Master Craftsmen - Elevator Installation

Summary

In this episode of 'Master Craftsmen,' viewers are taken through the intricate process of elevator installation by Island Elevator in a commercial building. The video emphasizes the critical role of precision in installing rail brackets, the backbone of the elevator system, and the importance of teamwork among various trades. It showcases the assembly of the elevator car, the installation of doors, and the complex wiring required for operation. The episode concludes with a rigorous inspection process to ensure safety and compliance, highlighting the skills and craftsmanship behind making buildings accessible and elevating our daily lives.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The episode of Master Craftsmen focuses on the installation of elevators and the precision required in the process.
• 🏗️ Elevators have revolutionized building construction, allowing taller buildings and easier accessibility for everyone, including people with disabilities.
• 🛠️ The installation process starts with aligning and installing rail brackets, which must be aligned to a tolerance of 1/64 of an inch for safety.
• 🧰 The guide rails, similar to train tracks, must be installed perfectly to prevent the elevator from derailing.
• 📏 Precise measurement is critical in every step of the installation, from aligning rails to setting up entrances and doors.
• 👷 Elevator installation involves coordination between various trades, including Masons, steelworkers, electricians, and fire safety vendors.
• ⚙️ The car sling forms the platform's foundation and needs to be perfectly square and aligned with the Pistons and rails.
• 🚪 After the structural elements are in place, doors, cabs, and control systems are installed and fine-tuned for smooth operation.
• 🔌 The electrical system, which includes both high-voltage power and low-voltage control wiring, is key to ensuring elevator safety and functionality.
• 🔍 A final inspection involving over 150 tests ensures that all systems, safety devices, and components comply with code before the elevator is operational.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the episode of Master Craftsmen?

The episode focuses on the installation of an elevator in a commercial building by Island Elevator, highlighting the precision and skill required for such a project.

How has the invention of the elevator changed the world, according to the host?

The elevator has allowed buildings to grow taller and has made upper floors accessible to people, including those with disabilities, making modern life more convenient.

What is the role of the rail brackets in the elevator installation process?

The rail brackets serve as the foundation for the elevator's guide rails, ensuring that they are perfectly straight, level, and aligned. Proper bracket placement is crucial for the safe operation of the elevator.

Why is precision important during the installation of rail brackets?

If the rail brackets are not installed with extreme precision (within a tolerance of 1/64th of an inch), the elevator may go off track, leading to potential safety hazards.

How does the hydraulic system control the movement of the elevator?

The elevator moves upward when oil is pumped into the hydraulic pistons, causing them to raise the elevator. The elevator lowers by releasing the oil pressure, and sensors ensure the pistons move in sync.

What trades are involved in the installation of an elevator?

Various trades are involved, including Masons, steelworkers, steamfitters, fire service vendors, and electricians. Collaboration and communication between these trades are essential for the precise installation of the elevator.

What happens after the installation of the rails, platform, and sling?

Once these components are installed, the team sets the entrances (elevator doors), ensuring they are plumb and square with the overall installation. This is followed by the installation of the cab, electrical work, and programming of the elevator.

What are the two types of wiring involved in an elevator installation?

The installation involves high-voltage wiring, which powers the elevator’s systems, and low-voltage signal wiring, which runs between the elevator’s computer and its sensors and devices.

What is the purpose of the final inspection after the elevator is installed?

A certified elevator inspector conducts a thorough inspection, testing over 150 points, including all safety and electronic devices. A full load test ensures the elevator operates safely, stopping at the correct floors and allowing passengers to enter and exit.

Why is apprenticeship training important for the construction industry, according to the sponsor?

Apprenticeship training transforms unskilled workers into skilled tradespersons, which is essential to addressing income inequality and the growing demand for skilled labor in infrastructure projects.