Understanding Elevator Key Switches - Elevator Independent Service Explained!

Written By Sean McMannis

If you manage a commercial or residential building in Tacoma, Olympia, Seattle, Everett, or the surrounding areas, understanding how to properly operate your elevator can save you thousands in maintenance and repair costs.

WHAT IS INDEPENDENT SERVICE?
Independent service operation gives control of the elevator to the operator. Allowing the operator to move the car and open/close the doors. When the elevator is on Independent Service, it ignores all hall calls. In other words, it won’t respond to hall buttons pressed outside the car.

WHY USE INDEPENDENT SERVICE?
One major cause of costly service calls and repairs is when the elevator doors are held open too long or knocked off track. This can be prevented by using Independent Service operation. If you're a building owner or manager in Everett, Seattle, Tacoma or Olympia areas, establishing a procedure on how to use or when to temporarily issue Independent Service keys can significantly reduce wear and tear on your elevators. This best practice is valuable in high-traffic buildings, such as apartment or condominium complexes and office buildings especially for move-ins/outs or loading large equipment.

HOW DOES INDEPENDENT SERVICE WORK?
It’s important to note that not all elevators are the same. There might be some slight variation from elevator to elevator. Older elevators found in many Everett and Tacoma buildings, will not have a service cabinet inside the car operating panel (COP). Instead, the key switch will be located on the car operating panel. But this should give you a general idea of how it works.

In the example below, the elevator is newly installed (2019 code) with Independent Service behind a locked service cabinet. Start by using your Independent Service key to open the service cabinet.

Remove the key from the door and insert it into the Independent Service key switch. Behind the door will be various switches.

Turn the key to the “On” position. You now have control of the elevator. Do you feel the power!?!

Select the floor you want to travel to by pressing the appropriate button. If the doors are open, you will need to close them by pressing and holding the “Door Close” button first.

Once the doors close, the elevator will travel to the selected floor. At the floor, you might need to press and hold the door open button. The elevator will remain at the floor with the doors open until someone closes the door or turns off Independent Service.

When you’re done, turn the Independent Service key switch to the “OFF” position. The elevator will return to automatic operation. Remove the key, close the service cabinet door and celebrate!

It’s that simple! See how this could be beneficial when trying to load a couch into the elevator?

PRO TIPS…

  • Be sure to turn Independent Service “OFF” when you’re done.

  • Elevator not responding? Make sure the key switch is in the “OFF” position before you call your service provider. It’s always best to avoid extra charges, especially for something so simple.

  • You know your building best. Decide who has access to Independent Service keys and how you will check them out. Movers should always use Independent Service to avoid major repairs like mis-aligning the door or burning up the door motor.

  • Not sure what key to use? I’ll list common keys below.

WHAT INDEPENDENT SERVICE KEY DO YOU NEED?

Keys vary by manufacturer. Here’s a list of common options. If you’re not sure, contact me, your service provider, or consult www.elevatorkeys.com. In Seattle, many keys are carried at the Watson Security Belltown location.

  • Dover - H1846

  • TKE - L203

  • Otis - UTA

  • Innovation - EX513

  • MAD - X4001

At Washington Elevator, we are your locally owned expert when it comes to elevator maintenance and repair services for buildings across Everett, Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia, serving the greater Puget Sound area. Do you need help with elevator Independent Service setup or how to reduce elevator costs? Additional questions? Contact Sean today! We’re proud to be your trusted elevator experts in Western Washington.

Sean McMannis

There is nothing that Sean enjoys more than helping a customer solve an elevator issue. Since 2008, he has witnessed a deterioration in the services provided throughout the industry. Sean prides himself on being responsive and honest. He takes the time to educate elevator owners and help them understand their options. After spending time at various elevator companies, Sean joined Washington Elevator because he believes building owners and managers crave a company focused on people, not profits.

With more than 15 years of elevator experience, Sean’s goal is to proactively address all elevator issues so that you can focus on your business.

When Sean isn’t helping customers, you can find him playing on the soccer field, cheering on the Sounders and enjoying activities with his wife and their two young kids.

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