If you have elevators in your building, they require regular maintenance and annual testing to maintain safety standards and a quality riding experience.
How often do we need maintenance?
Elevator contractors offer service contracts at different intervals depending on federal, state, or local codes and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Maintenance could be monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or other intervals as needed. An elevator contractor would start with a survey of the equipment and make a recommendation. Other factors to consider would be usage frequency, elevator application type, age or condition of the equipment and environmental conditions. Just like changing your oil in your vehicle or rotating your tires, if you put on more miles you need to do it more frequently. If you have a high usage elevator, monthly maintenance is a necessity. Preventative maintenance is critical for all elevators for safety reasons and to minimize unplanned downtime by catching issues in advance whenever possible. This will also allow elevator contractors to make recommendations on equipment you should be planning to modernize or upgrade in the near future.
What is done during this regular maintenance?
Regular preventative maintenance includes cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting components at regular intervals. It also means you have a Mechanic inspecting your equipment in person and repairing or replacing worn or defective components to comply with code. A Mechanic is required by code to log the maintenance being provided on a log found in the machine room.
How often does my elevator need to be tested or inspected?
Commercial elevators must have an initial inspection when an elevator is first installed. Beyond the initial inspection, the elevator must be annually inspected to maintain their permit to operate. Most traction elevators need a CAT5 full load test every 5 years. This ensures your elevator is lifting its rated (maximum) load at its rated (maximum) speed. This tests the safety systems like elevator brakes are functioning properly. Hydraulic elevators require an annual no load test that tests the pressures for the safety of the elevator. Depending on the type of elevator application and the AHJ there may be some varying requirements.
Who is responsible for inspections?
Building Owner responsibility
Building owners are required to provide the information as requested from the state to receive their annual permit to operate.
AHJ responsibility
Annual inspections are regulated and scheduled by the AHJ.
Elevator Maintenance provider responsibility
Elevator companies are responsible for scheduling inspections based on the following circumstances: new installations, repairs as required, and modernizations or alterations.
Contact Us
MEI-Total Elevator Solutions provides maintenance, repair, modernization, and new installation to thousands of customers in the Midwest area. MEI has a customer first service culture and an experienced team that performs regular preventative maintenance to minimize the downtime of your elevators. Click here for a list of the areas we serve and for contact information.
