ASME A17.1 / CSA B44: The North American Elevator Safety Code
ASME A17.1, harmonised with CSA B44, is the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators used across the United States and Canada. It is adopted (often with amendments) by states, provinces, and cities, and is the reference for new installation, alteration, and inspection.
What ASME A17.1 covers
A17.1/B44 governs the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks. Companion documents A17.2 (inspection) and A17.3 (existing elevators) cover field inspection and the safety upgrade of older equipment.
Alterations and modernization
Under A17.1, modernization work is frequently an "alteration," which triggers specific code requirements for the parts being changed — controllers, door equipment, drives, and safety devices. A17.3 sets minimum safety requirements for existing elevators, used by many jurisdictions to mandate upgrades such as fire service and door restrictors.
Code editions and local adoption
Because adoption is by state, province, or city, the enforced edition varies by location. Confirming the locally adopted A17.1 edition and amendments early is essential to scoping a compliant modernization bid.
How Vertisk helps
Vertisk connects tender and BOQ analysis with parts and equipment intelligence so North American estimators can map alteration scope to compliant components and price A17.1-driven modernization work accurately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ASME A17.1 and A17.3?
A17.1 is the safety code for new and altered equipment; A17.3 sets minimum safety requirements for existing elevators, often used by jurisdictions to require retrofits on older lifts.
Does ASME A17.1 apply in Canada?
Yes — it is harmonised with CSA B44, so the two are maintained as a single binational code adopted across Canadian provinces and US states.