When you introduce water, electricity and elevators together, the codes are challenged to join the three together without producing ill effects. Sprinklers and elevators can coexist, but an integrated design approach by all parties needs to be undertaken. Most non-sprinkler trades people (architects, building owners, electrical engineers and elevator inspectors) often question whether or not sprinklers are required in elevator shafts. This is because sprinklers in these areas create other code issues and added costs that might not have been incurred otherwise. This may include additional electrical components, retrofitting of the elevator controls on an existing elevator or an entirely new unit.
First one must define which types of elevators are considered. Elevators are defined as vertical transport hoisting and lowering mechanisms, equipped with a car that moves within guides and serves two or more landings. Numerous other types of lifts and similar devices are not applicable to these requirements. They include manlifts, platforms, conveyors, wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters, etc. These may be covered by other codes including ASME, ANSI, the local building official, OSHA or their own unique code requirements.