Door Lock Monitoring Assessment for Elevators

Elevator Door Lock Monitoring Compliance Assessment

DLM Assessment Includes:​

  • Onsite inspection of the elevator​

  • Onsite discussion regarding whether elevators meet code​

  • Consultant advice on next steps

Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) systems keep elevators fully locked in place until the doors are closed. Some jurisdictions, like New York, Florida, Nevada, Michigan, and Georgia already require DLM in accordance with ASME A17.3. Other jurisdictions, such as the states of Michigan and Illinois, are adopting this critical safety requirement. 

Depending on the age of your elevators, they may already be equipped with DLM. In some cases, only a parameter change is required. Our inspection will determine the DLM compliance status, then we will advise you on the most cost-effective options. Elevator companies often give only one option, and not at the best price possible. Let us give you unbiased guidance.

Additional Assessments Available Contact us for multiple service discounts

The Deadline for DLM Code in Illinois and Michigan is Approaching

How to avoid code violations and costly blanket proposals

Following New York, Florida, and Georgia, the States of Michigan and Georgia have adopted a critical safety requirement for all elevators to prevent operation when door contact circuits are faulty. By January 1st, 2029, all Illinois elevators must be equipped with a Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) system which keeps elevators locked in place until the doors are completely closed. The State of Michigan deadline is January 1st, 2028. The State of Florida deadline for compliance was August 1st, 2025.  The State of Georgia deadline for compliance was January 1st, 2025.

How this applies to your elevators
Elevators manufactured after 2000 either already have DLM systems (that may need activation) or can be connected to devices that provide DLM. Elevators manufactured prior to 2000 require upgraded equipment or full modernization.

How much will it cost?
Cost is entirely dependent on the specific components of each elevator, so the range could be from as little as $1,000 – or exceed $60,000. For example, some elevators are equipped with DLM that was disabled during construction. In these cases, only a parameter change or software update is required. Elevators manufactured without DLM may be remedied with an overlay – an external monitor – or may require more extensive upgrades or modernization.

Why blanket proposals can be dangerous
Maintenance companies need to get out thousands of proposals. Unless they’ve recently conducted a complete inventory of every elevator, they may not know what is required until they start the work. So, their proposals typically cover the worst-case scenario. If you sign a blanket proposal, you will likely overpay – in some cases by tens of thousands of dollars.

Our inventory inspection can save thousands of dollars
We can provide an inventory inspection of your elevator to identify its exact components. From here, our consultants can provide a proposal to determine the most cost-effective way to achieve compliance with the DLM code.

We’re on your side
We can determine if your elevator only needs a software update. Factoring in the expected life of your equipment, we can assess whether an overlay or a modernization is your best investment. And with our knowledge of the true costs of each option, we can effectively negotiate optimal terms and pricing for you.

The fees for our work are nominal. An inventory inspection for all the elevators in your building costs only $500. A custom consulting proposal to determine the most cost effective way to achieve compliance can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the work and equipment involved. Your expected savings should easily pay for our work – often many times over.

Illinois Code
ASME A17.1-2022 System to Monitor and Prevent Automatic Operation of the Elevator with Faulty Door Contact Circuits

  • ASME A17.1-2022 was adopted by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal on 3/6/2025 with a grace period that expires 1/1/2029

  • Read the Illinois Memorandum here

Michigan Code
ASME A17.3-2015 3.10.12 System to Monitor and Prevent Automatic Operation of the Elevator with Faulty Door Contact Circuits

Florida Code
ASME A17.3-2015 3.10.12 System to Monitor and Prevent Automatic Operation of the Elevator with Faulty Door Contact Circuits