Installing a new elevator in a commercial building isn’t as simple as dropping in equipment and flipping a switch. It’s a multi phase structural, mechanical, and electrical project that must meet tight tolerances at every stage — and in Nevada, the process is regulated closely from the first drawing to the final inspection.

Every elevator installation in the state is regulated by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry – Division of Industrial Relations, Mechanical Compliance Section (MCS). Under NAC 455C, compliance with the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators must be ensured for all new installations. For general contractors and building owners working anywhere from a Strip resort tower to a Henderson medical office, permitting delays, costly rework, and compliance issues can be avoided by understanding this process step by step.

Here’s how a Nevada elevator installation actually unfolds, phase by phase.

Phase 1: Planning, Traffic Analysis, and Engineering

Before any construction is begun, the project is initiated with engineering and traffic analysis. The vertical transportation capacity required at peak occupancy is often underestimated in Las Vegas high-rise resort and office projects, resulting in one of the most common project failure points.
A traffic analysis evaluates:

• Expected foot traffic
• Acceptable wait times
• Required car capacity
• Peak hour demand
From there, engineers select the appropriate drive system based on travel distance and available structural footprint:

• Hydraulic elevators for low rise buildings (medical offices, retail centers, small commercial spaces across Las Vegas and Henderson).
• Traction or gearless traction elevators for mid rise and high rise buildings (Strip resorts, Summerlin office towers).
• Machine room less (MRL) systems for buildings needing space efficient designs.
Certified drafters then produce detailed layout drawings, including:
• Rail force calculations
• Pit depth
• Overhead clearance:For MRL elevators, the more overhead clearance a building provides, the wider the manufacturer can design the cab — which also increases the number of competitive model options available.
• Rail bracket spacing
These dimensions become hard constraints for the construction team.

Phase 2: Permitting Through the Mechanical Compliance Section

In Nevada, no physical elevator installation work can begin until MCS issues a permit.
A licensed elevator contractor must submit:

• Application for Permit to Install
• Elevator submittal drawings
• Electrical schematics
• Hoistway structural design
• Load parameters
• Machine configuration details
This must be submitted at least 10 business days before work begins.
Important Nevada rule:

Nevada only allows one active permit per elevator. Any mid project changes must be submitted as amendments — not new permits.
Proper coordination between the elevator contractor, general contractor, electrical contractor, fire alarm contractor, and plumber is essential to avoid delays.

Phase 3: Preparing the Hoistway and Pit
Before elevator mechanics arrive, the general contractor must prepare the hoistway and pit to strict structural tolerances.
Hoistway Requirements

• Must be square and plumb
• Must be free of unrelated plumbing, electrical, or HVAC runs
• Must include embedded steel plates or blocking strong enough to support rail bracket loads
Pit Requirements

Pit depth varies by system type:

• Hydraulic elevators: typically, 4–6 feet
• High speed traction elevators: often 8+ feet (common in Strip high rises)
Every pit must include:

• Waterproofing
• Sump pump
• Smoke detector
• Fire sprinkler (if required by the fire code or marshal)
• Code compliant drainage system
The top of the hoistway must also provide enough overhead clearance to meet ASME safety margins.

Phase 4: Mechanical Installation and Rigging
Once the hoistway passes structural inspection, mechanical installation begins — the most labor intensive phase.
Mechanics:

1. Drop plumb lines the full height of the hoistway
2. Mount guide rails to wall brackets with millimeter level precision
3. Install machines, sheaves, and counterweights (traction systems)
4. Set the hydraulic cylinder and build out the machine room (hydraulic systems)
5. Install the structural steel car frame (sling)
6. Assemble the cab interior — walls, ceiling, flooring
   Even minor deviations during rail installation can cause vibration, noise, or premature roller guide wear.
   
   Phase 5: Electrical Integration
   With the mechanical structure in place, electricians and elevator technicians integrate the system’s controls.
   
   Controller Installation
   The controller houses:
   
   • Processors
   • Variable frequency drives
   • Emergency battery backup
   • Smoke detector
   • Heat detector (if sprinkler present)
   • Automatic fused disconnect (shunt trip)
   
   Communication & Cabling
   • Emergency phone line (cellular or IP recommended)
   • Cat5/WiFi cable for two way video/text communication
   • Traveling cable for power, data, and communication signals
   
   Fire Service Integration
   Elevators must be tied into the building’s fire alarm system for:
   • Phase I recall (automatic return to designated floor)
   • Phase II in car firefighter operation
   Under NAC 455C.503, elevators with 25 feet of travel or less are exempt from Phase II requirements,which is important for low-rise commercial buildings across Las Vegas and Henderson.
   
   Phase 6: Testing and State Inspection
   Before an elevator can be used by construction crews or the public, it must pass a full commissioning inspection by an MCS approved inspector.
   The inspection includes:
   
   • ASME A17.1 and A17.2 acceptance tests
   • Full load safety drop tests
   • Over travel simulations into pit buffers
   • Hydraulic pressure or motor current draw checks
   • Emergency phone verification
   • Fire recall sequencing tests
   Once the elevator passes inspection, MCS issues the operating permit within a few days. . The building owner must keep the elevator closed until the authority issues the permit.
   
   FAQ
   How long does a new elevator installation take in Nevada?
   >>Most commercial projects take several months from engineering to final inspection, depending on building type and system complexity.
   
   Can I have more than one permit for the same elevator?
   >>No. Nevada only allows one active permit per elevator. Any changes must be submitted as amendments.
   
   Does every elevator in Nevada need Phase II fire service operation?
   >>Not always. Elevators with 55 feet of travel or less are exempt under NAC 455C.503.
   
   By whom is a new elevator in Las Vegas inspected?
   >>An inspector approved by the Nevada Mechanical Compliance Section performs the final commissioning inspection.
   
   Build It Right the First Time with AR Elevator USA
   A smooth elevator installation depends on a team that understands Nevada’s regulatory requirements and Las Vegas construction realities — not just manufacturer guidelines. AR Elevator USA manages the entire process from engineering to state commissioning, with licensed technicians specializing in new installations, modernization, alterations, and code compliance across Nevada and the Western region.
   
   Written by Eng. Houssam Zammam
   Call AR Elevator USA:
   702 810 2757
   702 463 6430
   info@arelevatorusa.com
   4345 Corporate Center Drive, 203 Suites, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
   www.arelevatorusa.com