Hi all,
I have a question about the code requirements in ASME A17 regarding two-way communication device for an elevator that I cannot figure out.
We are a 12 unit (5 floor) residential condominium in Illinois, with a beautiful old 1929 Otis Traction elevator.
I understand that there are a set of new upgrades that we must have performed by 2015, including emergency lighting, two-way communication, pit ladder, stop switch, etc.
What I'm having a hard time understanding is the specific requirements of the two-way communication and how it relates to ADA stuff.
My impression from reading the ASME stuff is that we *MUST* have a two-way communication system (phone), but that it's not REQUIRED to be ADA compliant (our entries aren't ADA compliant for example). If that's true it would mean that we could install a non-ADA compliant phone in the elevator that was period appropriate, or at least start out by doing so (for example putting in a normal desk phone).
But it may very well be that ASME (or Illinois?) is stating that the (normally just a guideline) ADA code requirements are being mandated as part of the ASME code as strictly required, and that we absolutely must be compliant with it by 2015.
I understand that perhaps the smartest thing might simply be to install an ADA compliant elevator phone regardless of the rules. But at this point i've become really curious about the answer to this question and the building has expressed an interest in starting out as a first step by simply putting a phone jack in the elevator and putting a normal phone in the elevator -- for both aesthetic and cost reasons.
So my general question is -- must we meet ADA requirements to be compliant with state elevator code? And specifically, would putting a dedicated telephone line and standard phone in the elevator be compliant?
Thank you in advance for any thoughts
-sreja