To Repair or Modernize Your Elevator: That is the Question
5 things to consider when deciding to simply repair or modernize the technology
Maintenance of elevators is something most people don’t spend much time thinking about, but ensuring that the ones in your building are working properly is critical. If a problem is revealed, you will need to decide the best course of action, which can involve making repairs or going a more extensive route by modernizing the elevators so that future repairs are less likely to be necessary. And before any work is done, you must have a plan in place, since changes in service impact the entire building and everyone in it.
Here are 5 things to think about when determining if you should repair or modernize:
Step One:
A good start is a review of the National Elevator Code: American Society of Mechanical Engineers A17.1 (ASME A.17.1). According to facilities.net, “This code is published every three years and updated annually with changes as new requirements or modifications are made…It is used by many states and most major cities in the United States as the backbone of elevator and escalator codes.”
Step Two:
Figure out which version of the code is being used in your county or jurisdiction, as some may be using out-of-date codes. This can affect the modernization design and increase the overall costs dramatically, since elevator manufacturers usually build to the current code.
Step Three:
Understand that within the industry, modernization means an “alteration” to the code. Any time to you alter a portion of the code, it is possible that you will also have to update the entire system so it can be brought up to the current standards. This can prove costly, especially if it is not planned out correctly.
Step Four:
The ASME also defines the various issues related to elevator work. It refers to an “alteration” (there is no actual definition of modernization in the code) as any change to equipment, including its parts, components, or subsystems, other than maintenance, repair, or replacement.
You must understand exactly what each of those things means. The ASME defines them as follows:
- • Maintenance – A routine examination, lubrication, cleaning, and adjustment of parts, components, or subsystems for the purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with the applicable code requirements.
- • Repair – Reconditioning or renewal of parts, components, or subsystems necessary to keep equipment in compliance with applicable code requirements.
- • Replacement – Substitution of a device, component or subsystem, in its entirety, with a unit that is basically the same as the original for the purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with applicable code requirements.
Step Four:
The person who designed the building (the architect or engineer) usually does not design elevator modernizations. This can cause you to run into problems during the project without proper planning. Elevator code also often requires more work (HVAC, electrical, structural) than some general elevator contractors are trained to do.
Step Five:
Check to ensure that any elevator contractor’s proposal does not include things that are already covered under the existing maintenance agreement.
One Last Thing:
You must also consider all of the other systems throughout the entire building before, during, and after a repair or modernization.
Here are some areas of concern to keep in mind:
- Main line upgrades: rating, amperage, composition, and sensors.
- Fire and smoke alarm system integration.
- Emergency power changes (modern elevator drives may not work well on some generators).
- HVAC in elevator machine rooms (often increased cooling is required).
- Grounding for performance vs. code.
- Pit ladders, sump pumps, drains, lighting, and electrical code upgrades.
After considering all of these points, it will be time to decide if you have the budget and time to do a full modernization or if repairs will be enough to bring equipment up to code and ensure the safety of everyone who uses the elevators in your building.
If you’re contemplating whether to simply repair or go a more extensive route, we can help. Connections Elevator has extensive experience modernizing or repairing elevators, and we can advise you on the best path for your goals. Our advice will always be what’s best for your association or business, and not necessarily our bottom line.