Thanks to the elevator, people have faster ways of moving up and down a large building. After all, can you imagine skyscrapers without elevators? Of course not, and once an elevator is installed, it won't be without its problems. After all, elevators can have mishaps and need repairs or even replacement. Here is insight into how many elevator trips can happen before needing elevator repairs.

Number of Trips

According to Gitnux, about 2.2 million elevator trips happen in the United States daily. Many of those trips can go off without a hitch. Elevators are well-equipped to handle a certain weight capacity from the bottom floor to the top. Elevators make these trips throughout the day effectively as long as they have their regular maintenance. The question isn't necessarily how many trips happen before these elevators need repairs, but how are these elevators being taken care of as these trips occur?

Inspections

Quality inspections are the key to ensuring that elevators worldwide can make the number of trips needed. In general, elevators should be inspected annually, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Of course, that depends on the number of trips they have. A high-traffic elevator, such as one in a commercial skyscraper that houses several businesses, may need even more frequent inspections. During these inspections, professionals check out specific components. They look at the elevator wiring, control boxes, circuits, and operating controls. If there are any frayed wires, they tend to those immediately. Have you ever noticed the emergency telephone or button in an elevator? That is there in case you get stuck and need to let someone know you need help. These inspections ensure these emergency communications are still functioning. They also test the elevator speed, as the point of an elevator is to transport someone from point A to point B in a fast amount of time. Therefore, if the elevator is going too slow on its trip, it may be time for a repair.

Records

Professional elevator maintenance should include meticulous record-keeping. If you have a building that has elevators you're responsible for, make sure you maintain those inspection records for at least a year. Failure to get regular elevator inspections can cause you to lose your permit. Remember, state inspectors review such records to ensure your elevator complies with public and state safety regulations.

Proper Operations

As an elevator makes several trips daily, it should be able to operate properly beyond going up and down the building shaft. You may need to call for repairs if you notice the door takes longer to open and close. Of course, the door may completely get stuck and not open or close at all. Be aware of whether the elevator isn’t stopping where it should. In other words, if the elevator is stopping between floors and opens up, that can be a major safety hazard as somebody could fall between the shafts. You should also pay attention to how the elevator moves in transit. Does the elevator appear to move in a jerking manner or a smooth one? If the elevator appears to go too fast or too slow, there may be a problem with the motor mechanism.

Panel Issues

For the elevator to know where to go, it needs a functioning control panel inside. In other words, when someone presses a button to go to the 4th, 5th, or 10th floor, the button should light up and go to the floors in order. If there is an issue with buttons responding to the operation, it's certainly time for a quick repair.

As you can see, elevators make several trips daily and every year. Elevators carry a lot of weight and provide an essential function for many residential and commercial buildings. That's why anyone in charge of a building with an elevator should pay attention to the problems noted above. Not getting timely elevator repairs can result in permit loss, expenses, transport downtime, and injury to riders. For expert elevator repairs and testing, you need professionals you can trust. It's essential to make sure the elevators in your building are being properly inspected, maintained, and cared for. Contact us today at Carlsen Elevator Service for assistance and learn how we can ensure your elevators continue to run smoothly.