| Elevator construction Most elevator installers and repairers gain their skills by completing four year training programs that consists of both coursework and practical instruction. Prospects for those entering the industry are expected to be mediocre. People can maximize their opportunities by getting advanced degrees in electronics. This occupation is less dependent on weather conditions than other occupations in the construction industry, so the work is more stable. Career Overview  Elevator construction Workers in this area, who are variously called elevator installers, constructors, repairers, or mechanics, are involved putting elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving sidewalks Elevator construction, and other equipment in structures. After they’ve installed the equipment their work consists of performing maintenance and repair work too. They might also update equipment as it becomes broken-down or outdated Elevator construction. This work requires a comprehensive knowledge of electrical systems, physics, and electronics as most of this equipment uses computerized or electronic controls Elevator construction. Many of these use microprocessors which gather information and assess flow of foot traffic to see how the equipment can be used the most effectively.  Installation of a new elevator starts with detailed specifications. Installers read these and then plan placement of rails, mechanisms, spaces for cars, cylinders, hydraulic pumps, and foundations Elevator construction. Next installers begin actually putting in equipment. They spend a lot of their time on scaffolds or stands inside the shafts where they secure rails made out of steel to the sides of shaft for the elevator to run along. The next step is to work on the electrical system. They begin by installing conduit, a special type of tubing, on the sides of the shaft from one floor to the next. After the conduit is positioned, Elevator construction installers thread wires through it and put in other electrical parts like control panels on every floor and a master control panel for the whole building. Next, installers fuse together the steel frame of an elevator car, and then assemble the rest of the car’s floor, walls, and door panels. After the car is put together they secure guiding shoes and wheels to sides of the car to ensure a smooth ride Elevator construction. They finish by installing the frames and doors at the entrances to the elevators on each floor.  Some elevators use cables. These elevators involve a machine, some types of which use gears and some types of which do not, and require a traction drive wheel that controls the thick steel cables Elevator construction that run from the elevator car to the counterweight. The counterweight balances the weight of elevator car which lessens the amount of weight the motor has to lift. Other elevators use hydraulic power. These elevators rest on a plunger that is powered by a heavy pump, Elevator construction which operates on the same principle as your car jack. Some workers are involved in the installation of escalators. They position the steel frame, the individual steps, the tracks, and the various parts of machinery and electronics Elevator construction. Workers might also work with other equipment like industrial elevators, moving sidewalks, dumbwaiters, and equipment for making structures handicapped accessible.  Experienced elevated installers and repairers can become adjusters who make final adjustments to the equipment after it has been installed Elevator construction. They ensure that all the equipment is working smoothly and as planned Elevator construction. After it is up and running, elevators require periodic maintenance like oiling, replacing parts, and checking for potential problems. Workers then take preventative measures and may be called in when problems do occur. Most major repairs like installing new cables or doors are done by a service team. Major repairs often require heavy equipment like blowtorches or rigging that an average installer doesn’t have. Service teams might also do remodeling work on older buildings like installing new machinery or pumps Elevator construction. The majority of workers in this area usually focus on one area: maintaining existing equipment, installing new equipment, or repairing Elevator construction. Individuals who specialize in maintaining or repairing need to know more about electrical systems because a lot of their time will be spent pinpointing specific problems Elevator construction. Adjusters also need to know a lot about computers and electrical systems to do their job effectively. Generally elevator installers and maintainers work normal hours, though this may not always be case. For instance they may have to work overtime to make repairs in busy establishments. Some repairers may be on call around the clock even if they only work a normal eight hours. Installers usually work in teams Elevator construction, but maintainers usually work alone. They usually have a few elevators on their rotation that they consistently maintain, check, and repair over long periods of time. This work can be hazardous. Workers need to transport heavy material and equipment, and may have to work in confined spaces like shafts Elevator construction. They risk injury from falling, electrical shock Elevator construction, and muscle injuries. Since most work is completed inside, workload is less dependent on weather conditions than in other occupations in the construction industry. |