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South Carolina Elevator Code 2026
Regulations & Standards
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Find the latest information on South Carolina Elevator Code, laws, and safety standards. Our directories are updated monthly and include website links to help you quickly find the elevator codes and regulations for the state of South Carolina (SC)
South Carolina elevator codes impose a responsibility on building owners and property managers to adhere to specific requirements within elevators, ensuring the safety of all occupants. Failure to comply with these codes can result in penalties and potential legal action. While the particulars of the South Carolina elevator code may differ at the state and local levels, three primary codes govern elevator safety: the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the International Building Code (IBC), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates unrestricted and equal access to services for individuals with disabilities.
IBC
The International Building Code (IBC) establishes precautions against hazards associated with constructed environments.
ASME
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) plays a pivotal role in the development of codes and standards.
The State of South Carolina (SC) currently operates under the 2019 ASME A17.1 and CSA B-44 Code
South Carolina Elevator Code Authority
The Office of Elevators and Amusement Rides administers the S.C. Elevator Code and Regulations, the Amusement Rides Safety Code and Regulations, and the S.C. Bungee Safety Code. Special inspectors -licensed by LLR and nationally certified- handle all annual inspections of these devices. LLR does random audits of amusement rides and elevators after they are inspected by special inspectors so that there are two sets of eyes looking at them. LLR state inspectors inspect all new elevators and existing elevators that have been altered.
Scheduling of annual elevator inspections is the responsibility of elevator owners, which includes contacting the Special Inspectors for Elevators.
Scheduling of annual amusement ride inspections is the responsibility of amusement ride owners, which includes contacting the Inspectors for Amusement Rides.
South Carolina Elevator Code Authority
Synergy Business Park; Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Dr.
Columbia, South Carolina 29210
Elevator Cellular Phone Lines
How to eliminate the cost of traditional elevator phone lines and save 35% or more. Our cellular elevator phone lines conform to ASME, ADA, and IBC codes, encompassing all requirements of the South Carolina elevator code.
South Carolina also follows IBC 2021, which includes additional requirements for new elevator installations
If your elevator travels over 60 feet. A two-way communication system will be installed in the elevator that provides both visible text and audible modes per code requirements. If you’re modernizing the elevator it’s advisable to consult your local South Carolina elevator code authority for guidance on the applicable regulations.
- Two-way message display in the elevator cab for hearing and/or speech impaired
A method for authorized personnel to access video footage of passengers from any location within the cabin - A mechanism triggered by emergency personnel to modify the cabin message, signaling that assistance has arrived on-site
Please be advised that we are committed to consistently delivering accurate and current adoption information. We diligently update our records as new South Carolina elevator code information becomes available.
South Carolina Elevator Code – Elevator Phone Requirements ASME A17.1
- Two-way communication between elevator and authorized personnel
- On-site communications if over 60 ft of travel
- Communication between the elevator if elevator has remote machine room
- Answer by live authorized personnel – no automated answering
- Communication capability for onsite emergency personnel
- On-site monitoring if staffed 24/7 by authorized personnel
- Location identification on demand to authorized personnel
- Location identification without voice communication
- Hands-free devices only and telephone handsets are not allowed
- Phone automatlly answers when calling into elevator
- Automatic redirect if no answer onsite
- Monitoring the status of local telephone lines and issuing local alerts
Code Compliance Guidelines
What the State Enforces
In South Carolina, the South Carolina Elevator Code is administered through a state program that ties legal operation to passing inspections, proper permits, and current certificates, so owners should treat compliance as an ongoing lifecycle, not a one-time project.
Annual Inspections and Certificates
Most owners interact with the South Carolina Elevator Code through an annual inspection cycle that supports renewing the Certificate of Operation, which is the document that keeps the unit eligible to stay in service after an acceptable inspection outcome is recorded.
Who Performs Inspections
The South Carolina Elevator Code framework commonly uses qualified third-party special inspectors for annual inspections, while state involvement is most visible on new installations and on altered or modernized equipment that requires state-level review and inspection.
Posting and Renewals
A simple best practice under the South Carolina Elevator Code is to post the current operating certificate where it is easy to verify, track the renewal date internally, and schedule early so inspections, corrections, and payments are completed before the certificate lapses.
Permits for New Installations
If you are adding a new unit, the South Carolina Elevator Code expects permitting and registration steps to be handled before installation begins, which helps keep plan documents, inspections, and approvals aligned and reduces the risk of jobsite delays.
Alterations and Modernization
Modernization work can change what is required at final inspection, so the South Carolina Elevator Code approach is to treat alterations as a permitted scope with clear documentation, required approvals, and a defined inspection closeout before returning the elevator to normal use.
Plan Review and Submittals
When a project involves drawings, specifications, or device data, the South Carolina Elevator Code process usually runs smoother when submittals are complete, match the actual equipment being installed, and are organized so reviewers can confirm key safety and communication details quickly.
Contractor and Inspector Licensing
Because licensing matters to enforcement, the South Carolina Elevator Code environment rewards using properly licensed contractors and qualified inspectors, keeping credentials current, and maintaining a clean paper trail that shows who performed the work and who verified corrections.
Variances and Special Situations
If building constraints make full compliance difficult, the South Carolina Elevator Code path is to raise the issue early, document the constraint, and pursue an approved alternative, rather than relying on informal assumptions that can fail at inspection or renewal.
Emergency Communications Expectations
Emergency communications are not optional under the South Carolina Elevator Code, and owners should treat in-cab emergency calling as life safety equipment that must be reliable, hands-free where required, and able to connect riders to live authorized help when it matters.
How MyLinkLine Supports Compliance
To support owners working under the South Carolina Elevator Code, MyLinkLine provides code-focused elevator phone solutions, including cellular elevator phone lines and optional monitoring services, designed to help emergency communications stay dependable and inspection-ready.
Emergency Elevator Phones
MyLinkLine will only install elevator telephones that meet code requirements. We also comply with ADA, ASME, ANSI and IBC codes in addition to all State and Local requirements if applicable. Volume pricing available.
Elevator Phone Monitoring Service
Our dispatch center has been delivering professional service for over twenty years. Our staff has extensive technical and interpersonal training to assist in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Lifetime Product Warranty
If any part of your elevator telephone(s) or elevator cellular landline fails at any time during your lifetime due to a defect in material or workmanship, we will repair or, at our option, replace the defective device at our cost***
Frequently Asked Questions
Elevator Code and Inspection Compliance
What is the South Carolina Elevator Code used for in practice?
It is the baseline rule set inspectors and authorities rely on to determine whether an elevator or lift can be placed into service, remain in service, or must be corrected before an operating certificate is issued or renewed.
How often do I need an inspection to renew the Certificate of Operation?
Annual inspections are the norm, and South Carolina Elevator Code compliance usually means scheduling the inspection before the prior certificate anniversary so you have time to address violations, submit abatements, and pay any required fees.
Who is responsible for scheduling the annual inspection?
In most cases, the owner or property manager schedules the annual inspection with a qualified special inspector, while contractors typically coordinate inspections tied to new installations or alteration permits.
When do I need a permit for installation or alteration work?
If the scope involves a new installation or a material change to an existing unit, South Carolina Elevator Code expectations are that the contractor obtains the correct permit and approval before work starts and before the final inspection is requested.
What happens if an inspector finds violations?
You will receive a report identifying issues to correct, and you typically must document the corrections and complete any required abatement process before the operating certificate can be issued or renewed.
How can MyLinkLine help with emergency phone compliance?
South Carolina Elevator Code aligned emergency communications are easier to maintain when you use a purpose-built elevator phone solution, and MyLinkLine helps by providing cellular elevator phone lines and monitoring options that support reliable call completion and inspection readiness.
Website Disclaimer: We do our best to keep this information current, but elevator code requirements can change. This page is for general information only and may not match your local enforcement or inspection expectations. Always confirm requirements with your inspector and the authority having jurisdiction before making compliance decisions.
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