Elevator Codes & Standards Resource Page
ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
Published by: ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and CSA Group
Overview: This is the primary standard for the design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks in North America.
Latest Edition: Link to official ASME A17.1 page
Enforced by: Local AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction)
ASME A17.3 – Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators
Purpose: Provides retrofit safety requirements for older equipment to bring them closer to modern standards without full replacement.
Applicability: Buildings with elevators installed under earlier codes.
ANSI A117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
Published by: ANSI (American National Standards Institute
Focus: Accessibility requirements for elevators including control panel height, braille labeling, audio/visual alerts, etc.
Used in conjunction with: IBC and ADA Standards.
IBC – International Building Code
Published by: International Code Council (ICC)
Relevant Sections: Chapter 30 covers elevators and conveying systems.
Integration: References ASME and ANSI standards for technical requirements.
Link: https://www.iccsafe.org
NEC (NFPA 70) – National Electrical Code
Published by: NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
Pertains to: Electrical systems, emergency power, and fire alarm interfaces related to elevators.
Key sections: Articles 620 and 700.
Other Resources & Guidance
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
U.S. Department of Justice
https://www.ada.gov
Local Building Codes & AHJ Requirements
Always consult with your local code enforcement office, state elevator board, or licensing authority for amendments or adopted versions of national codes.
Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook (EIFESH)
A key resource for safe work practices in the elevator industry.
Related Organizations
National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII): https://www.neii.org
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): https://www.asme.org
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): https://www.nfpa.org
International Code Council (ICC): https://www.iccsafe.org
Elevator Manufacturers
Otis Elevator – Modernization Solutions
TK Elevator – Elevator Modernization
KONE – Elevator Modernization
Schindler Elevator – Modernization Services
Disclaimer
The information provided on this resource page is for general informational and educational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the links and content cited are accurate and up to date, we make no warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information, services, or related graphics contained herein or linked to from this site.