BOCA Group News

2027 Retroactive Code Requirement:

Unintended Car Movement Protection

There is a retroactive code requirement that all elevators in New York City with single-plunger machine brakes must either be altered to have dual-plunger brakes or have a compliant Unintended Car Movement Protection system installed, by January 1, 2027. This code requirement applies to all existing elevators with single-plunger brakes, regardless of age or date of installation.

For elevators that do not currently comply, compliance can be achieved by converting an existing single plunger brake to dual plunger, installing a new machine with dual independent brakes (typically as part of a modernization), or by installing a rope brake device (such as a Rope Gripper). Compliance must be achieved before the due date. It will not be considered sufficient for a permit to be filed or for the work to be in progress as of that date.

If you are unsure as to whether your current equipment complies with the 2027 requirement, please contact BOCA Group. Compliance can be determined during an on-site review, and we can assist with planning and budgeting if we find that you need to upgrade your equipment.

Note that alterations required to comply with retroactive code requirements are typically not covered under an elevator maintenance contract, so your contractor will need to submit a proposal for this work if it is required. BOCA Group can assist you with the process of requesting and reviewing these contractor proposals.

It is expected that both cost and lead times for the equipment required to comply will increase as the deadline approaches. Also note that for mid-to-large-size buildings, there may not be sufficient time remaining to complete a modernization program by the end of 2026 if planning has not already started. In those cases, it may be necessary to perform upgrades instead.