Shoutout to the old timer who told me to check the door zone light curtain first

I was stuck on a call for a high rise in Chicago where the car kept stopping between floors. I spent over an hour checking the governor and motor drive, sure it was a power issue. This retired mechanic I know, Frank, called me back and said 'Kid, it's always the light curtain. Always.' I finally looked and sure enough, a spider web was blocking a single sensor. Cleaned it, done in two minutes. I used to think those sensors were too simple to cause a big fault. Anyone else have a simple fix they ignored for way too long?

3 comments

3 Comments

josephmartin10h ago

Yeah, "too simple to cause a big fault" is a trap we all fall into. @eric_knight7 is right, it happens way too often. I spent half a day once tracing a wiring issue that turned out to be a tripped GFCI outlet in the next room. Felt pretty silly.

terryw677h ago

My buddy's server rack went down for three hours last week. Turned out the cleaning crew unplugged it to use their vacuum.

eric_knight711h ago

Too simple to cause a big fault" is the story of my life. I've lost count of how many times that's bitten me.