UT Elevator is committed to educating the end-client about our product in efforts for them to make the most well-informed decision. We have taken frequently asked questions from previous clients and posted them here in this section for all to see. The FAQs are grouped into sections.

Installation FAQs

How long does a standard elevator installation take?
A standard installation takes one week given the prerequisites of hoistway being fully constructed and electrical power supplied are met. A standard installation refers to one that is not a custom-designed job.

How disruptive is an elevator installation?
This question refers to remodelling jobs where the occupant is living in the house as the installation is taking place. The house is completely liveable while installation is happening. We will work around your schedule to ensure we are not an inconvenience while we install your elevator. The maximum inconvenience will be occasional construction-level noises as the structural portion of the elevator is assembled.

Post-Installation FAQs

How safe are residential elevators?
Residential elevators are extremely safe. ASME 17.1 section 5.3 is the safety code set as the American National Standard pertaining to Private Residential Elevators. Our engineers and technicians at UT Elevator design, manufacture, and install the elevator in full compliance with this code. Our senior member sits on the CSA – Canadian Standards Association Committee and our company philosophy is dedicated to safety and excellence in the elevating field.

  -Safety features included:
Microprocessor fault detection and safety homing, Manual Lowering Valve (Hydraulic Elevator), Manual electric break release (MRL Traction Elevator), Overspeed Governor (MRL Traction Elevator), Rail gripping mechanical safeties, Terminal Limit Switches, Automatic Levelling, Pit Safety Switch (Optional), Car Buffer (Optional), Battery Backup (Uninterruptable Power Supply), and a Telephone located in car with regular phone access.

What sort of maintenance should I expect?
UT Elevator will refer you to qualified and authorized Elevator Maintenance companies that specialize in Residential Elevators. Generally there are 2-4 visits per year as part of preventative maintenance to complete standard system checks. Typical checks that take place in a maintenance session are: Checking door operation, Checking Car levelling, Lubricating parts and rails, and Cleaning pit of any collected debris or obstructions.

What do I do in the event of a power failure?
If equipped with a battery backup system, the elevator will move uninterrupted to a pre-designated safety floor for exiting and the car will not leave that floor until main power is restored. If not equipped with a battery backup system, the elevator can be manually lowered to the desired floor using a manual relief valve (for Hydraulic elevators) or a manual brake release (for MRL Traction elevators). All door interlocks are equipped with a manual override for easy exiting in case of power failure.

What level of noise am I to expect when the elevator runs?
Elevator operation is extremely quiet and is barely audible outside the hoistway. In the MRL unit, the loudest sound is the whirring of the hoisting machine as it turns. In a hydraulic elevator, there is slightly more noise as the machine is located in the pump unit which is external to the hoistway. This unit is normally installed in the garage or furnace room and is less obstructive than a washer or dryer.

Is there a chance of door opening while the elevator car is not at floor level?
No. The door interlocks that are installed and tested prevent hall (floor) doors from opening unless the elevator car is stopped at that floor.