How to Be Elevator/Escalator Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Elevator/Escalator Technician is a profession that is essential to keeping buildings safe and operational. This job requires extensive knowledge of how these systems work and the ability to diagnose and repair any problems. By ensuring that elevators and escalators are in good working order, they can help prevent accidents and injuries.

In addition, they can also help save energy costs by ensuring that these systems are running efficiently. As a result, Elevator/Escalator Technicians play an important role in the safety and efficiency of buildings, making them a valuable asset to any organization.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer to hire elevator and escalator technicians who have graduated from high school or the equivalent.
Pursue a postsecondary education. An associate's degree in elevator technology, electronics or electronics technology can give applicants a competitive edge when applying for positions as an elevator or escalator technician.
Get an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships in elevator installation and repair usually involve completing a period of on-the-job training in addition to classroom studies.
Become certified. The National Association of Elevator Contractors offers certification for elevator and escalator technicians. Certification requires passing a written exam and proving work experience.
Join a professional organization. Professional organizations such as the National Association of Elevator Contractors provide continuing education opportunities for elevator and escalator technicians, as well as access to industry news and information.

Staying ahead and competent as an elevator/escalator technician requires a combination of technical knowledge, experience, and dedication. The more knowledge and skills a technician has, the better prepared they are to handle the challenges of the job. Therefore, taking the initiative to stay up to date on industry trends and new technologies is essential.

having the right tools and equipment is critical for success. By investing in equipment that is up to date, technicians can have access to the latest diagnostic and repair techniques. Finally, technicians must stay dedicated to their work and be willing to put in extra effort to ensure the highest quality of service.

With a commitment to excellence and a willingness to invest in the right resources, an elevator/escalator technician can stay ahead and remain competent.

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Job Description

Install, inspect, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and related equipment in accordance with local and national codes and safety regulations.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair malfunctioning equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals.
Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on equipment to ensure safe operation.
Assemble, install, and adjust new or replacement components.
Inspect parts for defects and replace worn or broken components using hand tools.
Test safety mechanisms and verify proper operation.
Monitor and adjust operating speed and performance of elevators, escalators, and other equipment as necessary.
Record maintenance activities in logbooks or computerized systems.
Respond to emergency calls and repair breakdowns as quickly as possible.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems
Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and blueprints
Familiarity with safety and regulatory codes
Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex elevator and escalator systems
Knowledge of maintenance techniques and procedures
Ability to use hand and power tools safely
Excellent time management and communication skills
Ability to work independently and in a team
Strong problem-solving skills
Knowledge of computer systems and software applications

Being an effective Elevator/Escalator Technician requires a number of skills and abilities. One of the most important skills to have is problem-solving. The ability to think critically and analyze a situation in order to identify the root cause of any issue is essential.

With this skill, Elevator/Escalator Technicians can identify the necessary steps to take to resolve any issue or malfunction, as well as use their knowledge of the equipment and its components to prevent any future malfunctions. Furthermore, communication skills are key for any technician, as they must be able to explain complex issues to customers and colleagues in a clear and concise manner. strong attention to detail is crucial for a technician, as they must be able to inspect the elevators and escalators on a regular basis to ensure that they are safe, compliant with regulations, and functioning correctly.

Finally, having mechanical and electrical skills is also important, as technicians must be able to repair and maintain the equipment. The combination of these skills makes an effective Elevator/Escalator Technician.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with elevators and escalators?
What safety and maintenance protocols have you been trained to use?
How do you troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems in elevators and escalators?
What is your experience with reading blueprints and schematics?
Describe a recent project you completed involving elevators or escalators.
What tools and equipment do you regularly use when servicing elevators and escalators?
How do you stay current with new technologies and industry developments?
What strategies do you use to keep up with preventative maintenance schedules?
What do you consider to be the most important safety regulations when working with elevators and escalators?
Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem while working with an elevator or escalator.

Common Tools in Industry

Cable Cutters. Used to cut through cable insulation and wires. (e. g. Klein Tools 8-1/2 in. Cable Cutters)
Power Drill. A tool used for drilling holes in various materials. (e. g. Black+Decker 18V Cordless Drill/Driver)
Torque Wrench. A tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to a bolt or nut. (e. g. Craftsman 1/2 in. Drive Click Torque Wrench)
Hex Key Set. A set of tools used to tighten and loosen hex bolts, screws, and nuts. (e. g. Stanley 13 Piece Hex Key Set)
Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance in an electronic circuit. (e. g. Fluke Digital Multimeter)
Wire Strippers. Used to strip the insulation from electrical wires. (e. g. Klein Tools Wire Strippers)
Screwdrivers. Used to drive screws into materials like wood and metal. (e. g. Stanley 8-in-1 MultiBit Screwdriver)
Pliers. Used to grip, twist, and cut wires, nuts, and bolts. (e. g. Channellock 9-Piece Pliers Set)
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join metals by melting a filler material that bonds the two pieces together. (e. g. Weller Digital Soldering Station)
Crimping Tool. A tool used to crimp connectors onto wires in order to create electrical connections. (e. g. GreenLee Crimping Tool)

Professional Organizations to Know

Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF)
International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC)
National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)
International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
Elevator and Escalator Maintenance Association (EEMA)
National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESA)
Association of Vertical Transportation Professionals (AVTP)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Elevator U International (EUI)
World Elevator & Escalator Expo (WEE)

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Common Important Terms

Elevator and Escalator Safety. Refers to the measures taken to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of elevators and escalators.
Elevator Mechanic. A person who is responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of elevators and escalators.
UL 325. UL 325 is a safety standard set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) that provides guidelines for the installation and operation of elevators, escalators, and other related products.
National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP). A training program designed to provide instruction in the safe operation and maintenance of elevators and escalators.
Elevator Maintenance Log. A log which records any maintenance or repairs done on an elevator or escalator over a certain period of time.
Elevator Code. A set of laws and regulations that govern the installation, operation, and maintenance of elevators and escalators.
Electrical Code. A set of rules and regulations that govern the installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical systems, including elevators and escalators.
OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency responsible for enforcing safety regulations in the workplace, including those related to elevators and escalators.
NFPA. The National Fire Protection Association is a non-profit organization that provides standards for the design, installation, and operation of elevators, escalators, and other related products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Elevator/Escalator Technician?

An Elevator/Escalator Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing and testing elevators, escalators and other lifting devices to ensure safe and efficient operation.

What qualifications are needed to become an Elevator/Escalator Technician?

To become an Elevator/Escalator Technician, you typically need to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as specialized training in electrical, mechanical and safety systems. You may also need to be certified in your state or local area.

What kind of tools do Elevator/Escalator Technicians use?

Elevator/Escalator Technicians use a variety of tools and equipment, including power tools, measuring devices, safety harnesses, electrical testing equipment and hydraulic jacks.

What is the average salary of an Elevator/Escalator Technician?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Elevator/Escalator Technicians in the United States is $53,420.

What are some of the risks associated with working as an Elevator/Escalator Technician?

Some of the risks associated with working as an Elevator/Escalator Technician include physical strain from manual labor, possible exposure to hazardous materials, and the potential for falls and other injuries from working at heights.

Web Resources

ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN www.harryfultz.edu.al
Elevator and Escalator Services | Columbia | Operations operations.cufo.columbia.edu
ELEVATOR TECHNICIAN III [N17EL3] - USM Non-Exempt Job www.usmd.edu