NYC Elevator Door Restrictor Compliance: What Building Owners Need to Know

By Christopher Todd
Founder of Faraday Elevator

Many New York City building owners are aware of the upcoming single-plunger brake requirements, but another important elevator safety deadline is rapidly approaching.

Under ASME A17.3 as modified by New York City Appendix K3, automatic passenger elevators must comply with door restrictor requirements no later than January 1, 2027.

For many older elevators, this may require the installation of new safety devices or modifications to existing door equipment.

Section 2.7.5 of ASME A17.3, as modified by NYC Appendix K3, is titled:

“Restricted Opening of Hoistway Doors and/or Car Doors on Automatic Passenger Elevators.”

The code requires that:

• When an elevator car is outside the unlocking zone, hoistway doors or car doors cannot be opened more than 4 inches from inside the elevator.
• The unlocking zone may extend no more than 18 inches above or below the landing floor level.
• Elevator doors must remain openable from outside the car by authorized personnel without the use of special tools.

The intent of the requirement is to prevent passengers from opening elevator doors when the elevator is stopped between floors.

Why Was This Requirement Adopted?

Historically, passengers trapped inside elevators have occasionally attempted to force open elevator doors and exit the car without assistance.

When an elevator is not level with a landing, this creates the potential for passengers to gain access to the hoistway, resulting in serious injury or death.

Door restrictors were developed to eliminate this hazard by preventing elevator doors from opening beyond a limited distance whenever the car is outside the designated unlocking zone.

Today, door restrictors are considered a critical life-safety component on automatic passenger elevators.

Which Buildings May Be Affected?

The requirement generally impacts older automatic passenger elevators that were installed before door restrictors became standard equipment.

Many elevators in:

• Cooperative buildings
• Condominium buildings
• Commercial office buildings
• Multi-Family Residential properties
• Institutional facilities

may require evaluation to determine compliance.

Even elevators that have undergone modernization may need additional review depending on the age and type of door equipment installed.

How Faraday Can Help

Faraday Elevator Company assists owners, property managers, and boards throughout New York City with code compliance evaluations, maintenance, repair, modernization, and testing services.

Our team can assess your elevators, determine whether door restrictor upgrades are required, and develop a practical plan to achieve compliance before the January 1, 2027 deadline.

As with many retroactive safety requirements, the most cost-effective approach is to identify potential issues early and address them before they become urgent.

If you are unsure whether your elevators comply with the NYC door restrictor requirements, now is the time to begin planning.

Faraday Elevator Contact Information

www.faraday-elevator.com

646-854-6010

support@faraday-elevator.com