Installing an elevator is one of the most common ways the owners of commercial buildings make their spaces accessible for the public. But, not every building needs an elevator. To help clarify, here&#;s a handy way to tell if your commercial space needs a lift system and the types of elevators you can install in your space. Just remember the Rule of 3.

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The Rule of 3: 3 Stories, 3,000 Square Feet, 3 Elevator Types

How To Determine If An Elevator Is Required In A Commercial Building?

In , the ADA required that all public buildings in the United States should be accessible to people with limited mobility. Initially, it applied to new construction only but now requires existing buildings to be retrofitted for greater accessibility.

Generally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) law calls for an elevator to be installed if your building has three or more stories, or if each floor of the building exceeds 3,000 square feet.  Commercial buildings smaller than this are generally exempt, unless the space is one of the following:

• Medical office or doctor&#;s clinic
• Bus station, rail station or other public transportation facility
• Terminal building in an airport (including smaller private airports)
• Large retail space, such as a shopping mall

These public spaces are typically required to install elevators regardless of size.

Apart from the obvious cases, such as single-story structures, some buildings with upper floors that are not intended to be accessible to the public are also sometimes exempt, provided the public areas of the structure meet the exemptions to the ADA for floor space and number of stories. Certain historic buildings and churches are also exempt, or they may be in compliance provided they have some alternative form of conveyance, such as a wheelchair lift or ramp.

Requirements for Your Elevator

There are a lot of laws that go over your elevators&#; specifications and accessibility features. State and local governments are generally free to legislate beyond the basic federal requirements, so it&#;s always a good idea to consult with an ADA compliance specialist who knows your local laws before installing an elevator. As a rule, most areas recognize three basic types of passenger elevators that can be installed in a commercial building: standard, destination, and limited-use.

1)    Standard Elevators

Standard elevators should be familiar to anyone. These are enclosed cabs with cable-and-winch lift systems that carry passengers to any floor they choose.  This is the kind of elevator your commercial building needs if it is of standard size. Buildings that are much larger (or much smaller) often use standard elevators as well, though they are typically supplemented by specialty models that perform specific jobs.

While, the federal rulebook for standard elevators requirements is very extensive, here is a high-level overview of key things to consider:

• Elevators must be easily found and reached from public areas of the building, such as lobby
• Doors must fully open and stay open for at least 3 seconds before closing
• Doors must be equipped with an obstruction sensor that reopens them if something blocks total closure
• Open doors must be at least 36 inches apart
• Cabin must be at least 51 inches deep and 68 inches wide, though larger cabins are allowed
• Buttons must be at least 0.75 inches in diameter and centered 42 inches above the floor
• The control panel must have Braille indicators below or next to the floor numbers
• Some kind of audible signal must indicate that a floor has been reached, such as a ping or recorded voice
• A two-way intercom for both visually and hearing-impaired riders must be installed
• Emergency controls must be installed at least 35 inches above the floor
• Elevator travel can have selective operation for more efficient floor-sequencing

2)    Destination Elevators

Destination elevators are one type of specialty elevator that give up flexibility for speed and simplicity. A destination elevator doesn&#;t stop at every floor, but instead goes to a specific destination only. These are common in two-story buildings, since there is only one floor they can go to per trip, in buildings with restricted access floors, and in high-rise buildings. For example, in many high-rise buildings, Express elevators are installed for maximum efficiency traveling from the ground floor directly to &#;sky lobbies,&#; where passengers can catch a second elevator to their desired floor.

Destination elevators are held to the same requirements as standard elevators, but with a few extra rules to help passengers with disabilities:

• Each elevator must have visible and audible signals or signs to differentiate it from other elevators in the bank, so passengers know where it goes
• Some kind of visual display of each floor the elevator serves must be provided
• Automated verbal announcements must be made of each stop, along with a display of floor numbers for riders with impaired hearing

3)    LULA Elevators &#; Limited Use, Limited Application

Limited-use elevators are generally used for specific applications in special circumstances, specifically to satisfy ADA requirements. These elevators are most commonly found in churches, schools, public libraries, municipal buildings and other specialty locations where it&#;s rare for passengers to need access to multiple floors. You can usually get by with a limited use elevator in small office buildings and or low-demand environments, where only one or two floors need to be accessible or expected passenger loads are minimal.

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Because of their specialization, limited-use elevators are strictly regulated for size, capacity and standards. This can make a limited-use elevator an excellent choice for installing in historic buildings or other spaces where a traditional elevator might be difficult to manage. The potentially lesser standards can also make limited-use elevators an economical choice for low-traffic applications. It is still a good idea to hire a professional consultant for a self-inspection, however, since one of the factors that determines your potential liability under the ADA is whether or not you showed good faith when installing an elevator for the public to use.

Installing an Elevator in Your Commercial Property

No matter what type of elevator you eventually settle on for your commercial building, it is vitally important to have the lift professionally designed and installed.  Day Elevator & Lift has a variety of different elevators available that can work in almost any space, commercial and residential alike. Our professional installers have years of experience with ADA requirements and the needs of visitors to public buildings.

When you call Day Elevator & Lift at (800) 758- for a free consultation, we can help you decide what kind of elevator works best for the space you&#;re building or upgrading. We have experienced inspectors who will visit your site and give you an estimate of likely costs and the work involved in installing a new elevator. Many of our models come with manufacturer warranties, and we stand by all of the work our installers do.

Call us today to start the process or reach out through our convenient online contact form, and get started installing a new elevator in your commercial building right away.

Replacing Paneling in an Elevator

Rules and standards related to elevators are so complicated and strict that the jobs tend to be quite expensive and difficult. March 4,

Question
I'm bidding on a job that requires removing the existing panels (stainless steel) and floors of an elevator. How does this stuff attach? The fasteners are all hidden. Looked for z-clips, kd ties, etc. Any ideas?

Forum Responses
(Architectural Woodworking Forum)
From contributor C:
You will most often find a z clip, either a screwed or riveted Monarch type, or a welded strip in two or three horizontal places per panel. Each manufacturer of the coaches differs somewhat. We always lift up with one man down low for lift and one standing to prevent dropping and chipping the bottom corners. Panels almost always have a reveal all around for slight centering adjustment.

From contributor R:
Many of the elevators we do have panels attached for outside the cab. If this is the case, you will have to have the cab held by the maintenance company while you go into the shaft and try to get at the fasteners. We rarely do elevator work unless the maintenance company is involved and we try to have them do all of the removal work before we arrive. Also, when we sell to the cab company or maintenance company, we can get them to specify the fire rating, which gets the liability off of our plate. Fire rating is something to watch out for.

From the original questioner:
Thanks for the info. Contributor R, can you be more specific? I know that the elevator will be parked in the basement while I am upgrading it. If I am putting up wood panels, do I need to have them fire rated?

From contributor R:
Codes differ by state and I can't tell you what the situation is where you are. We use fire rated materials on all elevators unless we are specifically told by the architect or elevator manufacturer/installer in writing that it's not required. Fire rating doubles the material cost and the lead times. For veneer panels, you would need fire rated cores; for solids, a fire rated finish.

From the original questioner:
I'm located in So Cal. Why are fire rated materials double the price? What if you are using MDF cores coated with a fire retardant? These are the materials that they are specifying.

From contributor R:
We do a lot of laminate panels and both core and plastic are much more than standard materials and are special order, often with freight. Veneer with fire rated core usually has to be laid up by a specialty house, not just off the shelf. If you can find a coating that meets code and does not interfere with the veneering process, or is in the form of a finish that you can use over veneered stock, then you may be able to manage for less material cost. The key is knowing your local codes and getting either an architect, an elevator installer/manufacturer, or maybe an inspector to put in writing that what you are doing meets code. I have found it simplest just to work with our local Thyssen Krupp office (formerly Dover Elevator) and let them specify what is needed.

From the original questioner:
Didn't know I had to get all those folks involved. Both the design and materials are their specs, and I don't think it is a professional rendering. Never considered the inspector aspect, nor the elevator engineer other than to have the unit counterbalanced once the new materials were installed. What is typical of FR materials - 20 min, 40 min?

From contributor P:
I'm bidding on a paneling job in Calif. The project manager said there is a new law that requires that you have a certified elevator mechanic present while you are doing the install. You might want to check this out also.

From the original questioner:
Thanks as well. Am I reading correctly - this guy must be standing there or in proximity the entire time? That means that I am paying him his rate to stand and watch?

From contributor P:
That is my understanding. This job isn't in the elevators - he mentioned it in passing.

From contributor F:
In most states, elevators require a UL listing and specs. I don't know current California law and I don't think I'd even consider a job in a California elevator cab.

From contributor T:
As mentioned, elevators are governed by stiffer codes (ASME A17.1). If you&#;re not in tune with the specifics associated with elevators, you can/will find yourself in trouble with the union boys and the local inspectors. In most cases, you should be signatory to the union to do work associated with elevators; otherwise you are required to have standby mechanics while the work is performed (yes, your price includes their pay rate). If the union or inspectors find out you have used non-compliant materials, you will need to replace them at your cost.

Many of the elevators we do have panels attached for outside the cab. If this is the case, you will have to have the cab held by the maintenance company while you go into the shaft and try to get at the fasteners. We rarely do elevator work unless the maintenance company is involved and we try to have them do all of the removal work before we arrive. Also, when we sell to the cab company or maintenance company, we can get them to specify the fire rating, which gets the liability off of our plate. Fire rating is something to watch out for.Thanks for the info. Contributor R, can you be more specific? I know that the elevator will be parked in the basement while I am upgrading it. If I am putting up wood panels, do I need to have them fire rated?Codes differ by state and I can't tell you what the situation is where you are. We use fire rated materials on all elevators unless we are specifically told by the architect or elevator manufacturer/installer in writing that it's not required. Fire rating doubles the material cost and the lead times. For veneer panels, you would need fire rated cores; for solids, a fire rated finish.I'm located in So Cal. Why are fire rated materials double the price? What if you are using MDF cores coated with a fire retardant? These are the materials that they are specifying.We do a lot of laminate panels and both core and plastic are much more than standard materials and are special order, often with freight. Veneer with fire rated core usually has to be laid up by a specialty house, not just off the shelf. If you can find a coating that meets code and does not interfere with the veneering process, or is in the form of a finish that you can use over veneered stock, then you may be able to manage for less material cost. The key is knowing your local codes and getting either an architect, an elevator installer/manufacturer, or maybe an inspector to put in writing that what you are doing meets code. I have found it simplest just to work with our local Thyssen Krupp office (formerly Dover Elevator) and let them specify what is needed.Didn't know I had to get all those folks involved. Both the design and materials are their specs, and I don't think it is a professional rendering. Never considered the inspector aspect, nor the elevator engineer other than to have the unit counterbalanced once the new materials were installed. What is typical of FR materials - 20 min, 40 min?I'm bidding on a paneling job in Calif. The project manager said there is a new law that requires that you have a certified elevator mechanic present while you are doing the install. You might want to check this out also.Thanks as well. Am I reading correctly - this guy must be standing there or in proximity the entire time? That means that I am paying him his rate to stand and watch?That is my understanding. This job isn't in the elevators - he mentioned it in passing.In most states, elevators require a UL listing and specs. I don't know current California law and I don't think I'd even consider a job in a California elevator cab.As mentioned, elevators are governed by stiffer codes (ASME A17.1). If you&#;re not in tune with the specifics associated with elevators, you can/will find yourself in trouble with the union boys and the local inspectors. In most cases, you should be signatory to the union to do work associated with elevators; otherwise you are required to have standby mechanics while the work is performed (yes, your price includes their pay rate). If the union or inspectors find out you have used non-compliant materials, you will need to replace them at your cost.

It&#;s not only the panels you need to be concerned with but also code requirements associated with upgrading the elevators (e.g. new panels, ventilation requirements, handrails, etc).

Also be aware that just because someone tells you to provide certain types of materials and sizes doesn&#;t mean you can. It&#;s your responsibility to insure they are code compliant in their end configuration. If the materials requested are not compliant, you need to make them aware and quote code only compliant materials and interior configurations.

From contributor R:
The above post is why I prefer to be a materials supplier only on most elevator jobs. My customer orders a specific product from me and my only obligation is to give him what was ordered. What the customer does with it afterwards is not my responsibility. This can be very lucrative work but must be handled properly.

From the original questioner:
Thanks for the info, especially the code issue. I think it's hogwash, plain and simple. I understand why codes are in place and follow them to a T. While my Reed Light and Residential Construction book does not cover elevators, I did take in mind most of the standards/codes that are applicable. The bid is to rip out the existing SS panels and flooring and replace with veneered panels/molding and tile for the floors, rails, etc. Sounds to me with all the extras might as well bid 20k per elevator.

From contributor T:
The codes do seem a bit extreme but they are the requirements. Since you are replacing the existing panels with new veneered panels, make sure the finish on the veneer is fire rated along with the core. There are not a lot of suppliers who understand the whole flame and smoke spread requirements.

From the original questioner:
I was opting for 3/8 HDF, the fire spread, fuel cont. and smoke den are pretty good. Coating is pre-cat lacquer, so I should be safe in that area. Going to manufacture the panels in shop, then install on site. Lay out tile in shop, then install on site.

From contributor T:
It's not about being pretty good or having fire ratings prior to the end configuration. You are either within the range for the requirements or you're not. Even the lacquer finish applied to the veneer panels has to meet the flame and smoke spread requirements. That's why there are specific companies who specialize in doing elevator interiors.

From contributor A:
Also, in most locations, the panel attachment must meet a drop test. Take contributor R's advice - either hire a mechanic or sub the materials to an elevator contractor. We haven't worked in elevators in over 10 years because of all the code requirements. I have provided the panels to match lobby paneling in a manner similar to what contributor R does.

From contributor P:
On the job I was talking about, the GC had a company who specializes in elevator cabs do the interiors in stainless steel. He said the cost was 30k for 2 cabs.

From the original questioner:
What I don't understand about the fire ratings/drop tests is, suppose you have carpet&#; isn't it more flammable than wood? What does a drop test do - what does it simulate?

The above post is why I prefer to be a materials supplier only on most elevator jobs. My customer orders a specific product from me and my only obligation is to give him what was ordered. What the customer does with it afterwards is not my responsibility. This can be very lucrative work but must be handled properly.Thanks for the info, especially the code issue. I think it's hogwash, plain and simple. I understand why codes are in place and follow them to a T. While my Reed Light and Residential Construction book does not cover elevators, I did take in mind most of the standards/codes that are applicable. The bid is to rip out the existing SS panels and flooring and replace with veneered panels/molding and tile for the floors, rails, etc. Sounds to me with all the extras might as well bid 20k per elevator.The codes do seem a bit extreme but they are the requirements. Since you are replacing the existing panels with new veneered panels, make sure the finish on the veneer is fire rated along with the core. There are not a lot of suppliers who understand the whole flame and smoke spread requirements.I was opting for 3/8 HDF, the fire spread, fuel cont. and smoke den are pretty good. Coating is pre-cat lacquer, so I should be safe in that area. Going to manufacture the panels in shop, then install on site. Lay out tile in shop, then install on site.It's not about being pretty good or having fire ratings prior to the end configuration. You are either within the range for the requirements or you're not. Even the lacquer finish applied to the veneer panels has to meet the flame and smoke spread requirements. That's why there are specific companies who specialize in doing elevator interiors.Also, in most locations, the panel attachment must meet a drop test. Take contributor R's advice - either hire a mechanic or sub the materials to an elevator contractor. We haven't worked in elevators in over 10 years because of all the code requirements. I have provided the panels to match lobby paneling in a manner similar to what contributor R does.On the job I was talking about, the GC had a company who specializes in elevator cabs do the interiors in stainless steel. He said the cost was 30k for 2 cabs.What I don't understand about the fire ratings/drop tests is, suppose you have carpet&#; isn't it more flammable than wood? What does a drop test do - what does it simulate?

Wow - 30K on two. I was way out of the water.

From contributor T:
Even the carpet would need to be fire rated. That's the problem with elevators, most materials requested do not come with the required fire ratings.

From contributor A:
A drop test is performed to insure the panels and trim stay on the wall in case the elevator drops and comes to a sudden stop. Any hardened fastener would shear and break in that circumstance.

From contributor G:
I am very impressed with these responses. I have worked for a company that specialized in building and remodeling elevator cabs in the Downtown Chicago area. There are a lot of things to consider. I think the number one thing is adding or removing too much weight. You have to work with the elevator company that has the contract to service the elevator. Don't piss them off!

Even the carpet would need to be fire rated. That's the problem with elevators, most materials requested do not come with the required fire ratings.A drop test is performed to insure the panels and trim stay on the wall in case the elevator drops and comes to a sudden stop. Any hardened fastener would shear and break in that circumstance.I am very impressed with these responses. I have worked for a company that specialized in building and remodeling elevator cabs in the Downtown Chicago area. There are a lot of things to consider. I think the number one thing is adding or removing too much weight. You have to work with the elevator company that has the contract to service the elevator. Don't piss them off!

If you are just replacing panels, then you shouldn't have to worry about the rest of the materials in the elevator, like the floor and ceiling. Just make sure you know the weight of what you are taking out and putting in. Also know the codes in your area. Fire rated material and the drop code are very important. My advice for your first job is to go above and beyond what is expected. It could go a long way.

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