What is Elevator Door Lock Monitoring and What is Required by Code?

We have received an influx of inquiries regarding Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) as some elevator service providers are sending blanket letters with proposals to their customers, recommending that they add Door Lock Monitoring.  Before you sign a proposal, we want to offer some helpful clarifications. 

WHAT IS ELEVATOR DOOR LOCK MONITORING?   

Elevator DLM falls under ASME A17.1 and A17.3 codes.  It states that “Means shall be provided to monitor the position of car doors … to prevent automatic operation of the car if the car door(s) is not closed…”  Basically, it is a feature that does not allow the car to move if the elevator doors are open or if the circuit is faulty or has been jumped out.  An elevator should never run when any of the doors are open.  Unfortunately, there have been serious accidents and fatalities when this system is not properly monitored or installed.   

DO I HAVE DOOR LOCK MONITORING?   

To begin with, ASME A17.1 is the standard that the elevator must meet when it is installed. Every year, when the elevator is inspected, it must comply with those same standards.  A form of DLM was added to A17.1 in 1996.  However, the first time that A17.1 matches the language A17.3-2015 (more on that below) was in 2000.  ASME A17.1-2000 was adopted in Washington on 7/1/04.  If your elevator was installed after 7/1/04, it was required, by code, to have DLM.  Enforcement of this code might not have occurred immediately, so elevators installed after that date might not have DLM.  It is also possible that manufacturers added DLM prior to that date.  The only way to know for certain that you have DLM is by speaking with a trusted elevator professional.

WHAT DOES A17.3 HAVE TO DO WITH DLM?   

ASME A17.3 is a retroactive code that requires DLM, for all elevators, regardless of installation date. For purposes of this blog post, there are two jurisdictions having authority (JHA):   

State of Washington.  ASME A17.3-2015 has been adopted by the State.  At the time of this blog post (January 2024), it is not yet being enforced.  The State is targeting April 2024 to begin inspections for A17.3, which will include looking for DLM during their annual inspection.  If required, it will be noted as a correction in the Inspection Report.  Owners will be given approximately 2-5 years to comply with DLM and any other A17.3 items.  This was discussed during the State of Washington, November 2023 Elevator Safety Advisory Committee meeting and, of course, may be subject to change.    

City of Seattle.  The City of Seattle is a different story.  A17.3 has not been adopted.  It will be adopted as a part of Seattle Building Code 2024, which is not expected for another two years.  Enforcement is still under discussion.   

HOW MUCH DOES DOOR LOCK MONITORING COST?       

The cost for door lock monitoring can vary based on the type of equipment.  You may need to add an engineered overlay, but various vendors supply universal DLM systems that can be installed. Installation typically will take several days to complete.  Prior to starting installation, expect lead times for material and permits. 

NOW WHAT?  

If your elevator was installed or modernized after 7/1/04, it's likely you do not need to do anything, but you should check with your elevator service provider or local JHA. For elevators installed prior to 7/1/04, there are some variables to consider.  DLM is a critical safety feature to have that could save a life. If you do not have DLM, you should plan to add it.  It can be achieved in two ways – (1) adding an overlay or (2) modernizing the elevator.  Your approach will depend on the age of equipment, usage, budget and your plans for the building. DO NOT fall for any scare tactics used by some service providers, trying to get you to spend tens of thousands of dollars on something you may already have.   

There are a lot of on-going changes and discussions at the State level on how DLM will be enforced, much of which is still unclear. Ultimately, you should have a conversation with a trusted elevator professional so you can make an informed decision for you and your building.

If you have further questions, reach out to our Chief Problem Solver, Sean at (206) 482-5119 or sean@waelevator.com. 

Here’s the latest update from 4/16/2024 What’s the latest “411” with A17.3 Enforcement & Door Lock Monitoring? — Washington Elevator | Elevator Service | Everett Seattle Tacoma (waelevator.com)

Look out for more future blog posts with additional requirements of A17.3 enforcement.