The ASME Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators — governing the inspection, testing, and mandatory safety upgrades of elevator and escalator equipment already in service.
Full Definition
ASME A17.3 is published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and provides the safety requirements applicable to elevators and escalators that were installed before the current edition of ASME A17.1 came into force. While A17.1 governs new installations, A17.3 addresses the in-service population of existing equipment. Its scope covers periodic inspection and testing intervals, criteria for mandatory alterations when equipment creates an unacceptable hazard, and acceptance criteria for equipment that has been altered. The code is adopted by reference in most US states and Canadian provinces, often with local amendments. Key provisions include car enclosure requirements, door and gate interlocks, landing zone and levelling requirements, emergency lighting, and governor and safety device test intervals. Elevators that do not meet A17.3 requirements must be upgraded or taken out of service. The code is revised on a three-year cycle and is the primary reference for elevator inspectors, building owners, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) dealing with legacy equipment.
