Code Requirements

Meeting code requirements isn’t optional – it’s essential.

National and regional codes exist to ensure the safety, accessibility, and reliability of critical communication systems during emergencies. Whether it’s enabling life-saving communication in an elevator cab, ensuring public safety in a stairwell, or replacing legacy phone lines with compliant cellular gateways, adherence to code protects both people and property. At AVIRE, we design every solution with code compliance at the forefront. Our products are engineered and tested to meet or exceed applicable regulations. We actively track code updates and make product enhancements to ensure you stay compliant.

See all the codes

Compare codes at a glance

Code Standard	Life Safety	Elevator Safety	Public Safety	Cellular Communications
ADA
ASME A17.1
CSA B44
E911
FCC
IBC/ICC
NFPA 70 (NEC)
NFPA 72
NFPA 101
NFPA 1221/1225
U.S. Pool Phone Laws
UL
UL 2524
UL 2525

ADA

ASME 17.1

CSA B44

E911

FCC

IBC/ICC

NFPA 70 (NEC)

NFPA 72

NFPA 101

NFPA 1221/1225

U.S. Pool Phone Laws

UL

UL 2524

UL 2525

ASME 17.1

Code Requirements

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME A17.1, published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, sets the national safety standard for elevators, escalators, and related systems in the U.S. It governs design, construction, installation, maintenance, and inspection practices. The code is updated regularly, and versions are enforced by local jurisdictions to promote passenger safety in both new and existing elevator systems.

Section 2.27 of the code outlines specific requirements for two-way emergency communication systems in elevator cars, including voice communication, status indicators, and accessibility features for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities.

Section 2.13 addresses requirements for hoistway and elevator car doors, including power operation, reopening, and object detection.

Who It Affects

Elevator manufacturers and equipment suppliers
Architects and engineers specifying conveyance systems
Elevator contractors and installers
Maintenance personnel
Building owners and facility managers
AHJs overseeing elevator compliance

Current Code Versions

ASME A17.1-2022

The ASME A17.1-2022 edition of the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators sets forth the minimum safety requirements for the design, construction, installation, maintenance, and inspection of elevator systems in the United States.

Key updates include:

2019 Edition Updates (Sections 2.27 and 2.13)

Section 2.27 – Two-Way Communication Systems:
- Added requirements for two-way voice, text, and visual communication in elevators.
- Clarified accessibility features for passengers with hearing or speech disabilities.
- Required visual indicators for emergency communication activation in addition to audible signals.
Section 2.13 – Hoistway and Elevator Car Doors:
- Updated requirements for power operation of doors.
- Introduced object detection in the door pathway and reopening when objects are detected.
- Added provisions for detecting approaching objects near the hoistway doors.

2022 Edition Updates (Sections 2.27 and 2.13)

Section 2.27 – Two-Way Communication Systems:
- Expanded cybersecurity provisions for elevator communication systems
- Introduced remote monitoring and diagnostics for emergency communication devices.
- Reinforced redundancy and survivability requirements for systems during power loss or fire conditions.
Section 2.13 – Hoistway and Elevator Car Doors:
- Updated testing and inspection requirements for door reopening and object detection.
- Clarified operational requirements in flood or adverse conditions.
- Included additional performance specifications for automatic door operation to enhance passenger safety.

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Additional Information

ASME A17.1 is widely adopted across the U.S. and is often incorporated into local and state building codes. Earlier editions — including 2010, 2013, and 2016 — are still enforced in some jurisdictions or by specific states. Compliance with the most recent version (2022) ensures alignment with evolving technologies, emergency communication standards, and accessibility requirements. ASME A17.1 works in tandem with other standards, including ADA, NFPA 72, and IBC, to ensure comprehensive safety and accessibility in vertical transportation systems. Non-compliance may result in failed inspections, legal penalties, or operational restrictions.