Florida has specific requirements for the piping of hydraulic elevators, including underground cylinders, oil lines, and drains. To comply with state regulations, only scheduled steel pipe is permitted for hydraulic elevator systems—copper or flexible tubing is not allowed.
The main governing codes and standards include:
- Florida Building Code (FBC), Chapter 30 – Covers elevator design, construction, and maintenance.
- Florida Administrative Code 61C-5 – Establishes specific rules for hydraulic elevators, including electrolysis protection for underground cylinders.
- ASME A17.1/CSA B44 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators – Defines safety and installation requirements.
- National Electrical Code (NEC) (NFPA 70) – Provides electrical safety requirements for elevator systems.
Underground Cylinders: Protection Against Corrosion
To prevent corrosion and ensure longevity, Florida mandates protective measures for underground hydraulic cylinders:
- All newly installed underground hydraulic cylinders must be encased in a plastic containment to minimize electrolytic corrosion between the metal cylinder and ground cathode (Florida Administrative Code 61C-5.0012).
- A dry, plumb steel well casing must be provided for each in-ground cylinder assembly.
- The plastic casing must be capped at the bottom, with all joints solvent or heat welded for watertight integrity.
- The casing must be made of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with a minimum wall thickness of 0.125 inches (3.175 mm).
- A monitoring system must be in place to inspect the annulus between the pressurized hydraulic cylinder and the protective plastic casing.
- Existing hydraulic cylinders being replaced must be retrofitted with this protective method where physically possible.
Oil Lines: Placement and Safety Features
Hydraulic oil lines are essential for elevator operation, and Florida regulations dictate specific requirements for their installation:
- Hydraulic oil lines must be kept in or under conditioned space to prevent temperature fluctuations that can affect elevator performance.
- Buried hydraulic lines between the hoistway and machine room (MR) or machine space (MS) must be encased in PVC pipe sleeves for protection.
- Shutoff valves must be installed at two key locations:
- At the pumping unit
- In the pit at the jack
Proper oil line placement and safety features help prevent leaks, pressure loss, and system failures.
Drainage and Water Management in Hydraulic Elevator Pits
Managing water and oil accumulation in hydraulic elevator pits is critical for safety and compliance:
- Drains connected directly to sewers are not allowed in elevator pits to prevent contamination.
- If a direct drain is not provided, a sump pump must be installed in a pit of adequate size and depth to remove accumulated water.
- Oil separators must be installed in hydraulic elevator pits, unless an approved alarm system is in place to detect leaks and spills.
Proper drainage and containment measures help prevent environmental hazards and prolong elevator system lifespan.
Additional Requirements for Hydraulic Elevator Installations
To ensure safe and efficient operation, additional conditions apply to elevator machine rooms and access structures:
- Elevator machine rooms must be conditioned and maintained within a temperature range of 75–80°F for optimal equipment performance.
- Stairways leading to elevator machine rooms must be metal, ensuring durability and compliance with fire safety standards.
Importance of Compliance with Hydraulic Elevator Piping Standards
Adhering to Florida’s strict elevator piping and oil line regulations is essential for:
✅ Preventing corrosion – Protective casing requirements for underground cylinders reduce the risk of electrolytic damage.
✅ Ensuring leak protection – Properly encased and placed oil lines prevent leaks that can cause operational failures.
✅ Reducing environmental hazards – Mandated drainage and oil separation systems prevent contamination and ensure regulatory compliance.
✅ Enhancing longevity – Using only scheduled steel piping instead of copper or flexible tubing ensures durability and performance.
✅ Meeting legal requirements – Compliance with state codes prevents penalties, failed inspections, and liability issues.
Conclusion
Hydraulic elevator systems in Florida must meet stringent piping and oil line requirements to ensure safety, durability, and environmental protection. By using only scheduled steel pipe, protecting underground cylinders from corrosion, and following strict oil line and drainage guidelines, building owners and elevator contractors can maintain compliant and reliable elevator systems.
Regular inspections and professional maintenance are crucial for continued compliance with Florida’s elevator regulations. Consult a licensed elevator professional to ensure all hydraulic elevator components meet state and national safety standards.