Elevators are crucial for allowing residents in multi-story Deerfield Beach buildings to easily access all floors. When elevators aren’t properly maintained, it can cause major headaches and safety issues. Regular inspections by qualified professionals are key to keeping Deerfield Beach Elevators running smoothly.
Why Elevator Inspections Matter
Routine inspections ensure that all mechanical, electrical, and structural components of elevators are functioning as designed. Inspectors check for wear and tear, identify potential problems early, and recommend repairs and replacements before issues arise.
Without regular inspections, small problems can become big ones. Elevator breakdowns cause inconvenience and can even trap passengers inside. Worst case scenario, faulty elevators can malfunction and cause injury.
No one wants to walk up 10 flights of stairs every day because the elevator in their building is out of service. Regular inspections prevent these headaches.
Standards and Codes for Inspections
There are several standards and codes that apply to elevator inspections in Deerfield Beach:
- Florida Elevator Safety Code – Provides minimum safety standards for all elevators in Florida. Based on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
- National Electric Code – Contains guidelines related to elevator electrical components.
- ASME A17.1 – Safety standards for elevator design, construction, operation, and inspection.
- ASME A17.2 – Guide for inspection of elevators, escalators, and moving walks.
- Miami-Dade County Code – Extra standards and requirements for buildings in Miami-Dade county.
Elevator inspectors review components like doors, lighting, controls, ventilation, and more to check compliance with all applicable codes.
How Often Inspections Are Needed
The Florida Elevator Safety Code requires routine inspections of elevators based on:
- Category 1 – Passenger elevators in residential buildings must be inspected annually.
- Category 3 – Service elevators in residential buildings must be inspected every 3 years.
- Category 5 – Other elevators must be inspected annually.
So if you live in a Deerfield Beach condo or apartment building, the passenger and service elevators should be inspected yearly and every 3 years respectively.
Immediate re-inspection is required if an elevator fails inspection or after major repairs. Areas impacted by hurricanes also often require re-inspection afterward.
What’s Checked During an Inspection
A complete elevator inspection examines all aspects of the equipment. Here are some key components the inspector will look at:
- Cables, pulleys, and sheaves – Checks for wear or damage. Lubrication needs.
- Door systems – Tests door operation and safety features to ensure proper opening and closing.
- Guide rails – Looks for proper alignment and security.
- Interior cabs – Checks for damage, vandalism, proper lighting, ventilation.
- Controls and safety devices – Tests buttons, switches, sensors. Makes sure emergency features function.
- Electrical – Verifies proper wiring, grounding, breakers, circuits.
- Shaftways and pits – Checks clearances, integrity of walls, no debris buildup.
- Drive and motor equipment – Checks proper performance and maintenance needs.
- Structural supports – Verifies no cracks or deterioration that could impact safety.
The inspector will test the elevator empty and with loads to check operation in all use cases.
Using a Qualified Elevator Inspector
Not just anyone can perform an elevator inspection. Florida law requires inspectors to be certified as a Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) through an exam administered by the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESAI).
QEIs have demonstrated knowledge on codes, standards, elevator components, and inspection procedures. They have access to proper tools and equipment. Look for a QEI certificiation when hiring an elevator inspection company.
There are several firms that employ QEIs and perform reliable inspections across the Deerfield Beach area, including:
- Excel Elevator Inspections
- DEKRA Elevator Inspections
- Central Advanced Inspections
- South Florida Elevator Inspections
These companies and qualified independant inspectors are familiar with local codes and common issues in Deerfield Beach elevators.
What Happens After an Inspection
Once an inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed inspection report. The inspector will note any code violations, worn components, or other issues found.
Parts that are near the end of their service life may be flagged for preventive replacement even if not outright failing yet. The goal is to identify problems before they cause a breakdown.
Any issues that impact safety must be corrected quickly, often within days of the inspection. Other less serious issues come with a deadline for repairs, such as 30 days.
It’s essential to complete repairs in a timely manner to keep the elevator in compliance. The inspector may have to schedule a follow-up inspection afterward to verify issues are resolved.
Maintain Your Deerfield Beach Elevators
Don’t wait for an entrapment or injury to realize there are problems with your building’s elevators. Schedule inspections proactively based on Florida law requirements. Ask the inspector about appropriate maintenance plans as well.
Rely on qualified elevator inspection companies that thoroughly check all key components. Complete recommended repairs as soon as possible. With proper routine inspections, your Deerfield Beach Elevators will keep residents moving safely and conveniently for many years.