Elevator Technician

The sling is an L-shaped steel support that holds the elevator car and is attached to the rail system.

The Hall Station refers to the panel located outside the elevator doorway in the hallway that houses the call button.

An emergency power source that will allow you to lower the elevator to the next lower level in the event of a power failure.

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.

The controller houses the electrical control circuits of the elevator. This is the brain of the elevator system.

This drive system utilizes a small gearless, overhead motor that attaches to the sling assembly with a set of wire cables.

Elevator term for a pulley.

A series of weights stacked on top of each other to offset the cab weight. Used to increase efficiency.

I am a five year indentured apprentice with Otis.

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.

☛ * 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.

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.

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.

The drive system is the power and strength behind lifting the elevator car and its passenger(s)

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.

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.

The machine room is a small adjacent room that houses the drive system and electrical controls.

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 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.