The Elevator Code About Fires

For years, elevator code has dictated that placards be placed in elevator lobbies telling occupants to use the stairs in case of a fire. Elevator code however is more complicated than a simple sign, especially as it applies to passenger elevators and fires.

Elevator code is governed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Formally dubbed the A17 Life Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, A17 is the basis for most requirements adopted at the local level.

Under ASME standards, once a fire has been detected, elevators operate under either Phase I or Phase II regulations.elevator company

Elevator code dictates that under Phase I operation, elevators that are 25 feet or more above the main floor return either to a designated landing area or an alternate area. Phase I operation is activated either manually by a special key, or automatically by a fire alarm initiating device. A sensor could detect smoke in the hoistway or machine room, for example, and trigger Phase I. The goal is to remove the elevators from service so that building occupants do not use elevators during a fire and become trapped.

Phase II operation is an override meant for firefighters after Phase I has been activated. Under Phase II operation, firefighters can use a keyswitch to operate the elevator, provided the hoistway is clear of smoke and the elevator has electricity.

Elevator Code Updates

ASME has been conducting a hazard analysis since 2004 to determine whether to recommend changes to A17 that would allow elevators to be used for evacuation.

One reason the study has taken so long is the technological and behavioral challenges involved. For example, how would smoke be dealt with? Instructing occupants when it’s appropriate to evacuate via an elevator is no easy task because the decision could vary depending on the building, the type of emergency and where the occupants are located. That question would likely require changes to elevator control systems.

Compounding the difficulty in using elevators for evacuation is that any potential changes would likely impact fire codes, building codes and elevator codes, experts say.

Bigger and Better Escalators

Improvements in vertical transportation aren’t limited to elevators. Technology also is improving the operation of escalators. Modular parts make repairs less disruptive and expensive. Newer and bigger machines better handle continuous high-volume traffic. In addition, designs are being implemented to improve safety.

Elevator company has introduced an escalator modernization package that uses modular components to modernize existing systems. The package enables facility executives to avoid the disruption of conventional escalator replacement. For the most part, installation work goes on inside the existing truss so that facilities continue to operate as usual while work is under way.

“While the core technology is identical to our new escalator product, the ECOMOD system is custom-engineered to fit the particular truss of the escalator being modernized,” says Jim Turner, vice president .

Escalators also are getting bigger and beefier, so they’re better able to handle large crowds in places like stadiums and arenas. For instance, has introduced new escalators in several stadiums. The company’s design is based on the escalators used in subways and train stations. “They’re beasts, and intended to operate under heavy traffic conditions,” says Dennis DeVos, vice president of business development.

Finally, improvements in escalator design enhance safety. One example: In addition to reducing the gap between the steps and skirt, Schindler has added a brush that runs the length of the skirt. This alerts a passenger that a foot is nearing the seam joining the step and skirt. Upon feeling the brush, most passengers will move their feet away, reducing the risk that they’ll get caught.

Elevator

The maxim, “What goes up, must come down,” doesn’t always seem true for those waiting in a building lobby for an elevator. Seconds seemingly turn into minutes as building occupants fiddle with wristwatch bands, fold their arms across their chests and stare at the floor waiting for the elevator to take them to their offices.

Waiting is one of the often-heard complaints about elevators. New elevator designs, however, are trying to eliminate those concerns. They are part of a new generation of technology that can improve performance, take up less space in a building and consume less energy.

Called destination elevators, the systems group passengers going to nearby floors, boosting passenger elevator efficiency. Rather than pushing a button with an up or down arrow before entering the elevator, an individual indicates the floor to which he or she is headed. “You almost get the equivalent of the car push controls on the outside of the elevator bank,” says Dennis DeVos, vice president of business development with elevator manufacturer Fujitec North America, Lebanon, Ohio.

A control panel then directs people to the car that will take them to their destination floor most quickly. The elevator system’s intelligence groups people going to floors in close proximity, limiting unnecessary stops. John Chapman, director of product management with Schindler Elevator Corp., Morristown, N.J., says the way users recall the destination elevator is like taking a taxi; a conventional elevator is like riding a bus.

Of course, there’s the risk that some individuals either won’t understand the system or will try to thwart it. To remedy that, some destination elevators eliminate the destination buttons inside the cars but retain emergency call buttons. Or the system may disable the interior buttons until the car has left the floor; at that point, an individual who punched in the wrong number would be allowed to enter another floor number.

Another innovation in elevator technology is the introduction of machine-room-less (MRL) elevator systems. The absence of a machine room frees up space that can be rented or used for other purposes. If a building is subject to height restrictions, an MRL elevator might allow the structure to meet the restriction by reducing the height needed for a new building.

What’s more, MRL systems allow greater flexibility in locating the elevators. “You can put an elevator anywhere in a building, without structural considerations,” says DeVos. “You just cut a hole.”

MRL elevators use permanent magnets to boost the power of the motor. This reduces the size of the motor so that it’s small enough to fit within the elevator hoistway rather than requiring a separate machine room. For instance, the EcoDisk MRL elevator from KONE uses an 8.7 horsepower motor to do the same work that a 22.7 horsepower traction machine or 40 horsepower hydraulic motor could do, says Russ Mitchell, marketing manager for new equipment business with the KONE, manufacturers of the EcoDisk MRL elevator. And, because they use magnets rather than oil to power the elevator car up and down, Machine roomless elevators eliminate the risk of contaminating ground water.

Maintenance Tips For Elevator

Most occupants never think much about elevator controls. But as the elevator control system ages, the problems can be obvious: Long wait times for building occupants and lines in the elevator lobby during peak travel times.

To determine whether elevator controls are in need of attention, check wait times and elevator speed on a regular basis. Time how long it takes to go from the bottom floor to the top floor. Measure the time spent waiting for an elevator during peak and off-peak periods. Record the times and compare them to a baseline for the elevator, or to the manufacturer’s specifications for that type of application.

Long wait times and slow performance may be caused by a malfunction as simple as a defective relay, or problems may be caused by the age and overall condition of the elevator. While repairs can improve performance in some cases, elevators that use old mechanical relay controls may simply need a new control system. Mechanical relay-based controls are slow by today’s standards, and little can be done to improve their performance. Upgrading to new microprocessor-based controls reduces average wait time by 50 percent. When coupled with a new drive system, the speed of the passenger elevator can be increased by an average of 40 percent.

Replacing the relay-based controls, although costly, will at some point become a necessity. Microprocessor control systems for elevators became the standard for new construction and system modernization nearly 20 years ago. Parts for older relay-based controls are getting harder to find. 

Equally difficult is finding personnel who understand and can service these types of elevator controls. Fewer and fewer elevator manufacturers and elevator companies support the older systems. As a result, the maintenance cost and downtime is increasing because it is difficult to obtain replacement parts.

If system performance is already a problem, it is far better for facility executives to plan for replacement now rather than have their hand forced some time in the future.

Steps of riding an elevator

1.Getting on the Elevator

Press the "up" or "down" button. When you arrive to the elevator, decide which way you are going and be ready to wait. An elevator's arrival time can be affected by many factors such as elevators' popularity, the amount of floors, rush hours, and available elevators due to unforeseen maintenance or closures.

Allow any people to leave before entering. This etiquette is practiced in a lot of public situations such as subways or buses, and elevators are no different. Also, keep in mind elevators serve individuals who suffer handicaps or people handling large loads of cargo or furniture. Take a step aside and allow passengers enough space to make their way out of the elevator.

Make certain the elevator is going in your direction. Most elevators have signals to show if they are going down or up. In the case where you cannot find any signal, ask the passengers on the elevator which way they are headed.

Avoiding going in the wrong the direction, especially if the building has a lot of floors.

Decide if the elevator has enough space. When the elevator stops at your floor, it might not mean people will exit. If the doors open and passengers do not get out, assess what space remains. If you cannot see enough room for you, let the doors close and wait for another elevator.

Enter and find an empty spot in the elevator. Elevators vary in size and available space. Locate a section where you will feel both comfort for the ride and convenience for your exit. The back of the elevator is the ideal location two-fold: it leaves room for other passengers to enter or exit, and it secures a good spot for longer rides.

Select your floor. Elevators ,home elevator have buttons on either sides of the door. The majority of the floor buttons are numbered; basement, garage, street level, lobby, etc. may be represented by letters.

If someone is standing closer to the buttons than you, they might offer to select for you. If they do not, kindly ask them to select the floor.

2.Riding the Elevator

Secure all your belongings. If you are riding with groceries, book bags, or any other items, be sure to hold on to them properly. If the elevator ride is empty, you may leave your items on the floor, especially for longer rides. However, holding on to your items ensures more space for potential passengers.

Be courteous when traveling with children or pets. Elevator rides can be crowded, and ensuring the safety and comfort of others should be on your mind. If you travel with a pet, be sure to secure it with a leash or carry it; not all people are comfortable with pets roaming freely. Also, be sure to have your children close to you. It is also good practice to have them be mindful of others' spaces.

Control noise levels. The most proper elevator etiquette would be to keep noise levels from silence to minimal. Conversations either in person or over the phone should cease when possible. Use headphones for listening to music instead of playing it out loud. If you are traveling with an infant, kindly refrain from riding while the child is crying.

Calm your nerves and anxieties. Riding an elevator may be difficult for some people with worries such as germs or confined spaces. If you know riding an elevator is a difficult but unavoidable task, prepare yourself for the ride by multiple means.

Choose portable, hand-held activities. Read a book, check your email, send text messages, check social media, create to do lists, or any small task that requires enough focus to ease your mind.

Listen to soothing music. A nice pair of head phones and delicate tunes can ease your thoughts for a better ride.

Ride elevators more often. Practice makes perfect, and conquering a fear is no different. Taking more elevator rides will help you get use to the activity.

Think of a calm setting. Train yourself to create soothing settings that relax you, and enter that mental picture when you ride the elevator.

Pay attention to the stops. As you ride, be aware of stops for two reasons. First, passengers need to enter and exit; you might have to give people space to help them slip in or out. Also, each stop brings you closer to your floor, and you may be able to move towards the door. However, in the event that you are not close to an exit, being ready will help you get to your floor without any issues.

3.Exiting the Elevator

Excuse yourself as you walk through the passenger elevator. People on elevators have many distractions in their heads and often give you their backs as they face the elevator door. Saying excuse me or pardon me will signal your intentions of exiting, and they will move to help you leave.

Make sure the door opens on your floor. When the elevator stops at your exit, the doors should open either automatically or manually. Most elevators have a button to open the doors while some older models use latches. In the case when the door won't open, search for an intercom or alarm button. If the elevator is jammed, qualified assistants will be notified.

Ask someone to hold the door for you. Walking around people in a crowded elevator might not give you enough time to reach the doors before closing. Ask someone close enough to make sure the door will remain open for you.

Green Elevator

In the beginning there was Archimedes, who in 236 B.C.E. hooked his famous pulleys to the top of a big wooden box and began to pull. Eureka, the elevator was born. Made of locally sourced, sustainably produced materials, his person-powered off-the-grid invention is the distant ancestor of a new crop of eco-friendly passenger elevators now courting the growing green-building market.

Some estimates project that buildings consume about 40% of the world's energy, and elevators account for between 2% and 10% of a building's energy use. The leading elevator manufacturers are rising up to get those numbers down.

What makes an elevator green? Energy consumption is key, but that's just a start. The materials, processes, and technologies that go into the manufacture of an elevator system also count. So too do the choices of interior paints, flooring, control panels, lighting, and HVAC systems. All of these elements can contribute points to a building's overall score for LEED accreditation by the U.S. Green Building Council. Here is a snapshot of how the major elevator makers are addressing these design elements.

Machine-Room-Less Technology

Introduced in the mid-1990s, machine-room-less (MRL) technology was one of the biggest advances in elevator design since they went electric a century before. Miniaturization has made it feasible to house the MRL machinery right in the elevator shaft rather than in a costly rooftop machine room. Incorporating a gearless traction design, machine room-less elevators in some cases can use up to 80% less energy than hydraulic lifts, without the expense and environmental headaches of oil-filled underground hydraulic cylinders.

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KONE, Inc. (Moline, IL) introduced the first MRL elevator and places so much stock in the technology that the company discontinued manufacturing hydraulic elevators altogether. Its EcoSpace MRL elevator design incorporates a low-friction, gearless hoisting apparatus that prevents wear and reduces energy consumption by half compared to a geared system.

Regenerative Drives

Green elevators don't just stop with reducing energy consumption — some of them give back much of what they take. Regenerative drive systems recover energy that would normally be dissipated as heat and put it back into the building's electrical system. Not only does the technology produce power for lighting and air conditioning, it also saves money by reducing the need for machine-room cooling. Regenerative drives reduce power consumption during peak periods, contributing to a building's overall operational bottom line. Most of the major players offer this technology.

Control Features

It's a matter of physics: elevators without very many pass

engers aboard require more energy due to the weight differential between the elevator and its counterweight. A major goal of green elevator technology is to cut down on these light loads through precision traffic control, management of interior lighting and other energy-burning factors.

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Novel computerized systems help reduce the number of light-load trips while ensuring that there are enough elevators in operation to provide fast service. Schindler's systems offer an Energy Control Option (ECO) mode that switches unused elevators into standby. If waiting times become too long, the system will activate additional cabs to meet the need. ThyssenKrupp (Memphis, TN) says its Destination Dispatch system improves handling capacity by 15-30%. The system monitors and controls the amount of current delivered to the motor, ensuring the correct level to provide to keep the motor running at full speed. As a result, the motor is protected from peak over-currents, potential overload and sudden power surges.

Outside the box

Green elevator technology isn't limited to what's in the shaft. Companies include external factors in their sustainability bona fides that contribute to a lower overall carbon footprint across the elevator's life cycle while reflecting their green corporate values. Customers considering an elevator vendor can evaluate the energy-efficiency of its manufacturing facilities, service fleet management practices, remote monitoring technologies for early diagnosis of mechanical problems, and other support systems.

Elevators will never again be as eco-neutral as it was back in Archimedes' day, but it's clear that green elevator technology is on the way up.

elevator and city

The beginning of the industrial revolution in eighteenth Century declared the beginning of urbanization.　By nineteenth Century, he original land area can not match the growing population density .The rapid development of urbanization from the objective requirements of the construction sector in the intensive aspects of innovation.

Before 1852 Otis invented the safety lifting device,  buildings more than 6 floors are relatively rare.　People do not want to climb too many steps, while the hydraulic vertical lift can enhance the height of only 15 meters. Before　the elevator show up, the loft and the top floor is regarded as a grocery, laundry, or for servants and poor living.In the early stage of the elevator, its safety is not fully accepted, it only meets the needs of the people in the office area of high-rise buildings in the physical movement.Until 1920, the New York developers launched the "top floor apartment" (Penthouse) , so that the top floor or the floor with a balcony to become a rich man's patent.They can even build their own private residential elevator, blocking outsiders.

Often encounter with a stranger in such a small space, there will inevitably be some embarrassing thing to happen.So, the design of the elevator space should consider both comfort and safety.In nineteenth Century, the elevator door can not automatically open, need to switch on people own.We often seen well dressed   elevator operator in the old movie , in fact, is a kind of security.In 1887, the elevator door of automatic switch appears.The invention of automatic elevator door keep passenger away felling into the shaft cause of forgetting close the door , also let the elevator process more of a sense of security and privacy.

After years of exploration and evolution, the modern standard passenger elevator space design is recommended for each passenger to occupy an area of at least 0.19 square meters.This elevator design also can maximize the end of overweight, to ensure safety.Culture also has an impact on the elevator design.In fact, Asians have a greater degree of acceptance in crowded spaces.

With the development of technology, the height of the building is relatively easy to achieve, and the focus of the competition transferred to the elevator speed, comfort, security and creativity.Built in 1930, New York's Chrysler building, 318.9 meters high, with 77 floors, the elevator running speed is only 4.5 m / sec.By 2004, 509 meters high Taipei 101 tower , a total of 106 floors, the elevator running speed reached 16.8 m / s.

In the place with large flow of people, the escalator can effectively relieve congestion.Compared with the elevator, the electric escalator occupies more space, and the vertical speed is relatively slow.　But because of its continuous operation, there is no need to wait, making its total capacity is much higher.　

For 150 years, the elevator continue to emerge in the material, style, control systems, control systems .　There are many kinds of elevators, but the premise condition of all kinds of elevator is still in the continuous improvement of its safety performance.The elevator has also developed its own enjoyable function , and some of the elevator even become a cultural landscape.

　　

Key point to passenger elevator

Passenger elevators transformed the way we build. Buildings of just a few levels extended to skyscrapers because an elevator makes navigating multiple levels far easier for us to accomplish. In recent decades, development of the elevator has reached new heights. Today, passenger elevators are an integral part of most multi-level buildings, designed to recognize our destination and take us there safely in seconds.

Safety First

A transforming moment in the lifetime of the passenger elevator was the development of a safety brake by Elisha G. Otis in 1853. If a hoisting cable broke, this device was immediately engaged to hold the elevator in place. These days, elevators are fitted with intuitive safety features like overload sensors that prevent an elevator from responding unless excess load is removed or some passengers disembark.

Refreshing Air

Stepping into a passenger elevator we're not immediately thinking about the air we breathe. Often we're focused on our destination. Often we take the air conditioning in an elevator for granted. Without it, we would quickly notice how unbearably hot an elevator can be. Air conditioning in elevators is essential, contributing cool in summer months and warmth in winter, ensuring air is being circulated and passengers are kept comfortable.

A Quick Journey

Humans tend to be obsessed with time. We are considered tardy if we arrive late, thought of as wasteful if we spend too much time on a task. And for most of us, it's natural to want any time in a confined space like an elevator to be limited. No wonder then, that increasing the speed of passenger elevators is a constant focus of innovation, with many engineers coming up with grand plans. It is possible these days for elevators to be so fast they race through an elevator shaft at a rate of 3,313 feet per minute.

Comfort and a Smooth Ride

Elevating a passenger's level of comfort in a multi-level journey is the priority of experience designers. Introducing melodic music to passenger elevators in 1889 encouraged first-time passengers to trust elevators would keep them safe, distracting their attention and providing comfort. In today's high speed elevators, buffers in the lift shaft, improved car structure and low friction hoisting ensure a smooth ride.

Functional Finishes

Creating a dreamy experience in a passenger elevator strongly depends on lofty ideas. Once the basics of comfortable acceleration and safety are satisfied, passengers look to functional finishes and control panels that will enhance their experience in multiple journeys. Sleek glass and polished metal finishes create a great first impression and provide durable performance.

An Elevating Experience

Mostly, passenger elevators have become so much a part of our everyday lives we rarely think about how truly extraordinary is the technology that inspires their design. Elevators have inspired skyscrapers and continue to motivate designers towards more outstanding design and luxurious experience for humans intent on rising up to meet the challenges of the day.

Future elevator

The future development of the elevator is not only in terms of speed or length , but also has emerged many concept elevators beyond imagination .

In 2013, a Finland elevator company developed a super lightweight carbon fiber super rope (ultrarope).Its length is far greater than the existing elevator rope, up to 1000 meters.The development of the rope spent 9 years, the finished product will be 7 times lighter than the traditional steel wire rope, less energy consumption, and the service life is two times long than the former.The emergence of super rope is another liberation of the elevator industry.It will be used in the Saudi city of Chittagong Kingdom tower, the tower is expected to be completed in 2019, about 1600 meters high.If this skyscraper was successfully completed, 2000 meters high building is no longer a fantasy.

The intention to subvert the elevator technology company is not only this one, Germany's elevator company in 2014 announced that its future of the new elevator technology MULTI has been in development phase. They use the maglev train design principle, to get rid of the traditional traction rope, lifting wells make quick lifting elevator.  The company also claimed that the magnetic levitation system will enable the elevator to achieve horizontal transport, a number of transport tanks to form a complex circuit, more suitable for use in large population density of large urban construction.

The most ideal elevator should be able to move both horizontal and vertical direction.In this way, the form of the building will no longer be limited.What about beyond the earth?By the United States Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) former engineer Michael Ryan founded the elevator group company announced,it is easier to build a space elevator on the moon than on the earth, the company can build a space elevator on the moon by the available technology, and that this idea can become a reality in 2020.

In March 23, 2005, NASA announced the space elevator project has become the preferred century challenge.Russia and Japan are also not resigned to playing second fiddle.Japanese construction company Dalin group, the initial program of its space elevator, installed on the orbital station of the solar panel is responsible for providing energy for the space elevator.elevator cabin can accommodate 30 tourists, the speed of about 201 km / h, only a week or so can enter the distance of about 36 thousand kilometers of space on the ground.

If there is no elevator on the earth,human beings will be limited to on the ground.Without an elevator, the city would have no vertical space, no dense population, no more efficient resource utilization;Without elevator, there is no rising high-rise buildings, so that humans can not create a modern sense of the city and civilization.