FAQ’s

MRL (Machine-Room-Less) elevators are installed with the machine in the hoistway and the control equipment usually located in a small room or closet off to the side. MRL elevators are much less expensive than a normal traction elevator, however they are more expensive than the typical hydraulic elevator. Also, many of the MRL elevators available today are proprietary equipment. As with any product, there are benefits and draw backs to the MRL elevator’s design. Call us to discuss this in farther detail.

No. Unlike many of the larger elevator companies, Landmark Elevator’s products are all completely non-proprietary and can be serviced by any trained elevator personnel. This means that all parts, information, and even tech support is available to other companies if they need it to work on our equipment. We believe that an owner of elevator equipment should keep Landmark Elevator, Inc. as their service provider after the initial installation because of our superior service, not because we own proprietary rights to the software or service tools. This also helps to keep maintenance costs down for the owner because everyone has to compete for your business on a level playing field. Please visit the NAEC for more information on this subject: www.naecd.comd.com

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On average a home elevator can be installed in the same amount of space as a standard closet. Most often accommodating up to 15 square feet of usable floor space which is the largest allowed by building code. Contact us to help design an elevator to fit your specific needs.

Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible for the states to regulate home elevator installations. Therefore, the responsibility of making sure residential elevators are safe and code compliant falls on the owner. The best way for a homeowner to handle this is to let the installer know up front that you will require the elevator to pass a third party inspection prior to final payment. The installer can make arrangements to have the inspection performed and include it in their price, however it is better if you contract an inspector independently.

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LU/LA stands for Limited Use/Limited Application. This is essentially a small elevator that requires less space, less power, and is not required to have the fire recall function of a full sized elevator. The application is limited to 25 feet of travel, 1400 lbs. capacity, and a speed of 30 feet per minute.

Limited Use/Limited Application (LULA) elevators are slightly less expensive, but usually this type of equipment is installed to save building space, reduce power consumption, or to greatly reduce the pit depth or the overhead clearances required.

Yes. The ASME A17.1 does require elevators to be maintained by “elevator personnel”. If your jurisdiction is enforcing the 2010 version of the code or later, you are also responsible to have a Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) for your equipment.

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The code states that this should be determined by the age and use of the equipment. Before signing a maintenance contract, be sure that the contract stipulates an exact number of services that you will be receiving and avoid words like “periodically” or “systematically” which allows the service company to come as they see fit, regardless of how many times you pay each year. Also, you may want to specify a minimum amount of time for each service per elevator on your contract. You have a right to know exactly what you are paying for before you sign a long-term maintenance contract.

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It is vitally important, as a building owner, that you regularly review your service contract. Be aware of the limitations, and the requirements for cancelling. Many elevator service contracts are long-term and difficult to cancel. Often, larger companies require 90 days cancellation notice in the form of a certified letter prior to the contract end date, or your contract automatically renews. Contact us for more information on this topic.

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This is a program that is outlined in Section 8 of the ASME A17.1 code that stipulates some basic general requirements for elevator maintenance and record keeping. An MCP is required to be kept onsite and accessible to elevator personnel. It should include all information necessary to maintain, service and repair the elevator equipment on site.

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The litter law is that which states new elevators installed in Maryland must be able to accommodate a full-sized rescue litter in the horizontal position. This law does not apply to 2 story elevators, or elevators being installed into an existing building. Click here to read more about the law.

Currently, the ASME A17.1-2013 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators is enforced in Maryland. The new code book is due to be released in 2016, and it is expected that Maryland will adopt the new code soon thereafter.

For Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairs, Maryland is currently enforcing ASME A18.1-2014.

No. The third party inspection can only be performed by a QEI certified inspector that is licensed by the state of Maryland and is not affiliated with any elevator service providers. For more information: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/elev.html

http://www.dllr.state.md.us/forms/elevqeiinspectlist.pdf

The property owner is expected to make arrangements with a 3rd party inspector of their choice. The elevator service company cannot hire a 3rd party inspector for the owner, as this is considered to be a conflict of interest by the state.

The State of Maryland has a list of licensed inspectors on their website; http://www.dllr.state.md.us/forms/

Maryland now requires owners to re-register their elevator each year. Ninety days before an elevator’s certificate expires, the owner will be notified of the requirement to obtain an inspection from a 3rd party inspector. The 3rd party inspector will then submit his or her findings to the state.

The state of Maryland does not require inspections or licenses for elevators installed in single family dwellings. However, you should have your unit serviced and checked at least once per year.

West Virginia is currently enforcing the 2013 edition of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, as well as the 2014 editions of ASME A17.2 Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks, and ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts. These changes became effective May 1, 2016. The new rules apply to new installations of elevator equipment. Existing elevator equipment must meet the requirements of the code under which it was installed. For more information, visit the West Virginia Division of Labor website.

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West Virginia requires elevator equipment to be inspected on an annual basis. Inspections are carried out by private third-party inspectors. The West Virginia Department of Labor maintains authority over elevator installations throughout the state.