Because there is a strong possibility that a safety concern may exist in your home regarding an existing home elevator. The National Elevator Code has changed and California will also soon change.
Yes, an advisement was issued on Aug 6, 2019 by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission. It deals with the spacing between gate and landing doors on home elevators.
Download and read the actual notice.
It’s based around what is known as the 3”x5 Rule which has determined the space allowed between your entry doors and the gate on the car for decades. It has now been decided that this distance may be too large and can be dangerous for children. This rule is still in effect as of 2020 in California, but not for much longer. The new rule will be ¾” x 4”Rule. Not following these rules could lead to the possibility of a serious accident.
Home elevators are governed by a national code and then adopted by your local state. This entity (ASME) has already changed the 3”x5” Rule into the ¾”x4” Rule.
If the answer is yes, you should contact a home elevator professional to assess your situation and offer a remedy to decrease the space gap between doors in your home. This is important!
If you are building a new home, be sure your doors meet this new distance code of the ¾” x 4” Rule. See attached drawing.
If you have an existing elevator or are considering buying a home with an existing elevator in it, you need to consult a home elevator professional to make an evaluation for your own safety.
Your home needs to be surveyed by a professional who can make those recommendations.
That you need to be cautious and take this seriously. An elevator needs to be safe in all situations and evaluated. Call for guidance. Do not let this go unaddressed.
Need help evaluating the safety of your home elevator?
A system of cables and stacked weights that provide a counterweight to the cab and passenger load weight. It's purpose is to make lifting the load more efficient and less taxing on the lifting motor.
A system that uses a cylinder, a pump and non-compressible liquid (hydraulic oil). The fluid builds up inside the cylinder, pushing up a piston located inside and causing the elevator to raise to the corresponding floor. Releasing the compressed liquid through a valve allows the cab to lower.
A system whereby the lifting power is applied without cables and pulleys, but rather through a vacuum pump. By applying the principles of a vacuum to generate changes in atmospheric pressure within the cylinder hoist way, the cab moves smoothly and safely between floors.
A lifting system that utilizes aircraft cable, a winding drum and a motor mounted at the top of or behind the rails depending on your height limitations. The motor winds the cable onto the drum to lift and descend the elevator cab. The variable speed motor provides you with a soft start and stop.
