The electrical designer shall coordinate with the manufacturer the design of the fire protection systems that connect to the elevator control panel. The system will be designed to return the car to a designated area (normally the first floor or lobby) in the event of smoke or fire in the equipment area or near the elevators. In that event, the car returns to a designated area where passengers can safely exit the facility. In addition to coordinating car control, the system provides for the shutdown of the electrical elevator equipment prior to operation of the sprinklers and the transmission of the alarm and provides a means for the firefighters to assume manual control of the elevator from the designated area. The requirements for these systems are detailed in ANSI/ASME A17.1, Section 211, "Emergency Operation and Signaling Devices."

6.3.6 INSPECTIONS AND RECORDS

Elevator inspections and recordkeeping are performed in accordance with the local authority having jurisdiction. The ANSI/ASME A17.2 series of inspectors manuals provide a guide for performing tests and inspections as well as recommended inspection checklists. In addition to acceptance inspections and tests, the code requires 1-and 5-year inspections for electric elevators and 1-and 3year inspections for hydraulic elevators.

6.3.6.1 CODES

Elevators are required to be in compliance with the issue of ANSI/ASME A17.1 in force the date they were installed. If the local authority has adopted ANSI/ASME A17.3, the code for existing installations, they shall be in compliance with it, except they shall not be downgraded to it. When ANSI/ASME A17.3 is in force, it becomes the minimum standard to which installations shall adhere, and if existing installations are upgraded in accordance with ANSI/ASME A17.1, Part XII, they shall also be in compliance with the more stringent requirements of A17.3.

6.3.6.2 INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Inspectors should meet the requirements of ANSUASME QEI-1 and be recognized by the local enforcing authority. Repair and maintenance personnel should be qualified elevator mechanics.

6.4 PORTABLE AND VEHICLE-MOUNTED GENERATORS

Using portable and vehicle-mounted generators to operate electric tools on job sites is permitted under specific conditions by both NEC Section 305-6 and 29 CFR 1926.404(f)(3).

However, OSHA inspections have disclosed a potentially serious hazard resulting from the use of portable generators. Both OSHA and the NEC permit the use of two-wire, single-phase generators of not more than 5,000 W "where the circuit conductors of the generator are insulated from the generator frame and all other grounded surfaces." Under these conditions, neither the receptacles, cord sets, nor tools need to be protected by GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding conductor program. This exception from using GFCIs is granted because with an insulated (isolated) circuit, there is no dangerous current flow from the generator-fed conductors to ground, structural steel, or any other grounded object. However, the use of GFCI devices is still recommended.

If the circuit conductors are not isolated, however, the shock hazard would be the same as with any other electrical source and the exemption does not apply.

All portable electric generators that supply 15-or 20-A, 120-V receptacles and that are in use or are available for use on construction sites shall meet all the following conditions or be used only with either GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding conductor program.

1. They must be rated not more than 5 kW.

2. They shall have only a two-wire circuit (i.e., only 120-V output).

3. They shall have both circuit conductors insulated from the frame and all other grounded surfaces.

See NEC Section 250-6 and Figure 6-3.

6.5 BATTERIES

Storage batteries are considered a live source and appropriate precautions should be taken when working around them.

6.5.1 SURROUNDING SPACE

Adequate space should be provided around storage batteries for safe inspection, maintenance, testing, and cell replacement. Space shall be left above cells to allow for operation of lifting equipment when required, for addition of water, and for taking measurements.

Figure 6-3. The ungrounded frame of a generator is acceptable as a grounding electrode if the circuit conductors are insulated from the frame and all other grounded surfaces.

6.5.2 LOCATION

Storage batteries should be located in a protective enclosure or area accessible only to qualified persons. A protective enclosure can be a battery room; a control building; or a case, cage, or fence that shall protect the contained equipment and minimize the possibility of inadvertent contact with energized parts.

6.5.3 VENTILATION

The battery storage area shall be ventilated by either a natural or powered ventilation system to prevent accumulation of hydrogen. The ventilation system shall limit hydrogen accumulation to less than an explosive level. See NESC, Rules 14, and 120G, for inspection information and rules concerning gel-type and lead-acid batteries.

6.5.4 CONDUIT

Because the vapors given off by a storage battery are very corrosive, the wiring shall withstand the corrosive action, and special precautions are necessary as to the type of insulation used and the protection of all metalwork. It is stated by their respective manufacturers that conduit made of aluminum or silicon-bronze is well suited to withstand the corrosive effects of the vapors in battery rooms. In contrast, if steel conduit is used, it is recommended that it be zinc-coated and kept well painted with asphaltum paint.