Pennsylvania Elevator Inspections Are Changing
Pennsylvania Elevator Compliance Update
New requirements take effect December 20, 2026. Here is what Pennsylvania building owners and facility teams need to know.
Pennsylvania is updating its elevator regulations under Chapter 405. The changes include updated technical standards and annual Category 1 testing requirements. ATIS can help you understand what is changing, confirm where your equipment stands, and prepare for what comes next.
Effective
12.20.2026
Pennsylvania Chapter 405
Elevator Regulation Update
ON THIS PAGE | What’s Changing · Annual Testing · Check Status · Why ATIS · PA Coverage · FAQ
Pennsylvania Elevator Code Changes
THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE
2026 UPDATE:
Pennsylvania’s updated elevator regulations become effective December 20, 2026. For owners and facility teams, the practical starting point is understanding the date, the testing change, and how the update may affect existing equipment.
Regulation #12-123 was published June 20, 2026. The Chapter 405 amendments become effective six months later.
The revised rules adopt ASME A17.1-2016, with Pennsylvania-specific modifications, for covered elevators and lifting devices.
Category 1 testing becomes a stand-alone annual requirement under the updated periodic testing rules.
What It Means For Your Building
START WITH THE EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE TODAY
Not every existing elevator automatically needs to be modernized because Pennsylvania’s code is changing.
Equipment that received a certificate of operation before December 20, 2026 may remain in use when the owner maintains the device in accordance with prior approvals and meets the applicable ongoing requirements. The impact of the update can also depend on future repairs, alterations, or modernization work.
Before making a major equipment decision, start with a clear picture of your current inspection and testing status.
Confirm your inspection status
Know when your equipment was last inspected and whether the current inspection cycle is complete.Review upcoming testing
Identify periodic testing dates and understand what is coming due.Plan the next step
Address inspections, testing, repairs, or project requirements before they become urgent.
CAT 1
One of the biggest changes
Pennsylvania’s updated Chapter 405 rules move Category 1 testing to a stand-alone annual requirement.
Pennsylvania Category 1 Elevator Testing
ANNUAL CATEGORY 1 TESTING BECOMING THE STANDARD
Under the updated Pennsylvania rules, Category 1 testing is performed annually as a stand-alone requirement. The change is intended to create a more regular testing cycle and bring Pennsylvania’s requirements closer to neighboring jurisdictions.
For building owners and facility teams, that makes it more important to know your current equipment status, your most recent testing history, and what needs to be coordinated next.
Review current
inspection and
testing history
Updated Chapter 405
requirements take
effect
Plan for the
applicable periodic
testing cycle
Pennsylvania Elevator Inspection Status
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR EQUIPMENT STANDS?
Pennsylvania’s elevator and boiler records can help you review the information associated with your equipment. Start by locating the device record, then review the inspection history and applicable testing information.
Open the Pennsylvania Elevator/Boiler Search Portal
Use the Commonwealth’s device search resource.Select Boiler Elevator Search
Navigate to the search function for lifting devices.Search for your equipment
Use either the Equipment/Device ID or the Location Number, also called the MD Number.Review the inspection history
Look for the most recent annual inspection and applicable periodic test dates.
Boiler Elevator Search
This is a sample representation only. The fields above are not interactive. Use the link below to access Pennsylvania's official Boiler and Elevator Search.
Pennsylvania-Certified Inspection Partner
WHY OWNERS CHOOSE ATIS FOR ELEVATOR INSPECTIONS
ATIS provides independent elevator inspection services for property owners and facility teams. In Pennsylvania, ATIS Elevator Inspections, LLC is listed by the Department of Labor & Industry as a certified third-party agency for commercial Chapter 405 elevator code services.
Pennsylvania
Certified
ATIS appears on the Commonwealth’s certified third-party elevator inspection agency list.
Qualified
Inspectors
ATIS provides professional inspection services using Qualified Elevator Inspectors and experienced field teams.
Statewide
Coverage
ATIS’s Pennsylvania agency listing identifies intended Chapter 405 code work across all counties shown on the state record.
Verify ATIS on the State Listing
For added transparency, Pennsylvania publishes its list of certified third-party elevator inspection agencies and a dedicated ATIS agency record.
Pennsylvania Elevator Inspection Services
INSPECTION SUPPORT ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA
ATIS supports building owners and facility teams throughout Pennsylvania with mandated elevator inspections, test witnessing, and compliance expertise. The statewide page can naturally target major service regions without creating thin, repetitive city pages.
Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania Elevator Inspections
ATIS provides third-party elevator inspection and test-witnessing support for commercial and institutional properties throughout Philadelphia and surrounding Southeastern Pennsylvania communities.
Pittsburgh & Western Pennsylvania Elevator Inspections
Building owners and facility teams in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Western Pennsylvania can work with ATIS for periodic inspections, required testing support, and jurisdiction-focused guidance.
Harrisburg, Lancaster & Central Pennsylvania Elevator Inspections
ATIS supports properties across Central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and surrounding communities, with professional elevator inspection services and testing coordination.
Allentown, Scranton & Northeastern Pennsylvania Elevator Inspections
ATIS provides elevator inspection support throughout the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania, helping property teams understand inspection status, testing requirements, and next steps.
Pennsylvania Elevator Inspection FAQs
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
2026 CHANGES
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The Chapter 405 amendments published as Regulation #12-123 become effective December 20, 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has stated that additional implementation guidance will be issued before the effective date.
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Under the updated rules, Category 1 testing becomes a stand-alone annual requirement. This is one of the most important practical changes for building owners and facility teams to plan for.
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Not automatically. Equipment that received a certificate of operation before December 20, 2026 may remain in use when it is maintained in accordance with prior approvals and meets applicable ongoing requirements. Planned repairs, alterations, and modernization work can affect which requirements apply.
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Pennsylvania states that periodic inspections of existing equipment are required every six or twelve months, depending on the type of equipment. If equipment is not inspected within the appropriate cycle, the owner should contact a UCC-certified third-party inspection agency.
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The Pennsylvania elevator and boiler search process allows a device to be located using an Equipment/Device ID or Location Number. From the equipment record, the inspection history can be reviewed for recent inspection and testing information.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry states that any UCC-certified elevator inspector may conduct a periodic inspection. Third-party agencies providing UCC elevator inspection services must be certified by the Department.
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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.
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Start by confirming your current equipment and inspection status, reviewing upcoming periodic testing, and discussing any known repairs or planned projects with your inspection or consulting partner. ATIS can help you understand the information on your equipment record and determine a practical next step.
Ready to Get Started?
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