How to Bring Your Elevator into Compliance with UCMP

How to Bring Your Elevator into Compliance with UCMP

UCMP Educational Series – Part 6 of 6

In the previous posts, we’ve covered what UCM is, how UCMP works, why it was added to the code, how emergency brakes function with it, and how to tell if your elevator already has UCMP. Now, let’s look at the steps building owners and contractors can take to bring elevators into compliance.

1. Verify your current system
   Start by determining whether your elevator already has UCMP. Review the installation date, inspect the brakes, and consult the manufacturer or certified service provider. If your elevator has an independent emergency brake or a newer controller, it may already meet some or all of the code requirements.
2. Identify gaps
   If UCMP is missing or only some of the components exist, the next step is identifying which additional components are needed. Every UCMP system requires two parts: an emergency brake and a controller or overlay.

• Emergency Brake – Install an independent emergency brake that meets ASME A17.3 Section 3.8.5.2 requirements. If a compliant brake is already installed but the controller does not have UCMP functionality, several options may be available.
• Controller or Overlay
  • Controller – UCMP requires a controller capable of detecting unintended car movement and triggering the emergency brake. Determine whether the existing controller supports UCMP. Some controllers require activation via firmware upgrade or parameter setting. Consult the manufacturer to confirm feasibility, and compare timing and cost against upgrading the controller or adding an overlay.
  • Overlay – If the existing controller does not support UCMP or an upgrade is too costly or slow, adding an overlay is always an option regardless of controller age. Argus provides the A300-UCM overlay for easy installation of unintended car movement, brake monitoring, and ascending car overspeed protection on any elevator.

3. System installation
   UCMP compliance involves both mechanical and control system modifications. Certified elevator contractors and OEMs can evaluate the elevator, source the correct components, and ensure installation meets ASME standards and local code requirements.
4. Testing and certification
   Once installed, UCMP systems must be tested. ASME A17.1 Section 8.10.2.2.2 states:

“The means to prevent unintended car motion shall be inspected and tested to verify conformance with 2.19.2.2,”

which details the full requirements of a UCMP system.

5. Ongoing maintenance
   UCMP systems must be inspected and maintained regularly. Add these items to your maintenance control program to ensure long-term compliance:

• Perform unloaded tests to verify detection of unintended movement (8.6.4.19.11)
• Perform loaded tests to verify that the emergency brake engages correctly and limits car travel (8.6.4.20.11), based on 2.19.3.2

Regular maintenance ensures UCMP continues to protect passengers from one of the most dangerous elevator hazards. Bringing your elevators into compliance not only fulfills code requirements but also provides peace of mind for building owners and passengers.