Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and repair elevators and escalators.

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers put in new elevators and escalators. They read blueprints to plan each step of the installation process. Installers put in guide rails to guide elevators and escalators as they move. If the rails are not the right length, installers cut them to fit. For elevators, they weld or bolt the rails to the walls of the elevator shaft. Installers also put in the electrical wiring.

Elevator installers also put together the elevator platforms, walls, and doors. They put in the equipment that moves the cars. This type of equipment varies. Some elevators use cables to raise the cars and some use hydraulics.

Once the elevator or escalator is running, installers test it to make sure it is working correctly. Installers make adjustments so that it is working properly and can pass inspection.

Sometimes elevator installers put in dumbwaiters, which are similar to small elevators. Other installers put in escalators. Occasionally they replace old elevators and escalators with new systems.

Elevator and escalator repairers maintain elevators and escalators or fix those that are broken. They may run tests to find out what is wrong. Repairers oil or clean the moving parts and replace worn parts. Repairers fill out service reports with the details of their work.

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers must keep their skills up to date. They may take courses from elevator and escalator manufacturers to learn about new technology. Installers and repairers need some knowledge about how to repair computers because computers are used to control some elevators and escalators.