The Ins-and-Outs of Commercial Elevator Maintenance

When it comes to Elevator maintenance and safety, you should always leave it up to the professionals. However, you may be wondering specifically what is involved in routine Elevator maintenance. Let’s walk through the basics of a routine inspection to give you a more informed decision when deciding on elevator repairs and replacements. These are the five primary areas that we focus on with any elevator inspection:

Inside of the Cab

Typically we begin by working from the inside-out. An inspection of wall, ceiling, handrails, or lighting damage is the first safety check. The inspector will do a routine check of button functionality and check the mobility inside the cab and door operations.

Outside of the Cab

The inspector checks the exterior of the car, checking and replacing hall station lighting. We review clearance regulations to be sure that the door panel passes all safety standards. Firefighter access and standards are tested to ensure everything is up-to-code.

Machine Room

The machine room’s primary check is to ensure that there are no leaks in the room, wear and tear is normal, and electrical components are functioning without failure. Routine lubrication of parts and the system’s oil level is checked during this stage. 

Top of the Cab

The stop switch and inspection station is inspected for proper functionality. Any signs of wear, damage, or disconnection are given the time and attention necessary for repairs. The inspector will check for any signs of foreign entities such as rodents, fire hazards, vandalism, or water damage. 

Pit

Lights, stop switch, and GFI outlet functionality is the top priority when inspecting the pit. The inspector will often clean and check for signs of leaks or water damage. Components and spring buffers are checked for signs of corrosion and misalignment. The sump pump is cleaned and reviewed for proper operation during this stage of the inspection.

It is important to have a professional check all of the operational and electrical parts of your elevator system routinely. If you are overdue for an elevator inspection or need a thorough refresh, please contact Sapphire Elevator today at 321-613-3300

There’s No Need to Fear, Sapphire Elevator is Here!

elevator buttons

It’s Spooky Season, and one of the most common fears is getting trapped in an elevator. Whether it’s perpetuated through action movies or horror films and rides, such as The Tower of Terror, we’re here to debunk many misconceptions surrounding elevator safety. Here are some of the safety mechanisms built into elevators to prevent those unlikely scenarios from occurring. 

Elevator Cables Snapping

One common myth is that the elevator cab can suddenly snap the cables and plummet several floors to the bottom of the shaft. All elevators with a cable and motor system has multiple lines supporting the cab. These cables are engineered to hold over twelve times the weight of the cab at max capacity. As a further precaution, most elevators will not move or close the doors if the weight limit is exceeded. 

Plummeting Cabs

While you may have seen Elevator cabs free-falling to the ground floor in movies and television, the reality is that elevators are built with speed regulators that trigger emergency breaks to stop the elevator from moving. Even if the power goes out, the elevator comes to a controlled stop and will not fall to the bottom. 

Running Out of Air

While claustrophobia can be a concern in the event of an elevator being stuck, you might be unaware that cabs are intentionally designed to have good airflow in the event of a power failure. Cab floors must be 2% vents and allow for an adequate amount of air to be compliant.

Trapped in the Elevator Doors

Aside from being trapped inside the cab, the most considerable fear surrounding elevators is getting stuck between the doors while the elevator begins to move. Engineers have built multiple safety fail-safes that prevent such a scenario from happening. The majority of elevators are equipped with an infrared entryway that, when disrupted, signals the elevator not to activate until the signal returns. The same mechanism prevents the elevator from moving between floors while the elevator door is open. 

The safety features listed above are mandatory for all Elevators to remain up-to-code. Sapphire Elevator has a proven record of maintaining elevator safety regulations to keep guests safe and elevators updated. To ensure that your building’s elevators are safe, contact Sapphire Elevator’s reliable technicians to inspect your building’s transportation equipment today. 

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween from Sapphire Elevator!

Product Spotlight – Egg Crate Ceiling Replacement Kit

Product Spotlight!!

We love ECI America because their products are known for their ease of installation, reliability and their BEAUTY. If you are looking for an affordable upgrade to your cab, support local! Look no further than ECI America’s ceiling and cab lighting upgrades!

Our current favorite ECI America product:

Egg Crate Ceiling Replacement Kit

Out with the old, in with the new and improved!

Before
After
  

  • Fits in current frame and does not require long down time
  • Brings elevator lights up to current code
  • GO GREEN with eco-friendly LEDs
  • Eco-friendly LEDs also cut down the heat generated by each bulb

Ask about some of ECI’s optional add-ons!!

  • Standard and custom colors
  • Energy-saving auto fan/light controls – perfect for unoccupied cabs!
  • Emergency lighting battery back up
  • Can be upgradable to vandal-resistant lighting

Did you know there are ways you can prevent unnecessary and costly callbacks and service interruptions?

Boy with casual clothes and white sneakers call the elevator. White contemporary building interior.

What you can do to prevent shutdowns:

  • Sweep or vacuum the sill
  • Wipe down door edges
  • Educate elevator users on proper use of the elevator (for example: don’t hold doors open)
  • Educate your tenants on how to properly use the independent service option (if applicable)
  • Educate your maintenance personnel on how to properly use the independent service option

What you can do before calling your elevator company if a shutdown occurs:

  • Check stop switches/independent access in elevator
  • Check for any small objects preventing the doors from shutting

Hurricane Elevator Checklist

Before a hurricane

  • Run elevator to center of hoistway and pull the main breaker in machine room (Not the main breaker located elsewhere from breaker box).
  • Park elevators with doors closed.

During a hurricane

  • Do not run the elevator during a hurricane.

After Hurricane

  • Inspect elevator pit, cab, machine room for indication of water. (Do not energize main line breaker if water is found).
  • If water is found, call the Elevator Contractor