Hi again,

I have a question about whether we need to perform an elaborate load test every 5 years.

We are a 5 story building in Illinois with an Otis traction elevator built in the early 1930s.

We do the state inspection every year, which is expensive enough.

The issue of a more elaborate "full load safety" test comes up every 5 years. I can't find where this is mandated in Illinois.

Can someone clarify this for me? Is this a state mandated test/inspection every 5 years? Or is this an optional/recommended thing?

Thanks!
-sr

The state of IL does require the 5 year full load tests. If you look on their website: http://www.sfm.illinois.gov/commercial/elevators/faqElevators.aspx under codes adopted by the state of IL you will see that ASME A17.1-2007/CSA B44-07 is the latest edition of code that has been adopted, although the 5 year full load testing has been part of the code really since the beginning of time. But in a lot of areas in IL code has not been enforced until fairly recently. So if you look under the latest addition of code enforced by the state fire marshal it is required.

As an owner of an 84 year old elevator, I would think you should welcome a 5 year test. From a user safety standpoint, do you not want to be assured your 84 year old equipment is safe. As for the expense, think of the money you have saved by having an 84 year old elevator.

Thanks guys -- very much appreciated.
Could you venture a ballpark estimate for what we should expect to pay to perform the 5-year load test?

Where is the elevator located in IL?

It depends on capacity, speed, accesibility of elevator with weights. If the annual wasn't done then that will have to be done also, as the tests check different items. Hopefully you equipment is well maintained and lubricated, so the safties work correctly the first time. I'm assuming your safties are instantaneous,and the speed is less than 200fpm. With that being said it should be fine. That stuff was built good but things wear and deteriorate with age, This is when its found, so always be prepared for a repair, if that happens. Nothing against the big4, but a reputable (UNION, I'm union gotta say it)independent might be worthwhile. Get some references, get three bids. I don't know wage rates in IL, but in WI $1800-$2700 depending on the above mentioned.

If we were talking about the price of umbrellas, you could manage with out it. But we are not talking about umbrellas!

Let me ask, do you ever ride this elevator? Do you want to be the one who has to inform someone's parent, spouse or children they lost a loved because you didn't want to spend the money to ensure their safety? Imagine your own family having that news.

When you look at how much you will spend for this service, isn't it worth spending the less then 15 cents a day?

For those who are trying to convince me that we should run the 5-year tests because it would be dangerous to ride the elevator if we don't -- there's no point in trying to convince me -- it's irrelevant whether i'm convinced, right? If the code requires it we have to do it, then we don't have a choice do we -- or is there something i'm missing?

The elevator is up to code and we have the annual inspections performed every year. we recently added emergency lighting and communication to the elevator.

My main concern is trying to manage the elevator maintenance and testing costs since it's something that gets very little use in the building, and operates quite reliably.

We are in Champaign, IL -- if someone here services the area or knows someone who does, please message me -- I'd love to be able to compare some quotes.

Some more details: It's an Otis traction elevator, from early 1930s; capacity is 2000 pounds. As I said, we pass our annual inspections and just brought the elevator up to current code.

That seems really high to me just to run the test and pay for the inspector -- even given union rates, no? Hey I know everyone has to make a living but we're talking about a few hours of labor, right?

The reason this test might seem more expensive than your annual is the company performing the test will have to haul out test weights from there nearest shop which could be some what far away. Also the 5 year test will require 2 guys to perform many of the test procedures that are not performed on an annual test such as spinning the governor to check trip speeds. With the additional items that are tested during a 5 year it will also take more time which translates into to more labor. It use to be common practice to figure 4 hours for 2 guys to do the test which doesn't include drive time. Also consider most companies use 500lb weight carts which in some cases can take quite a bit of time just to get from the truck to the elevator.

Being that your located fairly close to Peoria I know each of the "Big Four" national companies have field offices in Peoria so I would think each one would be happy to provide a quote.

Thanks Abe -- I appreciate your replies. I will contact them.

Please forgive me, sometimes I come across to strong. You are correct when it comes to the code, it is not relevant if I have convinced you. I was hoping that you would recognize the importance of the full load safety test you have inquired about. It maybe that I am too much of an idealist. I'm glad to see you are willing to adhere to what the code requires.

No worries -- we all get passionate about our areas of expertise -- and I appreciate all the replies.