Home Forums General Discussion Technical Questions 1947 Otis with Selector problem

I am brand-new to the forum. I'm a building owner in downtown L.A. Hoping that you can help in solving our elevator's selector problem.

1947 Otis, overhead traction
4 stops
2500 lbs. capacity
Machinery in good condition, considering age - not altered or "bastardized"
Selector type: "similar" to Otis 6104 Selector on Unitek website - "similar" but not a pie-plate
Problem Source: 100% pinpointed to Selector
Problem Description: goes to floor, seems to stop low, won't open, goes back to 1st Floor, then might go to any floor - and stops there, unopened.

Wow, 1947', you have gotten a lot of life out of this onld jewel. Elevators are nothing more than say a city bus, getting reliable and safe operation out of a 1947' city bus is not somthing I would even consider. Always remeber, the publics safety is the top priority here.

AJ, after 68 years I would recommend modernizing controls and selector at a minimum. VA Controls, MCE, Smartrise combined with an Interface Products Selector is an wonderful and reliable combination. There are other items that maybe required to be modernized depending on your jurisdictions codes pertaining to ADA and so forth once modernized. Currently I am sure you are covered by the grandfather clause until you modernize...it is inedible at some point.

AJ,

What is the controller model number?
What is your current elevator service company saying to you?
Are you considering modernizing your elevator?

Controller Serial No. 138251, Sales No. 231442 (have photo of plate, if needed)
Elevator service co. says problem pinpointed for-sure to Selector. Fix problem and the elevator should work fine. They suggested we post problem on Forum to see if there's someone who can help or trouble-shoot the issue.
(not considering modernizing elevator if this can be avoided - just want to get elevator back working)

AJ,

What state are you in?

The sales serial number would only be useful to Otis. The data tag on the controller will have the info I asked for. It's usually right under the sales and service number. Example, "TYPE 10UCL"

I am in California (Los Angeles).

Here's the additional info from the tag:
Type 20UCL
Volts 240
Cycle 60
Cont. Less Spool & Res. A2 105 R11

Look in the photo gallery.

what exactly is the problem with the selector? there are many parts on that selector. the description of the problem is vague, and definitely not enough info to give any advice. who is your service company? why would they ask you to post the question on how to fix the problem? Are they not the ones working on the unit? at least they could give more info. do they have the correct prints? not very many people left in los angeles that know how to fix elevators that old. If they have the print and are familiar with older otis, they should be able to at least give a better description. sounds like you need to get another company to come by and take a look. pm me and i can put you in touch with someone who can maybe help you

I agree Vator, I have guy only 45 minutes away in mind to recommend as well. I was just about to send him the info.

Be careful with the slate boards. They are full of asbestos if broken or drilled. It is mixed in with the Slate Material. Use the rare ingredient of Common Sense. 20-50 UCL is Slate Board Controllers.