Elevator installers are also termed as elevator mechanics and elevator constructors. They replace, install, escalate, and move elevators in new and old buildings. Elevator installers have to maintain and repair when the equipment is in service. Elevator constructors are also accountable for modernizing older equipment.
Job Prospects
The nature of work involves repair, install, and maintain elevators, which are controlled by electrical power. An elevator installer ought to have ample knowledge of electricity, electronics, and hydraulics. Some elevators are controlled with microprocessors, which are created to analyze traffic condition to transmit elevator in most resourceful manner.
Elevator repairers and installers, generally, specialize in maintenance, installation, or repair work. Repair and maintenance workers, usually, need enough knowledge of electronics and electricity because a large section of repair and maintenance work is troubleshooting. While installing new elevator, repairers and installers have to start work by studying blueprints to decide the equipment required to install machinery, rails, car enclosures, pumps, plunger foundations, and cylinders. Consequently, they start equipment installation. Working on platforms or scaffolding, installers weld or bolt steel rails to guide the elevator.
Elevator repairers set up electrical wire and controls by running tubing. The other work of elevators includes welding together the steel frame of an elevator car at the bottom of the shaft. They install the car's walls, platform, and doors. They attach elevator a guide shoes and rollers to lessen the sideways motion of the car as it moves through the shaft.
Elevator installers also install the door frames and outer doors at the elevator entrance on floors. For cabled elevators, these installers install gearless or geared machines along with traction drive wheel, which moves and guides heavy steel wires connected to the counterweight and elevator car. These workers also install elevators in which a car rests on a hydraulic plunger, which is moved by pump. The function of plunger is to push the elevator car up from bottom the same as lift in an auto service station.
Repairers and installers also put in escalators. They place the electrically powered stairs, steel framework, and the track. They also install associated electrical wiring and motors. Installers and repairers have to install various devices such as material lifts and dumbwaiters. They also need to install stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, and moving walkways.
An elevator installer has to ensure that after executing installation the elevator functions properly. The installed elevator ought to be serviced and maintained properly to keep it in working condition. Elevator repairers and installers should do preventive maintenance such as reassign and oil the moving parts, testing equipment with meters and gauges, replacing worn parts, and adjusting equipments for good performance.
An elevator repair has to ensure that the rooms and equipments are clean. Equipment has to be in working condition. When there is an emergency, an elevator repairer has to go and execute the problem. These workers are in great demand at the new construction site.
Generally, service personnel have to deals with major repairs, for instance, elevators doors, replacing cables, and machine bearings. This may need the use of rigging equipment or cutting torches tools. Service personnel also execute major alteration work and modernization such as replacing and moving electrical motors, control panels, and hydraulic pumps.
Responsibilities
Educational Qualification
Some elevator installers or repairers complete their education through an apprenticeship program. Most of the employers offer on-the-job training programs where employees are given practical exercises along with payment. However, candidates who completed high school classes in science, mathematics, and shop are preferred.
Employment Opportunities
Employment in this field is expected to increase nine percent during 2010 to 2016 decade. The demand for elevator installer depends upon the growth in the non-residential construction like commercial stores and office buildings. After completing education as discussed above, candidates may get into this field.