Pennsylvania Elevator Code Updates
By Robert Greulich | Director of Inspections, Northeast Region
Read this blog to learn:
- Pennsylvania’s new elevator code takes effect December 20, 2026.
- Annual CAT1 testing will apply to hydraulic elevators, escalators, and traction elevators beginning in 2027.
- CAT1 testing does not replace semi-annual routine inspections; it will typically be completed during one of the routine inspection visits.
- Building owners should review contracts, confirm schedules, and budget now for added testing and coordination.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has adopted a new elevator code (ASME A17.1-2016) which goes into effect December 20, 2026. While final details are still being confirmed at the state level, there are meaningful code required changes that properties should start planning and budgeting for now.
For many building owners and operators, this will mean a shift from three-year testing cycles to annual requirements (CAT1), along with additional testing that will impact both cost and inspection coordination.
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VDA provides inspection services through our local teams at APEX and DOMINION, Pennsylvania-certified third-party inspection agencies. Our inspectors are QEI certified and available to provide CAT1 test witnessing and compliance support statewide.
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What Pennsylvania Elevator Code Requirements Are Staying the Same?
- Two (2) annual routine inspections.
- Witnessed Category Five (CAT5) testing for applicable equipment.
What Is Changing Under Pennsylvania’s 2026 Elevator Code Update?
- CAT1 testing performed by service provider and witnessed by inspector.
- 3-year testing and witnessing will no longer be required.
- Testing of elevator(s) life safety systems (smoke detectors and generators) must be witnessed by inspector (if applicable).
When Does Annual CAT1 Elevator Testing Start in Pennsylvania?
The new requirements take effect December 20, 2026, with 2027 expected to be the first major implementation year. For most properties, the first annual CAT1 test will align with the next routine inspection after the effective date. While Pennsylvania has not assigned one fixed month for every building, owners should use the first quarter — or at least the first half — of 2027 as a practical planning target.
Does CAT1 Testing Replace a Semi-Annual Elevator Inspection?
No. Pennsylvania’s two routine inspections remain in place. In practice, the annual CAT1 test will typically be completed during one of those routine inspection visits, while the second routine inspection will still occur later in the year.
What Does Annual CAT1 Testing Mean for Hydraulic, Traction, and Escalator Equipment?
Hydraulic elevators and escalators that previously followed a three-year testing cycle will move to annual CAT1 testing. Traction elevators will also have a new annual CAT1 requirement, but that annual test is a no-load test, not a full-load test. CAT5 testing remains the five-year full-load test for applicable equipment.
Who Needs to Be Present for Pennsylvania Elevator Witness Testing?
Annual witness testing will require coordination between the elevator service provider and a licensed inspector. Depending on your building systems, the fire alarm company and the person qualified to support generator or emergency power testing may also need to be present. VDA, APEX, and Dominion witness tests; the elevator service provider performs the testing.
How Will the New Pennsylvania Elevator Code Affect Modernization Projects?
If you are planning an elevator modernization or new installation, the applicable code will depend on the permit approval date. Projects with permits approved on or after December 20, 2026, will need to comply with the 2016 code, which may affect fixture requirements, controller design, and related project costs.
How Should Building Owners Budget for Pennsylvania Elevator Code Changes?
Now is the time to review maintenance contracts, inspection agreements, and 2027 proposals. Added annual testing may increase costs because it can require more technician time, inspector witnessing, fire alarm coordination, and emergency power support. Early scheduling can help owners avoid last-minute surprises and build the right costs into next year’s budgets.
Do Wheelchair Lifts, Dumbwaiters, and Specialty Lifts Need CAT1 Testing?
Not always. Requirements depend on the specific equipment and what testing has historically applied. If a lift previously required CAT1, pressure testing, or full-load testing, those records can help determine how the new annual testing requirements may apply. If a true dumbwaiter or platform lift only required routine inspections in the past, it may not see the same testing changes as elevator equipment.
Watch our on-demand webinar
Our experts walked through what is known today, what may be coming next, and how to plan ahead in a recent webinar and live Q&A session: Preparing for Pennsylvania’s Elevator Code Changes
How VDA Can Help
Staying ahead of Pennsylvania’s elevator code changes starts with understanding what applies to your equipment, what testing will be required, and who needs to be involved. By reviewing contracts, confirming inspection schedules, and planning for added coordination now, building owners can avoid last-minute surprises and keep compliance moving smoothly into 2027.
VDA, APEX, and Dominion are monitoring the transition closely and helping clients understand how the new requirements may affect their buildings, budgets, and service plans. If you have questions about your equipment, upcoming tests, or updated proposals, our team can help you interpret what is changing and prepare with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Elevator Code Changes
When will the new Pennsylvania elevator code take effect?
Pennsylvania’s adoption of ASME A17.1-2016 takes effect December 20, 2026. Building owners should expect 2027 to be the first major implementation year as annual CAT1 testing begins aligning with routine inspection schedules.
Will CAT1 elevator testing be required every year?
Yes. Applicable hydraulic elevators, escalators, and traction elevators will require annual CAT1 testing under the updated Pennsylvania requirements.
Does CAT1 testing replace one of the two routine inspections?
No. The CAT1 test will typically be completed during one of the two routine inspection visits, but it does not remove the requirement for the second routine inspection.
If my three-year pressure test was completed recently, do I still need a CAT1 test in 2027?
Yes. Even if a three-year pressure test was completed in 2025 or 2026, applicable equipment will still need to move to the annual CAT1 cycle in 2027.
Is annual CAT1 testing for traction elevators a full-load test?
No. For traction elevators, the annual CAT1 test is a no-load test. Full-load testing remains part of the CAT5 requirement at the five-year interval.
Who needs to be present for annual elevator witness testing?
At minimum, the elevator contractor and inspector need to be present. If fire alarm recall or emergency power testing applies, the fire alarm vendor and the qualified person responsible for generator or emergency power support may also need to participate.
Will dumbwaiters or wheelchair lifts require annual CAT1 testing?
Not necessarily. Many dumbwaiters and wheelchair or platform lifts may only require routine inspections, but requirements depend on the equipment type and whether it has components that previously required pressure testing, CAT1 testing, or full-load testing.
Will older elevators need immediate upgrades under the new code?
Generally, older equipment will primarily be affected by increased testing requirements unless it is modernized or altered. Pennsylvania has not adopted A17.3 for existing elevators, so broad retroactive upgrades are not expected in the same way they may be in some other states.
About the Author
Robert Greulich joined VDA in 2023 through our partnership with Allsafe Elevator Inspections/Dominion Elevator Inspections/High Sierra Elevator Inspections. In his current role, he is responsible for strengthening regional inspection strategy, promoting consistency, and supporting growth across the Northeast region’s footprint.