Rising Standards: How New Building Codes Are Transforming Elevator Backup Power
Quality Power Solutions and Staco Energy Deliver UL 924-Compliant UPS Systems for Reliable, Code-Ready Emergency Power
UPS-Powered Elevator Backups Now Replacing Generators
New building codes and life safety requirements are fundamentally changing how emergency power must be supplied to elevators. Buildings with non-compliant systems now face serious consequences: denied permits, withheld occupancy certificates, and potential fines. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your power backup is up to the job, and up to the standards.
Quality Power Solutions (QPS), in partnership with Staco Energy Products, delivers UL 924-certified UPS systems that ensure your building remains compliant while providing superior performance compared to traditional generator solutions.
The Regulatory Landscape: Understanding the New Standards
Recent code updates in California, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Seattle now mandate that elevators remain fully operational during power outages—rather than merely stopping and opening doors. These changes reflect a growing emphasis on building safety and accessibility:
IBC 2702.1.5
now requires 2 hours of emergency power for critical installations
UL 924
standards, originally for emergency lighting, now apply to elevator systems
NFPA 101 and NFPA 111
set rigorous criteria for life safety and standby power
Fire marshals
increasingly demand on-site demonstrations of elevator backup performance
Buildings that can’t comply may be denied permits, occupancy certificates, or risk fines.
UPS vs. Generators: A Clear Advantage for Modern Buildings
Traditional diesel generators present multiple challenges that make them increasingly impractical for elevator backup power:
| Generator Drawbacks | UPS Advantages |
|---|---|
| 5-10 second startup delay | Instantaneous power transfer (0ms) |
| Requires fuel storage | No fuel or emissions |
| Noise pollution | Silent operation |
| Monthly maintenance | Minimal maintenance requirements |
| Outdoor placement & weatherproofing | Indoor installation in existing electrical rooms |
| Limited space in urban environments | Compact footprint |
| $0.28/kWh lifetime operating cost | $0.18/kWh lifetime operating cost |
Staco’s Purpose-Built UPS Solution for Elevator Systems
Staco Energy Products stands out as one of the few manufacturers offering UL 924-certified elevator UPS solutions specifically engineered to handle both traditional and regenerative elevator systems.
Technical Advantages:
Regenerative Load Management
Modern elevators create excess energy during descent that can damage standard UPS systems. Staco’s patented Emergency Regenerative Controller automatically redirects this energy to a resistive load bank, protecting the inverter and ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Comprehensive Integration
- Seamless ATS switching for smooth transitions
- Integrated control for cab, landing, and pit lighting
- Auxiliary contacts for elevator controller communication
- Configurable outputs for drives and lighting panels
Scalable Solutions
- Single-phase systems from 1-18 kW
- Three-phase models up to 50+ kW
- Custom configurations for specific building requirements
- Seismic-rated battery racks for high-risk zones
Solving the Regen Challenge: How Staco UPS Protects Your Equipment
Built for Engineers: Real-World Integration & Customization
Modern elevators often use regenerative drives that send power back to the grid when descending. This creates problems for most UPS systems because backfed energy can overload or destroy UPS inverter circuits.
During an outage, Staco’s Emergency Regenerative Controller detects the switch to UPS and instantly diverts excess energy to a resistive load bank, protecting the inverter from damage.
This ensures safe, compliant operation throughout the required 90-minute runtime.
Staco’s elevator UPS systems are designed with engineers in mind:
- Auxiliary dry contacts trigger “On Backup Power” indicator in elevators
- Separate breakers for cab lights, pit lights, and landing lights
- Seismic-rated battery racks available for California and other high-risk zones
- Configurable outputs to feed both elevator drives and emergency lighting panels
QPS works with consulting engineers, contractors, elevator OEMs, and owners to ensure smooth design, permitting, and commissioning—especially during retrofits where space, structural, and code constraints often complicate planning so that we can find the best solution for your emergency power needs.
Looking Ahead: Codes Will Only Get Stricter
With updated IBC Section 2702 and UL 924 enforcement expanding beyond lighting, the elevator is now squarely in focus for life safety compliance.
Cities like Chicago, Seattle, and Atlanta are already citing these updates in permit reviews. With increased attention on accessibility, carbon reduction, and resilience, we expect UPS-based elevator backup systems to become standard in all new mid-rise and high-rise construction.
Let’s Build Safer, Smarter Buildings – Together
Published on May 16 2025