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Elevator Modernization Tips 2021

Many elevators are constructed and installed to provide about 35-45 years of service (although, there have been elevators as old as 50+ years or more in service)

Keeping maintenance and inspections scheduled per manufacturer’s guidelines and periodic inspection will ensure proper operation. Elevators will age with time and parts may be harder to find as with any mechanical item.

Equipment and parts may be difficult to find as different brands continue to improve and phase out items.

Code changes affect certain requirements along with deteriorating ride performance which may suggest a complete overhaul of the elevator by a service company for many building owners.

Repair Company Elevator Installers — **Elevator electrical component inspection**

Elevator Modernization Basics

Controller mechanics (the part of the elevator which controls movement between the floors of the elevator)
Electrical (wiring and buttons inside the cab which control the destination floors, lights, and emergency signals.)
Hoist machines and motors (the part of the elevator that does the heavy lifting may need an upgrade)
Elevator doors (sometimes even the tracks of the doors are modified or changed)
Interior of the cab (aesthetics conscious, paneling, electronics, and additional style changes can also be done)

Hydraulic elevators are a staple of today’s commercial buildings and structures. On average, the buildings are typically up to six stories high. They do not require significant overhead hoisting mechanisms in comparison to traction elevator systems. Long Island Elevator Company Elevator Installers and Repairers Long Island New York isl (9) — **Elevator construction or upgrades**

Elevator Modernization Process

Typically, this is done with the help of an elevator service company such as Island Elevator. The outline and plan will need to be created to determine which parts of the elevator will have to be modernized. The scope of the procedure and costs associated with each phase. Most importantly the code changes or compliance that need to be met to ensure the upgrades will pass inspection.

Preventive maintenance will need to be up to date to ensure the elevator operation is safe until it is removed from service.

During the elevator modernization the elevator will be out of service and building owners should plan on alternatives for this by:

Proper diversion of buildings traffic
Create a contingency plan
Consulting the repair company on best practices

Elevator Modernization Process — Elevator modernization in the cab

Benefits of Elevator Modernization

Most elevator companies can provide an elevator modernization package to building owners. Building owners can have their own customized modernization solutions. Consult professionals before any construction project is started.

Modernization will greatly improve the operational reliability by replacing mechanical relays and contacts with solid-state electronics.
Elevator ride quality can be improved by replacing motor-generator-based drive designs with Variable-Voltage, Variable Frequency (VVVF) drives, providing excellent and smooth acceleration and deceleration.
Passenger safety is also improved by updating systems and equipment (such as the braking system and unintended car movement protection device on the braking system

A Misaligned Motor Drive — **Elevator modernization gets technical**

Elevator Modernization Timeline

The entire elevator modernization process could take up to a few several months or possibly over a year to finish.

When the process has been completed, an elevator service company must complete an elevator examination for newly installed elevator or complete the major alterations before it is back in service.

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year. Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators

Hydraulic Elevators and How They Work

Hydraulic elevators are a staple of today’s commercial buildings and structures.

On average, the buildings are typically up to six stories high. They do not require significant overhead hoisting mechanisms in comparison to traction elevator systems.

Basic Hydraulic Elevator Features

Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs
Travel Height: Up to 80 ft
Speed: 150 ft/min
Drive: Direct-Acting / 1:2 Roped

Hydraulic Elevator Benefits

Engineered for low to mid-rise commercial buildings

Allows for front, rear, and side openings
Flexibility in design to accommodate the application
Jackhole not required with holeless drive
Eco-friendly with use of biodegradable hydraulic oil
Custom elevator design and technical options can vary depending on budget
Manufactured and installed per local industry code standards
Regularly scheduled preventive maintenance helps to minimize downtime
General use for passenger or freight loads to each level

In definition, hydraulic elevators are powered by a piston which travels within a cylinder. The motor is electric and pumps oil into the cylinder, which drives the piston up to each level. The piston drives/lifts the elevator cab smoothly. Electrical valves control the release of the oil allowing for a smooth descent.

Hydraulic elevators are very common in buildings that average up to five or six stories high, and in some rare cases up to eight stories. Hydraulic elevators are able to operate at speeds of up to 200 feet per minute and do not require significant overhead hoisting machinery such as geared and gearless traction systems.

Traditional hydraulic elevator designs utilize a single hydraulic jack located under the platform and installed in the ground. They are engineered as both low and high capacity elevators. The hydraulic elevator can accommodate front and rear opening configurations and have minimal pit and overhead requirements.

For heavy-duty lifting, the capacity of hydraulic elevators can be extended to over 80,000 lbs, based on engineered design and local codes

Holed Hydraulic Elevator

Holed hydraulic elevators are designed with the car mounted on a piston that travels inside a cylinder. The elevator cylinder extends into the ground to a depth equal to the height the hydraulic elevator will rise. Hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylinder through a valve and this results in the car lifting to each structure floor. As the fluid returns to the reservoir the elevator car descends to the base of the structure. This type of system is referred to as “Inground Hydraulic” design.

Holeless Hydraulic Elevator

The homeless hydraulic elevator system uses direct acting pistons mounted inside the hoistway to lift and lower the elevator car. The amount of travel is determined by the depth of the pit and the overhead clearance requirements engineered.

Pros & Cons of Elevators with Hydraulic Lifts

When reviewing what type of lift method is needed the benefits and requirements should be taken into consideration. Different environments, usage levels, travel heights, and space available can determine the best fit for the project.

Pros:

The machine room is separate and contains all of the machinery needed to operate the elevator. No space is needed above the shaft to host the machinery equipment. (which traction systems use)

The elevator is supported by the floor/pit and should reduce the need for more reinforcement.

The heart pumping “dead drop” scenario is avoided, since there are no cables that can shear or break. If the hydraulic system breaks or leaks, then the elevator car will only drop at the speed of which the oil can leak from the system.

Hydraulic elevator lifts are often less expensive than traction lifts and may accommodate a smaller budget.

Cons:

The travel distance of a hydraulic system may not be suitable for buildings higher than six or eight floors. The system tends to be slower when compared to traction elevator systems. (up to 1m/s)

Required space for the oil pour and machine room may not be suitable for the building design. (especially if the floor space is a premium) The holed systems may require digging further down into the ground than is possible at the location.

Temperature can be a factor since the hydraulic system operates on oil and this can vary since oil gets thinner at higher temperatures.

Keeping the system maintained is vital, since oil can leak out of the system causing major problems with the elevator operation.

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year. Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators

A Guide to Basic Elevator Dimensions Requirements I Residential Elevator Dimension Guide Commercial & Residential Commercial Elevator Dimension Guide Elevator Installers and Repairers Long Island New York

A Guide to Basic Elevator Dimensions Requirements

This guide will help you to understand the basics of elevator dimensions, shaft dimensions, and assist in basic plans for elevator installations and upgrades.

There are an estimated 1.9 million elevators in operation around the world currently within both the commercial and residential sectors.

Commercial elevators are typically related to large buildings, businesses, and various workforces such as construction. Residential elevators are essential for handicap requirements and multiple floors in tall dwellings.

Planning the layout of a commercial or residential elevator(s). One of the first phases of the construction process is understanding, identifying, and completing the elevator cab and shaft dimensions.

Complying with strict regulations and mandated measurements are essential when planning an elevator installation. Confirming the exact details of the construction and installation will avoid mistakes during the build process.

Below are some answers and resources regarding commercial and residential elevator dimension sizes and requirements.

Residential Elevator Dimension Guide

Residential elevator sizes are typically smaller than commercial sizes. Residential cabs typically are no larger than 15 square feet, and are considerably smaller than the average commercial elevator of 22 square feet.

The average residential elevator is 36 inches wide and 48 inches deep. This is only a standard and many residential elevators can be custom to fit various sizes with the location.

However, as mandated by U.S. regulations, the maximum elevator height permissible in homes is 84 inches. The dimensions for the residential elevator interior cab can measure 38×48 inches, 36×60 inches, or 40×54 inches.

In addition the listed dimensions for residential elevators are:

38×48 inches
36×60 inches
40×54 inches

The standard load size allowed ranges from 750 pounds for smaller elevators and up to 950 pounds for larger applications.

The American Disabilities Act has established various elevator door dimension requirements to be in adherence to local policies. ADA residential elevators must have raised and braille floor destinations, call buttons, a button inside and outside of the lift with raised braille, visible and verbal signals to indicate elevator door directions, and the door must remain fully open for at least 3 seconds in response to a call.

There is typically a minimum of one foot gap underneath the elevator cabs lowest point. Depending on the location 12 inches of concrete below the cab adhering to elevator dimensions.

Specific residential elevators may have a maximum of four (4) stops allowed when configuring the elevator shaft assembly. There must be a distance of at least 14 inches between each elevator floor stop. The average shaft measurement can range between (40) and (50) feet depending on configuration.

Commercial Elevator Dimension Guide

Commercial elevator dimensions example: the depth of the car must be at least 51 inches, and the width minimum of at least 69 inches. Unless the elevator has center opening doors, in this case 80 inches is mandated for operation. Commercial elevator weight or cargo load can vary anywhere between 2,100 and 5,000 + pounds per load.

The interior cab dimensions may be between:

5 feet 8 inches x 4 feet 3 inches
5 feet 8 inches x 7 feet 11 inches

Depending on the application commercial elevators are able to accommodate more weight on average than residential elevators.

Unlike residential elevators, the number of stops allowed are not mandated. Commercial elevators operate in some of the tallest buildings in the world and push the boundaries of custom elevator design and operations.

The American Disabilities Act still applies just like residential elevators. Commercial elevators must have raised and braille floor destinations, call buttons, a button inside and outside of the lift with raised braille, visible and verbal signals to indicate elevator door directions, and the door must remain fully open for at least 3 seconds in response to a call.

To comply with ADA requirements, all commercial elevators must be accessible to visitors in a public space. That means the elevators must be positioned in a place where people can access them with little effort.

Reviewing any commercial or residential elevator plans we can assist with advice on dimensions and provide a professional overview before you go ahead with an elevator installation or upgrade.

We are able to advise on dimensions, measurements, building specs, and more, ensuring you are completely compliant with building, residential, and code requirements.

When considering a residential elevator that may exceed mandated sizes please consult with local regulation and laws for your location.

When you need help, get it from the professionals. Island Elevator is Long Island’s leading elevator repair company

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year. Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.