The hoistway is the enclosed space in which the elevator travels.
The Jack utilizes hydraulic power to lift or lower the passenger car.
The pit provides clearance for the support components that are below the floor of the elevator car allowing the elevator floor to level with the lowest landing floor.
The rail is the steel track that guides the elevator when it travels up and down the hoistway. Depending on the model there may be one or two rails.
The hoistway door allows access to the hoistway and is prevented from opening unless the elevator is stopped and waiting at that particular landing.
The machine room is a small adjacent room that houses the drive system and electrical controls.
Pressing the call button in the hallway will call the elevator to your level.
A term used to describe each floor on which the elevator will open.
Used when located on top of the rail in the hoistway and the Control box is located nearby but does not require a separate room.
The drive system is the power and strength behind lifting the elevator car and its passenger(s)
Is a self contained car that is lowered and raised on a vertical path.Dumbwaiters can carry loads from 50 lbs. to 500 lbs. depending on the model chosen. Load examples may be fireplace wood, grocery bags, laundry and paperwork.
12. Explain me a little bit about a normal workday?
Be prepared to end up covered in dirt, concrete and sheetrock dust, and soaked in sweat, when all is said and done. A typical day, if you are building new installation elevators, will be on, surprise, a construction site. Hours for me are usually Monday through Thursday, 7:00–5:30. You and your mechanic will unload the truck full of pallets, rails, and the controller. Most all parts weigh north of 100lbs, and must be moved mostly by hand from outside to the hoistway inside.
13. Tell me how often should my elevators be maintained?
☛ * High traffic hydraulic elevators should be serviced at least once per month.
☛ * High traffic traction elevators should be serviced at least twice per month depending on how much it is used.
☛ * For all freight elevators, it is best to service once a month.
☛ * Industrial Rack-and Pinions should be serviced once a month except during outages which should then be performed once a week.
14. Tell us what's the worst part of your job?
Being in construction, the job is cyclical with the economy. Getting laid off is a real concern. The first year is a trial, and you will be tested, with your mind and body. And it is dangerous. Heights, high-voltage electricity, and moving mechanical parts are all potential hazards.
15. What areas you have worked on with elevator installations?
I am a five year indentured apprentice with Otis.
A series of weights stacked on top of each other to offset the cab weight. Used to increase efficiency.
Elevator term for a pulley.
This drive system utilizes a small gearless, overhead motor that attaches to the sling assembly with a set of wire cables.
The controller houses the electrical control circuits of the elevator. This is the brain of the elevator system.
20. Explain me how do you find work as an elevator mechanic? What's the job market like?
You want to be in the highest paying trade in the country? There are 66 local elevator unions across the United States, in most major cities. Contact your closest union hall, and inquire about the next application period. Growth is estimated at 25% until 2022, and the average pay is $76,650 per year ($38.65/hr). Getting in can be difficult. First is the application, then a mechanical aptitude exam.
An emergency power source that will allow you to lower the elevator to the next lower level in the event of a power failure.
The Hall Station refers to the panel located outside the elevator doorway in the hallway that houses the call button.
The sling is an L-shaped steel support that holds the elevator car and is attached to the rail system.
24. What is hydraulic (Roped)?
This drive system utilizes a hydraulic jack and a wire rope to raise and lower the passenger car.
The elevator car transports passengers from one floor to another. These come pre-finished or can be left unfinished to accept your design.
26. Tell us can you define elevator mechanics for us a little bit?
There are two types of elevators: traction and hydraulic. Traction is more for taller buildings, over six floors or so. Ropes, traction electric motors, and counter-weights move the elevator up and down. Hydraulic elevators are for buildings that are up to five floors or so, due to the limited distance the jacks can reach. Hydraulic fluid goes through a submersible motor, and either pumps fluid into the jacks raising the elevator, or drains it into the tank lowering it. Complex electrical systems control the elevator, from the push buttons in the lobby, inside the car, fire safety, telecommunications, and so on. Of course this is a brief general description!
27. Tell us what's the best part of your job?
Transforming an empty, hollow hoistway to a working elevator in a matter of weeks. Pay is also really good, even when you are just starting out. And the benefits are top notch. They contribute to an annuity, for every hour you work, and it adds up quick. And it is one of the few remaining jobs that still has a pension when you are done. The union is full of a bunch of hard-working blue collar guys, and most are always willing to help you out either at work, or in your personal life.
The Car Operating Panel (C.O.P.) is the control panel inside the elevator that houses the floor buttons, the light switch, the alarm button, the emergency stop switch and optional key lock.
Mechanical locking device located on the door at each floor level. Uses an arm to positively lock and open the door.
30. Tell us what's the biggest misconception people have about your job?
Most people don't think elevators are built by specially trained mechanics. And as long as they are working, they don't give an elevator much thought. But like any machine, it needs to be built and maintained over the life of the equipment, like a car would.
31. Tell me do you have experience repairing elevators?
Respect to elevators managment position.
Is the total amount of weight that can be added to the elevator. For safety purposes, never exceed the elevator car's weight capacity.
Muntz is the name given to the bronze tone finish on the hall stations and car operating panel.
34. What is electromechanical Interlock?
Often referred to as EMI, is an electromechanical safety lock that prevents the hoistway door (hall door) from opening if the elevator is not at that landing.
35. What is automatic Gate Operator?
Automatic Gate Operator is an electromechanical device that opens and closes the car gate automatically.
