Preparing for Pennsylvania’s Adoption of ASME A17.1-2016: What Building Owners Need to Know
For more than two decades, Pennsylvania has enforced one of the oldest elevator safety codes in the United States. While much of the country has adopted newer editions of the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Pennsylvania has continued to operate primarily under the 2000 edition with the 2002 addenda. Recent regulatory action is moving the Commonwealth toward adoption of the 2016 edition, representing one of the most significant code updates in Pennsylvania’s history. (IRRC)
For building owners, property managers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and HOAs, this transition is about much more than code compliance.
It is about understanding how the new requirements may affect future projects, modernization budgets, equipment selection, inspections, and long-term capital planning.
The earlier you prepare, the fewer surprises you’ll face.
Why This Code Change Matters
The ASME A17.1 Safety Code establishes the minimum requirements for the:
- Design
- Construction
- Installation
- Inspection
- Testing
- Maintenance
- Alteration
- Repair
of elevators and escalators.
Pennsylvania’s adoption of the 2016 edition brings the Commonwealth much closer to nationally accepted safety standards after years of relying on an older code edition. (IRRC)
While many existing elevators will continue operating under the requirements applicable to their installation, new installations, alterations, and modernization projects will be directly affected by the code in force at the time permits are filed. (IRRC)
Who Will Be Most Affected?
Although every building owner should understand the upcoming transition, the greatest impact will be felt by those planning:
- Elevator modernizations
- New construction
- Major alterations
- Equipment replacements
- Capital improvement projects
If your building is considering any of these projects within the next several years, understanding the applicable code requirements before design begins can prevent significant redesign costs and unexpected change orders.
What Building Owners Should Expect
Many owners assume a newer code simply adds a few new inspection items.
In reality, updated code editions often affect:
- Equipment design
- Safety systems
- Testing procedures
- Emergency operations
- Documentation requirements
- Maintenance practices
Even when a project appears straightforward, code changes can influence both project scope and cost.
Key Areas Building Owners Should Be Watching
While every project is unique, owners should expect increased emphasis on several areas that evolved significantly between the 2002 and 2016 editions.
Enhanced Passenger Safety
One of the primary objectives of newer code editions is improving passenger protection.
Many changes focus on:
- Improved operational safety
- Better protection during abnormal operating conditions
- Enhanced emergency response capabilities
- More consistent safety performance
Although these improvements often occur behind the scenes, they contribute to a safer overall system.
Maintenance Expectations Continue to Evolve
Modern elevator codes increasingly recognize that safety depends not only on installation, but also on proper maintenance throughout the equipment’s life.
Owners should expect greater emphasis on:
- Documented maintenance procedures
- Equipment-specific maintenance requirements
- Recordkeeping
- Periodic testing
These requirements reinforce the importance of maintaining complete maintenance documentation and ensuring equipment receives appropriate care throughout its lifecycle.
Emergency Communications
Newer editions of the code place greater emphasis on emergency communication systems.
This includes improving communication reliability and ensuring passengers—including those with hearing impairments—can communicate effectively during an entrapment. As technology has evolved, many owners are also replacing traditional analog telephone lines with reliable cellular-based emergency communication systems that meet applicable code requirements while reducing recurring telephone costs. (Always verify that any replacement system complies with the requirements enforced by your local authority having jurisdiction.) (The ANSI Blog)
Fire and Emergency Operations
Firefighters’ Emergency Operation continues to evolve as newer code editions incorporate additional refinements intended to improve emergency response and operational consistency.
Owners planning modernization projects should anticipate careful review of these systems during design and acceptance testing.
Equipment Modernization
Perhaps the biggest financial impact will be on modernization projects.
Owners frequently assume they are simply replacing outdated components.
However, once a modernization permit is filed, the project may be required to comply with the code edition adopted by the jurisdiction at that time.
This can result in:
- Expanded project scopes
- Additional safety equipment
- Increased engineering requirements
- Higher construction costs
Planning ahead allows owners to budget appropriately and avoid unexpected expenses.
What This Means for Existing Elevators
One of the most common questions owners ask is:
“Will I have to upgrade my existing elevators immediately?”
Generally, no.
Existing elevators are not automatically required to be rebuilt simply because a newer code has been adopted. However, new installations and many alterations or modernization projects are typically required to comply with the code in effect when the permit is issued, subject to Pennsylvania’s regulations and any adopted amendments. Owners should evaluate proposed work carefully to understand what requirements will apply before the project begins. (IRRC)
Now Is the Time to Develop a Capital Plan
The worst time to learn about new code requirements is after construction documents have been completed—or worse, after bids have been received.
Building owners should begin preparing now by:
- Assessing elevator condition
- Evaluating remaining useful life
- Identifying obsolete equipment
- Forecasting modernization timing
- Reviewing reserve funding
- Understanding potential code impacts
Proactive planning allows owners to make strategic decisions rather than reactive ones.
How an Independent Elevator Consultant Can Help
Navigating a major code transition can be challenging.
An independent elevator consultant helps owners:
- Interpret how new code requirements apply to their specific building
- Evaluate whether modernization projects should be accelerated or deferred
- Develop realistic capital budgets
- Prepare technical specifications that reflect current code requirements
- Review contractor proposals for compliance and completeness
- Represent the owner’s interests throughout planning and construction
Most importantly, an independent consultant helps ensure that owners understand not only what the code requires, but how those requirements affect long-term ownership costs.
The Bottom Line
Pennsylvania’s transition toward ASME A17.1-2016 represents one of the most significant elevator code updates the Commonwealth has seen in decades.
For many owners, the change will not require immediate action. But for those planning modernizations, alterations, or new installations, understanding the new requirements before the project begins can save significant time, money, and frustration.
The best time to prepare for a code change is before it affects your building.
Preparing for an Elevator Modernization or Need Help Understanding the New Requirements?
KDA Elevator Consultants helps building owners throughout Pennsylvania navigate changing code requirements through independent inspections, modernization planning, code compliance reviews, and long-term capital planning.
📞 484-995-3642
📧 john@kdaelevatorconsultants.com