MD Elevator Mechanic key terms

The consensus safety standard adopted by reference in Maryland that sets minimum design, construction, installation, operation, testing, and maintenance requirements for elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks.

The standard that governs required retrofits and upgrades to older elevators and escalators not covered by the current A17.1 new-installation requirements, addressing items such as door restrictors, car lighting, and emergency communication.

The process by which Maryland incorporates national consensus codes into enforceable state regulation; only the edition and amendments formally adopted by the state have legal force on a job site.

The Maryland official or agency responsible for enforcing the elevator code, reviewing plans, issuing permits, witnessing tests, and approving equipment for use in a specific jurisdiction.

The document issued by the state or local authority permitting an elevator or escalator to be operated; it is tied to current inspections and tests and may be revoked when equipment is unsafe.

Recurring code-required tests of elevator safety devices. Category 1 tests are performed at shorter intervals and cover devices such as door interlocks and final limits; Category 5 tests are more comprehensive and less frequent, including rated-load and governor-tripping checks.

A code-required test performed in the presence of an authorized inspector or AHJ representative, with results documented and signed, so that compliance with safety-device performance criteria is independently verified.

Electromechanical devices that prevent the car from moving unless every hoistway door and the car door are closed and locked, and that prevent a door from opening while the car is away from the landing.

A device that limits how far a hoistway door can be opened at a landing when no car is present, reducing the risk of a person falling into the hoistway.

The car speed at which the overspeed governor activates and, through the safety mechanism, stops and holds the car; the value is set by code relative to rated speed and verified during testing.

Mechanical gripping devices mounted on the car frame that clamp the guide rails when the governor trips or a slack-rope condition occurs, stopping and holding the car.

An energy-absorbing device at the bottom of the hoistway that decelerates a descending car or counterweight beyond its normal travel, either spring-return, oil, or a reduced-stroke type depending on rated speed.

A weighted assembly connected to the car by hoist ropes that balances most of the car load, reducing motor effort and improving traction and ride quality.

A roped elevator in which a motor-driven sheave relies on friction between the sheave and hoist ropes to move the car, typically with a counterweight and machine room or machine-room-less configuration.

An elevator in which a power unit pumps oil into a cylinder to raise the car and controlled valving lowers it; travel height and speed are limited compared with traction equipment.

A traction elevator whose driving machine and controller are mounted in the hoistway or a small adjacent space rather than a dedicated machine room, requiring specific maintenance access and clearances.

The cabinet housing relays, contactors, drives, and logic that govern elevator motion, door operation, and safety circuits; it must remain sealed and accessible only to authorized personnel.

A motor control that varies voltage and frequency to regulate traction motor torque and speed, producing smooth acceleration and deceleration and precise leveling at a landing.

The automatic positioning of the car floor within a small tolerance of the landing sill so passengers can board and exit safely; excessive leveling error is a code concern.

Vertical steel members that constrain car and counterweight travel and provide the surface the safeties grip; alignment, plumb, and bracket spacing affect ride quality and safety performance.

The steel wire ropes carrying the car and counterweight; individual rope tensions must be equalized and wear or broken wires monitored so no single rope is overloaded.

The toothed comb at each landing that meshes with the step tread cleats to prevent objects from being drawn into the step-to-plate gap; damaged teeth are a common stop-switch trip and safety hazard.

The side panel along the moving steps and the guard mounted on it that reduce the gap where shoes or clothing can become entrapped; gap limits are specified by code.

The moving handrail that riders hold, together with the guard at the newel that blocks fingers from entering the drive opening; handrail speed must track step speed within tolerance.

The individual moving tread units of an escalator, whose cleats interlock with the comb and whose missing or worn parts create trip hazards and require prompt replacement.

A procedure for isolating all energy sources, applying personal locks and tags, and verifying zero energy before servicing equipment so machinery cannot be started unexpectedly.

The main power switch supplying an elevator or escalator, which must be opened and locked out during maintenance and which is distinct from the separate lighting and pit receptacle circuits.

The space below the lowest landing containing buffers, sheaves, and stop switches, accessed by a fixed ladder; pit lighting, a pit switch, and a means of egress are required.

Procedures and devices, such as top-of-car inspection stations, hoistway access switches, and fall-protection equipment, that let mechanics work in or on the car safely while preventing unintended movement.

A restricted mode in which the car runs at reduced speed under the direct control of a mechanic, with normal operation disabled, used during maintenance and testing.

The documented steps for communicating with passengers trapped in a stalled car and safely moving them to a landing without forcing doors or having untrained people enter the hoistway.

The code-required means, such as an intercom or phone, for a passenger trapped in a car to reach a continuously staffed response point; it must remain powered and be tested regularly.

A written, code-recognized program that specifies periodic examination, cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment tasks for each unit, with records showing the work was performed as scheduled.

On-site or electronic documentation of inspections, repairs, tests, and callbacks for a unit; it must be current and available to the inspector and is evidence of required maintenance.

A notice that a unit is unsafe and must not be used until specified repairs are completed and accepted; operation while tagged can lead to enforcement action and license consequences.

The credential issued by the state that authorizes a person to perform elevator and escalator installation, maintenance, and repair work; working without it or outside its scope is a violation.

The periodic requirement to renew a Maryland mechanic license, pay fees, and complete approved continuing education so the license stays active and the holder remains current on code changes.

The limits on tasks that unlicensed or apprentice personnel may perform under supervision, such as assisting a licensed mechanic but not independently testing or signing off safety devices.

The state and local rules requiring elevator contractors to hold the proper license and to obtain permits before installation or alteration work, with inspections at defined stages.

The administrative process by which Maryland investigates complaints, suspends or revokes licenses, imposes fines, and provides the licensee an opportunity to respond and appeal.