What must heat detectors located in hoistways do prior to the activation of sprinklers?

Heat detectors located in hoistways serve an essential role in maintaining safety and preventing unnecessary harm in the event of a fire related to elevators. The primary reason for having these detectors is to ensure that when a fire condition is detected, the operation of the elevator machinery can be safely interrupted.

Shutting down power to the elevator before the activation of sprinklers is critical because it prevents the operation of the elevator during a fire emergency. If the elevator were to remain operational, it could pose a significant risk to occupants who might try to use it in an emergency, as elevators can become traps if they descend into an area of a fire or smoke. The elevator could also inadvertently become involved in the fire suppression efforts, complicating the actions of the firefighting team and endangering those inside the elevator.

Furthermore, placing the elevator in a safe state prior to sprinkler activation minimizes the risk of water damage and helps ensure that the elevator system does not interfere with emergency response efforts. Thus, the necessity of shutting down power to the elevator aligns with best practices for fire safety and emergency preparedness.