Elevator independent service – Movers using the elevator

As an elevator contractor we receive many service calls indicating

“elevator broken, need service right away, someone is moving”

The elevator mechanic gets to the building and finds the door was knocked off, something stuck under the door or we find large items jammed in the elevator[see above].  There is a feature on some elevators called “independent service” which will allow people moving things to hold the doors and control the elevator.  This feature is controlled by a key switch and is typically underutilized.   Our recommendation is to first find out if you have independent service on your elevator system.  If the elevator system does have independent service, do you have keys?  If the building has keys make sure that everyone in the buildings knows that they need to use the independent service function when moving large items.  Many buildings attached a moving cost and a key deposit to use the elevator to move.

How to use independent service - To use the independent service feature is very simple.  you put the key in the key switch, turn to the on position.  When the key is in the on position the doors will remain open and the elevator will not take any hall calls.  The person in the elevator has complete control of the elevator system.

If a building is better educated on how to use the independent service feature on the elevator system you most probably will get fewer calls that the elevator is broken during moves.   It is understood that building occupants will not always pay attention to the request that you must use the independent service feature but, if it saves a few service calls a year, the building will have fewer bills to pay the elevator contractor.  As a contractor we are always more than happy to come out and show you how this feature on the elevator system works

If you have an questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.