How to Put an Elevator in Independent Service Mode

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Independent service, or "car preference," is a mode on most elevators that overrides usual elevator functioning. When you activate independent service with a key, the elevator stops responding to hall calls and takes you directly to your floor. Whether you’re moving furniture or simply need a quick ride up to your floor, we’ll show you how to turn on independent service in an elevator!

Things You Should Know

  • Find the independent service switch in the elevator cabinet near the panel or below the floor buttons.
  • Then, insert the elevator keys into the key switch and turn it to "ON" or "INDEPENDENT."
  • Press and hold the door close button, select your floor, and then hold the door open button when you’re on your floor.

Steps

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    To do so, press the up or down button. This will send the elevator to your floor.
    • If the elevator is destination dispatch, you may need to use an access code to be able to use the normal "up" and "down" call buttons.
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    If you need to use the elevator in independent service, you will need to get passengers off. The passengers can always request another elevator by pressing the elevator call button. If there is no other elevator in service they will simply have to wait until you are done using the elevator.
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    This is usually in an elevator cabinet on the elevator panel or located directly above the elevator floor buttons.
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    This will cancel all floor calls and will prevent the elevator from being used. The letters "IS" or the words "Independent service"/"VIP" will appear on the floor indicator to confirm that the elevator is indeed in independent service.
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    Some elevators will disable the buttons until the doors are closed. Regardless, the elevator doors need to be closed to get the elevator started. To do so, press and hold the door close button until the door is shut. Releasing the button will reopen the door.
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    To do so, press one of the floor buttons until it lights up. If there is no door close button, hold down the floor button until the door is completely shut to select it.
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    While some elevators will reopen the door automatically upon arriving at a specific floor, others require the door open button to be held until the doors are fully open for the door to open.
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    To do so, turn the independent service keyswitch to "OFF" or "GROUP". This will return the elevators to normal service.
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  • Question
    What does it mean if the elevator is in "independent service" mode?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    It means that the elevator is being controlled by a lift operator inside. This is usually done on freight elevators where there might be a lot of freight moved in and out, as well as on elevators at observation decks. Independent service prevents the elevator from responding to hall calls, and makes the elevator only operable from the floor panel.
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