Single Plunge Brake
The single plunge brake code change is approaching the MANDATORY compliance date January 1, 2027. You may think there is plenty of time before the mandatory compliance date, however, rising costs and prolonged manufacturing lead times are also a concern. Addressing this issue now will prevent emergency repairs, inflated pricing and DOB fines. Below is a brief description of the codes and how they will impact the elevators.
ASME A17.3-2002, Appendix K, Chapter K3, Section 3.8.4.1 specifies “Single plunger brakes. All existing traction elevators with single plunger brakes must comply with either of the following by January 2027: alteration of single plunger assemblies to dual-plunger type or, compliance with unintended car movement protection as specified by Section 2.19.2 of ASME A17.1.
Effective: January 2015
Deadline for compliance: January 2027
Simply stated, any elevator machine with a Single Plunger or Actuator must comply with the above code requirement by January 1, 2027. Alteration of the existing brake or the addition of a device to prevent unintended motion such as a rope gripper are possible alternatives to a machine replacement. This is dependent upon the condition of the current machine and other variables.
A single plunger brake utilizes 1 actuator to lift and drop the brake shoes on the machine. In the event of a brake coil failure, the brake could fail to stop an elevator in motion or hold an elevator at a given floor. Current elevator braking technology utilizes dual plungers or actuators with the addition of a rope gripper that will prevent the elevator from moving in the event of brake failure.
In many cases, a machine with a Single Plunger brake would have been installed prior to 1990 and has exceeded its useful life cycle. Most machines utilizing a single plunger braking system should be considered obsolete.
Two Way Communication
The most notable change is the introduction of a two-way communication system. There are many benefits to this added technology. The original intent behind the technology is to provide a means of communication between the hearing impaired within the elevator and emergency responders outside. The physical unit will be a screen located near the in-car station. Paired with a camera either integrated within the screen or utilizing the security camera in the corner of the elevator cab, emergency responders will have the ability to view the elevator interior in the case that medical attention is needed.
In the event a person is hearing impaired they would now be able to read the screen and interact with emergency responders via “yes” and “no” buttons provided. Similarly, if a person was visually impaired the emergency responders would have the ability to speak with the entrapped via speaker phone and respond using the same “yes” and “no” buttons equipped with braille.
The camera offers real time monitoring in the event a person is unable to respond using either method mentioned above.
Implementing these units can be done through retro fitting existing equipment. They are designed to be minimally invasive and are relatively inexpensive. An additional monthly cost would be added as the building will now have to source an independent monitoring company.