Elevator door lock monitoring FAQs

This FAQ is intended to clear up questions regarding door lock monitoring (updated March 22, 2021).

Q 1:  What is door lock monitoring?

In 2020 the state of Minnesota adopted ASME A17.3-2015 - Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators. New in the 2015 version of this code is section 3.10.12; commonly referred to as “door lock monitoring." This requirement ensures that an elevator will not operate if the hoistway door interlock or car door gate switch circuitry were either bypassed or failed in a way that renders the circuitry bypassed.  

Q 2:  Which elevators need this upgrade? (For hydraulic elevators, see this important note.)

This requirement applies to all elevators that have power car doors that are mechanically coupled to the hoistway doors, i.e. typical passenger elevator doors.

Q 3:  How do I know for sure that my elevator needs to be upgraded?

Elevator controllers manufactured to meet the A17.1-2000 - Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, likely have door lock monitoring. Because of the adoption dates of previous editions of ASME Codes in Minnesota, each elevator controller installed prior to 2007 will have to be evaluated to determine if it complies with this requirement or not. This can be confirmed by a qualified licensed elevator contractor or possibly by the controller manufactures records based on a serial number or similar reference. 

Q 4:  How will this code be enforced?

As department elevator inspectors perform periodic inspections on elevators throughout the State, they will identify elevators that do not appear to have this feature. Once the owner is notified, they will have up to 60 days to complete the correction, -or- within the 60-day period provide a compliance plan that will identify when the corrections will be made. Owners may be provided up to 5 years to complete this correction.

Documentation from the controller manufacture or a licensed elevator contractor confirming that an elevator already has this feature will be accepted.