The Biggest Differences Between ASME A17.1-2002 and ASME A17.1-2016: A Pennsylvania Building Owner’s Guide
Pennsylvania has historically enforced one of the oldest elevator safety codes in the country. With the Commonwealth moving to adopt ASME A17.1-2016 (with Pennsylvania-specific modifications), building owners, architects, engineers, and property managers need to understand what this means for future projects. (IRRC)
The transition is significant because ASME A17.1-2016 represents nearly 15 years of technological advancement, safety improvements, and changes in industry best practices compared to the 2002 code requirements.
Fortunately, this does not mean every existing elevator must immediately be upgraded. However, owners planning modernization projects, major alterations, or new construction should understand how the newer code may influence project scope, cost, and long-term planning. (IRRC)
Why the Change Matters
The elevator industry has changed dramatically since the early 2000s.
Today’s elevators include:
- Sophisticated electronic controls
- Software-driven operating systems
- Machine Room-Less (MRL) technology
- Improved passenger protection systems
- Enhanced emergency communications
- More advanced testing and maintenance practices
The 2016 edition recognizes these advancements while incorporating years of lessons learned from real-world operation and safety investigations.
1. Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators Are Fully Addressed
One of the most noticeable differences is the recognition of Machine Room-Less (MRL) elevators.
When Pennsylvania adopted the earlier code, MRL elevators were relatively uncommon.
The 2016 edition provides comprehensive requirements covering:
- Equipment locations
- Access for maintenance personnel
- Working clearances
- Safety procedures
- Inspection requirements
As MRL systems have become increasingly common in commercial construction, the updated code provides a much clearer regulatory framework, without the need for variance approvals.
2. Emergency Communications Have Evolved
One of the most visible changes for building owners involves emergency communication systems.
The newer code reflects significant improvements in:
- Two-way communication reliability
- Accessibility for passengers with hearing impairments
- Communication performance during emergencies
In later code editions, visual communication capabilities became mandatory for many new applications, reflecting the industry’s continued emphasis on accessibility.
Many owners are also transitioning from traditional analog telephone lines to cellular-based emergency communication systems because they often provide improved reliability while reducing monthly operating costs.
3. Maintenance Is No Longer Viewed as “Routine”
Older code editions focused primarily on installation and inspection.
The 2016 edition places greater emphasis on:
- Equipment-specific maintenance
- Documentation
- Periodic testing
- Recordkeeping
- Maintenance procedures
This reinforces the importance of maintaining complete maintenance records and following an established Maintenance Control Program (MCP).
For building owners, documentation has become nearly as important as the maintenance itself.
4. Expanded Requirements for Existing Equipment Alterations
Many owners assume modernization simply involves replacing old components.
Under newer code editions, alterations often require compliance with additional safety provisions that did not exist under older standards.
Depending on project scope, owners may encounter requirements involving:
- Safety devices
- Control systems
- Emergency operations
- Equipment performance
- Testing procedures
This is one reason modernization budgets frequently exceed early estimates.
5. Greater Emphasis on Worker Safety
The 2016 edition significantly expands requirements intended to improve the safety of mechanics, inspectors, and technicians working on elevator equipment.
Examples include:
- Safer access to equipment
- Better working clearances
- Improved maintenance procedures
- Additional safeguards during servicing
Although passengers rarely notice these changes, they represent one of the largest areas of improvement in the updated code.
6. Improved Inspection and Testing Requirements
Inspection procedures have become more comprehensive over time.
The updated code includes refinements addressing:
- Testing procedures
- Safety device verification
- Equipment performance
- Acceptance testing
- Periodic testing
These changes improve consistency and help ensure critical safety systems continue operating as intended throughout the life of the elevator.
7. Better Recognition of Modern Technology
The elevator industry has changed dramatically since 2002.
Today’s systems routinely incorporate:
- Digital controllers
- Variable frequency drives
- Electronic diagnostics
- Advanced dispatching
- Remote monitoring
The 2016 code better reflects these technologies than earlier editions, providing clearer guidance for design, installation, maintenance, and inspection.
8. Code Language Has Become More Detailed
One of the less obvious—but important—differences is the increased clarity throughout the code.
Many sections have been revised to:
- Reduce ambiguity
- Clarify responsibilities
- Improve consistency
- Better define technical requirements
This benefits:
- Building owners
- Elevator contractors
- Inspectors
- Design professionals
by creating more consistent expectations.
What This Means for Existing Elevators
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding code adoption is that every elevator must immediately be upgraded.
That is generally not how Pennsylvania’s regulations work.
Existing elevators that were legally installed under earlier standards may continue operating provided they are properly maintained, inspected, tested, and otherwise comply with the applicable regulations. However, new installations, major alterations, and modernization projects are typically reviewed under the code in effect when the permit is issued, subject to Pennsylvania’s adopted regulations and amendments.
That makes planning extremely important.
Why Building Owners Should Start Planning Now
Even if your building isn’t planning a modernization this year, now is the right time to:
- Evaluate equipment condition
- Identify obsolete components
- Review remaining useful life
- Update reserve studies
- Understand future code implications
- Develop long-term capital plans
Waiting until a project is out for bid often results in:
- Budget surprises
- Scope changes
- Change orders
- Project delays
Planning ahead allows owners to control the timeline rather than react to it.
How an Independent Elevator Consultant Can Help
Navigating a major code transition isn’t just about understanding the regulations—it’s about understanding how those regulations affect your building.
An independent elevator consultant can help:
- Evaluate how the new code may affect planned projects
- Review modernization scopes before bidding
- Develop owner-focused specifications
- Estimate future capital costs
- Verify contractor recommendations
- Identify opportunities to reduce lifecycle costs
The earlier these conversations happen, the more options owners typically have.
The Bottom Line
Pennsylvania’s adoption of ASME A17.1-2016 represents one of the most significant updates to elevator regulations in decades. While many existing elevators can continue operating without immediate modification, owners planning future construction, modernization, or major repairs should understand how the updated requirements may influence project scope, costs, and long-term planning.
The goal isn’t simply to comply with a new code.
It’s to make informed decisions that improve safety, control costs, and protect one of your building’s most valuable assets.
Planning an Elevator Modernization or Want to Understand How Pennsylvania’s New Code May Affect Your Building?
KDA Elevator Consultants provides independent code compliance reviews, modernization consulting, capital planning, equipment assessments, and owner representation throughout Pennsylvania.
📞 484-995-3642
📧 john@kdaelevatorconsultants.com