Pennsylvania Regulation #12-123 takes effect December 20, 2026. The updated Chapter 405 regulations adopt new technical standards, including ASME A17.1-2016 with Pennsylvania-specific modifications, and establish annual Category 1 testing requirements for covered equipment.

Category 1 testing is an annual evaluation of specified elevator safety systems. Depending on the equipment type, it may include safeties, governors, buffers, brakes, emergency systems, and fire-service functions. The specific tests required are determined by the equipment classification and applicable code.

Beginning December 20, 2026, Category 1 testing becomes a stand-alone annual requirement for covered equipment in Pennsylvania. The requirement applies to both existing and newly installed equipment. Building owners should confirm whether annual testing is already included in their current maintenance and testing schedules.

Yes. Pennsylvania’s regulatory analysis states that annual Category 1 testing applies to both existing and new equipment. Existing elevators do not necessarily have to be modernized, but they must continue to meet applicable inspection and testing requirements.

No, not automatically. An elevator with a certificate of operation issued before December 20, 2026, may generally remain in use if it is maintained under its prior permit or approval and continues to meet applicable requirements. Planned repairs, replacements, alterations, or modernization may affect which technical standards apply.

Periodic inspections of existing Pennsylvania elevators are required every six or 12 months, depending on the equipment and applicable requirements. This inspection cycle is separate from the annual Category 1 testing requirement. Building owners should verify both the latest inspection date and the applicable testing schedule for each device.

It may be. Some full-maintenance agreements already include Category 1 testing, while others do not. Review the scope of your current agreement and confirm who is responsible for performing the test, arranging for a certified test witness, submitting documentation, and paying any additional charges.

ASME A17.1-2016 is a national safety standard for elevators and escalators adopted — with Pennsylvania-specific modifications — under the updated Chapter 405 regulations. The updated technical standards generally apply to covered equipment associated with permit applications submitted after December 20, 2026. Previously issued permits and certificates of operation are subject to the regulation's transition provisions.

Use the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's Boiler and Elevator Search portal. Search by Equipment/Device ID or Location Number, also called the MD Number, then review the latest inspection and testing information shown in the official record.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry states that any Uniform Construction Code (UCC)-certified elevator inspector may conduct a periodic inspection. Third-party agencies providing UCC elevator inspection services must be certified by the Department.

Category 1 testing is typically performed by an elevator service provider and witnessed by a certified construction code official. A Pennsylvania-certified third-party inspection agency such as ATIS can provide independent test witnessing and documentation support.

Yes. ATIS Elevator Inspections, LLC is listed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry as a certified third-party agency for commercial Elevator and Other Lifting Devices code services under Chapter 405. ATIS does not perform elevator repairs, maintenance, or modernization work, so our inspection findings are never influenced by the opportunity to sell the recommended work.

The requirement takes effect December 20, 2026. The first annual Category 1 test for each covered unit must be completed by December 20, 2027. Review the inspection and testing history for each elevator, confirm whether annual Category 1 testing is included in the current service agreement, and identify any planned work that may require a permit. If records are incomplete or responsibilities are unclear, contact a Pennsylvania-certified third-party inspection agency to establish the appropriate next steps and due dates. Contact ATIS for help.