What Does an Elevator and Escalator Repairer Do?

Two critical aspects of modern life are escalators and elevators. We often take them for granted, but it takes specialized knowledge and skill to maintain them for the public.

If you are interested in what is involved with elevator and escalator repair, this article provides a very brief overview. Whether you want to hire someone for the job or have the ambition to learn the trade, see below to learn more.

Career Overview

Professional elevator repairers may perform any of the following tasks:

  • They carry out preventative maintenance on escalators or elevators regularly according to legal guidelines and building regulations.
  • They test equipment before the first operation to ensure they fall under adequate safety standards.
  • They put together the elevator cars, platforms, doors and walls on site.
  • They provide troubleshooting for malfunctions in the system.
  • They install wiring to the control panel and motors.
  • They switch out parts that fail to maintain the full operation of the elevator or escalator.
  • They must know to read blueprints of the system and how to select the appropriate equipment for the job.
  • They document any repairs or service trips for future reference.

Usually, a person in this field will specialize in either maintenance, repairs or installation. They can work with escalators, chairlifts, moving walkways and elevators. However, repair and maintenance workers usually require more technical knowledge than installers. The reason is that maintenance and repair workers must know how to respond to various problems that involve electrical, hydraulic or general engineering know-how. As elevators rely more on computer programming to function, many installers and maintenance specialists must also have computer training.

The job of an elevator and escalator repairman is highly technical and takes years of training. If you are interested in working with elevators, you need to enroll in an apprenticeship program and have the mathematical, mechanical and reading aptitude necessary for the job.