Shunt Trip Testing Update!

Written By Sean McMannis

In our previous post from Fall of 2024, I stated:

1. The initiating devices (heat detectors) and shunt-trip will need to be tested. Generally, this is done during your annual building confidence testing.

  • A fire/life safety contractor will test the heat and smoke detectors.

  • A Class 1 electrician is needed to test the shunt-trip.

The second bullet point is incorrect. It should be changed to state:

The initiating devices (heat detectors) and shunt-trip will need to be tested. Generally, this is done during your annual building confidence testing. To perform the test, you will need a fire/life safety contractor to perform the following tasks:

  • Shunt the disconnect using the low voltage leg. This is to test that the shunt is operating properly, i.e., the Fire Alarm Initiating Devices (FAID) sends a signal to the fire panel and removes power from the elevator.

  • Resets the “high voltage” disconnect after it has been shunted. This re-energizes the elevator and returns it to normal operation. In the case of elevators, most high voltage falls between 200V and 480V.

  • Please note… This only applies when the shunt is tripped by the fire panel.

  • However, if the shunt is tripped by high voltage, then an 01 electrician is needed. NOTE: This is not a common building application.

To read our original post about what a shunt trip test is, please click here.

If you still have questions, please feel free to contact Sean.

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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