Adjacent elevator machine rooms share a common power distribution box

Elevator machine rooms must have dedicated power distribution, and sharing a common distribution box between adjacent machine rooms is generally not permitted under NEC 620.37.NEC and Code RequirementsAccording to NEC Article 620, all electrical wiring and disconnects used directly for elevator operation must be located within the machine room, control room, or hoistway and cannot be combined with unrelated electrical equipment in a shared panel . Each elevator typically requires a dedicated fused disconnect switch located adjacent to and visible from the elevator machinery . This ensures safe isolation of the elevator system for maintenance and emergency purposes.Practical ConsiderationsDedicated circuits: Each elevator's motor, controller, and lighting circuits must have separate branch circuits to comply with NEC and manufacturer specifications .Machine room layout: Machine rooms must provide sufficient clearance around equipment for maintenance, and only elevator-related equipment is allowed inside .Temperature and ventilation: Proper cooling and ventilation are required to maintain equipment between 55°F and 110°F, with emergency power provisions if necessary .Implications of Sharing a Distribution BoxSharing a common power distribution box between adjacent machine rooms could violate NEC 620.37, as it may mix elevator circuits with other equipment or other elevators, creating safety hazards and complicating maintenance . Each elevator should have its own disconnect and dedicated wiring to ensure compliance, worker safety, and operational reliability.SummaryWhile adjacent machine rooms may be physically close, each elevator must have its own dedicated power distribution and disconnects. Combining them into a single shared box is not code-compliant and is discouraged due to safety, maintenance, and regulatory concerns . Proper design should follow NEC 620 and manufacturer guidelines to ensure safe and reliable elevator operation.