FAQ

Is elevator maintenance required? Do I need a contract to have maintenance performed?

Yes. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and the current code, require Maintenance for an elevator certificate. There is no contract required for maintenance, however regular maintenance can prevent major repairs from being needed as well as extend the life of the equipment.  Depending on the type of equipment, Quality can make recommendations as to how often maintenance should be performed, or you can request it on an "as needed" basis.  It should be noted, only TRAINED authorized personnel are permitted to work on vertical transportation equipment.

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What is the typical service life on a traction elevator?

The service life will vary based on the type of equipment, amount of use, and quality/frequency of maintenance.  Typically we see a 15-20 year service life on equipment. 

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I'm considering undertaking a complete elevator modernization. I'm finding Elevator Consultants are very expensive, am I required to hire an elevator consultant to perform this upgrade? If not, how could I use these funds to better my site?

In our Tri-State region, it is not required by any state or local municipalities to hire an elevator consultant.  Quality Elevator offers a diverse staff that has collectively over 190 years of elevator experience.  Five of our staff members are certified elevator inspectors, trained to survey and analyze your building traffic flow as well as work with your building needs allowing you to invest your dollars wisely.  Quality will help provide you and your tenants an elevator product that is NON-Proprietary, and more importantly, a product that will be built for you the customer.  Not a control system that is mass produced and tied to a specific manufacturer which requires specialized tools to make parameter changes, general communication functions, etc.  Quality also works with consulting firms on projects if requested.  Whatever your project calls for, Quality Elevator can achieve your end result and provide non-proprietary products installed at your site.  Non-Proprietary Equipment Affidavit 

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What is a Turn-Key elevator project?

In a turn-key elevator project, Quality Elevator will bring your entire elevator system and associated systems up to the latest standards and codes.  This work includes but is not limited to machine room climate control, fire alarm, and electrical service.  This service allows Quality Elevator to limit the down time during your modernization and provide a seamless, hassle free installation.

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How often should my elevator's safety be tested?

All elevators should have a safety test conducted annually.  In addition to this, all traction elevators should have a full load safety test performed every 5 years.

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I have three elevators that had final inspections done on different dates, how will I know when my next inspection is due?

Typically, we go by the date that the last elevator was inspected so it will be a year from that date.

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Where can I obtain a list of third party inspectors for Maryland?

These can be found on the following State of Maryland website: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/safety/elev.shtml

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How much does it cost to get my elevators inspected?

Cost is dependent on the type of equipment, code year installation date. Please contact our office for more specific information or set up a free site survey today!

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As a customer working with a small budget of under $2,500.00, what is a reasonable upgrade to perform that our building could gain perhaps the single most benefit?

If your elevator is currently equipped with a mechanical safety edge/photo eye door system, consider upgrading to an infra-red door detector unit. Every elevator passenger encounters entering and exiting the elevator.  Door related service calls make up about 80-90% of all service calls.  For about $2,000.00 for most applications, this is the quickest and most efficient upgrade that can be performed to aid in providing rider protection when entering and exiting the elevator.  Installation of a modern infra-red door detector offers state of the art technology allowing quicker door response when objects are sensed in the curtain. View Upgraded Models  

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Why can't I install my own cab interior?

Code restrictions from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) require the elevator car weight, sheave shaft load, and counter weighting all be calculated to verify that loads are not being exceeded and stay within the code required ranges.  Codes also require that specific fire resistant materials, lighting types, and minimum lighting levels be evaluated.

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Why should I use a Union Shop?

The employees at Quality Elevator Company, Inc. belong to the International Union of Elevator Constructors as a member of the IUEC.  Union technicians attend a five year classroom training program.  At the end of successful completion, they take an exam to graduate from Journeyman Apprentice to Mechanic status.  Included in this National Elevator Industry Education Program (NEIEP) is continued on-line training and additional hands on training at the local union shop.  Technicians within the Union are provided continuous training throughout their career.  This includes significant safety training for both the technician and the riding public.

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