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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.5 — VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION

What does the Ontario Building Code require for elevator machine rooms?

Elevator machine rooms must be separated from the rest of the building by fire separations coordinated with the hoistway enclosure, used only for elevator equipment, and provided with safe access, ventilation and temperature control appropriate to the machinery.

Code reference
Rooms containing elevator machinery are treated as service spaces dedicated to that equipment: they must be enclosed with fire separations consistent with the hoistway and service room provisions, be accessible for maintenance, and satisfy CSA B44 requirements for clearances, lighting, ventilation and equipment protection. Storage and unrelated services are not permitted in the room.
OBC Division B, Section 3.5.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Modern machine-room-less (MRL) elevators locate the machine in the hoistway, which changes but does not remove the coordination work: control spaces still need rated enclosures, access and cooling. For traction or hydraulic units with a true machine room, watch for foreign services routed through the room (a frequent inspection failure), inadequate cooling for drives, and doors that lack the right rating or self-closer. Confirm requirements with the elevator supplier and CSA B44 early, since retrofitting cooling or access is costly.

Plain language

The room that holds the elevator's motor and controls has to be its own protected space, used for nothing else. It needs fire-rated walls and doors, room to work safely on the equipment, and ventilation so the machinery does not overheat.

Related questions

What are the elevator requirements under the Ontario Building Code?Which buildings need an elevator under the Ontario Building Code?When is a firefighters' elevator required in Ontario, and what must it include?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.