Elevator and Escalator Contractor (2026-01-23)

The NEC, 2020 edition, introduces significant new requirements for:

• The residential installation of receptacle outlets serving island and peninsular countertops and for surge protection of services supplying dwelling units
• Working space for “housekeeping pads” for electrical equipment, the installation of wiring methods in exit enclosures, sizing supply and load conductors used with adjustable-speed drive systems, and AFCI protection of branch circuits in patient sleeping areas in care facilities
• Calculating the load of electric vehicle supply equipment with variable current settings
• Worker safety in identifying the source of power for disconnecting means and for egress from spaces containing large electrical equipment
• Grounding of disconnecting means installed on the supply-side of service disconnecting means
• Cables installed exposed on ceiling surfaces and sidewalls
• Special occupancies, special equipment, and special conditions, including installation of splash pads, the use of “Type P” cables in hazardous classified locations, and the reinspection of swimming pools and other bodies of water
  
  

A17.1 covers the design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of the following equipment, its associated parts, and its hoist ways, where located in or adjacent to a building or structure: (a) hoisting and lowering mechanisms, equipped with a car or platform, which move between two or more landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, elevators; (b) power driven stairways and walkways for carrying persons between landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to escalators and moving walks; (c) hoisting and lowering mechanisms equipped with a car which serves two or more landings and is restricted to the carrying of material by its limited size or limited access to the car. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, dumbwaiters and material lifts.

This Code is designed to guide state and local authorities in adopting retroactive safety requirements for existing elevators and escalators, with the goal of enhancing public safety. It also serves as a standard reference for architects, engineers, manufacturers, insurance providers, contractors, building owners, and facility managers responsible for maintaining or overseeing elevator equipment within the Code’s scope.

The primary purpose of this Code is to establish minimum safety requirements that ensure a reasonable level of protection for the general public. While some provisions may also improve safety for elevator mechanics and inspectors, that aspect is not the primary focus of this edition.

Operational and maintenance instructions outlined in this Code are intended for general guidance. For equipment-specific procedures, building owners or operators should consult the manufacturer or installer for detailed operating and maintenance instructions.

The requirements of this Standard apply to the following electrical equipment for elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, material lifts, and elevating devices for persons with physical disabilities (platform lifts and stairway chairlifts). The equipment specified in this Standard is intended for installation in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1) and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), whichever is applicable. Note: Controllers (i.e., motion, motor, and operation controllers) are defined in CSA B44 and ASME A17.1.

A powerful resource for electrical professionals, the NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), Self-Adhesive Index Tabs includes 96 high-quality tabs for easy navigation of the NEC, 2020 edition. You can stick these color-coded tabs onto the pages of the new NEC or the new National Electrical Code handbook to indicate the articles, sections, and content you reference the most.

NEC Self-Adhesive Index Tabs mark electrical topics by code article and name. For the 2020 edition, tabs are organized by color to help users quickly find the corresponding subject matter. Only the 2020 edition has tabs that are organized by color to help users quickly find the corresponding subject matter. Previous editions are available in black and white.