MD Elevator Mechanic cheat sheet

ASME A17.1/CSA B44 is the model safety code adopted by reference in Maryland; ASME A17.3 governs existing (pre-code) installations.

ASME A17.2 is the inspection code: it defines the acceptance, periodic (Category 1 and Category 5), and witnessing test procedures a mechanic performs.

Category 1 periodic test: annually or as scheduled; Category 5: every 5 years and includes full-load brake, safety (governor-tripped), and buffer tests on traction elevators.

Governor trip speed must fall in the range 115%-140% of rated car speed for the safety device to be accepted.

Car and counterweight oil buffers: verify oil level and that the buffer returns fully within 90 seconds after compression; spring buffers require no oil.

Escalator acceptance requires brake stopping distance within the code table and no more than the specified handrail/step speed differential (handrail speed within -0/+2% of step speed).

Door closing force: kinetic energy limited to 3.5 ft-lbf (approx. 4.75 J) average and 7 ft-lbf peak, measured with the closed-door force gauge per A17.1.

Top-of-car clearance and pit depth must meet the code minimums for the rated speed; refuge space above the car and below the pit floor is mandatory.

Firefighters' Emergency Operation (Phase I/II) recall and in-car operation must be tested and documented at each periodic inspection.

Traction machine uses a grooved sheave and counterweight; roping factor 1:1 means car speed equals rope speed, 2:1 means car speed is half rope speed.

Counterweight = car weight + approximately 40-50% of rated load; balance determines motor sizing and brake duty.

Geared traction machines use worm gears; gearless (direct-drive) machines use a large sheave on the motor shaft for high-speed/high-rise duty.

Hydraulic (in-ground or holeless) systems use a power unit, jack, and plunger; relief valve setting must be 150%-200% of full-load pressure and no higher than the jack/cylinder rating.

Variable-voltage (Ward-Leonard) and ACVV/VVVF drives control acceleration; SCR and IGBT drives require proper grounding and harmonic mitigation.

Safety chain: governor, safety blocks, and rope equal to or greater than the suspension means; safety must stop and hold the car with rated load.

Escalator drive: motor, main brake, and a second (auxiliary) brake on the drive shaft required on newer units; step chain and skirt clearance are key wear points.

Electrical: three-phase motor rotation, correct fuse/breaker sizing per nameplate FLA, and a disconnecting means within sight of the controller are required.

Lockout/tagout: open the mainline disconnect, verify zero energy with a meter, and apply a personal lock before entering the pit or machine room.

Never work alone on top of a car; use the car-top operating station with inspection speed (typically 150 fpm max) and the stop switch within reach.

Pit entry: place the car at the top landing, use the pit stop switch, and keep the pit light on; never enter a pit with the car above without blocking.

Before jacking a hydraulic elevator, set the car on safeties or pipe stands; never rely on the power unit valve to hold the car.

Housekeeping: keep machine room and pit free of stored combustibles; code requires machine room temperature control and no sprinkler heads without shunt trip.

Maintenance records: log oil levels, brake wear, governor seal, rope condition (broken wire count per lay), and door operator adjustments at each visit.

Escalator comb and skirt inspection: check for missing teeth, step-to-skirt clearance, and handrail speed; remove debris from the comb pan.

Emergency: use the manual lowering valve for hydraulic entrapment and the manual brake release for traction; communicate with passengers before moving the car.

Elevator mechanics and contractors are licensed by the Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (Elevator Safety).

A licensed elevator mechanic may perform installation, alteration, maintenance, and repair; an apprentice must work under direct supervision of a licensed mechanic.

Continuing education is required for license renewal; the Division sets the credit hours and code-update content per renewal cycle.

Permits: a permit from the local jurisdiction (or the State for State-owned/State-regulated conveyances) is required before installing or altering an elevator or escalator.

Inspections: the licensed third-party inspector performs periodic inspections; the mechanic's company must correct violations and request reinspection within the time ordered.

License display and identification: the license number must be available on request; unlicensed practice is subject to civil penalties and license denial or revocation.

Reciprocity: Maryland may accept out-of-state credentials only where the Division has an approved agreement; verify before advertising services.

Reportable incidents: accidents causing injury or entrapment must be reported to the Division within the timeframe set by regulation; the conveyance may be locked out pending investigation.