What Is an Elevator Service Key & Who Should Have Access to One?

An elevator service key may look like a simple key, but it provides access to specific elevator functions that aren’t available during normal passenger operation. For building owners and property managers, knowing what an elevator service key is used for, who should have access to it, and where to keep it can help support safe elevator operation.

In Chicago and throughout Illinois, elevator service keys can be especially important when an elevator must be operated outside normal passenger service. Understanding what these keys are and how they are used can help building managers know when they may be needed and who should handle them.

What Is an Elevator Service Key?

An elevator service key is used to operate a keyed switch or control associated with an elevator’s specialized functions. Unlike the buttons passengers use to select floors, keyed controls can provide access to functions intended for authorized personnel. 

The exact key and function depend on the elevator equipment; a key that operates one function on an elevator may not operate another. For that reason, elevator service keys shouldn’t be treated as general-purpose keys for anyone who works in the building.

What Is the Purpose of an Elevator Service Key?

An elevator service key allows authorized personnel to access specific elevator controls that aren’t available during normal passenger operation. These controls can be used when an elevator needs to be operated, inspected, or serviced outside of its normal use.

Depending on the elevator system, an elevator service key may be used for:

• Emergency operation when firefighters need to operate the elevator during an emergency
• Maintenance and service when elevator technicians need to access specialized controls
• Inspection and testing when authorized personnel need to check specific elevator functions
• Other specialized operations depending on the elevator’s equipment and configuration

The specific functions controlled by an elevator service key can vary by elevator. Building owners and property managers should work with their elevator contractor to identify the keys used for their equipment and understand what each one controls.

Who Should Operate an Elevator Service Key?

Only authorized personnel trained or licensed to use the function it controls should operate an elevator service key. The person using the key will depend on the situation and the type of elevator service or emergency operation involved.

Firefighters

Firefighters may use the appropriate fire service key to operate an elevator equipped with Firefighters’ Emergency Operation during an emergency. The key allows them to access the elevator’s designated fire service controls and operate the elevator according to the building’s emergency procedures.

Elevator Mechanics & Contractors

Licensed elevator mechanics and contractors may use elevator service keys when performing maintenance, repairs, testing, or other authorized work. These keys provide access to specialized elevator controls not intended for normal passenger use.

Elevator Inspectors

Licensed elevator inspectors may operate the appropriate elevator controls when performing required inspections and tests. Access to the necessary controls allows inspectors to verify that the elevator and its safety functions operate as required.

How Is an Elevator Service Key Used During Fire Service?

One of the most important applications of an elevator key is Firefighters’ Emergency Operation. Fire service operation allows an elevator to be removed from normal passenger operation and used according to emergency procedures.

Phase I Emergency recall

Phase I recalls the elevator to a designated landing after the appropriate fire alarm initiating device is activated. The elevator is then removed from normal passenger service so it can be used as part of the building’s emergency response procedures.

Phase II Emergency In-Car Operation

Phase II allows firefighters to operate the elevator from inside the elevator car using the fire service controls. Chicago’s fire service testing guidance calls for a monthly Phase I recall test using the key switch and at least one floor of Phase II firefighters’ emergency service operation. The test results are recorded in a fire service test log.

The fire service key therefore isn’t simply a spare key for the elevator. It is part of the controls used for emergency elevator operation.

Where Should an Elevator Service Key Be Kept?

Fire service keys should be kept in a secure, approved location that authorized emergency personnel can access quickly, such as a lockbox or a designated spot known to the fire department and building staff. 

The building owner, property manager, or elevator contractor typically controls other service or maintenance keys and stores them separately from fire service keys.

In Chicago, fire service equipment and key access are part of elevator maintenance and inspection requirements. Chicago building inspection records, for example, can identify missing FEOK1 keys and unsecured fire service boxes as elevator-related deficiencies.

Building managers should know:

• Which elevator keys their equipment requires
• What each key is used for
• Where the required keys are stored
• Who has authorized access
• Whether the keys and related fire service equipment are in the condition required for the building

If you’re unsure where an elevator service key should be kept, your elevator contractor can help identify the appropriate key and storage requirements for the equipment.

Are Elevator Service Keys Universal?

No, elevator service keys are not universally interchangeable. Different elevator functions can use different keys, and the required key can depend on the elevator equipment, manufacturer, installation, and applicable code requirements.

Fire service keys may be standardized for particular applications, but that doesn’t mean every elevator service key is the same. For example, a fire service key shouldn’t automatically be assumed to operate a maintenance or inspection control. Similarly, a key used for one elevator may not operate the same function on another elevator.

If you need a replacement or additional key, it’s better to identify the elevator and the specific keyed control before ordering or duplicating one.

Why Is Elevator Service Key Access Important?

An elevator service key provides access to specialized elevator controls not intended for normal passenger use. For that reason, building managers should know which keys are used for their elevators, where they are kept, and who is authorized to use them.

Proper key access helps ensure that:

• Authorized personnel can access the controls they need
• Fire service keys are available when emergency operation is required
• Untrained individuals do not operate specialized elevator controls
• Maintenance and inspection personnel can access the equipment when needed
• Lost or duplicate keys can be identified and addressed

The key should be accessible to the right people without being freely available to anyone in the building. Building managers should coordinate with their elevator contractor if they are unsure about which service keys their equipment requires or how those keys should be managed.

The Role of Elevator Service Keys in Maintenance & Inspection

Elevator service keys can be used by authorized elevator personnel when accessing or testing specialized elevator functions. During a maintenance or inspection visit, an elevator mechanic or inspector may need to operate keyed controls as part of the work.

Illinois requires elevator work to be performed by appropriately licensed personnel under the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act, which is administered by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Building owners and property managers must ensure the elevator is properly maintained and that qualified personnel have the access they need to perform required work.

What Happens If an Elevator Service Key Is Missing?

A missing key can become a problem when authorized personnel need access to a specialized elevator function. For example, a missing fire service key could complicate required fire service operation or testing. A missing maintenance or service key could delay work that requires access to a keyed control.

If a key is missing, building personnel should contact their elevator contractor rather than bypassing a keyed control or using an unverified replacement. The elevator contractor can identify the correct key and determine whether the key, switch, or related equipment needs service.

Keep Your Elevator Service Keys Ready for When They’re Needed

An elevator service key can provide access to functions that matter during emergency response, maintenance, inspection, and testing.

For building owners and property managers, the important questions aren’t just where the key is. It’s also which key the elevator requires, what it operates, who should have access to it, and whether the elevator’s required fire service testing is up to date.

Have questions about your elevator service key or fire service operation? Chicago Elevator can help you identify the equipment in your building and provide the maintenance and testing services needed to keep your elevator in proper working condition. Contact Chicago Elevator to get started.