The elevator cab can fall unexpectedly to the bottom of the shaft
of ConsumerAffairs
Waupaca Elevator Company of Appleton, Wis., is recalling about 8,000 residential elevators for inspection.
The elevator cab can fall unexpectedly to the bottom of the shaft and abruptly stop, posing an injury hazard to those in the elevator cab.
The firm has received 12 reports of the elevator cab falling unexpectedly, including 10 reported injuries that resulted in strained or sprained knees and ankles, and broken bones.
This recall involves residential elevator models Custom Lift 450# and Custom Lift 500#, shipped and installed in consumers homes between 1979 and 2008.
The Custom Lift 450# elevators have serial numbers 10-1001 through 10-3131. The Custom Lift 500# elevators have serial numbers 10-3132 through 10-8111; 010-00-8112 through 010-10-8786; and 110-00-1000 through 110-03-1179.
The serial number can be found on the front or bottom of the controller box or on the base of the powerhead. The powerhead can be located in the attic, closet, machine room, crawl space, garage, or the bottom of the hoistway.
The elevators, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at Waupaca Elevator's dealers nationwide from 1979, through 2008, for between $5,000 and $14,000.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled elevators and contact Waupaca Elevator to schedule a free gearbox inspection and the installation of a free overspeed braking device.
Waupaca Elevator also will provide the installation of a free gearbox if the gearbox inspection reveals that the gears in the gearbox have worn down.
Consumers may contact Waupaca Elevator toll-free at (833) 850-7981 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday, by e-mail at info@WaupacaElevator.com or online at www.WaupacaElevator.com and click on Important Recall Information for more information.