As our buildings and skyscrapers reach new heights, you’d be
forgiven for wanting to jump in an elevator rather than take 10 flights of
stairs. Lifts really have revolutionised transport within buildings, allowing
for fast and easy travel between floors without relying on stairs. They are
also required for most multi-floor buildings thanks to the Equality Act 2010,
requiring
businesses and organisations to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to their premises
in order to facilitate disabled access.
However, for all the good that a lift can bring to a
business, there is still a pervasive, yet somewhat misplaced fear of them failing.
Of course, being trapped in a box suspended above multiple floors isn’t ideal.
Yet, you may be surprised to learn that lifts are one of the safest modes of
travel, being 20 times safer than the seemingly innocuous escalator. Although
travelling via lift is extremely safe, with a variety of fail-safes in place to
protect both passengers and technicians, they are still prone to malfunctions
from time to time that can lead to an uncomfortable ride or even a breakdown if
left unchecked.
With this in mind, it’s important to have at least some kind of understanding
around what some of the most common lift malfunctions are, giving you ample
time to contact a lift repair service.
Power failure
Arguably one of the most distressing problems on this list
for passengers riding the lift, a power failure can be a scary experience. From
flickering lights to a complete breakdown of the unit in question, a power
failure can lead to a lengthy operation to free any passengers and get your
lift back up and running. Of course, a power failure can be down to an outage
affecting the city, however, the most common issue may be down to the motor.
Lifts use a significant amount of power in order to function and can put a fair
amount of strain on the building’s utility system. Changes to the system’s
voltage is a usual culprit to this problem, affecting the motor and even
potentially damaging the elevator itself.
If your elevator has a history of motor failures, it may be
time to conduct a power quality survey. This process will allow a technician to
test for ‘clean’ electrical energy running through your system and to determine
your lifts Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This is usually done through
Infrared thermography, giving the repair technician a clear image of any power
fluctuations or faulty components in the motor.
Worn Sheaves
In layman’s terms, a sheave is a pulley with a grooved wheel
designed to hold a rope or belt. It is an essential component to the normal
functioning of a lift, connecting the ropes to the car. Over time, the constant
rubbing of ropes from day to day use can begin to wear the sheaves down, making
them uneven. Further wearing places extra weight on the ropes which then
exacerbates the issue, potentially leading to the rope slipping from the sheave.
Luckily, there are ways this issue can be fixed, namely by
either regrooving or replacing the sheave in question. Because of this, it is
imperative to regularly check the sheave’s groove profiles in order to catch
any problems before they get worse. If the sheave is still in good condition,
regrooving is the usual fix of choice and can be carried out by a licenced
repair operative. If the problem persists, however, it may be time to look into
replacement options.
Contamination
Like most machines, the components in a lift need to be well
lubricated with clean oil in order to run properly; this is especially
important for hydraulic models. However, through the day to day use of the
lift, wear can occur which can break off tiny metallic particles. These
particles can then infiltrate the oil, interfering with the efficiency of the
lift. These issues can reveal themselves in a variety of ways, from a
foul-smelling odour permeating the lift car to problems with lift levelling,
causing the car to stop before reaching its intended floor.
To counteract this issue, the best course of action is to
conduct an oil analysis. The test will inspect oil samples used throughout the
lift system examining them for impurities. An influx of bronze, for example, is
usually a sure sign of a problem and your oil will likely need to be
replaced.
Bearing malfunction
Hearing unusual noises when the lift is in transit is never
going to fill you with confidence, especially when it could be the sign of a
larger problem. Malfunctioning bearings is one of the most common problems that
can affect a lift system and can be irritatingly loud if left unchecked. This
can be a simple issue such as a loose or worn out part, however, if the
bearings are damaged, they can cause excess vibrations in the motor which can
potentially lead to a breakdown.
A variable frequency drive can help to adjust the power
running through the motor, thus lessening the noise from the bearings. However,
this does have the side-effect of creating common mode current, a byproduct
which can cause serious wear to the bearings. An inductive absorber can rectify
this issue, yet it may be best to contact a technician who will have the
knowledge to fix the issue properly.
Misaligned motor drive
Another common issue is a misaligned motor drive, which can
cause a variety of problems. When a piece of equipment is connected to the
motor drive, shaft alignment is vital to ensure proper operation. If the
alignment is even slightly off, the motor bearings will begin to wear at a
significant rate, causing many of the problems stated above.
Again, as this is an essential repair, it is imperative to
have a technician on call to inspect the damage. Although misalignment, if bad
enough, can be spotted by simply enlisting a straight edge and a piece of
string, laser technology can also be used to give an even more accurate image
of alignment, meaning even minor faults can be detected.
The importance of
regular elevator maintenance
As you can probably tell, the above issues can become
serious if left unchecked, putting passengers and technicians at risk. However,
the easiest way to counteract these issues is to catch them before they can get
any worse. Having a lift company carry out regular servicing on your unit will
ensure your elevator remains fit for use, giving you the peace of mind you
need.
It is important, however, that you ensure that you’re
working with a reputable name within the elevator industry. Luckily, there are
a variety of governing bodies which monitor lift company practice such as the
British Assessment Bureau and the Lift and Escalator Industry Association; if
you’re chosen technician is a certified member of one of these, it is a sure
sign of a quality job.
ADL Lift Services - Scotland’s premier lift
maintenance company
If you are in ownership of a lift, you likely already know
how important it is to the smooth running of your building which is why, when
breakdowns occur, they can cause genuine problems to your day to day
operations. With this in mind, it is essential that you have an expert in lift
repairs and servicing at hand in case of any emergencies.
At ADL Lift Services, we have a combined experience of 80
years in the lift industry and have all the skills and knowledge necessary to
keep your lift running smoothly. Operating throughout Scotland, we offer
24/7-365 days a year emergency cover for all of our customers so you’ll never
be caught out without help.
Aside from our repairs and servicing, we offer
an extensive range of lift solutions, from design to installation, meaning you
can rest assured you’re working with the best in Scotland. For more information
on how we can help you,
visit our
website
or get in touch with our team on 01698 277 009.
