where they are installed, they must be
located in an accessible place outside the hoistway, machine
room or machinery space with their handles placed at no more
than six feet above the floor.
(h) Emergency return units must be disabled when the
shunt trip is activated.
(2) Alternative methods used to achieve ASME
A17.1-2.8.2.3.2 must be approved by the department prior to
installation.
EXCEPTION:
Limited use/limited application (LULA), special purpose, and residential elevators are exempt from this section.