I am a service tech for a fire alarm company, and I need to reset the elevators after tripping the fire alarm. There is a key to reset the elevators, however that key is not readily available all the time. Is there a tool that I can use to make an impression of the elevator key, or get numbers off the key so I can have a locksmith make me a copy of the key for other buildings that I go to? Thanks

 

I know that some repo guys have used a technique where they insert a blank key in a lock and turn it back and forth several times. The tumblers make an impression on the key and they cut the key to match the markings. I don't know if they use a softer key or a regular key.
I assume you need to know a little about locksmithing to make this work also. Could you get a replacement lock that comes with a key?
Next time you get hold of the key take it to a lock shop and ask. Can't hurt.

 

Any professional Locksmith should not make a key from an impression. Have the building managers get you a key or borrow theirs while you are working in the building. Making an unauthorized copy of a key like that could get you fired or lose the maintenance contract.

 

We just had a 9 mil renovation done at our facility and I talked the elevator tech that installed the new elevator , in to giving me a fire service key. The key is supposed to be used by the sites fire dept commander only, to reset the elevator function, and only AFTER they have inspected and cleared the building of the fire , or have found the reason the alarm was triggered. ...


There have been too many instances of maintenance personnel resetting FA systems after they looked around and seen no fires, before the FD got on the scene. If the FA system is triggered the FD is supposed to show up on the site , and take authority. Some times after the maint. guy did a full reset before the FD was called, it turned out the fire was smoldering in a attic or duct system out of sight, then went in to full code. We all know there are a LOT more false alarms than real ones, and the numerous resets are a pain. Maybe the elevator service maintenance contract techs will give you one, but I would not count on it. good luck

 

These keys are required to do my job, and are often unavailable on-site due to the building owner not recieving it in the first place, or other contractors "borrowing" the key previously.

Looks like I might just have to settle for resetting the elevators the hard way.

 

You're asking about a "knox box" key, the only folks who should have those keys are Fire Departments for the exact reasons stated above.

It'd be easier to just not set the fire alarm off or have the fire department show up when you are testing it.

 

Its not a knox box key. Those are specifically for the Fire Department, I know that. I am looking for the elevator reset keys.

As for not setting it off, thats a little tough when testing the fire alarms, or servicing them. There is no way that the fire department would come out every time I needed to test a fire alarm system, it just won't happen.

I just wanted to know if there is a way to make an impression of a key, or make a key based of the number code on the key.

 

I see what you mean now. Do you know any elevator mechanics?

 

Unfortunately not. Thats why I have been trying to make copies of the keys that I come across, since I don't want to take them from the building and screw them over.

 

Try and find the *Otis* guy

 

Our Otis guys have them and I know we have a few laying around. Usually not that big a deal to coordinate with the elevator folks, especially if they're on contract. Liability with vertical transportation is such that you probably wouldn't want to be seen with a key.

Lots of times the "Fireman Key" sign falls under the "authorized tech" catagory. The real fireman key is a big "T" handle that's always stashed in a safe place. If someone gets trapped, you rush that key to the fireman, so they don't take the jaws of life to the elevator doors, (if you ever see what elevator companies charge an hour to fix broken doors that aren't under contract, you'll know why).

I bet the building managers have keys and might not know what they look like. You really don't want a key. What you really need is the elevator guys number on speed dial. The key is in the building, just have to find out where.

 

Lets look at it this way. If a building is large enough to require vertical transport and have a fire alarm system, it should have a facilities manager, property manager, or at the very least a lead maintenance person or maintenance service contract. The responsibilty of keeping that building/ property life safety systems and buildings external and internal architectural facets in good working condition, FALL on that person/s shoulders. Please do not take this post personally , it is more directed at service companies, than the individual on site tech.....

I have been a facilities manager in a hospital, medical offices, and other large plants, and still do that for a living. This thing you are attempting to do, puts a burr up my shirt, because it is indicative of what I deal with as a facilities manager daily. I have to deal with techs /contractors way too often, that just take it on themselves to come in my facility without notifying me first, then perform work or tests that upsets the daily operations of the building occupants, then just leave with no paper trail for me. Basically , just leave a mess behind for me to clean up and figure out who in the hades did what, and where to what...



The facilty maintenance person has the ultimate responsibilty of keeping the documentation and reports of all life safety equipment tests, fire extinguisher maintenance reports and corrective actions for those on file. The building has property insurance on it, so in the event of fire , accident, loss of property or life, the insurance company will want to see the records of life safety testing/maintenance documentation kept by the facilities /,maintenance manager (MM) / or owner. ...

Building service contractors move, change names, go bankrupt, whatever. They cannot be depended on to maintain a facilities vital records. The maintenance manager should have a copy of every test , or act of service on any piece of equipment dealing with life safety in their facility. It is hard to win a property lawsuit case in court , when no one has records showing the owner at least tried to maintain the safety aspects of his property. So to whom are you giving the FA test reports to , that does not even have a elevator reset key ?? ...



As a FA test tech, you should be reporting to that faciltiy /maintenance person when you first walk in to the building. That MM will /SHOULD have the elevator reset key and should be the one doing or, at least with the person contacting the FA department/monitoring service , advising them that the FA being put in the test mode. Two people knowing of the test is better than one, what if you get injured and are taken away quickly ? Who will call the system back in to service , who will know where you left off ? ...


The FA /monitoring service that is taking that " FA is out for testing" call, should be taking down the name of that person calling . Why ?? Helps eliminate prank callers and it makes a real person responsible for that call ...

Because when the FA is put out of service for testing , if the person that called it out forgets to call to put it back in service , the FA /monitoring service keeps ignoring FA alarm signals sent to it. If there is no " the test is over and please put the FA back in service" call made , the building could be on fire while dispatch ignores the call. Major liability falls on any person (company) dealing with FA systems, ....

When you take on the responsibilty of resetting a elevator that was tripped on a FA test, especially ones with the Phase 2 reset, you ( your employer) will be taking on the responsibilty for anyone that may get harmed by that action if you did not at least notify the building owner of the testing going on . What policy do you or the property owner have in effect for the building occupants, if there is a real fire while you have the system in the "test" mode ??...

The FM/ MM should be with you, if at all possible, while you are conducting these FA tests. As a courteousy to its customer, your employer should be making appointments for the performance of the Quarterly FA tests with the maintenance manager (MM) , so he/she/they can let the building occupants know of the FA tests being made on such and such day. Let the responsibilty of having the building elevator reset key fall on the MM/ owner of the building , not you. ....

The occupants should know that the FA audio/visuals are being tested, and this is a drill only. They should know the elevator service is going to be interrupted . These noifications are the MM/owners responsibilty, but they cannot make these notifications , if the FA testing company does not let the owner know. Ever load up half of a office's furnishings out in the hall to move to another floor, then find out suddenly the elevator is going to be in the FA test mode for the day ??? End of soapbox jmo

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Greg, It feels good to "sound off" now and then don't it?
How about when someone calls for work to be done but they are not authorized to do so?
Mistercmk,These keys are probably restricted, to a point, if you were to have them the proper person would give you one. If they won't, then you don't need it and will have to put up with the hassle. Charge extra for the inconvience, your time is valuable too.