CBC · California Building Code

How must wiring, cables and standby power be protected for occupant evacuation elevators?

If a building uses occupant evacuation elevators, any cables that run outside the hoistway or machine/control rooms and serve those elevators must be protected by either 2‑hour UL 2196‑listed survivability cable, a 2‑hour listed electrical circuit protective system, or by 2‑hour rated construction; elevator equipment, machine‑room ventilation/cooling and car lighting must have Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power, and elevator status and power must be continuously monitored at the fire command center, per CBC §§ 3008.8.2 and 3008.7 file.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Wires and cables that supply occupant evacuation elevators but run outside the hoistway, machine room, control room or control space must be protected by one of three 2‑hour protection methods (UL 2196‑listed survivability cables, an electrical circuit protective system, or 2‑hour rated construction) — with an exception for certain control signal circuits that do not serve Phase II in‑car operation (§ 3008.8.2) . In addition, key elevator features (elevator equipment, machine‑room ventilation/cooling and car lighting) must have normal power and Type 60 / Class 2 / Level 1 standby power and the elevators must be continuously monitored at the fire command center for power and operational status (§ 3008.8 and § 3008.7) file.

Requirements in detail

Scope — which conductors are covered

  • Applies to wires or cables located outside the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space that provide:
    • normal or standby power,
    • control signals,
    • communications with the car,
    • lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and
    • fire‑detecting systems serving occupant evacuation elevators (§ 3008.8.2) .
  • Wiring inside the hoistway, machine room, control room or control space is not the subject of § 3008.8.2 (that wiring is addressed elsewhere).

Acceptable protection methods and ratings

The code requires one of the following protections for the cables or the enclosure/run that carries required elevator circuits:

  • UL 2196‑listed cables for survivability with a fire‑resistance rating of not less than 2 hours (i.e., cables listed per UL 2196) (§ 3008.8.2.1) .
  • An electrical circuit protective system (a tested/listed assembly) with a fire‑resistance rating of not less than 2 hours, installed in accordance with its listing (i.e., follow the manufacturer/listing installation instructions) (§ 3008.8.2.2) .
  • Construction (barriers, shafts or enclosures) having a fire‑resistance rating of not less than 2 hours around the wiring/cables (§ 3008.8.2.3) .

Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals do not require the 2‑hour protection provided they do not serve Phase II emergency in‑car operation (§ 3008.8.2 Exception) .

Standby power and items that must be supplied by it

Elevator systems serving occupant evacuation elevators must have both normal power and Type 60 / Class 2 / Level 1 standby power for:

  • elevator equipment,
  • ventilation and cooling equipment for elevator machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces and control spaces, and
  • elevator car lighting (§ 3008.8) .

Standby power sizing is to be based on the number of occupant evacuation elevators as determined per § 3008.8.1 (see that section for the load‑determination trigger) (§ 3008.8.1) .

Monitoring and supervisory requirements

Occupant evacuation elevators must be continuously monitored at the fire command center (or approved central control point) and display, at minimum:

  1. floor location of each car,
  2. direction of travel,
  3. whether each car is occupied,
  4. status of normal power to elevator equipment and related machinery cooling/ventilation,
  5. status of standby/emergency power that provides backup to elevator equipment and related cooling/ventilation, and
  6. activation of any fire alarm initiating device in elevator lobbies, machine rooms, machine spaces with controllers, control spaces, control rooms or hoistways (§ 3008.7) .

Decision table — key values and references

Decision dimension Required value or option Code reference
Where protection is required Wires/cables located outside hoistway, machine room, control room/control space that serve occupant evacuation elevators § 3008.8.2
Acceptable protection methods (1) UL 2196‑listed survivability cables; (2) Electrical circuit protective system listed and rated; (3) Construction with 2‑hour fire‑resistance § 3008.8.2.1–.3
Minimum fire‑resistance rating Not less than 2 hours for the listed methods (unless exception applies) § 3008.8.2.1–.3
Exception for control signal wiring Not required to be protected if wiring does not serve Phase II in‑car operation § 3008.8.2 Exception
Items required on standby power Elevator equipment; ventilation and cooling for machine/control rooms and spaces; elevator car lighting § 3008.8
Monitoring requirements Continuous monitoring at fire command center showing items 1–6 (location, direction, occupancy, normal power status, standby power status, alarm activations) § 3008.7

Exceptions & special cases

  • Control‑signal wiring exception: Signal/control wiring is exempt from the 2‑hour protection requirement only if those circuits do not serve Phase II emergency in‑car operation (§ 3008.8.2 Exception) — if the control circuits DO serve Phase II, they must meet the protection requirement (§ 3008.8.2) .
  • The code requires that protective systems be installed per their listings; an installed fire‑resistance assembly must follow the manufacturer/listing installation instructions (§ 3008.8.2.2) .
  • For buildings that are high‑rise or otherwise have additional standby power rules, the general standby power requirements in Chapter 4 (for example § 403.4.8) and Chapter 27 (emergency and standby power system requirements) interact with § 3008; designers must coordinate those provisions when sizing and locating standby power equipment (see § 403.4.8 for standby power location/room separation and load classification) .
  • Fire service access elevator wiring protection is analogous and found at § 3007.8.1; use that section for elevator installations that are fire‑service access elevators rather than occupant evacuation elevators (§ 3007.8.1) .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming any cable type is acceptable: the code mandates either UL 2196‑listed survivability cable, a listed electrical circuit protective system, or 2‑hour rated construction — random cable ratings or “regular” plenum cable are not sufficient unless listed to UL 2196 or enclosed in the specified protective system (§ 3008.8.2) .
  • Forgetting the 2‑hour minimum: some designers specify 1‑hour assemblies or fireproofing treatments that do not meet a 2‑hour rating — the code requires not less than 2 hours for these protections (§ 3008.8.2) .
  • Overlooking the control‑signal exception limits: people sometimes remove protection from all control wiring; the exception only applies where the control wiring does not serve Phase II in‑car operation (§ 3008.8.2 Exception) .
  • Not tying monitoring to the fire command center: the monitoring requirements specify continuous display of power and car status at the fire command center or approved central control point (§ 3008.7) — omitting or underspecifying supervision is noncompliant .
  • Failing to put ventilation/cooling on standby: machine room/ control room ventilation and cooling are explicitly listed as features that must be supplied by standby power (§ 3008.8) .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario (example only): A mid‑rise building installs 3 occupant evacuation elevators. The design team determines, per § 3008.8.1, the standby loads for the three elevators and decides standby must serve:

  • elevator equipment (assume simulated combined load of 9 kW total),
  • machine‑room ventilation/cooling (simulated 3 kW), and
  • car lighting (simulated 0.9 kW).

Total example standby load = 9 + 3 + 0.9 = 12.9 kW (this arithmetic is illustrative — the CBC does not give wattage values; standby sizing is determined per the project and referenced code guidance) (§ 3008.8.1, § 3008.8) .

Protection approach: The project locates the feeder cables supplying that equipment outside the hoistway and machine room. To comply with § 3008.8.2 the designer can choose one:

  • Install UL 2196‑listed survivability cables rated 2 hours for the feeders and control circuits that require survivability; or
  • Install the feeders in a listed electrical circuit protective system (fire‑rated duct/assembly) with a 2‑hour rating and follow the listing’s installation instructions; or
  • Route the feeders through 2‑hour rated shaft construction or a 2‑hour fire barrier enclosure.

If some control wiring only provides auxiliary signals that do not support Phase II in‑car operation, those particular control runs could be left unprotected under the exception; but any control wiring that will support Phase II must receive the same 2‑hour protection (§ 3008.8.2) .

Monitoring: The fire command center must display elevator location, direction, occupancy, normal power status, standby power status and alarm activations per § 3008.7 — verify the supervisory panel and annunciation are programmed to show the items listed in § 3008.7 .

Note: CBC sections used here prescribe the protection methods and monitoring/standby requirements, but they do not supply specific wattage or generator sizing tables — those determinations are made by the designer/engineer per § 3008.8.1 and applicable electrical/standby power standards and practices (§ 3008.8.1, § 3008.8) .

Related provisions

  • § 3008.8 — Electrical power requirements for occupant evacuation elevators (items that must have standby power) .
  • § 3008.8.1 — Determination of standby power load for occupant evacuation elevators .
  • § 3008.7 — Elevator system monitoring requirements (continuous monitoring and items to display at the fire command center) .
  • § 3007.8.1 — Protection of wiring/cables for fire service access elevators (analogous protection rules) .
  • § 403.4.8 — Standby power requirements for high‑rise buildings (location and classification of standby/emergency loads) — coordinate with § 3008 when applicable .
  • Chapter 27 (2702 et seq.) — Emergency and standby power system provisions that interact with elevator standby power requirements (refer to CBC Chapter 27) .

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 3008.7 High relevance — show source text

    3008.7 Elevator system monitoring. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department and arranged to display all of the following information:

    1. Floor location of each elevator car.

    2. Direction of travel of each elevator car.

    3. Status of each elevator car with respect to whether it is occupied.

    4. Status of normal power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical apparatus cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    5. Status of standby or emergency power system that provides backup power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    6. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device in any elevator lobby, elevator machine room, machine space containing a motor controller or electric driving machine, control space, control room or elevator hoistway.

    3008.7.1 Elevator recall. The fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department shall be provided with the means to manually initiate a Phase I Emergency Recall of the occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Califor- nia Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3008.8 Electrical power. The following features serving each occupant evacuation elevator shall be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

    1. Elevator equipment.
    2. Ventilation and cooling equipment for elevator machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces and control spaces.
    3. Elevator car lighting.

    3008.8.1 Determination of standby power load. Standby power loads shall be based on the determination of the number of occupant evacuation elevators in Section 3008.1.1.

    3008.8.2 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to occupant evacuation elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

    1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
    2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
    3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

    Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operation.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-11

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3008.9 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The building shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be accessible to the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    3008.9.1 Notification appliances. Not fewer than one audible and one visible notification appliance shall be installed within each occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

  • CBC § 3008.8.2 High relevance — show source text

    3008.8.2 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to occupant evacuation elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

    1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
    2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
    3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

    Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operation.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-11

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3008.9 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The building shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be accessible to the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    3008.9.1 Notification appliances. Not fewer than one audible and one visible notification appliance shall be installed within each occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

    3008.10 Hazardous material areas. Building areas shall not contain hazardous materials exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area as addressed in Section 414.2.

    SECTION 3009—PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS

    3009.1 General. The design, construction and installation of elevators installed within a residential dwelling unit or installed to provide access to one individual residential dwelling unit shall conform to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3009.2 Hoistway enclosures. Hoistway enclosures shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    3009.3 Hoistway opening protection. Hoistway landing doors for private residence elevators shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders .

    SECTION 3010—SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELEVATORS IN HOSPITALS

    3010.1 General. [OSHPD 1] In hospital buildings, all elevators shall comply with the provisions of this section.

    3010.1.1 Seismic switch. The seismic switch, as required by ASME A17.1, shall be connected to the essential electrical system.

    3010.1.2 Annunciator. Either a visible or an audible annunciator shall be connected to the essential electrical system and be located in the elevator machine room. The annunciator will indicate if the seismic switch is inoperative due to a loss of power. If a visual annunciator is used, it shall be clearly visible in the room.

  • CBC § 30-9 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-9

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

    1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
    2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
    3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

    Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations.

    3007.9 Standpipe hose connection. A Class I standpipe hose connection in accordance with Section 905 shall be provided in the interior exit stairway and ramp having direct access from the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

    3007.9.1 Access. The exit enclosure containing the standpipe shall have access to the floor without passing through the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

    SECTION 3008—OCCUPANT EVACUATION ELEVATORS

    3008.1 General. Where e levators are to be used for occupant self-evacuation during fires , all passenger elevators for general public use shall comply with Sections 3008.1 through 3008.10. Where other elevators are used for occupant self-evacuation, those elevators shall comply with these sections.

    3008.1.1 Reserved .

    3008.1.2 Additional exit stairway. Where an additional means of egress is required in accordance with Section 403.5.2, an additional exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings provided with occupant evacuation elevators complying with Section 3008.1.

    3008.1.3 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The building shall have an approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 404 of the California Fire Code . The fire safety and evacuation plan shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using evacuation elevators.

    3008.1.4 Operation. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with the occupant evacuation operation requirements in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders, and the building’s fire safety and evacuation plan.

    3008.2 Automatic sprinkler system. The building shall be equipped throughout with an approved, electrically supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, except as otherwise permitted by Section 903.3.1.1.1 and as prohibited by Section 3008.2.1.

  • CBC § 3007.6.4 High relevance — show source text

    3007.6.4 Lobby size. Regardless of the number of fire service access elevators served by the same elevator lobby, the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall be not less than 150 square feet (14 m [2] ) in an area with a dimension of not less than 8 feet (2440 mm).

    3007.6.5 Fire service access elevator symbol. A pictorial symbol of a standardized design designating which elevators are fire service access elevators shall be installed on each side of the hoistway door frame on the portion of the frame at right angles to the fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator symbol shall be designed as shown in Figure 3007.6.5 and shall comply with the following:

    1. The fire service access elevator symbol shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height.
    2. The helmet shall contrast with the background, with either a light helmet on a dark background or a dark helmet on a light background.
    3. The vertical center line of the fire service access elevator symbol shall be centered on the hoistway door frame. Each symbol shall be not less than 78 inches (1981 mm), and not more than 84 inches (2134 mm) above the finished floor at the threshold.

    FIGURE 3007.6.5—FIRE SERVICE ACCESS ELEVATOR SYMBOL

    For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

    3007.7 Elevator system monitoring. The fire service access elevator shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center by a standard emergency service interface system meeting the requirements of NFPA 72.

    3007.8 Electrical power. The following features serving each fire service access elevator shall be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

    1. Elevator equipment.
    2. Elevator hoistway lighting.
    3. Ventilation and cooling equipment for elevator machine rooms, control rooms, machine spaces and control spaces.
    4. Elevator car lighting.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 30-9

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    ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS

    3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

    1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
    2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
    3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

    Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations.

    3007.9 Standpipe hose connection. A Class I standpipe hose connection in accordance with Section 905 shall be provided in the interior exit stairway and ramp having direct access from the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

    3007.9.1 Access. The exit enclosure containing the standpipe shall have access to the floor without passing through the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

  • CBC § 403.4.8.1 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 403.4.8.1 Equipment room. If the standby or emergency power system includes a generator set inside a building, the system shall be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. System supervision with manual start and transfer features shall be provided at the fire command center.

    Exception: In Group I-2, Condition 2, manual start and transfer features for the critical branch of the emergency power are not required to be provided at the fire command center.

    [F] 403.4.8.2 Fuel line piping protection. Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by one of the following methods:

    1. A fire-resistant pipe-protection system that has been tested in accordance with UL 1489. The system shall be installed as tested and in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and shall have a rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
    2. An assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
    3. Other approved methods.

    [F] 403.4.8.3 Standby power loads. The following are classified as standby power loads:

    1. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures.

    2. Elevators.

    3. Where elevators are provided in a high-rise building for accessible means of egress, fire service access or occupant self-evacuation, the standby power system shall also comply with Sections 1009.4, 3007 or 3008, as applicable.

    [F] 403.4.8.4 Emergency power loads. The following are classified as emergency power loads:

    1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10.
    2. Elevator car lighting.
    3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
    4. Automatic fire detection systems.
    5. Fire alarm systems.
    6. Electrically powered fire pumps.
    7. Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.6.

    [BE] 403.5 Means of egress and evacuation. The means of egress in high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.5.1 through 403.5.5.

    [BE] 403.5.1 Remoteness of interior exit stairways. Required interior exit stairways shall be separated by a distance not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the nearest points of the enclosure surrounding the interior exit stairways. In buildings with three or more interior exit stairways, not fewer than two of the interior exit stairways shall comply with this section. Interlocking or scissor stairways shall be counted as one interior exit stairway.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 4-11

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  • CBC § 603.6.1 High relevance — show source text

    603.6.1 Application and use. Extension cords shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle, relocatable power tap or current tap and, except for approved multiplug extension cords, shall serve only one portable appliance.

    603.6.2 Ampacity. The ampacity of the extension cords shall be not less than the rated ampacity of the portable appliance supplied by the cord.

    603.6.3 Maintenance. Extension cords shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.

    603.6.4 Grounding. Extension cords shall be grounded where serving grounded portable appliances.

    603.7 Electrical motors. Electrical motors shall be maintained free from excessive accumulations of oil, dirt, waste and debris.

    603.8 Temporary wiring. The use of temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations shall not exceed a period of 90 days. Temporary wiring methods shall meet the applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code .

    Exception: Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations complying with the applicable provisions of the Cali- fornia Electrical Code is permitted during periods of construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities.

    603.8.1 Attachment to structures. Temporary wiring attached to a structure shall be protected from physical damage and supported on insulators spaced not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) apart. 603.9 Abandoned wiring in plenums. Abandoned cables in plenums that are able to be accessed without causing damage, or requiring demolition to the building, shall be tagged for future use or shall be removed.

    6-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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    BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

    SECTION 604—ELEVATOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND FIRE SERVICE KEYS

    604.1 General. Where elevators and conveying systems are installed, they shall comply with Chapter 30 of the California Building Code and Sections 604.2 through 604.7 of this code.

    604.2 Emergency operation. Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more shall comply with the requirements in Chapter 11. New elevators shall be provided with Phase I emergency recall operation and Phase II emergency in-car operation in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    604.3 Standby power. In buildings and structures where standby power is required or furnished to operate an elevator, standby power shall be provided in accordance with Section 1203 of this code and Chapter 30 of the California Building Code . Operation of the system shall be in accordance with Sections 604.3.1 through 604.3.5.

    604.3.1 Manual transfer. Standby power shall be manually transferable to all elevators in each bank.

    604.3.2 One elevator. Where only one elevator is installed, the elevator shall automatically transfer to standby power within 60 seconds after failure of normal power.

  • CBC § 3008.6.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    3008.6.3.1 Vision panel. A vision panel shall be installed in each fire door assembly in the smoke barrier. The vision panel shall consist of fire-protection-rated glazing, shall comply with the requirements of Section 716 and shall be located to furnish clear vision of the occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

    3008.6.3.2 Door closing. Each fire door assembly in the smoke barrier shall be automatic-closing upon receipt of any fire alarm signal from the emergency voice/alarm communication system serving the building.

    3008.6.4 Lobby size. Each occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall have minimum floor area as follows:

    1. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area shall accommodate, at 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) per person, not less than 25 percent of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby.
    2. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area shall accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches by 52 inches (760 mm by 1320 mm) for each 50 persons, or portion thereof, of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby.

    Exception: The size of lobbies serving multiple banks of elevators shall have the minimum floor area approved on an individual basis and shall be consistent with the building’s fire safety and evacuation plan.

    3008.6.5 Signage. An approved sign indicating elevators are suitable for occupant self-evacuation shall be posted on all floors adjacent to each elevator call station serving occupant evacuation elevators.

    3008.6.6 Two-way communication system. A two-way communication system shall be provided in each occupant evacuation elevator lobby for the purpose of initiating communication with the fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department. The two-way communication system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.

    3008.7 Elevator system monitoring. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department and arranged to display all of the following information:

    1. Floor location of each elevator car.

    2. Direction of travel of each elevator car.

    3. Status of each elevator car with respect to whether it is occupied.

    4. Status of normal power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical apparatus cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    5. Status of standby or emergency power system that provides backup power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    6. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device in any elevator lobby, elevator machine room, machine space containing a motor controller or electric driving machine, control space, control room or elevator hoistway.

    3008.7.1 Elevator recall. The fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department shall be provided with the means to manually initiate a Phase I Emergency Recall of the occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Califor- nia Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3008.8 Electrical power. The following features serving each occupant evacuation elevator shall be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

    1. Elevator equipment.
    2. Ventilation and cooling equipment for elevator machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces and control spaces.
    3. Elevator car lighting.
  • CBC § 6-4 High relevance — show source text

    6-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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    BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

    SECTION 604—ELEVATOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND FIRE SERVICE KEYS

    604.1 General. Where elevators and conveying systems are installed, they shall comply with Chapter 30 of the California Building Code and Sections 604.2 through 604.7 of this code.

    604.2 Emergency operation. Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more shall comply with the requirements in Chapter 11. New elevators shall be provided with Phase I emergency recall operation and Phase II emergency in-car operation in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    604.3 Standby power. In buildings and structures where standby power is required or furnished to operate an elevator, standby power shall be provided in accordance with Section 1203 of this code and Chapter 30 of the California Building Code . Operation of the system shall be in accordance with Sections 604.3.1 through 604.3.5.

    604.3.1 Manual transfer. Standby power shall be manually transferable to all elevators in each bank.

    604.3.2 One elevator. Where only one elevator is installed, the elevator shall automatically transfer to standby power within 60 seconds after failure of normal power.

    604.3.3 Two or more elevators. Where two or more elevators are controlled by a common operating system, all elevators shall automatically transfer to standby power within 60 seconds after failure of normal power where the standby power source is of sufficient capacity to operate all elevators at the same time. Where the standby power source is not of sufficient capacity to operate all elevators at the same time, all elevators shall transfer to standby power in sequence, return to the designated landing and disconnect from the standby power source. After all elevators have been returned to the designated level, not less than one elevator shall remain operable from the standby power source.

    604.3.4 Temperature and humidity control. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the machine room , machine space, control room and control space ventilation or air conditioning shall be connected to the standby power source.

    604.3.5 Emergency hoistway venting. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the emergency hoistway ventilation system, if required, shall be connected to the standby power source.

    [BE] 604.4 Emergency signs. An approved pictorial sign of a standardized design shall be posted adjacent to each elevator call station on all floors instructing occupants to use the exit stairways and not to use the elevators in case of fire. Where elevators are not a component of the accessible means of egress, the sign shall read: “IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT.”

    Exception: The emergency sign shall not be required for elevators that are used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code .

    604.5 Maintenance of elevators. Elevator features and lobbies required by Section 3006 of the California Building Code shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Sections 604.5.1 through 604.5.4.

  • CBC § 3.3. High relevance — show source text

    3.3. Status indicators and controls for the air distributions centers.

    3.4. Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features. 3.5. Elevator emergency or standby power switches where emergency or standby power is provided.

    [F] 412.2.3.3 Smoke removal. Smoke removal in airport traffic control towers shall be provided in accordance with Section 403.4.7.

    4-34 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [F] 412.2.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Where an occupied floor is located more than 35 feet (10 668 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, airport traffic control towers shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    [F] 412.2.4.1 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms that are separated from all other areas of the building by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

    Exception: Separation is not required for fire pumps physically separated in accordance with NFPA 20.

    [F] 412.2.5 Protection of elevator wiring and cables. Wiring and cables serving elevators in airport traffic control towers shall be protected in accordance with Section 3007.8.1.

    [F] 412.2.5.1 Elevators for occupant evacuation. Where provided in addition to an exit stairway, occupant evacuation elevators shall be in accordance with Section 3008.

    [BE] 412.2.6 Accessibility. [DSA-AC] In air traffic control towers, an accessible route shall not be required to serve the cab and the equipment areas on the floor immediately below the cab.

    412.3 Aircraft hangars. Aircraft hangars shall be in accordance with Sections 412.3.1 through 412.3.6.

    412.3.1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls located less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from lot lines or a public way shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 hours.

    412.3.2 Basements. Where hangars have basements, floors over basements shall be of Type IA construction and shall be made tight against seepage of water, oil or vapors. There shall not be openings or communication between basements and the hangar. Access to basements shall be from outside only.

    412.3.3 Floor surface. Floors shall be graded and drained to prevent water or fuel from remaining on the floor. Floor drains shall discharge through an oil separator to the sewer or to an outside vented sump. Exception: Aircraft hangars with individual lease spaces not exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m [2] ) each in which servicing, repairing or washing is not conducted and fuel is not dispensed shall have floors that are graded toward the door, but shall not require a separator.

    412.3.4 Heating equipment. Heating equipment shall be placed in another room separated by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Entrance shall be from the outside or by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation.

  • CBC § 604.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    604.3.4 Temperature and humidity control. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the machine room , machine space, control room and control space ventilation or air conditioning shall be connected to the standby power source.

    604.3.5 Emergency hoistway venting. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the emergency hoistway ventilation system, if required, shall be connected to the standby power source.

    [BE] 604.4 Emergency signs. An approved pictorial sign of a standardized design shall be posted adjacent to each elevator call station on all floors instructing occupants to use the exit stairways and not to use the elevators in case of fire. Where elevators are not a component of the accessible means of egress, the sign shall read: “IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT.”

    Exception: The emergency sign shall not be required for elevators that are used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code .

    604.5 Maintenance of elevators. Elevator features and lobbies required by Section 3006 of the California Building Code shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Sections 604.5.1 through 604.5.4.

    604.5.1 Fire service access elevators and lobbies. Where fire service access elevators are required by Section 3007 of the Califor- nia Building Code, fire service access elevator fire protection and safety features shall be maintained and lobbies required by Section 3007 of the California Building Code shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.

    604.5.2 Occupant evacuation elevators and lobbies. Where occupant evacuation elevators are provided in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, occupant evacuation elevator fire protection and safety features shall be maintained and lobbies required by Section 3008 of the California Building Code shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.

    604.5.3 Storage within elevator lobbies. Where hoistway opening protection is required by Section 3006.2 of the California Building Code, elevator lobbies shall be maintained free of storage.

    604.5.4 Water protection of hoistway enclosures. Methods to prevent water from infiltrating into a hoistway enclosure required by Sections 3007.3 and 3008.3 of the California Building Code shall be maintained.

    604.6 Elevator keys. All elevators shall be provided with elevator car door and firefighter service keys in accordance with Sections 604.6.1 through 604.6.2.4.

    604.6.1 Elevator key location. Keys for the elevator car doors and firefighter service keys shall be kept in an approved location for immediate use by the fire department.

    604.6.2 Standardized fire service elevator keys. Buildings with elevators equipped with Phase I emergency recall, Phase II emergency in-car operation, or a fire service access elevator shall be equipped to operate with a standardized fire service elevator key approved by the fire code official or a standardized key in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

    Exception: The owner shall be permitted to place the building’s nonstandardized fire service elevator keys in a key box installed in accordance with Section 506.1.2.

  • CBC § 0.050 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. Impedance protection may be accepted for motors which are determined to be adequately protected against overheating due to locked-rotor current, provided it is determined that the motor will not overheat under the performance requirements of this standard.

    (i) Current-carrying parts.

    1. A current-carrying part shall have adequate mechanical strength and current carrying capacity for the service, and shall be a metal such as silver, copper or copper alloy, or other material which will provide equivalent performance.
    2. Bearings, hinges, etc., are not acceptable for carrying current between interrelated fixed and moving parts.
    3. The insulation of coil windings of relays, transformers, etc., shall be such as to resist the absorption of moisture.
    4. Enameled wire is not required to be given additional treatment to prevent moisture absorption.

    (j) Supply connections. A detector shall be provided with wiring terminals or leads for the connection of conductors of at least the size required by the California Electrical Code, corresponding to the rating of the unit.

    (k) Terminal connections and leads.

    1. The parts to which wiring connections are made are to consist of binding screws with terminal plates having upturned lugs or the equivalent to hold the wires in position. Other terminal connections may be provided if found to be equivalent.
    2. If a wire binding screw is employed at a field wiring terminal, the screw shall be not smaller than No. 8, except that a No. 6 screw may be used for the connection of a No. 14 AWG or smaller conductor.

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    PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS

    1. Except as noted in the following paragraph, a terminal plate tapped for a wire binding screw shall be of metal not less than 0.050 inch (1.27 mm) in thickness for a No. 8 or larger screw, and not less than 0.030 inch (0.7 mm) in thickness for a No. 8 screw, and shall have not less than two full threads in the metal.

    2. A terminal plate may have the metal extruded at the tapped hole for the binding screw so as to provide two full threads. Other constructions may be employed if they provide equivalent security.

    3. Leads provided for field connections shall be not less than 6 inches (152 mm) long, provided with strain relief, shall be not smaller than No. 18 AWG, and the insulation, if of rubber or thermoplastic, shall be not less than [1] / 32 inch (0.8 mm) in thickness.

    4. The leads specified in Item 5 may be less than 6 inches (152 mm) in length if it is evident that the use of a longer lead might result in a hazard.

    5. In a detector intended for connection to a high-voltage source of supply by means of other than a metal-enclosed wiring system, such as nonmetallic sheathed cable: A. An equipment-grounding terminal or lead shall be provided. B. A marking shall be provided to indicate the system or systems for which it is suitable. (See Item 1, L of Section 12-72302 (b).

  • CBC § 403.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    8 High-rise 403.2.2, 403.4.8, 403.6 Hoistway door protection 3006 Hoistway enclosures 403.2.2, 713, 1023.4, 1024.3, 3002, 3007.5, 3008.5 Hoistway lighting 3007.5.2 Hoistway pressurization 909.21 Keys 3003.3 Lobby 1009.4, 1009.8, 3006, 3007.6, 3008.6

    Machine rooms Table 1607.1, 3005 Means of egress 403.6, 1003.7, 1009.2.1, 1009.4, 3008

    Number of elevator cars in hoistway 3002.2

    Occupant evacuation elevators 403.6.2, 3008 Personnel and material hoists 3004.4

    Private residence elevator 3009

    Roof access 1011.12.2

    Shaft enclosure 712, 3006 Signs 914, 1009.10, 3002.3, 3007.6.5, 3008.6.5 Stairway to elevator equipment 1011.12.1

    Standards 3001.3 Standby power 2702.2, 3007.8, 3008.8 System monitoring 3007.7, 3008.7 Underground 405.4.3 Emergency Communications Accessible means of egress 1009.8 Alarms (see Fire Alarm and Smoke Detection Systems) Elevator 3001.2 Elevators, occupant evacuation 3008.6.6

    Fire command center 403.4.6, 911, 3007.7, 3008.6.6, 3008.7 Radio coverage 403.4.5, 916 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings 1031 Required Table 1006.3.4(1), Table 1006.3.4(2), 1031.2 Window wells 1031.5, 1031.6 Emergency Housing Appendix Q Emergency Lighting 1008.2.4, 1204.5 Emergency Power 2702 Exit signs 1013.6.3, 2702.2 Hazardous 415.11.11, 2702.2 Higher education laboratory 428.3.6, 2702.2 High-rise 403.4.8, 2702.2 Means of egress illumination 1008.2.4, 2702.2

    Semiconductor fabrication 415.11.11,

    2702.2 Underground buildings 405.8, 2702.2 Emergency Responders Additional exit stairway 403.5.2 Elevators 403.6, 1009.2.1, 3002.4, 3003, 3007, 3008 Fire command center 403.4.6, 911, 3007.7, 3008.6.6, 3008.7 Mall access 402.7.5 Radio coverage 403.4.5, 918 Roof access 1011.12 Safety features 914 Emittance 202

Frequently asked questions

Do the protections in § 3008.8.2 apply to cables inside the hoistway or machine room?

No — § 3008.8.2 applies to wires or cables located outside the hoistway, machine room, control room and control space that serve occupant evacuation elevators. Wiring inside those spaces is addressed by other sections and requirements (§ 3008.8.2) .

Can I use a 1‑hour protective assembly if the building has sprinklers?

No. § 3008.8.2 specifies a fire‑resistance rating of not less than 2 hours for the listed protection options; the section does not provide a sprinkler‑based reduction for these elevator wiring protections (§ 3008.8.2) .

What does “UL 2196‑listed” mean for survivability cables?

It means the cable assembly has been tested and listed to UL 2196 as survivable fire‑resistant cables with a fire‑resistance rating (here, not less than 2 hours), and such cables must be installed per their listing — this is one of the three options in § 3008.8.2. Always follow the manufacturer’s/listing installation instructions (§ 3008.8.2.1–.2) .

Are machine‑room ventilation and cooling required to be on standby power?

Yes. § 3008.8 explicitly requires standby power (Type 60/Class 2/Level 1) to supply ventilation and cooling equipment for elevator machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces and control spaces that serve occupant evacuation elevators (§ 3008.8) .

Who must receive elevator monitoring data and what must be displayed?

The fire command center (or an approved central control point) must receive continuous monitoring and display each car’s floor location, travel direction, occupancy status, normal power status, standby power status, and any fire alarm initiation in elevator‑related spaces per § 3008.7 (§ 3008.7) .

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