Elevator installers and repairers also called elevator constructors or mechanics assemble, install, and replace elevators, escalators, and similar equipment in new and old buildings. Once the equipment is in service, they maintain and repair it. They sometimes modernize older equipment.
In order to install, repair, and maintain modern elevators, which are almost all electronically controlled, elevator constructors must have a thorough knowledge of electronics, electricity, and hydraulics. Many elevators today are installed with microprocessors, which are programmed to constantly analyze traffic conditions to dispatch elevators in the most efficient manner. With these computer controls, it is now possible to get the greatest amount of service with the least number of cars.
Elevator constructors begin by studying blueprints to determine the equipment layout of the framework to install rails, machines, car enclosures, motors, pumps, cylinders, and plunger foundations. Once the layout analysis is completed, mechanics begin equipment installation. Working on scaffolding or platforms, constructors bolt or weld steel rails to the walls of the shaft to guide the elevator up and down.
Elevator mechanics install electrical wires and controls by running tubing called conduit along the shaft's walls from floor to floor. Once the conduit is in place, mechanics pull plastic-covered electrical wires through it. They install electrical components and related devices required at each floor and at the main control panel in the machine room.
Mechanics bolt or weld together the steel frame of the elevator car at the bottom of the shaft, install the car's platform, walls, and doors, and attach guide shoes and rollers which minimize the lateral motion of the car as it travels through the shaft. Mechanics also install the outer doors and door frames at the elevator entrances on each floor.
For cabled elevators, workers install geared or gearless machines with a traction drive sheave which moves heavy steel cables connected to the elevator car and counterweight. The counterweight moves in the opposite direction from the car and aids in its swift and smooth movement.
These workers also install elevators in which a car sits on a hydraulic plunger that is driven by a pump. The cylinder pushes the elevator car from underneath, like a lift in an auto service station.
Elevator constructors also install escalators. They put in place the steel framework, the electrically powered stairs, and the tracks, and install associated motors and electrical wiring.
In addition to elevators and escalators, elevator constructors install devices such as dumbwaiters and material lifts, which are similar to elevators in design, and moving walkways, which more closely resemble escalators.
After installation, adjusters fine-tune the equipment to make sure that the elevator is working according to specifications, such as stopping correctly at each floor or picking up passengers within a specified time period. Once an elevator is operating properly, it must be maintained and serviced regularly to keep it in safe, perfect condition. Maintenance mechanics generally do preventive maintenance oiling and greasing moving parts, replacing worn parts, testing equipment with meters and gauges, and adjusting equipment for optimal performance. They also troubleshoot and do emergency repairs.
A service crew usually handles major repairs for example, repairing and setting doors back on their tracks. This may require cutting torches or rigging equipment tools the maintenance mechanic doesn't normally carry. Service crews also do major modernization and alteration work such as moving and replacing electrical motors, hydraulic pumps, and control panels.
Elevator constructors usually specialize in installation, maintenance, or repair work. Maintenance and repair workers generally need more knowledge of electricity and electronics than installers because a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting. Similarly, construction adjustors need a thorough knowledge of electricity, electronics, and computers to ensure that newly installed elevators operate properly.
Elevator constructors often receive training throughout their careers.
Most elevator constructors work a 40-hour week. However, maintenance and service mechanics often work overtime when repairing essential elevator equipment. They are sometimes on 24-hour call. Maintenance mechanics, unlike most elevator constructors, are on their own most of the day and typically service the same elevators periodically. Elevator installers lift and carry heavy equipment and parts and are exposed to falls and electrical shocks. They also may work in cramped spaces or awkward positions. Because most elevator constructors' work is performed indoors in buildings under construction or in existing buildings, they lose less worktime due to inclement weather than other building trades workers.
Elevator installers and repairers held about 22,000 jobs in 1992. Most were employed by special trade contractors. Others were employed by field offices of elevator manufacturers; wholesale distributors; small, local elevator maintenance and repair contractors; or by government agencies or businesses that do their own elevator maintenance and repair.
Most elevator constructors apply for their jobs through a local of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, and learn their trade in programs administered by joint committees of employers and the union. These programs, through which the trainee learns everything from installation to repair, combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction in electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, applications of physics, and safety. Elevator installers and repairers in nonunion shops may complete training programs sponsored by independent contractors. Most trainees or helpers assist experienced elevator mechanics. Beginners carry materials and tools, bolt rails to walls, and assemble elevator cars. Eventually, they learn to do more difficult tasks, such as wiring, which requires a knowledge of local and national electrical codes.
Generally, helpers must complete a 6-month probationary period. After successful completion, they work toward becoming fully qualified mechanics within 4 to 5 years. Most States and cities require elevator constructors to pass a licensing examination.
Many elevator installers and repairers also receive training from their employers to become familiar with the company's particular equipment. Retraining is very important to keep abreast of technological developments in elevator repair. In fact, elevator constructors typically receive training throughout their careers, either through correspondence courses or seminars. Although voluntary, this training greatly improves one's chances for promotion.
Applicants for trainee positions must be at least 18 years old, have a high school education, and pass an aptitude test; courses in electricity, mathematics, and physics provide a useful background. As elevators become increasingly sophisticated, workers may find it necessary to acquire more advanced formal education for example, in postsecondary technical school or junior college with an emphasis on electronics. Workers with more formal education generally advance more quickly than their counterparts. Better educated workers often can forego some of the union training if they successfuly complete the examinations required during their training. Good physical condition and mechanical aptitude also are important.
Some installers advance to mechanic-in-charge, adjuster, supervisor, or elevator inspector. Others may move into management, sales, or product design.
Employment of elevator installers and repairers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. The job outlook for these workers is largely dependent on activity in the construction industry. Growth will occur as the construction of buildings with elevators and escalators increases and as the stock of equipment needing maintenance grows. In addition, demand will be spurred by the need to modernize older equipment, which can involve anything from improving appearance to introducing new computer controls. However, most job openings will result from replacement of experienced workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Job prospects should be best for those with postsecondary training in electronics.
Opportunities for elevator installers vary from year to year as conditions change in the construction industry. Economic downturns generally have less adverse affects on maintenance and repair mechanics because the equipment must still be kept in operating condition. More maintenance and repair work also will be needed as elevators become increasingly complex. The more intricate the equipment, the more maintenance it requires to keep it running smoothly.
Average weekly earnings for elevator installers and repairers were about $740 in 1992, according to data from the International Union of Elevator Constructors. Probationary helpers started at about 50 percent of the rate for experienced elevator mechanics, or $370 per week, while non-probationary helpers earned 70 percent of this rate, or $518 per week. Mechanics-in-charge averaged $830 a week.
In addition to free continuing education, elevator installers and repairers receive basic benefits enjoyed by most other workers.
A large percentage of elevator constructors are members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors.
Elevator constructors combine electrical and mechanical skills with construction skills such as welding, rigging, measuring, and blueprint reading. Other occupations that require many of these skills are boilermaker, electrician, industrial machinery repairer, millwright, sheet-metal worker, and structural ironworker.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor