State of Pennsylvania: Adoption of A17.1-2016 Requirements

Introduction

Commencing July 1, 2025, a new elevator safety code will go into effect in Pennsylvania. The requirements of A17.1-2016 will apply to new and modernized elevators and escalators with permits filed on or after July 1, 2025. The Pennsylvania Safety Board will have until March 31, 2025, to recommend modifications and amendments to this code. As always, BOCA Group will continue to monitor the requirements and deadlines for any updates provided.

New Requirements for Elevator Installations and Modernizations

The following list includes some of the new requirements that will impact building owners and operators for elevators of new installations and modernizations going forward. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. As always, please contact your BOCA Group account representative with any questions you might have.

• Means to verify the operability of the telephone line for in-car emergency operation, which will require audible and visual indications for non-operable lines.

• The means for audible and visual indication will typically take the form of a light and buzzer in the main egress hall station.

It’s important to note that the Pennsylvania Elevator Safety Board will have until March 31, 2025, to make any modifications they deem necessary to the code. We are unable to predict these modifications in advance, but BOCA Group will monitor this situation closely. If there are changes made to the requirements for new or modernized elevators that are likely to affect building owners and operators, then we will provide you with updates as needed.

How Will These Changes Affect Building Owners and Managers

Going forward, the code changes will affect elevators installed or modernized under a permit filed on or after July 1, 2025.

If you have any questions after reviewing this bulletin, please do not hesitate to reach out to your BOCA Group Account Representative.