ELEVATOR & ESCALATOR FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions In The Elevator & Escalator Industry
Can I get stuck in an elevator?
While relatively rare, it is possible to get stuck in an elevator. Some of the common causes of an entrapment include power outages, mechanical malfunctions, or a safety system engaging. Jumping in an elevator can cause an overspeed of the elevator, causing the governor to engage, thus stopping movement of the elevator and its passengers.
How long could I be stuck in an elevator?
The duration of being stuck (entrapment) can vary greatly. In most urban areas, emergency services or elevator technicians can respond within minutes to a few hours. In less populated areas or during widespread power outages, it could potentially be longer, but usually not more than several hours. Modern elevators have emergency communication systems to alert help. The emergency phone (and in certain areas that have adopted newer Code regulations, video calling) is connected to a representative 24/7 who will help request assistance.
What happens when I get stuck in an elevator?
When an elevator gets stuck, the following usually occurs:
- Lights may dim or go out, though emergency lighting should activate (in the event of a power outage)
- An alarm may sound.
- Emergency communication systems (intercom or phone) will allow you to speak with building management or emergency services.
- The elevator’s safety systems are designed to prevent it from falling. The safest place for you to be is in the elevator – Do not attempt to escape on your own!
- In most cases the responding elevator mechanic can typically get the elevator to the closest floor landing for easy exit. In rare cases an extraction through the escape hatch (roof) of the elevator may be necessary.
Can an elevator drop or free fall?
This is a highly unlikely scenario. Modern elevators are designed with multiple safety features to prevent them from free-falling. While an elevator might “drop” a very short distance if a braking system engages, it’s not a free fall. Hydraulic elevators (8 stories and less) can only drop as fast as the hydraulic oil leaves the system, which is typically very slowly. Traction elevators (usually taller buildings) have a governor and brake system to prevent unintended movement upward or downward.
What happens when elevator cables are cut?
Traction elevators are required to have multiple cables; Each is capable of supporting the full weight of the car. If an elevator has 5 cables hoisting it, they can safely hold 5 times the weight of the elevator. If all cables were to fail (an extremely uncommon scenario), elevators are equipped with:
- Overspeed governors: These devices detect if the elevator is moving too fast. In that case the speed will trip the governor, which will halt movement of the elevator.
- Safety brakes (safeties): If the overspeed governor detects excessive speed, it triggers mechanical brakes that grip onto guide rails, bringing the elevator to a safe stop
How does an elevator stop itself from falling?
Elevators use several mechanisms to prevent falling:
- Multiple steel cables: Elevators are suspended by several strong steel cables, each designed to carry the full load independently.
- Counterweights: These weights balance the elevator car, reducing the load on the motor and cables.
- Governors: These devices monitor the elevator’s speed. If it exceeds a safe limit, the governor activates the safety brakes.
- Safety brakes (safeties): These are clamp-like devices that grip the guide rails running along the hoistway, stopping the car.
- Buffers: Located at the bottom of the hoistway, these absorb impact if the elevator overshoots the lowest floor.
How do I escape from an elevator?
You should never attempt to escape from a stuck elevator on your own. This is extremely dangerous. The safest course of action is to:
- Stay calm.
- Press the “door open” button.
- If the doors don’t open, press the alarm button.
- Use the emergency call button or intercom to communicate with building management or emergency services.
- Wait for trained personnel to assist you. They are equipped and trained to safely open the doors and get you out.
Can I use an elevator during a fire?
No, you should never use an elevator during a fire. Most elevators are equipped with fire service which prevents the use of the elevator during a fire. Emergency personnel are able to use the elevator in fire service mode to safely travel to floors that are not exposed to the fire or smoke.
Why can't I use an elevator during a fire?
There are several critical reasons why elevators are not safe to use during a fire:
- Power failure: Fire can cause power outages, trapping you in the elevator.
- Shaft acts as a chimney: The elevator shaft can act as a chimney, drawing smoke and heat into the shaft, which can then fill the elevator car.
- Elevator car can stop at the fire floor (egress): The elevator’s fire recall system is designed to send the car to a designated safe floor, but in some scenarios, it could open its doors on a floor with fire, exposing occupants to extreme danger. This floor is designated by a star or asterisk next to the floor number.
- Sprinkler systems: Water from sprinkler systems can short-circuit elevator controls, leading to a shutdown and/or entrapment.
- Firefighter control: Firefighters need control of the elevators for their operations.
Always use stairs during a fire
Why is my elevator noisy?
Elevator noise can be caused by various factors, including, but not limited to:
- Normal operation: Motors, cables, and guide rollers can make some noise during regular operation.
- Worn components: Worn bearings, rollers, or guide shoes can lead to increased noise.
- Misalignment: Components that are not properly aligned can cause friction and noise.
- Lubrication issues: Insufficient or improper lubrication can result in squeaking or grinding sounds.
- Door mechanisms: Noisy doors are a common complaint, often due to worn rollers or dirty tracks.
- Ventilation fans: The fan inside the car can also be a source of noise.
If you notice excessive or unusual noise, it’s best to report it to building management for inspection. For a free consultation, please reach out to us here.
Why does my elevator smell?
Elevator smells can stem from:
- Passenger odors: Odors from food, perfumes, or body odor from previous passengers.
- Cleaning products: Residual smells from cleaning solutions.
- Mechanical odors: Burning smells could indicate an electrical or mechanical issue and should be reported immediately. Oil or lubricant smells are usually normal, but strong, unusual chemical smells could indicate a problem. In the case of hydraulic elevators, if the hydraulic oil has been exposed to excessive heat, the oil can become “cooked,” which emits a burnt odor.
- Ventilation issues: Poor ventilation can trap odors.
- External sources: Smells from nearby restaurants, garbage areas, or other building systems can sometimes permeate the elevator shaft.
Why does my elevator jerk around?
A jerking elevator can be a sign of a few issues:
- Starting and stopping: Some slight jerkiness is normal as the elevator accelerates and decelerates, especially in older models.
- Worn components: Worn guide shoes, rollers, or control components can cause noticeable jerking.
- Control system issues: Problems with the elevator’s control system or motor can lead to rough starts and stops.
Report any significant or unusual jerking to building management immediately
How fast does my elevator go?
The speed of an elevator varies greatly depending on the building type and height:
- Low-rise buildings (2-5 floors): Often around 100-200 feet per minute (fpm).
- Mid-rise buildings (5-20 floors): Can range from 350-500 fpm.
- High-rise buildings (20+ floors): Can reach speeds of 1,000 to over 2,000 fpm (over 20 miles per hour).
Typically hydraulic elevators move slower (maximum speed of 200fpm), which traction elevators can move much faster.
Why is my elevator so slow?
Several factors can contribute to a slow elevator:
- Design speed: It might simply be designed to be slow for its application (e.g., a short, low-traffic building).
- Traffic patterns: During peak hours, an elevator that serves many floors can seem slow due to frequent stops.
- Maintenance issues: Worn components, miscalibrated controls, or motor problems can reduce efficiency and speed.
- Weight overload: If the elevator is consistently overloaded, it will run slower.
- Door dwell time: If the doors stay open for too long at each floor, it adds to the overall travel time.
Can I fall down the elevator shaft?
It is extremely unlikely and rare for someone to fall down an elevator shaft if they are using the elevator properly. Interlocks are installed at each level which prevent access to the hoistway.
Elevator shafts are designed to be secure enclosures. Accidents involving falls into shafts are typically associated with unauthorized access, maintenance errors, or severe structural damage to the building.
How do escalators work?
Escalators are essentially a continuously moving staircase. They work using:
- Chains and motors: A large electric motor drives two chains, which are connected to the steps.
- Steps: The steps are not fixed but are hinged. As they move around the top and bottom of the escalator, they flatten out for boarding and then form steps for the incline.
- Handrails: The handrails are synchronized with the steps and are driven by separate belts or chains.
- Tracks: Rollers on the steps run along tracks that guide their movement and shape.
Can an escalator eat my shoe?
Escalators can and sometimes do snag loose clothing, shoelaces, or soft-soled shoes, especially at the comb plates (where the steps disappear into the floor). This is why it’s important to:
- Stand clear of the sides.
- Keep shoelaces tied.
- Pay attention at the entry and exit points.
- Avoid leaning on the handrail or playing on the escalator.
Modern escalators have safety features like comb plate sensors that can detect obstructions and stop the escalator, but caution is always advised.
Can I use an escalator as stairs?
This is not ideal and can be a tripping hazard due to the uneven step heights and the smooth, often sloped, handrails. It’s generally safer and easier to find actual stairs or an elevator if the escalator is not operating. Out of service escalators should be barricaded and not utilized as stairs if avoidable.
What happens if I pull on an escalator?
If you were to pull on an escalator handrail, may shut the escalator down. Modern escalators are equipped with handrail monitors that will shut the unit down immediately if excess force or resistance is applied in hopes to prevent damage to the escalator and prevent injury to whomever (or whatever) is pulling the handrail. The handrail itself is designed to move with the steps. Attempting to pull on the handrail excessively or trying to stop it could potentially cause injury to yourself or damage the handrail system.
Who works on elevators?
Elevators are worked on by highly specialized professionals:
- Elevator Mechanics/Technicians: These are trained and certified individuals who install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot elevators. They possess in-depth knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and safety systems.
- Elevator Inspectors: Independent inspectors or those employed by regulatory bodies ensure that elevators meet safety codes and are properly maintained.
Who works on escalators?
Similar to elevators, escalators are worked on by:
- Escalator Mechanics/Technicians: These professionals are also highly trained in the mechanical, electrical, and safety aspects of escalators for installation, maintenance, and repair.
- Inspectors: Ensure compliance with safety standards.
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