In January of 2009 North Carolina adopted a new code to enforce the safety of residential elevators.Section R323 of the residential building code encompasses several items including the licensure of the elevator company, the actual installation processes, and framing and door clearances.

In North Carolina anyone installing a residential elevator must have a valid NC electrical license.There is a specific license for elevator contractors known as a SP-EL (Special Restricted Elevator Classification).This license insures that the contractor has the knowledge and experience to install residential elevators in a professional and safe manner.R.E.A.L Elevator Solutions, Inc. carries this license (#26882-SP-EL) and has for several years.

The new code also states that the elevator be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and must meet the requirements of ASME 17.1 part 5, section 5.3 and other applicable parts.R.E.A.L Elevator Solutions, Inc. and our manufacturer, Custom Elevator, Inc. meet and exceed these requirements.The elevator must also meet the requirements of the NC Electrical Code.Before a certificate of occupancy will be issued the permit holder must provide a letter to the code enforcement official stating that the installation has been completed in accordance with these rules.This letter will be given to the general contractor by the elevator company upon completion of the installation.

Section R324 also specifies that the distance between the elevator gate and the landing sill must not exceed 3” and the door and the landing sill must not exceed 5”.This is exceptionally important to the general contractor and the framing contractor.The hoistway must be built properly to ensure these clearances are not exceeded.A small child or animal can fit between the gate and the door if the clearances are larger than the 3” and 5” between the gate/door and the sill.When the gate and the door are both closed it signals the elevator that it is safe to move from floor to floor and anyone caught between the gate and door can be seriously harmed.The certificate of occupancy cannot be issued if these clearances are exceeded.

R.E.A.L Elevator Solutions, Inc. values you as a client and we hope that you find this information to be helpful.If you have any questions regarding Section R324 of the NC Building code please let me know, I was given the opportunity to provide input to this code and am confident that it will ensure professional standards in our industry as well as protecting the safety of the people who purchase and use residential elevators.