Frequently Asked Questions About Elevator Testing Requirements!

Written By Sean McMannis

We often receive questions about elevator testing.  This post is intended to provide some clarity on what tests are required in Washington State.  There are two codes that will be referenced throughout this post – ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) A17.1 and the WAC (Washington Administrative Code).  ASME writes and updates the elevator code and it is up to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to adopt it.  In the event of a conflict, the WAC supersedes ASME. 

If you overlook timely testing, safety may be compromised. Testing ensures that your elevator works under safe conditions and that passengers will be as safe as possible when riding your elevator. What tests are we talking about?

ANNUALLY – Periodic Test AKA Category 1 or Annual Test

Unlike Firefighter’s Emergency Operation testing, the next three tests (Periodic, Category 3 and Category 5) must be performed by a licensed elevator contractor. Periodic testing requirements are outlined in ASME A17.1 8.6.5.14.  The following safety devices are tested:

  • Hydraulic (8.6.5.14)– Relief Valve and System Pressure, Hydraulic Cylinder and Piping, Normal/Final Terminal Devices, Governor, Safeties, Oil Buffers, Firefighters Emergency Operation, Emergency Power Operation, Power Operations of Door System, Emergency Terminal Speed Limiting Device, Emergency Terminal Stopping Device, Low Oil Protection Operation, Flexible Hose and Fitting Assemblies, Pressure Switch, Power Operations of Door Systems, Slack Rope Device and Earthquake Operations. 

  • Traction (8.6.4.19.1) – Oil Buffers, Safeties, Governors, Slack-Rope Devices on Winding Drum Machines, Normal and Final Terminal Stopping Devices, Firefighters Emergency Operation, Emergency Power Operation, Power Operations of Door System, Broken Rope, Tape or Chain Switch. 

If the elevator does not have functionality above, the test is “Not Applicable”.  Category 1, 3 and 5 tests should be logged in the Maintenance Control Program (MCP) and on a metal test tag affixed to the controller. 

Historically, the State of Washington / City of Seattle has varied between a log sheet on the wall and test tags.  Records can be found in one of those areas in your elevator machine room.

THREE-YEAR – Category 3 Testing

Category 3 testing is not common.  It only applies to water-hydraulic elevators and ones with Pressure Vessels. 

FIVE-YEAR – Category 5 AKA Five-year Testing

This test requires that the elevator be loaded to its full capacity.  A Periodic Test must also be performed the year that the Category 5 test due and is typically done at the same time.    

  • Hydraulic (8.6.5.16). Category 5 testing is only required if elevators have one of the following devices: Governor, Safeties, Oil Buffers, Ropes, Plunger Grippers, Overspeed Valves or is a Freight Elevator with Class C2 Loading. 

Overspeed Valves (AKA Rupture Valves) were required with the adoption of A17.1 – 1993, which was adopted in 1995. Compliance is based on the permit date, so anything before approximately 1997 was probably not originally installed with an overspeed valve. It could have been added later.  Because these are located in the elevator pit, you will need an elevator mechanic or inspector to determine if you have one. Alternatively, the City or State sometimes has record of this.    

A rupture valve adjusts itself to close, helping to stop an elevator from uncontrolled descent, protecting against oil line failure, between the power unit and valve.

  • Traction (8.6.4.20).  The following components are tested:  Car and Counterweight Safeties, Governors, Oil Buffers, Braking System, Emergency and Standby Power Operation, Emergency Terminal Stopping and Speed-Limiting Devices, Power Opening of Doors, Leveling Zone and Leveling Speed, Emergency Stopping Distance and Emergency Brake. 

In addition to documenting testing in the MCP and on the metal test tag, the completed 5-year test report, which is in addition to the MCP, should be submitted to the AHJ.

NON-ELEVATOR TESTS

The tests listed above are required to test specific elevator features. There are other building systems that require testing, which are described below. While they are not elevator systems, the elevator must respond in the correct manner. These tests are both performed annually, typically during your building’s confidence test (if applicable) and need to be logged in the MCP. For example:

  • Fire Alarm Personnel Initiating Devices.  Required for all elevators with Firefighter’s Emergency Operation and typically performed by your fire / life safety contractor.  The test is to ensure that the smoke detectors, heat detectors and fire panel are still properly interfaced with the elevator control.

  • Shunt Trip Device.  View our full write-up on Shunt Trip testing.

Still confused? Do you feel like you’re studying for the SAT’s? Reach out to our Chief Problem Solver, Sean with any questions.

Sean McMannis

There is nothing that Sean enjoys more than helping a customer solve an elevator issue. Since 2008, he has witnessed a deterioration in the services provided throughout the industry. Sean prides himself on being responsive and honest. He takes the time to educate elevator owners and help them understand their options. After spending time at various elevator companies, Sean joined Washington Elevator because he believes building owners and managers crave a company focused on people, not profits.

With more than 15 years of elevator experience, Sean’s goal is to proactively address all elevator issues so that you can focus on your business.

When Sean isn’t helping customers, you can find him playing on the soccer field, cheering on the Sounders and enjoying activities with his wife and their two young kids.

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