As a new owner of an elevator, did you know there’s more than just one key to access the restricted areas in your lift? Elevator keys are not universal. Each key is special and tailored to a specific purpose. There might even be multiple keys for the same function to accommodate different situations. This guide is crafted to address the questions you might have about elevator keys. It will also help you understand how they work, so you can use them appropriately. Keep reading!
What Do the Elevator Keys Do?
The elevator keys are special devices designed for accessing restricted areas or functions within an elevator system. They are used by authorized individuals only, majorly maintenance technicians and emergency responders, such as firefighters to ensure the safety of the elevator and passengers.
Types of Elevator Keys
There are different types of elevator keys with each key serving a distinct purpose.
Elevator Door Keys
You may have noticed a tiny hole on the elevator door, perhaps while waiting for the elevator. This hole is where a door key is inserted to unlock the door when necessary.
Elevator door keys are specially designed to open elevator doors manually during emergencies or maintenance. These keys allow emergency responders to rescue passengers in case of a power outage or elevator malfunction. These keys are also used by elevator technicians for routine maintenance of elevator shafts and cabins.
The keyhole comes in various shapes, and the elevator door key used must match the shape of the keyhole to open it.
Tey serves two main purposes:
Rescue Mission: To ensure safety during an elevator malfunction, the doors are closed automatically. With the passengers trapped inside, the elevator technicians or emergency responders use the door key to unlock the doors on the floor above the elevator. This provides them access to the ceiling hatch, enabling them to safely rescue the passengers out of the elevator.
Maintenance Inspections: During routine maintenance, the technicians use the key to access the elevator shaft’s ceiling for inspection and maintenance. They do this by halting the elevator at a specific floor, and then climb up to the next floor above where the elevator was stopped (upper floor). The key is then used to access the upper floor, granting them access to the ceiling of the elevator shaft for inspection or repairs.
There are a variety of elevator door key types, including drop key, lunar key and barrel key.
Elevator Drop Key
Drop key has a cylindrical design, mimicking the shape of a long rod or tube. It often comes with hinge points or joints to allow it to bend or move. The hinge points enable the release of the lock mechanism on an elevator door. This design allows the manual opening of the landing doors even if the elevator car is not present.
However, the drop key must be restricted to authorized persons only. This is to avoid a significant fall hazard if the landing door is opened without the car, thereby exposing the elevator shaft.
Elevator Lunar Key
As the name suggests, the shape of the key is similar to a” lunar”. The shape of the lunar key resembles a crescent or semi-circle shape. It is like a straight metal rod folded to form a semi-circular shape. Authorized professionals use it to manually unlock and operate elevator doors, especially in older or specialized elevator systems.
Elevator Barrel Key
The elevator barrel key is shaped similar to a barrel, a hollow cylindrical shape. It is used to open elevator doors to access restricted functions within the elevator system, including the hoistway.
Elevator Triangle Key
As the name implies, the key is shaped like a triangle, with three sides. The triangular shape allows the key to fit specific locks designed for use in elevators, especially those with a corresponding triangular slot.
It can be used to access certain control panels or override certain safety features during emergencies or maintenance. It is typically used by elevator technicians or emergency responders, as it is a restricted key to prevent unauthorized usage and ensure safety.
Elevator Fire Service Key
As the name implies, fire service keys are designed to activate the fire service mode during fire emergencies. Firefighters and emergency responders typically use them.
A fire service key is also used to test the fire service feature within an elevator system. The fire service feature is a safety protocol designed to ensure that elevator operates in a specific and controlled manner during fire emergencies.
The key manually activates fire-service mode to test if the elevator correctly responds by returning to the to the designated recall floor when smoke or heat detectors are triggered. This floor, often the ground level, ensures easy access for emergency responders during rescue operations.
It is also used to test the override controls, ensuring firefighters can safely operate the elevator during emergencies and restore it to normal operation once the fire alarm is cleared. Examples of fire service keys include drop keys, triangle keys (phase 1 and phase II), and 2642 Keys.
Elevator Hoistway Key
These keys give elevators professional access to inspect or work on the parts of the elevator such as the top of the elevator car or the bottom of the shaft also known as the hoistway pit. These keys can open the doors at any landing for quick access to the elevator shaft or car. Common examples include drop leaf keys and half moon keys.
At the bottom floor, the key allows the technicians to keep the bottom floor door open and move the elevator car upward. This lets them safely access the pit underneath the car.
At the top floor, the key keeps the top floor open while moving the car downward. This gives them a way to step onto the top of the car for inspections or repairs.
Elevator Inspection Key
An inspection elevator key is a specialized key used by elevator technicians for detailed inspection, maintenance or troubleshooting of the car top, hoistway or pt. It switches the elevator to inspection mode, to allow the technicians control the elevator manually, such as putting the elevator in a slow speed manual operation.
Elevator Keys Set
Elevator keys set is a toolkit that contains a collection of different elevator keys, grouped together in one set. The set makes it easier to carry and use the appropriate key when needed. The set is used by the elevator technicians, firefighters or building maintenance teams to help them access all parts of the elevators for repairs and inspections.
The set is advantageous in emergency situations as the technicians or emergency responders are equipped with the needed tools to manage elevator-related emergencies efficiently. The common keys in elevator keys set include fire service keys, Hoistway keys, emergency key, access key, reset key and inspection key. It also ensures controlled access to critical areas of an elevator system and prevents unauthorized use.
The set is often designed to fit specific elevator models or brands, and it is typically stored securely to prevent usage by unauthorized users.
How Does Elevator Keys Work?
Elevator keys work by inserting it into the lock on the elevator door, control panel or hoistway access point. Each key is specially designed for a specific lock, so the key only fits into the matching hole. Once the key is inserted, it is turned to access the hidden function.
After completing the task, you can remove the key and close the door or the panel, and the elevator will be restored to its normal function or ready for inspection.
Are Elevators Key Universal?
Elevator keys are not universal. They are specific to a particular function, elevator system or manufacturer. They are specially designed to perform specific tasks such as landing door keys to access the elevator shaft and fire service key to activate the fire service mode. Also, elevator manufacturers specially designed their own keys to match brand elevator system. For example, Otis elevator key might not work with Schindler elevators.
Elevator keys can vary according to the different elevator systems. For instance, freight elevators often have different key types designed for heavier use, and some residential elevators may use different keys from commercial or industrial elevators.
Another reason elevator keys are not universal is to ensure security. This ensures only authorized persons can use the specific functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many keys are there in an elevator?
The number of keys present in an elevator can vary depending on the manufacturer, the building’s safety code and the elevator’s complexity. However, an elevator typically have the 5 essential keys, including the landing door key, fire service key, emergency key, hoistway key, and access key.
What is the most common elevator key?
The most common elevator key is the fire service key, as it is widely required for different buildings according to the building safety codes.
Can one key open all elevators?
No, one key cannot open all elevators because each key is designed with a specific function.
What happens if an elevator key is lost?
A lost elevator key should be replaced immediately by an authorized supplier like Dazen to maintain security.
Can anyone purchase elevator keys?
The purchase of elevator keys is usually restricted to licensed professionals and authorized personnel.
Conclusion
Elevator keys are tools designed to access restricted areas within an elevator system. They are typically used by maintenance technicians for routine maintenance, and emergency responders for emergencies, such as fire incident. There are different types of elevator keys and they vary according to the specific function, manufacturer and elevator system. They include emergency, landing door, access and hoistway keys.
For tailored guidance, and to determine the appropriate elevator key for your elevator system, please reach out to our team at Dazen.
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