Key Requirements

• Upgrades must be completed and pass DOB acceptance testing before January 1, 2027 to avoid violations and a Red Tag (removal from service) by the DOB. Filing a permit or having work in progress is not sufficient — the work must be finished.
• Review of equipment and design options should begin immediately to allow time for budgeting, permitting, and installation.
• Design and installation can take 6 months to a year, and lead times and contractor demand are rising as the deadline approaches.

Options for Upgrades

1. Modify existing machines with Rope Gripper Brakes.
2. Install Sheave Brake.
3. Modify existing brakes to a dual brake configuration.
4. Install new machines, ropes, and controller modifications.
5. Full modernization.

Please note that the specific choice of upgrade option will depend on the elevator’s current condition, budget, and other factors. Feel free to reach out to us for free consultation to determine the most suitable option for your elevator.

Next Steps

1. Schedule an assessment now. Have a qualified elevator professional survey each traction elevator, confirm whether it has a single-plunger brake, and identify the best compliance path (dual-plunger conversion, Unintended Car Movement Protection / rope gripper, or full machine replacement as part of a modernization).
2. Choose your compliance option and lock in pricing. Decide on the approach that fits each car’s condition and your budget, and secure your parts and labor early — demand and lead times are climbing as the deadline nears.
3. Allocate the budget. Build the upgrade cost into your current capital planning so funding is ready and the project isn’t delayed.
4. Obtain the NYC DOB permit. The upgrade work requires a permit before it can begin.
5. Complete the installation. Plan for the full process — engineering, parts procurement, permitting, and installation — to take roughly 6 months to a year, so start with enough runway before the deadline.
6. Pass DOB acceptance testing before January 1, 2027. The elevator may not return to service until the work is finished and signed off. Remember: a filed permit or work-in-progress is not enough — it must be fully completed and tested before the deadline.

By following these steps, building owners can ensure compliance with the DOB code provisions and enhance the safety of their elevators.