For AI agents: read the machine-readable documentation index at /llms.txt or the single-file full reference at /llms-full.txt.
Form a Business

MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELEVATORS

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 14, ch. 14-16, art. 6
in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-56 Definitions.

Sec. 14-16-56. - Definitions. For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply: Capacity is the load which the elevator is designed and equipped adequately to handle as determined by the rules and regulations of this article and/or as designated by the supervising inspector. Capacity speed is the maximum velocity of the car in feet per minute (F.P.M.) in the up direction with capacity load in the car. Shall means that the provisions are mandatory in all cases. Should means that the provisions are advisory on all existing installations and that the provisions are mandatory whenever there is effected a major or substantial alteration or change in the installation. (Code 1967, § 49-106; Code 1985, § 46-126)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-57 Procedure when compliance with article increases weight of elevator.

Sec. 14-16-57. - Procedure when compliance with article increases weight of elevator. Where compliance with this article increases the weight of the elevator car, additional weight shall be added to the counterweight, where considered necessary by the director, in order to secure safe operation of the elevator. In every such case, all parts affected by the increased weight shall be checked to determine whether they will safely sustain the increased load and where necessary shall be reinforced or replaced with parts of adequate strength. (Code 1967, § 49-107; Code 1985, § 46-127)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-58 General maintenance requirements.

Sec. 14-16-58. - General maintenance requirements. All parts of elevators, including machines, cars, hoistways, hoistway landing opening protective devices, etc. and all appurtenances shall be maintained in a structurally sound, firmly secured and sufficient condition to perform safely the work which they are intended to do and sufficiently clean to prevent fire hazards. (Code 1967, § 49-108; Code 1985, § 46-128)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-59 Car and counterweight cables.

Sec. 14-16-59. - Car and counterweight cables. A. Material. Cables for power elevator cars and counterweights shall be of iron or steel. Exception: the division of public service and the supervising inspector may permit marlin covered steel cables where liability of corrosion or other hazard exists. B. Tags. Wherever cables are renewed, a metal tag shall be attached to the new cables at their fastenings. On this tag shall be stated the diameter, rated ultimate strength and material of the cables, the date of the cable installation and the name of the person or firm who installs the cables. C. Diameter. Hoisting cables for power elevators shall not be less than one-half-inch in diameter. D. Number of cables for drum machine. No winding drum power elevator shall be used for passenger service and, when practical, for freight service, unless it is equipped with two or more hoisting cables. E. Splicing prohibited. No cable shall be lengthened or repaired by splicing. F. Top clearances. Whenever car or counterweight cables are replaced, the car and/or counterweight top clearances shall not be reduced below the requirements of section 14-16-104(E). G. Cable rating. Safe working loads for cables shall be based on the manufacturers' rated ultimate strength of the cables and should not exceed those permitted for new elevators. In no case shall the factor of safety of cables for power elevators be less than six for freight elevators or less than seven for passenger elevators. For hand power elevators, the factor of safety for the cables shall be not less than four. In no case shall the factor of safety of new cables be less than those of the cables replaced. H. Cable strength. Where the material and rated ultimate strength of cable is not known, the loads shall be limited to the loads allowed for iron cables of the same diameter. (Code 1967, § 49-109; Code 1985, § 46-129)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-60 Speed governor cables.

Sec. 14-16-60. - Speed governor cables. A. Material. Cables for speed governors, when such cables are replaced, shall be of iron, steel, monel metal, phosphor bronze or covered iron or steel. Exception: elevators with hatch covers. B. Diameter. Speed governor cables shall be not less than three-eighths inch in diameter. C. Tiller rope. Tiller rope may be used only for the portion of the governor cables wound on the safety drum. D. Tags. New speed governor cables shall be tagged as provided in section 14-16-59(B). E. Clearance. Speed governor cables shall run clear of governor jaws during normal operation of the car. F. Altered cable. Wherever the diameter, construction and/or material of the speed governor cable is changed, approval of the proposed change shall be obtained from the supervising inspector and the car safety shall be retested with the altered governor cable in use before the elevator is replaced in service. (Code 1967, § 49-110; Code 1985, § 46-130)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-61 Cable connections.

Sec. 14-16-61. - Cable connections. A. Fastenings. Cable ends, when cables are replaced, shall be fastened to the car or counterweight by spliced eyes, by return loops or by individual tapered zinc or babbitted sockets. The use of wire rope clips or claims shall be prohibited except on the inside of drums. Exceptions: 1. Platform and sidewalk elevators; 2. Car counterweight cables or hydraulic elevators; 3. Hand power elevators. B. Number of wraps on drum. All cables anchored to a winding drum shall have not less than one complete turn of cable left on the drum when the car or counterweight has reached the extreme limit of its overtravel. C. Reshackling for drum machines. Hoisting and back drum counterweight cables of overhead drum machines shall be reshackled once every year, except where the cables are provided with an approved type emergency clamp device, to prevent the car from falling if the regular cable connection at the car and counterweight shall fail. D. Fastening drum. The winding drum ends of car and counterweight cables shall be secured to the winding drum by clamps on the inside of the drum or as provided in subsection B of this section. (Code 1967, § 49-111; Code 1985, § 46-131)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-62 Machines and machine safeties.

Sec. 14-16-62. - Machines and machine safeties. A. Set screw fastening. No set screw fastenings shall be used on power elevators in lieu of keys or pins on connections subject to torque or tension. B. Friction gearing. No friction gearing or clutch mechanism shall be used for connecting the drum or sheaves to the main driving gear of power elevators. C. Cast-iron teeth. No worn or gear having cast-iron teeth shall be used for replacement purposes on a worn and gear driven power machine. D. Brakes. No power elevator machine except hydraulic machines shall be operated without brakes, which apply directly to the hoisting machines and are arranged to apply automatically by springs or gravity when the operating device is in the "STOP" position. E. Electrically released brakes. All electric elevators, except electro-hydraulic elevators which are operated and/or controlled by magnetically operated contractors shall be equipped with electrically released brakes. F. Belt or chain drive. No belt or chain driven power machine with a car traveling in excess of 30 feet shall be used for any passenger elevator unless the machine is equipped with an electrically released brake and a broken belt or broken chain safety switch of the non-automatic-reset type. G. Slack cable device. Winding drum power machines shall be equipped with a slack cable device to apply the brake and stop the machine if the car should be obstructed while descending. Exceptions: 1. Platform elevators with a travel not exceeding 15 feet; 2. Sidewalk elevators with a travel not exceeding 30 feet. H. Slack cable switches. Slack cable switches located on the top of the car shall be of the enclosed type. I. Chain drive. Chains for chain-driven machines when replaced shall be of the belt type with multiple links. J. Reverse phase relay. Power elevator machine motors operated by polyphase alternating current shall be equipped with a reverse phase relay or equivalent protection. K. Power for hand elevator. No electrically or mechanically driven friction gearing or clutch mechanism shall be used to operate any hand power elevator. L. Fuse or circuit-breaker. No wire or other current-carrying device shall be substituted for the proper fuse or circuit breaker in an elevator circuit. (Code 1967, § 49-112; Code 1985, § 46-132)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-63 Hydraulic machines.

Sec. 14-16-63. - Hydraulic machines. A. Gas release. Cylinders of hydraulic elevator machines shall be provided with a means for releasing air or other gas. B. Relief valve. Each positive-acting pump connected to the pressure tank of hydraulic elevators shall be equipped with a relief valve (or valves) so installed that it cannot be shut off. The relief valve shall be of sufficient size and so located as to pass the full capacity of the pump at full speed without exceeding the safe working pressure of the pump or tank. C. Automatic bypass. Positive-acting elevator pumps, unless equipped with pressure regulators which control the motive power, shall be equipped with automatic by-passes. D. Hydrostatic test. Pressure tanks, piping, pumps, valves, cylinders, pistons and packings of a hydraulic elevator shall be maintained to withstand successfully a hydrostatic test wherein the maximum testing pressure is 50 percent over the normal working pressure. Pressure tanks must have adequate openings for internal inspection purposes. E. Water-gauge glass. Each pressure tank shall be equipped with a water-gauge glass, having brass valves and fittings attached directly to the tank and so located as to show the level of the water when the tank is more than half filled. F. Pressure gauge. Each pressure tank shall be provided with a correctly indicating pressure gauge having a capacity not less than 1½ times the normal working pressure allowed in the tank. G. Inspection gauge. Each pressure tank shall be provided with a one-quarter inch pipe-size valved connection for attaching an inspector's gauge while the tank is in operation. H. Tank guard. Discharge tanks shall be adequately covered or screened. I. Packing. All packings used in connection with a hydraulic elevator shall be maintained sufficiently tight to prevent any uncontrolled movement of the elevator. J. Compliance with rules. Hydraulic elevators operated from pressure tanks where the fluid pressure is obtained by directly admitting steam, air or other gas to the tank, shall comply with all the rules covering hydraulic elevators. K. Water level. The water level in a pressure tank shall be maintained at about two-thirds of the capacity of the tank. (Code 1967, § 49-113; Code 1985, § 46-133)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-64 Penthouses and machine rooms.

Sec. 14-16-64. - Penthouses and machine rooms. A. Access. Safe and convenient access to penthouses and machine rooms shall be provided and maintained. B. Use as thoroughfare prohibited. Elevator machine rooms and penthouses shall not be used as thoroughfares. C. Machine room doors. Doors to machine rooms shall be arranged to permit the doors to be opened from within the machine room without keys. D. Machine guards. When power elevator machines are not located in an elevator machine room, the machines shall be surrounded by a substantial grill enclosure at least six feet high. Exceptions: machines located in a pump, engine or machine room in the charge of an attendant and/or in any room secured against unauthorized access. Machines located six feet or more above the floor. E. Light. Permanent provision for adequate artificial light shall be made in machine rooms and penthouses. The electric light switch shall be within easy reach of the machine room entrance. F. Disconnect switch. A manually operated multi-pole disconnect switch shall be provided in the machine room of every electric elevator located adjacent to and visible from the hoisting machine or motor generator set. No provision shall be made to close the disconnect switch from any other part of the building. G. Floor. Penthouses used as machine rooms and machine rooms shall be provided with a floor. If metal bar grading is used for flooring, the flooring should be designed to reject a three-quarter inch round ball. If perforated sheet steel is used for flooring, the openings should be designed to reject a ball 1⅛ inch in diameter. H. Machine room storage. Machine rooms shall not be utilized as general storage space and no flammable liquids shall be stored or kept in such rooms. I. Enclosure for machinery compartment. When a compartment which contains machinery for operating an elevator is not separated from the hoistway by fireproof or semifireproof construction, it shall be enclosed with partitions and ceiling of not less than two-hour noncombustible construction and all openings shall be protected with approved fire doors, approved fire shutters or approved fire windows, as the case may require, except that, where one-hour construction is permitted for hoistway enclosures it may have similar construction. (Code 1967, § 49-114; Code 1985, § 46-134)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-65 Pipes and wiring.

Sec. 14-16-65. - Pipes and wiring. A. Electric apparatus enclosure. All live parts of electric apparatus in or connected with the elevator shaftway shall be suitably enclosed to protect against accidental contact. B. Electric grounds. All machine frames, controller frames, control ropes and metal conduits shall be effectively grounded. C. Maximum voltage. The maximum voltage or rated system permitted an the operating device of power elevators shall be 300 volts to ground for automatic operation, elevators having operating devices in the car and at landings and 750 direct current or 600 volts alternating current for other types of operating devices. (Code 1967, § 49-115; Code 1985, § 46-135)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-66 Counterweights.

Sec. 14-16-66. - Counterweights. A. Defective counterweight. Broken or cracked sections of counterweights shall be replaced. B. Counterweight rods. Counterweight hanger rods and/or tie rods shall firmly support and secure the counterweight section in place. C. Counterweight guides. Counterweights shall run in guide rails or guide boxes and these guides shall confine the counterweights to a definite lane of travel in the hoistway and shall extend from the pit to the underside of the overhead sheave beams. D. Guard for counterweight cables. Cables extending through counterweights shall be guarded by metal or fiber sleeves attached to the cables. (Code 1967, § 49-116; Code 1985, § 46-136)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-67 Fire-resistant hoistways.

Sec. 14-16-67. - Fire-resistant hoistways. A. When required. Fire-resistant enclosures and doors shall be provided where required by local laws and ordinances. B. Non-fire-resistant materials. No non-fire-resistant structural materials shall be added on the inside of any fire-resistant hoistway. C. Bevel plates. Projections extending inward from the general surface of the shaftway and which are opposite a car entrance of a power elevator (except interlocks, door closers, door operating devices and signal devices) shall be beveled on the under side or shall be guarded with metal plates or with wood faced with metal. The angle of such bevels shall be not less than 60 degrees from the horizontal. D. Recesses in shaftway. Recesses (other than windows and landing openings) in the general surface of the shaftway, which are opposite a car opening of a power elevator shall be furred out with fire-resistant materials substantially flush with the general surface of the shaftway. Exception: elevators with car doors or gates equipped with electric contacts. E. Window guards. Windows which are opposite a car opening of a power elevator shall be furred out with wire grille or expanded metal with smooth edges substantially flush with the general surface of the shaftway and the openings should reject a two inch ball. Exception: elevators with car doors or gates equipped with electric contacts. (Code 1967, § 49-117; Code 1985, § 46-137)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-68 Nonfire-resistant hoistways.

Sec. 14-16-68. - Nonfire-resistant hoistways. A. Enclosure generally. Where fire-resistant hoistways are not required by local laws or ordinances, hoistways shall be enclosed to a height of not less than six feet from each floor on all sides not used for landing openings and should be extended to the ceiling. Where material is stored adjacent to the hoistways the enclosure shall extend to the ceiling. B. Automatic trap doors. Hoistways which are equipped with automatic trap doors for fire retardation purposes shall be enclosed as per subsection A of this section, or shall be enclosed with a substantial railing at least 42 inches high with a tow board approximately six inches high on all sides not used for landing openings. Such railings shall be located not less than 12 inches from the line of the shaftway. C. Height of stairway enclosure. When an elevator is located adjacent to a stairway, all portions of the hoistway enclosure adjoining the stairway shall be not less than six feet above each stair tread (measured at the stair tread nosing) and should be extended to the ceiling. D. Door lintel to ceiling. The hoistways of power elevators shall be enclosed on the sides used for loading and unloading from the door lintel to the ceiling at each floor except at the top floor. Exceptions: 1. Elevators having car doors or gates equipped with electric contacts; 2. Freight elevators used primarily to carry automobiles, industrial trucks or industrial railroad cars and upon which only the operator and persons necessary to unload the freight are permitted to ride; 3. Sidewalk and platform elevators; 4. Hand elevators; 5. Elevators equipped with automatic trap doors. E. Materials. Enclosures shall be building walls, solid or latticed partitions, grille work, metal grating, expanded metal with smooth edges or wood. Openings should be designed to reject a two inch ball unless the enclosure is located within one inch of the moving car, counterweight or a sliding door or gate, in which case the enclosure shall be adequately protected. F. Recesses. Recesses (other than windows) in the hoistway enclosures which are opposite a car opening of a power elevator shall be furred out substantially flush with the general surface of the hoistway. Furring materials shall be as in subsection E of this section. Exception: elevators having car doors or gates equipped with electric contacts. G. Windows. Windows in the hoistway which are opposite a car opening of a power elevator shall be furred out as in subsection F of this section. Exception: elevators having car doors or gates equipped with electric contacts. H. Projections in hoistway. Projections in the hoistway opposite a car opening of a power elevator shall be protected as provided in section 14-16-67. (Code 1967, § 49-118; Code 1985, § 46-138)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-69 Outside bars required for certain hoistway windows.

Sec. 14-16-69. - Outside bars required for certain hoistway windows. Windows in the hoistway enclosure less than seven floors above the sidewalk level or less than three floors above the roof of an adjacent building shall be fitted on the outside with vertical metal bars not less than five-eighths inch in diameter and spaced not more than ten inches apart. Note: this is the usual method of indicating on the exterior of the building the location of an elevator hoistway. It serves to warn firefighters not to place ladders against such windows. (Code 1967, § 49-119; Code 1985, § 46-139)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-70 Hoistway thoroughfares.

Sec. 14-16-70. - Hoistway thoroughfares. A. Across hatch covers. No thoroughfares shall be permitted across the hatch covers of a hoistway whether inside or outside of a building. Exception: the hatch covers of a sidewalk elevator. B. Under hoistway. There shall be no thoroughfares under the hoistway of any elevator unless all the following conditions exist: 1. Adequate buffers are provided; 2. The car is provided with car safeties meeting the requirements of section 14-16-108; 3. The counterweight is provided with speed governor operated safeties. Exceptions: counterweights equipped with broken rope, instantaneous type safeties where the contact speed is not in excess of: a. 250 f.p.m. and the counterweight is 2000 lb. or less, b. 200 f.p.m. and the counterweight is 3000 lb. or less, c. 160 f.p.m. and the counterweight is 4000 lb. or less, d. 125 f.p.m. and the counterweight is 5000 lb. or less, e. 100 f.p.m. irrespective of the weight of the counterweight. 4. There shall be a structure under the hoistway sufficiently strong to withstand without failure the impact of the car with contract load or the impact of the counterweight when either is descending at capacity speed or at governor trip ping speed where a governor operated safety is used. C. Through pit. There shall be no thoroughfares through a hoistway pit. (Code 1967, § 49-120; Code 1985, § 46-140)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-71 Strength of hatch covers.

Sec. 14-16-71. - Strength of hatch covers. A. Hatch covers, when closed, shall be able to support a uniformly distributed load of at least 40 pounds per square foot. B. Sidewalk hatch covers of the hinged or vertical-lift type shall be able to support a uniformly distributed load of 300 pounds per square foot. (Code 1967, § 49-121; Code 1985, § 46-141)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-72 Counterweight hoistways.

Sec. 14-16-72. - Counterweight hoistways. A. Outside counterweight hoistway. Hoistways for counterweights located outside of elevator hoistways shall be kept enclosed for the full height of the shaftway. Exception: if such hoistways are located outside of the building the shaftway for the counterweight shall be guarded to a height of ten feet above the ground, with solid construction. B. Counterweight pit guard. Counterweight hoistways located in the enclosed shaftway of power elevators shall be guarded from a point one foot above the pit floor to a point seven feet above the floor of its own pit or above the floor of the adjacent pit. Exceptions: 1. When compensating chains or cables are attached to the underside of the counterweight; 2. Light weight looped chains may be used where the clearances do not permit the installation of a guard. C. Counterweight shaftway doors. Doors leading to counterweight shaftways shall be kept locked. (Code 1967, § 49-122; Code 1985, § 46-142)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-73 Guard boxes for cables passing through floors outside hoistway.

Sec. 14-16-73. - Guard boxes for cables passing through floors outside hoistway. Where cables pass through floors outside of the hoistway enclosure, such cables should be guarded to a height of not less than six feet with cable guard boxes. (Code 1967, § 49-123; Code 1985, § 46-143)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-74 Guide rails.

Sec. 14-16-74. - Guide rails. A. Defective rails. Where guide rails are sufficiently worn to prevent the proper operation of the car safety device, they shall be replaced. B. Length of rails. Guide rails shall extend continuously the full length of the car and/or counterweight hoistway. (Code 1967, § 49-124; Code 1985, § 46-144)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-75 Overhead sheaves.

Sec. 14-16-75. - Overhead sheaves. Overhead sheaves of power elevators shall not be fastened to the underside of the overhead support beams by bolts in tension. Exception: secondary and deflecting sheaves of traction type elevators. (Code 1967, § 49-125; Code 1985, § 46-145)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-76 Terminal limit switches and stopping devices for power elevators.

Sec. 14-16-76. - Terminal limit switches and stopping devices for power elevators. A. Limit switch construction. Limit switches or stopping devices located or constructed in a manner which interferes with their proper operation shall be altered to function properly. B. Normal limit switches. Normal terminal limit switches or stopping devices (directional limits) shall be provided on all elevators and shall be arranged to automatically stop the car and to function independent of the operating devices and also independent of such final terminal limit switches or stopping devices as required by subsection C of this section, and further, should, when traveling at any speed attained during normal operation, bring the car to rest within the overtravels, but the buffers may be compressed. Exceptions: 1. All elevators with hand rope or rod operating devices and equipped with normal terminal limit stop balls fastened to the rope or rod which are arranged to center the operating device and, if winding drum machine equipped shall also be provided with a machine automatic normal terminal stopping device to automatically apply the brake and center the operating device. 2. All elevators with wheel or lever operating devices and with winding drum machines shall be provided with a machine automatic normal terminal limit stopping device to automatically center the directional controls and apply the brake. 3. Hydraulic elevators with a car speed in excess of 150 feet per minute shall be equipped with an automatically operated stop valve (or valves) which is operated by the movement of the car or the machine and which is independent of the normal control valve (or valves). C. Final limit switches. Final terminal limit switches or stopping devices shall be provided on all electric elevators in addition to the normal terminal limits or stopping devices and shall be arranged to automatically prevent all movement of the car by the operating devices and to stop the car independent of the normal terminal limit switches or stopping devices and further, should, when traveling at any speed attained during normal operation, bring the car to rest within the overtravels, but the buffers may be compressed. Exceptions: 1. Electro-hydraulic elevators; 2. Electric platform or sidewalk elevators having winding drum machines with a normal terminal machine automatic stopping device and also with either normal limit switches in the hoistway or with normal limit stopping devices on the operating rope, chain or rod. D. Location of normal and final limits. Normal and final terminal limits or stopping devices on electric elevators may be located on the car or in the hoistway if operated by the movement of the car, or they may be located in the machine room if mounted on and operated by a stopping device automatically connected to the car with no dependence on friction as a driving means, pro vided that, on winding drum machine equipped elevators: 1. If the normal terminal limit switches are in the hoistway or on the car, the final terminal stopping devices shall be in the machine room and operated by a machine automatic stopping device; 2. If the final terminal limit switches are in the hoistway or on the car, the normal terminal stopping devices shall be in the machine room and operated by a machine automatic stopping device; 3. If operated by polyphase alternating current and the car speed is in excess of 75 feet per minute, final stopping devices should be in the machine room and operated by a machine automatic stopping device and should open the elevator service circuit. Exception: machines with direct current brakes and direct current main line switches operated by final terminal limit switches in the hoistways. E. Cams for limit switches. The cam or cams for operating limit switches shall be of sufficient length to hold the switches in the open position when the car is in contact with the overhead structure or is resting on the fully compressed buffers. Exception: cams which operate nonautomatic reset limit switches. F. Magnetically operated contactors. Electric drum type elevators which are operated and/or controlled by magnetically operated contactors and which have a capacity speed in excess of 100 feet per minute, shall have independent motor control contactors operated by the normal and final terminal limit switches. (Code 1967, § 49-126; Code 1985, § 46-146)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-77 Pits.

Sec. 14-16-77. - Pits. A. Elevator pits shall be kept clean and dry. Water or other liquid which may accumulate in the pit shall be drained off or pumped off. B. Elevator pits shall not be used for storage space. (Code 1967, § 49-127; Code 1985, § 46-147)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-78 Buffers.

Sec. 14-16-78. - Buffers. A. Generally. All buffers shall be maintained in an upright position and directly under the bumper striker plates affixed to the car or counterweights. The pit striker plate shall be kept centered under the buffer in cases where the inverted buffer is attached to the counterweight. B. Oil buffers. Oil buffers shall be kept continuously filled with oil to the level indicated on the reservoir. C. Required oil. Whenever oil is added, oils equivalent to those recommended by the buffer manufacturer for use in the buffer shall be used. D. Required buffers. Where elevator pits are not equipped with bumpers and where the depth of the pit will permit, spring bumpers with tops at least 12 inches above the bottom of the pit when compressed, shall be installed in the elevator pit. Exception: hydraulic plunger elevators, platform elevators, sidewalk elevators, hand elevators, and all elevators with a car speed of 50 feet per minute or less. (Code 1967, § 49-128; Code 1985, § 46-148)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-79 Hoistway doors or gates for power passenger elevators.

Sec. 14-16-79. - Hoistway doors or gates for power passenger elevators. A. Automatic fire door. No automatic fire door shall lock any landing opening in the shaftway enclosure from the shaftway side nor any exit leading from any hoistway landing to the outside of the building. B. Landing opening. Landing openings in a required fire-resistant hoistway shall be protected by solid horizontally sliding, swinging or combination sliding and swing doors. C. Maximum clearance hoistway door to threshold. For automatic operation elevators the distance between the hoistway side of the hoistway door or gate and the edge of the landing threshold should be not more than two and one-half inches. The shaftway face of each shaftway door wherein the above measurement is exceeded shall be furred out to within one-half-inch of the edge of the landing threshold or provided with equivalent protection to prevent an adult or child from standing in the space between the closed hoistway door or gate and the elevator car door or gate. (See also section 14-16-96(E)) In a non-fire-resistant hoistway, the hoistway openings shall be protected by doors, as heretofore specified or by horizontally swinging gates which will reject a two inch ball. Doors and gates shall guard the full width and height of the landing openings. Exception: scissors or pantograph gates, which reject a three-inch ball when closed, may be used at basement landing openings nonfire-resistant hoistways. D. Hoistway doors over 100 feet per minute. Hoistway doors or gates for power passenger elevators operated in excess of 100 feet per minute shall be provided with door interlocks which conform to section 14-16-82. In addition, the hoistway doors of all hydraulic passenger elevators shall be provided with a door closer or the elevator shall be equipped with devices which will compensate for the creeping of the car away from the landing opening while the hoistway doors or gates are opened. Lever or wheel operated power elevators shall not be permitted to have mechanic interlocks for the hoistway doors or gates where the interlocks are of a type which may mechanically lock the operating device in the run position. E. Hoistway doors under 100 feet per minute. Hoistway doors or gates for power passenger elevators operated at 100 feet per minute or less shall have interlocks which conform with section 14-16-82, except that on such elevators existing contacts and mechanical locks which conform with section 14-16-83, may be continued in service until either their replacement or renewal is required or else the elevator is altered. F. Hoistway doors locked out of service. Hoistway doors or gates shall be arranged to be opened by hand from the shaftway side, except when locked out of service. Main exit and bottom terminal hoistway doors or gates shall not be locked out of service while the elevator is in operation. G. Manual or mechanical locks. Where hoistway door or gate interlocks on mechanical locks are: 1. Manually unlocked, these locking devices shall be arranged to prevent the opening of the hoistway doors or gates from the landing side except as provided in section 14-16-89. 2. Mechanically or electrically unlocked, the locking devices shall be arranged to prevent the opening of the hoistway doors or gates from the landing side unless the car is within the landing zone, except as provided in section 14-16-89. H. Power hoistway doors. Power closed hoistway doors or gates in elevators employing a type of operation which does not require an operation in the car shall be driven by a mechanism so designed and set that the force necessary to prevent the closing of the door or gate shall not exceed 30 pounds and further, that the hoistway door or gate, plus the car door or gate, plus all parts rigidly connected thereto, shall not develop a kinetic energy in excess of seven foot pounds, computed for the average closing speed or shall be provided with other suitable protecting measures. I. Hoistway door vision panels. Hoistway doors provided with vision panels shall have the openings protected with clear wire glass in cases where the hoistway is of fire-resistant construction, and in all other cases with either clear wire glass or may be protected by wire grille screens of not less than number 13 steel wire gauge or metal gratings of equivalent strength which are designed to reject a two-inch ball. (Code 1967, § 49-129; Code 1985, § 46-149)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-80 Hoistway doors and gates for freight elevators.

Sec. 14-16-80. - Hoistway doors and gates for freight elevators. A. Generally. Each landing opening in a freight elevator hoistway shall be continuously equipped with a properly working door or gate. Where fire-resistant hoistways are required by local laws and ordinances, the landing door shall be either: 1. Automatic fire doors which are kept normally open, but which are closed automatically by the action of heat, provided hoistway gates equipped with locking devices meeting the requirements of section 14-16-86, are installed in addition to the doors; or 2. Nonautomatic fire doors without hoistway gates, provided the doors are provided with locking devices meeting the requirements of section 14-16-86(A) or (B). Exception: the upper landing of sidewalk elevators. B. Maximum opening of gate. Hoistway gates made of grille, lattice or other openwork shall be designed to reject a ball two inches in diameter. C. Maximum clearance from hoistway door to threshold. Hoistway doors and gates shall be located within four inches of the edge of the landing threshold. Exceptions: 1. Elevators provided with car gates equipped as required by section 14-16-97; 2. Top landing doors or gates; 3. Hand elevators. D. Guides. Hoistway doors and gates of the sliding type shall operate in guides or rails. E. Width and height of doors. Hoistway doors should guard the full width and height of the landing opening. F. Minimum size of gates. Hoistway gates shall guard the full width of the landing opening and shall extend from within two inches of the landing threshold to a height of not less than five feet six inches above the threshold. Exceptions: 1. The top landing gates, where the head room makes it impractical to install gates five feet six inches high, may extend from within two inches of the landing threshold to a height of not less than 42 inches above the threshold if set back at least 12 inches from the threshold. 2. Landing openings of freight elevators may be equipped with gates which extend from within two inches of the landing threshold to a height of at least 42 inches if set back at least 12 inches from the edge of the threshold or shall be guarded as specified in Rule 124 of the Elevator Safety Code. 3. The bottom landing of hand sidewalk elevators may be equipped with single bar gates 42 inches high if set back at least 12 inches from the edge of the landing threshold. G. Self-closing gates. Manually opened self-closing gates shall be of the vertically sliding type only and shall be permitted only on power elevators which can be operated from the car only and on hand-power elevators. H. Full automatic gates. Full automatic gates shall be permitted only at terminal landings on power freight elevators which can be operated only from the car and which have a capacity speed not in excess of 100 feet per minute and at all landings of power freight elevators which can be operated only from the car and which have a capacity speed not in excess of 100 feet per minute and used primarily for carrying automobiles and on hand elevators. Exception: existing full automatic gates on freight elevators which can be operated only from the car and having a capacity speed not exceeding 100 feet per minute may be retained in use at all landings provided that such gates shall, when renewed or replaced, be subject to the restrictions provided in this subsection. I. Closing automatic gates. Full automatic gates shall not be closed by the direct mechanical action of the car, but may be retarded, while closing, by the car. J. Vision panel requirements. Hoistway doors provided with vision panels shall have the openings protected with clear wire glass in cases where the hoistway is of fire-resistant construction and in all other cases with either clear wire glass or may be protected by wire grille screens of not less than number 13 steel wire gauge or metal gratings of equivalent strength which are designated to reject a two-inch ball. (Code 1967, § 49-130; Code 1985, § 46-150)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-81 Hoistway doors or gates for hand-power passenger elevators.

Sec. 14-16-81. - Hoistway doors or gates for hand-power passenger elevators. A. Generally. Hoistway doors or gates for hand-power passenger elevators shall meet the requirements of section 14-16-80. B. Sign. The word "elevator" shall be conspicuously displayed on the landing side of the doors if they are not equipped with interlocks. C. Interlocks. Hoistway doors for hand-power passenger elevators shall be equipped with interlocks unless: 1. Hoistway gates which close when the car leaves the landing are installed in addition to the hoistway doors; or 2. The hoistway doors are made in two parts, one above the other, the lower part extending approximately 30 inches above the floor and arranged to be opened only after the upper part has been opened and which will be closed by the closing of the upper part; or 3. The hoistway doors are equipped with two spring locks or latches, one located not less than six feet above the door. (Code 1967, § 49-131; Code 1985, § 46-151)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-82 Hoistway door or gate interlocks.

Sec. 14-16-82. - Hoistway door or gate interlocks. A. Recognized systems. This chapter recognizes two systems of hoistway door or gate interlocks: 1. The door unit system in which the interlock is arranged to prevent the operation of the elevator machine by the operating device, in a direction to move the car away from the landing, unless the hoistway door or gate at that landing at which the car is stopping or is at rest, is locked in closed position; 2. The hoistway unit system, in which the interlocks are arranged to prevent the operation of the elevator machine by the operating device unless all doors or gates are locked in closed position. With either of the above systems, the interlocks shall prevent the opening of the hoistway doors from the landing side, except as permitted by section 14-16-89, unless the car is at rest within the landing zone or coasting through the landing zone with its operating device in the stop position. Exception: the interlock shall not prevent the operation of the car by the operating device with the hoistway door or gate open when the emergency release is in temporary use, nor when the car is being moved within the leveling zone by a car leveling device. Note: no electrically released, gravity or spring applied rope gripper or lock to prevent the movement of the operating rope or rod shall be recognized as a component device in any interlock system, except where the elevator may be operated only from the car and when the operating devices are inaccessible from the landing side of the hoistway doors or gates when the same are in the closed position. B. Door system. The door unit system may be used only where there is a regular operator on the car and where the car can be operated only from inside the car. C. Manual hoistway doors. Power operated elevators where the hoistway doors are not equipped with a door closer and/or no operator is required on the car shall have hoistway doors considered in the closed position only when the door is within three-eighths inch of the lock jamb (or the edge of the opposite door in cases where bi-parting doors are used). D. Power closed hoistway door. For power elevators which are operated only from the car: hoistway doors equipped with door closers shall be considered closed (and the car may be started) when the door is within four inches of the lock jamb (or the face of the opposite door in cases where bi-parting doors are used), if from this position and any other up to the fully closed position, as defined in subsection C of this section, the door (or doors, if bi-parting) cannot be opened from the landing side to create a door opening more than four inches wide, provided that the door closer will eventually close the door (or doors, if bi-parting) as defined in subsection C of this section. E. Functioning of interlocks. The interlocks for the hoistway doors shall function so that the doors shall be in the closed position as defined in subsection C or D of this section, before the car may be operated by the operating device to move the car away from the landing except as provided in subsection H of this section. F. Contacts. Interlock contacts shall be positively opened and the functioning of the interlock to prevent the movement of the car by the operating devices shall not be solely dependent on the action of a spring or springs, nor gravity, nor upon the closing of an electric circuit. If an electric circuit is used its interruption shall prevent the movement of the car by the operating devices. G. Interlocks inaccessible. Interlocks shall be so located as to be normally inaccessible from the landing side of the closed hoistway doors or gates. H. Hoistway interlocks minimum of 100 feet per minute. Hoistway doors or gates for power elevators with a contact speed not in excess of 100 feet per minute may have the interlock service arranged to permit the car to be operated away from the landing a distance of not over 12 inches before the locking operation takes place, provided the following requirements are met: 1. If the locking operation fails to take place as specified, further movement of the car will open the operating circuit; 2. The car cannot be started by the operating devices until the hoistway door is closed; 3. The car platform is equipped with a substantial vertical face flush with its outer edge and extending at least 12 inches below the car platform. I. Existing power hoistway doors. On existing power opened and/or closed hoistway doors equipped with door closers and interlocks which do not meet the requirements of subsection D of this section, hoistway doors shall be considered in the closed position and the car may be started only when the door is within three-quarters inch of the lock jamb (or the edge of the opposite door, if bi-parting doors), provided that the closer will eventually close the door (or doors, if bi-parting) as defined in subsection C of this section. Note: no new application which conforms with subsection I of this section will be allowed. (Code 1967, § 49-132; Code 1985, § 46-152)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-83 Hoistway door or gate electric contacts and mechanical locks.

Sec. 14-16-83. - Hoistway door or gate electric contacts and mechanical locks. A. Recognized systems. This chapter recognizes two systems of hoistway door or gate electric contacts: 1. The door unit system, in which the contact is arranged to prevent the operation of the car by the operating devices unless the hoistway door or gate at which the car is standing is closed in position to be locked; 2. The hoistway unit system, in which the contacts are arranged to prevent the operation of the car by the operating devices unless all the hoistway doors or gates are closed in position to be locked. Exception: the opening of the contact shall not prevent the operation of the car by the operating device when the emergency release is in temporary use, nor when the car is being moved within the leveling zone by a car-leveling device. Note: no electrically released gravity or spring applied rope gripper or lock to prevent the movement of the operating rope or rod shall be recognized as a component device in any hoistway door or gate electric contact system, except where the elevator may be operated only for the car and when the operating devices are inaccessible from the landing side of the hoistway doors or gates when the same are in the closed position. B. Door unit system. The door unit system may be used only when there is a regular operator on the car and where the car can be operated only from inside the car. C. Sliding hoistway doors. Sliding hoistway doors or gates provided with contacts and mechanical locks shall be considered in the closed position when within two inches of full closure (and the car may be started), provided the mechanical locks are equipped with double hook or multiple hook latches which are arranged to prevent opening the doors or gates more than two inches after the car has left the landing zone. Note: mechanical locks which are not provided with the double hook or multiple hook latches are acceptable only if they are of a type that have the hoistway door or gate locked in the closed position before the contact circuit is closed. D. Swinging or combination hoistway doors. Swinging or combination slide and swing hoistway doors or gates provided with contacts and mechanical locks shall be considered in the closed position when within one inch of full closure (and the car may be started), provided the mechanical locks are equipped with double or multiple hook latches which are arranged to prevent opening the hoistway doors or gates more than one inch after the car has left the landing zone. E. Design of hoistway electric contacts. Hoistway door or gate electric contacts shall be designed so that they are positively opened by the locking bar, or by a level, or by some other device attached to and operated by the door or gate. The functioning of a hoistway door or gate electric contact to prevent the movement of the car by the operating devices shall not be dependent solely on the action of a spring or springs, nor solely on gravity, nor shall it be dependent on the closing of an electric circuit. If springs are used, they shall be in compression. The interruption of the electric circuit shall prevent the movement of the car by the operating devices. F. Inaccessible contacts and locks. Contacts and mechanical locks shall be so located as to be normally inaccessible from the landing side of the closed hoistway doors or gates. G. Mechanical locks for hoistway doors. Mechanical locks shall prevent the opening of the hoistway doors or gates from the landing side unless the car is within the landing zone, except as permitted by subsections C and D of this section and except by emergency keys, if provided, as permitted by section 14-16-89. (Code 1967, § 49-133; Code 1985, § 46-153)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-84 Mechanical locks (car-operated or hand-operated).

Sec. 14-16-84. - Mechanical locks (car-operated or hand-operated). A. Mechanical locks shall be constructed with double hook or multiple hook latches. Exceptions: 1. Mechanical locks which are constructed as defined in the note under section 14-16-83(C); 2. Mechanical locks for gravity closed gates may have single hook latches. B. Mechanical locks shall be so located or so guarded as to be normally inaccessible from the landing side of the closed hoistway door or gate. C. Mechanical locks shall meet the requirements of section 14-16-83(G). (Code 1967, § 49-134; Code 1985, § 46-154)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-85 Emergency releases.

Sec. 14-16-85. - Emergency releases. Emergency releases are not required, but where provided shall meet the following requirements: A. They shall be equipped with a break-glass cover and a means for breaking the glass. B. They shall be equipped with continuous pressure type buttons or switches. C. They shall not function when the car can be moved by operating devices located at the landing. (Code 1967, § 49-135; Code 1985, § 46-155)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-86 Freight elevator hoistway door or gate locking devices.

Sec. 14-16-86. - Freight elevator hoistway door or gate locking devices. A. Locking devices for automatic, CPPB. For automatic or continuous pressure operation, electric or electro-hydraulic elevators, locking devices shall meet the following requirements: 1. Vertical sliding hoistway doors or gates: a. If the capacity speed is in excess of 150 feet per minute shall be equipped with interlocks which conform to section 14-16-82(A)(2). b. If the capacity speed is not in excess of 150 feet per minute shall be equipped with interlocks which conform to section 820(A)(2) or with hoistway door electric contacts and mechanical locks which conform to section 14-16-83(A)(2). 2. Horizontal slide or swing or combination slide and swing hoistway doors or gates shall be equipped with interlocks which conform to section 14-16-82(A)(2). Exception: where the capacity speed is not in excess of 100 feet per minute existing contacts and mechanical locks (provided same conform to section 14-16-83(A)(2)), may be continued in service until such time as their renewal or replacement is required or until the elevator is altered. B. Interlock requirements for manual or power hoistway doors. For power elevators which are operated only from the car, manually or power operated hoistway doors or gates shall be equipped with interlocks which meet the requirements of section 14-16-82, or shall be equipped with electric contacts and mechanical locks which meet the requirements of section 14-16-83. C. Mechanical locks for self-closing and fully automatic hoistway gates. For power elevators operated only from the car and for hand elevators, manually opened, self-closing and fully automatic vertically sliding hoistway gates shall be equipped with mechanical locks which meet the requirements of section 14-16-84. (Code 1967, § 49-136; Code 1985, § 46-156)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-87 Gate or door counterweights.

Sec. 14-16-87. - Gate or door counterweights. A. All gate or door counterweights shall operate in guides or boxes from which they cannot be dislodged. B. The bottoms of all guides or boxes shall be constructed to retain the counterweight if the counterweight means of suspension breaks. Car door or gate counterweight guides shall be guarded on their car enclosure side. (Code 1967, § 49-137; Code 1985, § 46-157)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-88 Landing threshold for passenger and freight elevators.

Sec. 14-16-88. - Landing threshold for passenger and freight elevators. A. Maintenance. Landing thresholds and ramps leading to landing thresholds shall be maintained so that persons will not readily slip or trip thereon. B. Tracks. All tracks on a landing threshold shall have the tops of the rails substantially flush with the landing threshold. C. Landing lighting. Landings shall be properly illuminated. (Code 1967, § 49-138; Code 1985, § 46-158)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-89 Service and emergency keys for hoistway doors or gates.

Sec. 14-16-89. - Service and emergency keys for hoistway doors or gates. Service and emergency keys are not required, but where provided they shall meet the following requirements: A. Service keys shall be given only to authorized persons and may open any or all the hoistway doors or gates only when the car is within the landing zone of the door which is arranged to be opened by the service key. B. Emergency keys shall be kept in a break-glass case adjacent to the elevator opening nearest to the main entrance to the building or shall be kept by the superintendent or person in charge of the building in a location where they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. C. Emergency keys shall be of a type not readily duplicated and may open any hoistway doors or gates which are arranged to be opened by the emergency key regardless of the position of the car in the hoistway. (Code 1967, § 49-139; Code 1985, § 46-159)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-90 Car slings and platform frames.

Sec. 14-16-90. - Car slings and platform frames. A. Elevator car slings shall be rectangular and platform frames shall be substantially level. B. All power elevators shall have steel car frames and outside platform frames of steel. Exceptions: 1. Elevators having their hoist ropes attached at or below the car platform may have wood frames and wood outside platform frames if a steel suspension beam of approved size, to which the hoist ropes are attached, is installed below the platform. 2. Existing wood car frames and platforms with wood outside frames having the hoist ropes attached to the car crosshead may be retained in use provided a steel beam of approved size is installed under the car platform extending the full width of the car and secured by "U" bolts or other approved means passing over the top of the crossheads or are provided with steel tierods of an approved size extending continuously over the top of the crosshead and bolted underneath the side members of the car platform or unless other approved means are provided to prevent separation of the platform from the crosshead. 3. When existing wood car frames and platforms are replaced or removed, the new car frames and the outside platform frames shall be of steel. 4. Platform elevators having a rise of 15 feet or less. (Code 1967, § 49-140; Code 1985, § 46-160)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-91 Car floors.

Sec. 14-16-91. - Car floors. A. Elevator car floors shall be maintained so that persons will not readily slip or trip thereon. B. Where tracks are located on an elevator car floor the tops of the rails shall be substantially flush with the general surface of the car floor. (Code 1967, § 49-141; Code 1985, § 46-161)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-92 Power elevator car sides.

Sec. 14-16-92. - Power elevator car sides. A. Generally. Elevator car sides of solid or openwork, wood or metal construction shall be provided on all sides of passenger or freight power elevators which are not used for loading or unloading except sidewalk and platform elevators. If of openwork construction, openings should be designed to reject a two-inch ball, unless the enclosure is located within, one inch of the hoistway wall or the counterweight, in which case the enclosure shall be protected by a mesh which should reject a one-half-inch ball. B. Height. Power freight elevator car enclosures should extend to a height of not less than six feet above the car floor and in no case shall they be less than 66 inches high. All power passenger elevator car enclosures shall extend from the car floor to the car top. That portion of the car enclosure which is in front of the counterweight shall extend to the car top or to the top of the crosshead where no car top is provided. (Code 1967, § 49-142; Code 1985, § 46-162)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-93 Power elevator car tops.

Sec. 14-16-93. - Power elevator car tops. Power passenger elevators shall be equipped with a solid or openwork car top which will reject a 1½-inch ball. Car tops shall be constructed to sustain a load of not less than 150 pounds applied at any place on the car top. (Code 1967, § 49-143; Code 1985, § 46-163)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-94 Power operated sidewalk elevator tops.

Sec. 14-16-94. - Power operated sidewalk elevator tops. Power operated sidewalk elevators shall be provided with either flat metal tops of metal frames or arched metal bows of sufficient strength to open the hatch covers, or be provided with a device that will stop the car before a person riding on the car platform could be injured, if the hatch cover is not in the open position when the car is operated in the up direction. (Code 1967, § 49-144; Code 1985, § 46-164)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-95 Cars to have only one compartment.

Sec. 14-16-95. - Cars to have only one compartment. Elevator cars shall not have more than one compartment. (Code 1967, § 49-145; Code 1985, § 46-165)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-96 Car doors or gates for power passenger elevators.

Sec. 14-16-96. - Car doors or gates for power passenger elevators. A. Requirements when provided with electric contacts. Car doors or gates provided with car door or gate electric contacts shall protect each entrance of a power passenger elevator car, shall be arranged to guard the full width of the opening and shall extend from within two inches of, and up to a height of not less than six feet above the car platform flooring. B. Scissor or pantograph gate. Car gates of the scissors or pantograph type on automatic operation elevators shall not be opened under power for spice in excess of nine inches from the full closure position. C. Driving mechanism when operator not used. Power closed car doors or gates, in elevators employing a type of operation which does not require a operator in the car, shall be driven by a mechanism designed and set that the force necessary to prevent the closing of the door or gate shall not exceed 30 pounds and further, that the car door or gate, plus the hoistway door or gate, plus all parts rigid connected thereto shall not develop a kinetic energy in excess of seven foot pounds computed the average closing speed, or shall be provided with other suitable protecting measures. D. Relationship to hoistway doors. For automatic operation passenger elevators having power closed or automatically released self-closing car doors or gates, and manually closed or self-closing hoistway doors, the closing of the car door or gate shall be prevented unless the hoistway door is closed in a position to be locked. E. Maximum clearance from car gate to hoistway gate for automatic or CPPB. For automatic operation or continuous pressure operation, the minimum clearance space between the car doors or gates and the hoistway doors or gates shall not exceed 5½ inches. Where this distance is exceeded the hoistway doors or gates shall be altered to comply with section 14-16-79(C). F. New or replaced gates. Where existing car gates are replaced or new gates installed, the gates shall be constructed to reject a three-inch ball. G. Sliding doors. Sliding car doors may be solid, may be provided with open grille or bars which should be designed to reject a two-inch ball or may be provided with glass or open grille vision panels. Grilles, bars or vision panels may extend the full height of the car door panel. Clear wire or laminated glass shall be used for glass vision panel replacements. (Code 1967, § 49-146; Code 1985, § 46-166)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-97 Car doors or gates for power freight elevators.

Sec. 14-16-97. - Car doors or gates for power freight elevators. A. Generally. A car door or gate provided with a car door or gate electric contact shall be provided at each entrance to a power freight elevator where the construction does not comply with any of the following: 1. Section 14-16-67(D) or (E); 2. Section 14-16-68(D), (F) and (G); 3. Section 14-16-80(C); 4. Section 14-16-104(C). Car doors or gates equipped with car doors or gate electric contacts shall be provided at each entrance to power elevators having automatic operation. B. Self-closing mechanically locked gate. A self-closing mechanically locked car gate or door may be provided to guard the opening in the elevator car adjacent to the side of a hoistway which has but one landing opening; provided that, the elevator machine is not equipped with an electrically released brake and that the car speed is 75 feet per minute or less. C. Horizontal or vertical sliding gates. Car doors or gates for power freight elevators shall be of the horizontally or vertically sliding type, shall guard the full width of the car opening and should extend from within two inches of and up to six feet above the car platform flooring. D. Collapsible gates. Collapsible car gates for power freight elevators should be designed to reject a four and one-half-inch ball when the gate is fully closed. E. Sliding doors. Sliding car doors may be solid, or may be provided with open grille or bars which should be designed to reject a two-inch ball or may be provided with glass or grille vision panels. Grilles, bars or vision panels may extend the full height of the door panel. Clear wire or laminated glass shall be used for glass vision panel replacements. F. Replacing or installing gates. Where new car gates are installed or existing gates replaced, they shall comply with the dimensions specified in subsections C and D of this section. (Code 1967, § 49-147; Code 1985, § 46-167)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-98 Car door or gate electric contacts.

Sec. 14-16-98. - Car door or gate electric contacts. A. Arrangement. Car door or gate electric contacts shall be arranged to prevent the starting of the car by the operating device unless the car door or gate is within two inches of full closure. Exceptions: 1. The contact when the car door or gate is opened shall not prevent the starting of the car by the operating device if the emergency release is in temporary use, nor prevent the movement of the car within the leveling zone by the car leveling device. 2. Automatic operation elevators may be operated with an open car gate if there is no passenger in the car, provided the elevator car is equipped with a floating platform and all safety requirements for this type of control and construction are complied with. See section 14-16-109(I). 3. In cases where both the car door or gate is equipped with a closer, and the hoistway door or gate is equipped with a door closer complying with section 14-16-82(D), and the elevator is operated only from the car, the contact may permit the starting of the elevator by the operating device when the car door or gate is within four inches of full closure. B. Functioning. Car door or gate electric contacts shall be positively opened and the functioning of the contact to prevent the starting of the car shall not be solely dependent upon the action of a spring or springs, nor upon gravity, nor upon the closing of an electric circuit. If an electric circuit is used its interruption shall prevent the starting of the car by the operating devices. C. When prohibited. Car door or gate electric contacts shall not be permitted on power elevators equipped with machines with mechanically released brakes. D. Rope gripper or lock. No electrically released, gravity or spring applied rope gripper or lock to prevent the movement of the operating rope or rod shall be recognized as a component device in any car or gate electric contact system, except where the elevator may be operated only from the car and when the operating devices are inaccessible from the landing side of the hoistway doors or gates when the same are in the closed position. (Code 1967, § 49-148; Code 1985, § 46-168)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-99 Car emergency exits.

Sec. 14-16-99. - Car emergency exits. A. Required. Each elevator car equipped with a top shall be provided with either a car top or car side emergency exit. B. Dimension for top exits. Top emergency exit openings, where provided, should be not less than 14 inches by 22 inches. Where new exit openings are installed, they shall, where space conditions permit, conform to the dimensions specified. C. Opening top exits. Top emergency exit covers, where provided, shall be arranged so that the exit covers may be opened by hand from either the inside or the top side of the car. D. Opening side exits. Side emergency exit panels, where provided, shall open inwardly and shall be arranged to be opened by hand from either the inside or the outside of the car or may be equipped with lock and removable key which shall be kept either in the car or in the emergency hoistway door key case at all times, and also with the lock arranged to be opened by hand from the outside of the car. E. Electric contacts on side exits. Side emergency exit panels, where provided, on automatic or continuous-pressure operated elevators, shall be provided with electric contacts which shall be arranged to prevent the operation of the car by the operating devices when the exit panel is open. F. Dimension for side exits. Side emergency exit openings, where provided, should be not less than 16 inches wide and no fixed obstruction in the hoistway which blocks up the opening shall be permitted. Where new exit openings are installed, they shall conform to the dimensions specified where space conditions permit. (Code 1967, § 49-149; Code 1985, § 46-169)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-100 Car lighting.

Sec. 14-16-100. - Car lighting. A. Elevator cars shall be adequately illuminated at all times when in use. B. Elevator car lighting or hoisting lighting circuit switches shall be located on the car, in the hoistway or adjacent to the hoistway. (Code 1967, § 49-150; Code 1985, § 46-170)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-101 Glass in cars.

Sec. 14-16-101. - Glass in cars. No piece of glass, unless laminated or otherwise shatterproof should exceed one square foot in area when located in the cab of the car. (Code 1967, § 49-151; Code 1985, § 46-171)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-102 Aprons for cars equipped with car-leveling devices.

Sec. 14-16-102. - Aprons for cars equipped with car-leveling devices. A. Each elevator car equipped with car-leveling devices that operate the car when the hoistway doors or gates are open shall have the car platform provided with a substantial vertical face, flush with the edge of the car platform adjacent to the hoistway opening and extending a sufficient distance below the car platform so that no horizontal opening in the hoistway occurs when the car may be moved by the car-leveling devices. B. Elevator cars equipped with inching or teaser devices that operate the car when the hoistway doors or gates are open shall have the car platform provided with a vertical face as defined in subsection A of this section. (Code 1967, § 49-152; Code 1985, § 46-172)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-103 Adjusting and renewing guide shoes.

Sec. 14-16-103. - Adjusting and renewing guide shoes. When guide shoes are sufficiently worn so as to cause any material reduction in the clearances mentioned in section 14-16-104(A), (B) and (D), the guide shoes shall be adjusted or rebabbitted or renewed depending upon the type of guide shoes furnished. (Code 1967, § 49-153; Code 1985, § 46-173)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-104 Clearances between cars, counterweights and shaftways.

Sec. 14-16-104. - Clearances between cars, counterweights and shaftways. A. Between car and hoistway car and counterweight. There shall be maintained a clearance of not less than one-half-inch between the sides of the car and the shaftway enclosure and not less than one-half-inch clearance between the car and its counterweights. B. Between car and landing threshold. There shall be maintained a clearance of not less than one-half-inch between car platforms and landing thresholds for elevators using steel guide rails with side post construction, and three-fourths inch for elevators with wood guide rails or corner post construction. This clearance shall be maintained so as not to exceed 1½ inches. C. Between hoistway and open edge of car. The clearance between the shaftway enclosure and the open edges of the car platform should not exceed five inches, except where the hoistway doors are installed wholly within the hoistway; in which case the maximum clearance should not exceed 7½ inches. Car doors or gates equipped as required in section 14-16-97, shall be installed where this above clearance exceeds 5½ inches. D. Between two cars. If two or more adjacent cars are operated in the same shaftway the horizontal clearance between cars should not be less than two inches. E. Overhead clearances. 1. The distance between the top of the elevator car sling and any obstruction directly above it when the car floor is level with the top landing shall be equal to or be greater than the sum of the following: a. The distance between the counterweight and its buffer; b. The maximum stroke of the counterweight buffer; c. Six inches. 2. The distance between the top of the counterweight and any obstruction directly above it when the car floor is level with the top landing shall be equal to or greater than the sum of the following: a. The distance between the top of the buffer and its striker plate on the car; b. The maximum stroke of the car buffer; c. Six inches. 3. For cars traveling faster than 250 feet per minute add this item to each of the above sums: one-half of the stroke of the buffer used. Note: this item may be omitted if provision is made to eliminate the jump of the car or counterweight, if its top clearance is being considered, at buffer engagement. F. Reducing overhead clearance. No structure or apparatus shall be installed either on the top of the car, or extending upwards above the top of the car, or extending downwards from the top of the hoistway which would reduce the over-travel clearances; unless prior to installation an investigation is made and permission is given by the department of labor, supervising inspector. G. Compressed counterweight buffer. When the counterweight is resting on its fully compressed bumper, no equipment attached to the elevator car or car frame shall strike the overhead construction. (Code 1967, § 49-154; Code 1985, § 46-174)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-105 Signal systems generally.

Sec. 14-16-105. - Signal systems generally. Each power freight or passenger elevator or each grouping of elevators shall be provided with a signal system by means of which signals can be given from any landing whenever an elevator is desired at that landing. Exceptions: A. Signal-operation elevators; B. Automatic-operation elevators; C. Continuous-pressure-operation elevators; D. Power elevators which are scheduled to stop at each floor. (Code 1967, § 49-155; Code 1985, § 46-175)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-106 Emergency signal.

Sec. 14-16-106. - Emergency signal. Each automatic operation or continuous-pressure-operation elevator shall be equipped with either an emergency signal that can be operated from within the car and which is clearly audible outside the hoistway or shall be equipped with a telephone located in the car and connected to a central exchange or to a private exchange which is continuously attended. (Code 1967, § 49-156; Code 1985, § 46-176)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-107 Platform elevators.

Sec. 14-16-107. - Platform elevators. A. No platform elevator shall be used for passenger service. B. No platform elevator with a travel in excess of 15 feet shall be permitted unless it complies with all the requirements of the freight elevator. (Code 1967, § 49-157; Code 1985, § 46-177)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-108 Car and counterweight safeties and speed governors.

Sec. 14-16-108. - Car and counterweight safeties and speed governors. A. Car safeties. Each elevator suspended by cables shall be equipped with a mechanically applied car safety (or safeties), which should be attached below the car floor and capable of stopping and sustaining the car together with its contract load. Exceptions: 1. Power freight-elevators and all platform elevators with a total rise not exceeding 15 feet; 2. Hand freight-elevators with a total rise not exceeding 30 feet; 3. Sidewalk elevators with a total rise not exceeding 30 feet. B. Governor for power freight elevators. All power freight elevator cars where the capacity-speed is in excess of 100 feet per minute shall have the car safeties in conformity with subsection D of this section applied by speed governor devices. Exception: rope geared hydraulic elevators. C. Broken rope safeties. All power freight elevator cars with a capacity speed not in excess of 100 feet per minute and all hand-power elevator cars, subject to the requirements of subsection A of this section, may be equipped with broken rope type car safeties located either in the safety-plank beneath the car platform or in the crosshead of the car sling or on the stiles of the car sling. When new car safeties are installed or existing car safeties replaced, they shall, subject to the requirement of subsection A of this section, be applied by speed governors. Exception: existing broken-rope instantaneous type car safeties on rope geared hydraulic elevators may be retained in operation without governors irrespective of the car speed. D. Accessible safeties. Four types of safeties are acceptable: 1. Type I (Instantaneous) which shall be limited to a capacity speed not in excess of 150 feet per minute, except as provided in subsection C of this section; 2. Type W.C. (Wedge Clamp) with constant retarding force; 3. Type G.W.C. (Gradual Wedge Clamp) with gradual increasing retarding force; 4. Type F.G.C (Flexible Guide Clamp) with constant retarding force. E. Pawl type safeties. Pawl type safeties applying to a rack guide are permitted only on hand freight-elevators and only on power freight-elevators where the capacity-speed is not in excess of 50 feet per minute, where also the capacity is not in excess of 2,000 pounds; and where also, no person other than the operator is permitted to ride. F. Lubrication for safeties. Car safeties shall be kept well lubricated and operating freely. G. Adjustment of car safeties. Car safeties shall be adjusted to work together and the application of the safeties shall not cause the car platform to become out of level more than one-half-inch per foot measured in any direction. H. Setting of governors. Speed governors shall be set to apply either at not less than 15 percent over the capacity speed or at not more than 40 percent over capacity speed except that no speed governor shall be required to be set to apply at less than 175 feet per minute. I. Releasing car safeties. Car safeties may be arranged to release by raising the elevator car but when the car safeties are applied no decrease in the tension of the governor cable or motion of the car in the descending direction shall release the car safeties. J. Governor location. Governors shall be located where their full movement is unobstructed and nothing shall be stored or permitted to remain near the governors which might interfere with their operation. K. Testing car safety and governor. Every car safety and its speed governor shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of the ASA Safety Code for Elevators. L. Repainting governors and safeties. No speed governor and no car safety shall be repainted unless they are retested as required by subsection K of this section. (Code 1967, § 49-158; Code 1985, § 46-178)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-109 Operation and control.

Sec. 14-16-109. - Operation and control. A. Operating devices accessible for hoistway. Power elevators operated by ropes, cables, rods or any other devices which are accessible from the outside of the hoistway shall either: 1. Have these operating devices made inaccessible from the outside of the hoistway; or 2. Be equipped with all automatic operation equipment and operating device safeguards required by subsection (I)(2) of this section. B. Wheel or lever operating devices. Wheel or lever operating devices shall be provided with up and down position indicators on the operating device. C. Hand-rope cable sheave guard. Sheaves for hand-rope cables shall be equipped with guards to prevent the ropes from leaving the sheaves or the hand-rope cable tension shall be automatically maintained. Overhead tension weights for hand-ropes shall be secured by cables or chains fastened to the weights and to a suitable anchorage. Hand-rope cables shall be kept smooth, clean, free of oil or grease and without projecting wires. D. Car switch operating device. All operating devices of car switch operating elevators shall automatically return to the stop position when pressure is released. E. More than one operating system. Elevators equipped with more than one operating system shall have the operating systems interlocked to allow the use of only one operating system at a time. Exception: automatic operation elevators. F. Emergency stop switch. Electro-hydraulic and electric elevators which have an elevator machine provided with an electrically released brake shall be provided with an emergency stop switch in the car and this switch should be of a type in which the contacts are mechanically opened and not solely spring opened. Exceptions: 1. Automatic operation elevators equipped with a stop button so marked, in the car; 2. Sidewalk or platform elevators. G. Defective contacts. Contacts which are badly pitted, burned, cracked or broken or which indicate a condition leading to possible fusing together of the contacts shall be renewed. H. Circuit breaker connected to fire alarm system. No circuit breaker operated automatically by a fire alarm system shall interrupt the operating circuit of a passenger elevator. I. Automatic operation elevator. Automatic operation elevators shall conform with the following: 1. If the car has started for a given landing, no impulse can be given to send the car in the reverse direction. 2. The car cannot be started by the operating devices unless the car door or gate is closed and is equipped with a contact as provided in section 14-16-98(A) and all hoistway doors or gates are closed and are equipped with either interlocks or with contacts and car operated mechanical locks and as required by either section 14-16-79(D) or (E) or section 14-16-86(A). Exception: floating platform construction may be used on passenger elevators to permit the car to be operated from the landing buttons with the car gate open and no passenger in the car, under the following conditions: a. The entire side of the hoistway opposite a car opening, including the doors, sills, lintels and spandrels shall be substantially flush (within tolerance of one-quarter inch). b. The operation of the car from the car buttons shall be prevented unless the platform is depressed and the car gate is closed. c. A weight of 30 pounds placed anywhere in the form shall cause it to function. d. The platform shall be so constructed that there is no pocket or recess to catch refuse or dirt under the platform or no horizontal opening at the car sides where refuse or dirt may block the car platform in its depressed position. e. The entire platform area within the car and the car threshold shall float. f. There are no handrails in the car. g. Hoistway door interlocks are provided as required by section 14-16-82(A)(2). J. C.P.P.B. operation. Continuous-pressure operation shall not be used for elevators unless they are provided with all safety devices required for automatic operation. K. Overload circuit breaker. If an overload circuit breaker is used for a direct-current elevator the opening of the motor circuit and the opening of the brake circuit shall occur simultaneously. L. Centering rope on rope or rod operating device. Each power elevator operated by a hand rope or rod operating device shall be provided with a centering rope which will insure the operating mechanism being placed in the stop position when it is desired to stop the car, and the car shall be equipped with an operating rope car lock arranged to engage (at all landings) stop buttons on the operating rope or rod. The centering rope shall be so located as to be available to the operator for the full travel of the car. Exceptions: 1. Electric elevators equipped with electrically released brakes and emergency stop switches in the car; 2. Electric elevators equipped with electrically released brakes and hoistway door or gate interlocks or electric contacts or with car door or gate electric contacts; 3. Sidewalk elevators. M. Sequence relay. Electric elevators equipped with electric brakes and operated by hand cables, levers or wheel operating devices, shall, if provided with car emergency switches, car door or gate electric contacts or hoistway door or gate interlocks or electric contacts, have the operating and control circuits so arranged that in the case of failure of power or the opening of the car or hoistway door or gate interlock or contact circuits of the opening of the car emergency switch while the car is running, it will be necessary to return the operating device to the off position before the car can again be started. (Code 1967, § 49-159; Code 1985, § 46-179)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 14-16-110 Disconnecting devices.

Sec. 14-16-110. - Disconnecting devices. All new and relocated elevators shall be provided with a disconnecting means for automatic operation or continuous pressure operation elevators an all buildings exceeding 55 feet in height as follows: there shall be provided in the elevator car or at the starter's station for each automatic operation elevator or continuous pressure operation elevator a means to disconnect the elevator from the landing operating devices. The means provided shall be accessible only to authorized persons. (Code 1967, § 49-160; Code 1985, § 46-180)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14BUCO_CH14-16ELDUESAMDE_ART6MISAREELFetched: 10/28/2026

Starting a business in Tennessee? Tennessee LLC guide: costs and requirements