Code Determination Number: 13R

Date: October 13, 2023, revised August 14, 2026

Code Edition: 2019 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Code Section: Section 21.3.7 Fire Alarm Initiating Device(s) Inside Elevator Hoistways, and A 21.3.7

Questions (from Consultants):

The section states that fire alarm initiating device(s) required to be installed inside elevator hoistways are required to be accessible for service, testing, and maintenance from outside the elevator hoistway.

Section A 21.3.7 provides proposed methods for providing access (re. provide an access hatch door for spot type fire detectors, or to provide an air sampling-type detector outside the hoistway, where heat detection is required- (provide linear heat detectors with connection points outside the hoistway or spot type heat detectors with an access hatch door). 

Which of these is acceptable to the AHJ? 

Answer (from UM System):

Given that most elevator hoist way pits are not suitable environments for typical air sampling type detection, (dusty, dirty, humid, not temperature controlled); NFPA 72 allows for another type of fire initiation detection to be utilized to accommodate elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operations. 

For new and existing buildings requiring sprinkler protection at the pit area only: Our preference is to install a lower temperature linear type heat detection system, 135 ℉ melting point that can be tested & serviced from outside the hoistway for recall of the elevator. This shall recall the elevator to the furthest recall level from the elevator pit. A second linear type of heat detection, 155 ℉ or higher, would need to be placed within two (2) feet or less of the pit area sprinkler head. The secondary linear heat detection would need to be able to be tested and serviced from outside the elevator hoistway. The higher temperature linear tape is to be a lower temperature than that of the sprinkler head. This device must activate prior to sprinkler activation.

For elevator renovations and/or fire alarm upgrade work in existing hoistways where a sprinkler head exists at the top of the hoistway: Detailed discussions should occur between the campus maintenance staff and design consultants regarding the removal of the sprinkler head provided all the conditions of NFPA 13 and ASME A17.1 are met. If unable to remove it per code, provide the air sampling type detector for smoke detection and provide the lower temperature linear type heat detection system as described above within two (2) feet or less of the sprinkler head. The air sampling type of smoke detection shall be a system capable of being maintained and tested from outside the hoistway. This sensor shall recall the elevator to the main fire recall level.

For elevator renovations and/or fire alarm upgrade work in existing hoistways where a machinery space exists at the top of the hoistway (MRL renovation) with no sprinkler at the top of the hoistway: Provide the air sampling type detector for smoke detection. The air sampling type of smoke detection shall be a system capable of being maintained and tested from outside the hoistway. This sensor shall recall the elevator to the main fire recall level.

Please note that subscription-based products shall be avoided with air sampling type detectors. Furthermore, lower temperature linear heat detection can only be bought in 1,000-foot rolls, so it is best to have this provided by the owner for contractor installation.

Contact the UM AHJ for any other scenarios encountered.