The Elevator Industry Glossary
100+ essential terms every elevator contractor, service provider, OEM
and property manager should know - explained in plain English.
Browse alphabetically, filter by category, or search to jump straight to a definition.
A
AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract)
A yearly service agreement covering scheduled maintenance and breakdown support.
ServiceARD (Automatic Rescue Device)
A battery backup that moves a stalled elevator to the nearest floor during a power failure.
TechnicalAsset Management
Tracking every elevator, part, and tool across sites for lifecycle visibility.
SoftwareASME A17.1
The North American safety code for elevators, escalators, and moving walks.
ComplianceAudit Trail
A time-stamped log of every action taken in the software for accountability.
SoftwareACOP L113
The HSE Approved Code of Practice for safe use of lifting equipment. Not the regulation itself, but failure to follow it is admissible in criminal proceedings.
ComplianceAEDARSA
The Alberta Elevating Devices and Amusement Rides Safety Association, the delegated administrative organisation carrying out in-service elevator inspections in Alberta.
ComplianceAHJ
The Authority Having Jurisdiction: the body that enforces the elevator code in a given state or province, and whose adopted code edition governs that jurisdiction.
ComplianceAS 1735
The Australian Standard series for lifts, escalators and moving walks. It sets requirements for the lifts themselves, not for software, so no software is certified against it.
ComplianceB
Backlog
Pending service jobs or complaints not yet completed.
ServiceBreakdown Call
An unplanned service visit triggered by an elevator fault.
ServiceBuffer
A spring or hydraulic device at the pit bottom that absorbs impact in an overtravel event.
TechnicalBetrSichV
Die Betriebssicherheitsverordnung, the German ordinance governing the operation and periodic inspection of lifts.
ComplianceBS 7255
The British Standard code of practice for safe working on lifts, current edition BS 7255:2023, governing how engineers work on site.
ComplianceBuilding Warrant of Fitness (BWOF)
The annual New Zealand certificate confirming that a building's specified systems, including lifts, have been inspected and maintained. Records must be retained for two years.
ComplianceC
Callback Rate
How often a serviced elevator fails again within a defined window; a key quality metric.
ServiceCar Operating Panel (COP)
The in-cabin button panel passengers use to select floors.
TechnicalCMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
Software that schedules, tracks, and reports on maintenance work.
SoftwareComplaint Ticket
A formal record of a customer-reported issue with status tracking.
ServiceComprehensive AMC
A contract that includes both labour and spare parts.
ServiceCounterweight
A weighted block balancing the elevator car to reduce motor load.
TechnicalCategory 1 test
A periodic elevator test at intervals set by the adopted code edition, verifying safety devices under no-load conditions.
ComplianceCategory 5 test
A more extensive periodic test including a full-load safety test, carried out at longer intervals than a Category 1.
ComplianceCertificate of Fitness
The Malaysian lift certificate issued by DOSH on a 15-month cycle under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
ComplianceCertificate of Operation (Philippines)
Issued by the local Building Official under PD 1096 on NBC Form No. M-08, valid one year from the date of inspection. A separate DOLE Rule 1220 permit is also required for lifts in a place of employment.
ComplianceCompetent person (LOLER)
The person carrying out a thorough examination, who must be sufficiently independent and impartial of the organisation maintaining the lift to make objective decisions.
ComplianceContrôle technique
The French periodic lift inspection, required five-yearly, alongside a maintenance visit at least every six weeks.
ComplianceD
Dispatch Board
A real-time view of technicians, jobs, and locations used to assign work.
SoftwareDoor Operator
The motor and linkage that opens and closes the car and landing doors.
TechnicalDowntime
The total period an elevator is out of service.
ServiceE
EN 81-20 / EN 81-50
The European safety standards for the construction and installation of lifts.
ComplianceElevator Modernization
Upgrading older equipment with new controls, drives, or interiors.
ServiceELD (Emergency Light Device)
Cabin lighting that activates during a power outage.
TechnicalEscalation Matrix
A predefined hierarchy for routing unresolved tickets to senior staff.
ServiceEIAC
The Emirates International Accreditation Centre, which accredits the third-party bodies carrying out lift inspections in Dubai.
ComplianceElevating Devices Mechanic
The Ontario trade certification required to work on an elevating device, issued by TSSA under O. Reg. 222/01. It is a non-compulsory trade under BOSTA 2021.
ComplianceEN ISO 8100-1:2026
The successor standard to EN 81-20:2020, published by ISO in March 2026. It is not yet cited in the Official Journal, so EN 81-20:2020 and EN 81-50:2020 remain the harmonised standards conferring presumption of conformity.
ComplianceF
Field Service Management (FSM)
Software that coordinates mobile technicians, jobs, and parts.
SoftwareFire Service Mode
A code-mandated mode that recalls elevators to a safe floor during a fire.
ComplianceFirst-Time Fix Rate (FTFR)
Percentage of jobs resolved on the first visit; a core KPI.
ServiceFloat Stock
Spare parts kept on hand to avoid downtime during repairs.
ServiceG
Geared Traction
A traction elevator using a gearbox between motor and sheave.
TechnicalGearless Traction
A high-efficiency traction system without a gearbox, common in MRL designs.
TechnicalGovernor (Overspeed Governor)
A safety device that activates the safety gear if the car exceeds rated speed.
TechnicalGST Invoice
A tax-compliant invoice required for Indian customers.
ServiceGN R.828
The South African Lift, Escalator and Passenger Conveyor Regulations 2010, setting a schedule of monthly examination, six-monthly rope examination, twelve-monthly safety gear testing and a two-yearly comprehensive report.
ComplianceH
Hoistway (Shaft)
The vertical enclosure in which the elevator car travels.
TechnicalHydraulic Elevator
An elevator driven by a hydraulic ram, typical for low-rise buildings.
TechnicalHR & Workforce Management
Tools to manage technicians, attendance, shifts, and payroll.
SoftwareHauptprüfung
The main lift inspection under BetrSichV, required at intervals of at most two years.
ComplianceI
Inspection Certificate
Document issued after a successful regulatory inspection.
ComplianceInstallation Project
A new elevator deployment tracked from sales handover to commissioning.
ServiceInventory Reorder Point
The stock level at which a replenishment order is automatically triggered.
SoftwareIoT Monitoring
Connecting elevators to the cloud via sensors for real-time health data.
SoftwareIS 14665
The Indian safety standard for electric traction lifts.
ComplianceIQP
An Independently Qualified Person, who signs off the inspection records supporting a New Zealand Building Warrant of Fitness.
ComplianceJ
Job Card
A digital or paper record of work performed during a service visit.
ServiceJurisdictional Inspection
A government-mandated periodic inspection by a local authority.
ComplianceK
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
A measurable metric like uptime, MTTR, or FTFR used to track service quality.
ServiceKnowledge Base
A searchable repository of how-to articles and SOPs for technicians and customers.
SoftwareL
Landing Door
The outer door on each floor that opens to the elevator car.
TechnicalLift Inspector
A certified professional who audits elevators for code compliance.
ComplianceLoad Test
A test that verifies the elevator can safely carry its rated capacity.
ComplianceLifts Directive 2014/33/EU
The EU directive covering the placing of new lifts on the market. It governs new installations and conformity, not in-service maintenance.
ComplianceLOLER
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, which govern the thorough examination of lifts used by people at work in the UK.
ComplianceM
Machine Room
A dedicated room housing the elevator drive, controller, and governor.
TechnicalMachine-Room-Less (MRL)
An elevator design with the drive inside the hoistway, saving building space.
TechnicalMaterial Management
Software module for stock, purchases, and parts movement across stores.
SoftwareMTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
The average operating time between two breakdowns.
ServiceMTTR (Mean Time To Repair)
The average time to restore service after a breakdown.
ServiceMulti-site Operations
Managing service across multiple buildings, cities, or countries from one platform.
SoftwareMaintenance Control Program (MCP)
The written programme required under ASME A17.1 §8.6, specifying examinations, tests, cleaning, lubrication and adjustments per unit. It must be viewable on site by elevator personnel at all times.
ComplianceN
Non-comprehensive AMC
A contract covering labour only; spare parts billed separately.
ServiceNotification Engine
System logic that alerts customers and technicians via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
SoftwareNotfallplan
The written emergency plan required under BetrSichV Anhang 1 Nr. 4.1, with seven mandated content items. A documentation obligation, not simply a phone number on a sticker.
ComplianceO
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
The company that built the elevator (e.g., Otis, KONE, Schindler).
ServiceOTIS Code
Colloquial term for OEM-specific service codes; also refers to the manufacturer Otis.
TechnicalOverspeed
A condition where the car exceeds its rated speed, triggering safety gear.
TechnicalOn-Site Documentation
Distinct from the MCP. Under §8.6.1.2.2 these documents, including wiring diagrams and written checkout procedures, must be permanently kept on site in hard copy for each unit.
ComplianceOSHA 2007 (Kenya)
Kenya's Occupational Safety and Health Act, which requires periodic statutory examination of lifts by an approved inspector.
ComplianceP
Pawl Device
A mechanical stop preventing uncontrolled descent in certain elevator types.
TechnicalPeriodic Inspection
A statutory inspection performed at regular intervals (often annually).
CompliancePredictive Maintenance
Using sensor data and analytics to fix issues before failure occurs.
SoftwarePreventive Maintenance (PM)
Scheduled servicing to prevent breakdowns and extend lifespan.
ServiceProposal / Quotation
A formal price offer sent to a prospect for service or installation.
ServicePunch List
Outstanding items to be closed before project handover.
ServicePurchase Order (PO)
A document issued to a supplier authorizing parts or services.
SoftwarePermit to Operate (PTO)
The permit required for every lift in Singapore under the Building Control (Fixed Installations) Regulations 2025, issued by the Commissioner of Building Control and valid for 12 months.
CompliancePrüfbuch
The German lift inspection record book, holding a unit's inspection history and reports.
CompliancePUWER
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, covering the duty to keep work equipment maintained and safe. It runs alongside LOLER; neither discharges the other.
ComplianceQ
Quote-to-Cash
The end-to-end process from generating a quote to receiving payment.
ServiceQR Code Tagging
Placing scannable codes on equipment for quick on-site identification.
SoftwareQEI
A Qualified Elevator Inspector, certified to witness tests and carry out elevator inspections in the United States.
ComplianceR
Recall Operation
Returning the elevator to a designated floor under fire or emergency signal.
ComplianceRenewal Pipeline
Upcoming AMC contracts due for renewal in the next period.
ServiceReports & Dashboards
Visual analytics on revenue, jobs, SLAs, and asset health.
SoftwareRoping (1:1, 2:1)
The mechanical ratio of the hoist rope arrangement between motor and car.
TechnicalRoute Optimization
Software-driven scheduling that minimizes technician travel time.
SoftwareRegistrable plant
Plant that must be registered with the state WHS regulator. Lifts fall into this category on a five-year registration cycle, with the number displayed on the plant.
ComplianceReport of Thorough Examination
The formal document produced after a thorough examination under LOLER. It is a statutory record, not a service sheet, and must contain eleven specified particulars.
ComplianceS
Safety Gear
A mechanical device that grips the guide rails to stop an overspeeding car.
TechnicalSaaS (Software-as-a-Service)
Cloud-hosted software accessed by subscription, like ElevatorPlus.
SoftwareSales Pipeline
A visual representation of deals at each stage of the sales cycle.
SoftwareService Level Agreement (SLA)
A contractual commitment to response and resolution times.
ServiceSheave
The grooved pulley that drives the hoist ropes in a traction elevator.
TechnicalSite Engineer
The technician primarily assigned to a specific building or cluster.
ServiceSpare Parts Catalog
A structured list of parts with codes, prices, and stock levels.
SoftwareStatutory Compliance
Adherence to local lift acts, safety codes, and inspection rules.
ComplianceStretcher Lift
A larger elevator car size required in hospitals to accommodate stretchers.
TechnicalSABER
The Saudi conformity platform through which products, including lift components, are registered for market access.
ComplianceSBC 201
The Saudi Building Code. Chapter 30 covers elevators.
ComplianceSASO
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Under its Technical Regulation, no service lift may be used until registered with the competent authority, and that registration is renewed annually after periodic inspection results are assessed.
ComplianceSpecialist Professional Engineer (SPE)
The independent engineer, registered in lift and escalator engineering, who supervises Singapore's annual lift examination. Not to be confused with an Authorised Examiner, which belongs to a different regulatory regime.
ComplianceSS 550
The Singapore Standard code of practice for the installation, operation and maintenance of electric passenger and goods lifts. Current edition SS 550:2020 + A1:2022.
ComplianceT
Technician App
A mobile app for field engineers to receive jobs, log work, and capture signatures.
SoftwareThird-Party Audit
An independent safety or quality audit performed by an external agency.
ComplianceTicket Lifecycle
The full path of a complaint from open → assigned → resolved → closed.
ServiceTraction Elevator
An elevator driven by ropes and a sheave, suited for mid- to high-rise buildings.
TechnicalTurnaround Time (TAT)
The total time taken to resolve a service request.
ServiceTSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority, which administers elevating device safety in Ontario under the Technical Standards and Safety Act 2000.
ComplianceTechnical Safety BC
The regulator overseeing elevating devices in British Columbia under the Safety Standards Act and the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation.
ComplianceThird-party inspection (Dubai)
An inspection by an EIAC-accredited body independent of the maintenance contractor. Note the interval is not settled: Dubai Municipality guideline DM-HSD-GU48 states 12 months, while EIAC applies six months to equipment that lifts persons.
ComplianceThorough examination
A statutory examination of a lift by a competent person, required at least every six months for lifts carrying people and twelve-monthly for goods-only lifts, or at intervals set by a written examination scheme.
ComplianceU
Uptime
The percentage of time an elevator is operational; the inverse of downtime.
ServiceUser Roles & Permissions
Access control settings that define what each user can view or edit.
SoftwareV
Vendor Management
Tracking suppliers of spare parts, materials, and outsourced services.
SoftwareVVVF Drive (Variable Voltage Variable Frequency)
A drive that smoothly controls motor speed for ride comfort and energy savings.
TechnicalVisit Frequency
The number of preventive maintenance visits per elevator per year.
ServiceVerifica periodica
The Italian periodic lift inspection under DPR 162/1999, required every two years.
ComplianceW
Warranty Period
The post-installation duration during which defects are repaired at no cost.
ServiceWork Order
A formal instruction to perform a specific service or installation task.
ServiceWhatsApp Integration
A channel to send job updates, invoices, and alerts directly to customers.
SoftwareWireless Diagnostics
Remote fault diagnosis using IoT-connected controllers.
SoftwareWHS Schedule 5
The schedule to the Work Health and Safety Regulations listing plant requiring registration. Note that Victoria registers plant designs rather than individual items.
ComplianceWritten examination scheme
An alternative to LOLER's standard intervals, drawn up by a competent person, specifying when a particular lift must be thoroughly examined.
ComplianceX
XLPE Cable
Cross-linked polyethylene insulated cable, commonly used in elevator traveling cables.
TechnicalXML Data Feed
A structured data format sometimes used to integrate ElevatorPlus with ERP systems.
SoftwareY
Year-End Compliance Report
A consolidated annual report submitted to regulators and customers.
ComplianceYield (Service Yield)
Revenue generated per elevator under contract; a profitability metric.
ServiceZ
Zero-Downtime Maintenance
Servicing without taking the elevator fully out of operation, where possible.
ServiceZoning (Elevator Zoning)
Grouping floors served by specific elevators in tall buildings to optimize traffic.
TechnicalZone-based Dispatch
Assigning technicians to fixed geographic zones for faster response.
SoftwareZÜS
Zugelassene Überwachungsstelle, the approved monitoring body that carries out in-service lift inspections in Germany. Distinct from a notified body, which handles CE conformity for new installations. Never refer to this as a "TÜV inspection" - TÜV is a trademark shared by several competing companies, and DEKRA is a ZÜS that is not a TÜV.
ComplianceZwischenprüfung
The intermediate inspection under BetrSichV, carried out at the midpoint between two Hauptprüfungen.
ComplianceNo matching terms yet. Try a shorter keyword, or suggest a term →
Spot something missing? Suggest a term →
Last updated: 18 August 2026
Want to see these concepts in action?
ElevatorPlus automates AMC tracking, preventive maintenance, breakdown management, and 30+ workflows for elevator service companies worldwide.
Book a Strategy Call Now