Stumped by the Code? NEC Requirements for Elevators and Escalators

All questions and answers are based on the 2020 NEC.

Q. What are the NEC requirements for GFCI receptacles serving elevators and escalators?

A. Receptacles rated 15A and 20A, 125V located in pits, hoistways, on the cars of elevators, and in escalator/moving walk wellways must be of the GFCI type [Sec. 620.6], as shown in the Figure.

Receptacles rated 15A and 20A, 125V located in pits, hoistways, on the cars of elevators, and in escalator and moving walk wellways must be of the GFCI type [Sec. 620.6].

Receptacles rated 15A and 20A, 125V installed in machine rooms, control spaces, machinery spaces, and control rooms must be GFCI protected.

A permanently installed sump pump must be permanently wired or supplied by a single receptacle that is GFCI protected.

Q. What does the Code allow on the branch circuit for elevator cars?

A. Section 620.22 focuses on branch circuit requirements for elevator car(s).

620.22(A) Car Light, Receptacles, Auxiliary Lighting, and Ventilation. A separate branch circuit must supply the car lights. The car lights branch circuit is permitted to supply receptacles, accessory equipment (alarm devices, alarm bells, monitoring devices not part of the control system), auxiliary lighting power source, and ventilation on each elevator car or inside the operation controller.

Where there is no machine room, control room, machinery space, or control space outside the hoistway, the overcurrent device must be located outside the hoistway and accessible to qualified persons only.

Q. What is the Code requirement for disconnecting means serving elevators, escalators, and moving walks?

A. A disconnect must be provided for each elevator, escalator, or moving walk. The disconnect for the main power supply conductors is not permitted to disconnect power to the branch circuits required in Sec. 620.22, Sec. 620.23, and Sec. 620.24 [Sec. 620.51].

As per Sec. 620.51(A), the disconnect must be an enclosed externally operable fused motor‑circuit switch or circuit breaker that is lockable only in the open position with provisions for locking to remain in place whether the lock is installed or not [Sec. 110.25].

Note: See ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, for additional information on the disconnect.

Author’s Comment: Commonly used lockable disconnect devices can be locked in either position. This will require that the installer pay close attention to the type of disconnect that is installed.

Q. What are the Code requirements for retrofit kits for signs or outline lighting systems?

A. A general-use or sign-specific retrofit kit for a sign or outline lighting system must include installation instructions and requirements for field conversion of a host sign. The retrofit kit must be listed and labeled [Sec. 600.35].

As per Sec. 600.35(B), the retrofit kit must be installed per the installation instructions.

(1) Wiring Methods. Wiring methods must be per Chapter 3.

Exception: If powered from a Class 2 source, wiring methods must be per Sec. 600.12(C)(1)(2) and (C)(2), Sec. 600.24, and Sec. 600.33.

(2) Damaged Parts. All parts that are not replaced by a retrofit kit must be inspected for damage. Any part found to be damaged or damaged during the conversion of the sign must be replaced or repaired to maintain the sign or outline lighting system’s dry, damp, or wet location rating.

(3) Workmanship. Field conversion workmanship must be per Sec. 110.12.

(4) Marking. The retrofitted sign must be marked per Sec. 600.4(B).

These materials are provided to us by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.