Important Pennsylvania Elevator Code Updates
New Testing Requirements Effective December 20, 2026
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has adopted updated elevator safety regulations that will take effect December 20, 2026. These regulations adopt updated ASME elevator safety standards and change the periodic testing requirements for elevators throughout Pennsylvania.
These changes apply to existing elevators as well as newly installed equipment and may result in additional testing, coordination, and costs for building owners.
Category 1: Annual Testing. Includes All Elevators In Your Buildings.
Required every year
Category 1 testing will now be required as a standalone annual test.
Under Pennsylvania’s previous requirements, Category 1 testing was generally performed in conjunction with the applicable Category 3 or Category 5 testing cycle. Under the new regulations, Category 1 testing must be completed every year, regardless of when the next Category 3 or Category 5 test is due.
Testing covers applicable elevator safety and operating devices as required by ASME A17.1.
Category 3: Three-Year Testing. Applies To Hydraulic Elevators
Required every 3 years for applicable equipment
In addition to the annual Category 1 test, elevators subject to Category 3 requirements must complete the applicable Category 3 testing every three years.
Category 3 testing is a more comprehensive periodic test of applicable elevator safety systems and equipment. The annual Category 1 test does not replace the Category 3 requirement.
When a Category 3 test is due, the required three-year testing must be performed in addition to satisfying the applicable annual testing requirements.
Category 5: Five-Year Testing. Applies To Traction Elevators
Required every 5 years for applicable equipment
Applicable elevators must continue to receive the more comprehensive Category 5 test every five years.
Pennsylvania’s updated regulations also require physical test weights for specified Category 5 testing. Alternative testing methods will not be permitted for certain critical components, including applicable safeties, oil buffers, driving-machine brakes, braking systems, and traction testing.
The annual Category 1 requirement does not replace the required Category 5 test.
Testing Must Be Witnessed
Required periodic testing must be witnessed by a Construction Code Official certified as a UCC Elevator Inspector. This is your 3rd party inspection company or a state inspector.
Building owners should coordinate with their elevator service provider and inspection agency to ensure that the required testing and witnessing are scheduled and completed within the required intervals.
What Building Owners Need to Do
Building owners and managers should prepare for the new requirements by:
- Budgeting for annual Category 1 testing
- Planning for Category 3 testing every three years, where applicable
- Planning for Category 5 testing every five years, where applicable
- When Category 1 testing includes verification of elevator fire-recall functions, the building owner is responsible for ensuring that the building fire-alarm system can be properly activated for testing. A qualified fire-alarm representative may be required on site when necessary to initiate or verify the required fire-alarm signals.
- Reviewing existing elevator maintenance agreements to determine which testing costs are included.
- Coordinating the required certified elevator inspector to witness testing.
- Planning for physical test weights when required for Category 5 testing.
- Correcting deficiencies identified during inspection or testing.
- Maintaining required elevator testing and compliance documentation.
At a Glance
Please Plan Ahead
These new Pennsylvania requirements become effective December 20, 2026. We recommend reviewing your elevator portfolio and maintenance agreement now so that required testing can be properly scheduled and budgeted.
Please contact your elevator service representative to review your equipment, determine which testing requirements apply, and develop a testing schedule to maintain compliance with Pennsylvania’s updated elevator regulations.Your Pincus Elevator Service Team
This notice is intended to provide general information regarding Pennsylvania’s updated elevator testing requirements. Specific requirements may vary based on elevator type, equipment, installation, and applicable code provisions. Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry requirements and subsequent implementation guidance should be consulted for final compliance determinations.