Fire Service Mode - What Every Building with an Elevator Should Know.

Written By Sean McMannis

In our second series about elevator key switch operation, we will cover Fire Service. 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 FIRE SERVICE?

Fire Service is a safety feature designed to be used by fire fighters and other personnel in the event of an emergency. It allows the emergency personnel to enter a building, quickly assess the situation and take control of the elevator(s). Fire service was initially added to the 1973 code, which was adopted in Washington in 1982. The specific operation has changed over the years, but the core principle remains the same.

HOW DOES FIRE SERVICE WORK?

If there is a fire in the building, the fire panel will send a signal to the elevator to initiate Phase I of Fire Service. In Phase I, the elevator(s) recall to the main egress landing, indicated by a “*”. Once at the floor, the elevator will remain there with the doors open. The idea here is…the firefighters will rush into the building and can quickly see that no one is in the elevator. Phase I complete. Phase II allows emergency personnel to take control over the elevator, similar to Independent Service. See our blog about Independent Service.

HOW TO TEST FIRE SERVICE (2019 CODE)

  1. From the hall, insert the Fire Service key into the key switch. The Fire Service switch will have a red bezel. Turn from “OFF” to “ON”. The elevator is now on Phase I.

2. Newer elevators will have an indicator that will light up with a fireman’s hat, the elevator will buzz and recall to the main floor. When it arrives at the floor, it will remain there with the doors open. Leave the key switch in the “ON” position and remove the key.

3. Enter the car. The fireman’s hat will be illuminated.

4. The “Firefighters Operation” cabinet door will automatically open. If it doesn’t open, it can be opened using the same key.

5. Inside the cabinet is another red “Fire Operation” key switch.

6. Insert the same key, turn to “ON”. Now the elevator is on Phase II. It works like Independent Service. You select your floor, press the “CLOSE” button and the elevator will travel to the floor. You must press and hold the “OPEN” button to open the door. If you need to leave the car there (You wouldn’t. This only for emergency personnel. If “normal” people want to do this, you would use Independent Service.), move the key to “HOLD” and remove the key.

HOW TO RESET FIRE SERVICE

To return the elevator to automatic operation, perform the previous operation in reverse – Turn the key switch in the car from “ON” or “HOLD” to “OFF”. à Close the cabinet. à Return to the main floor and turn the hall key switch to “RESET” momentarily then “OFF”. à Remove the key. If you’ve done all of those steps, the fireman’s hats should not be lit, and the elevator should be working normally.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

In Washington, Fire Service must be tested quarterly. Any customer-focused elevator company (A-hem…Washington Elevator) will test it for you as a part of their service plan. But not all companies will. More importantly, if the elevator ever goes into fire service, it is important to know how to reset it to avoid a costly service call.

PRO TIPS…

  • If the elevator is stuck on the first floor with the doors open, check the Fire Service key switch position. They should all be “OFF”.

  • Fire hat lit? Elevator is on Fire Service. Use the steps above to reset it.

WHAT FIRE SERVICE KEY DO YOU NEED?

The 2007 version of code introduced a universal Fire Service key – FEO K1. Washington adopted this code in 2014. Prior to that, each manufacturer had their own key. 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 - H2389

  • TKE - L204

  • Otis – UTF

  • Schindler - AS100

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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Understanding Elevator Key Switches - Elevator Independent Service Explained!