National Electrical Code

NEC Rules for Stairway Chairlift Raceways

Jan. 2, 2019

Exploring NEC Art. 620 requirements for these systems

Many houses, condominiums, and apartments are multi-level, and their stairways present a problem for members of our graying population who wish to stay in their home for as long as is practical.

A fairly affordable solution is the stairway chairlift. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for stairway chairlifts are in Art. 620, along with requirements for other kinds of systems such as elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks.

Part I provides the general requirements for these systems. Part II provides the conductor requirements. Because these systems are motorized, Part I and Part II of Art. 430 apply to them [Figure 620.13].

Part III provides the wiring requirements, and it contains different requirements for different types of systems (so does Part IV). The requirements for chairlift raceways are in Sec. 620.21(C). Here are some highlights from this section:

You can use flexible metal conduit (FMC) or liquidtight metal conduit. Notice that nonmetallic conduit is omitted from what’s permissible, and tubing is omitted entirely.
If you install cables used in Class 2 power-limited circuits, they must be supported and protected from physical damage.
There are severe limits on flexible cords [Sec. 620.13(C)(3)].

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.