Imagine a client, customer, or resident entering your well-maintained high-rise building, only to find these elevator failure signs or, worse, traps them during their ride. This scenario doesn’t reflect well on your management skills, and you can be sure they will voice their complaints loudly.
Some elevator problems are easy to spot, while others are more subtle. However, signs like frequent downtime and slow movement usually point to bigger issues.
Here are three warning signs that your elevator is about to fail:
1. Slow Movement / Longer Wait Times
One of the most common indicators of a developing problem is slow elevator movement. The speed of the elevator should be checked regularly, even outside of routine maintenance schedules. Compare the time it takes for the elevator to move from the ground floor to the top floor with the manufacturer’s specifications. Keep in mind that older elevators are more likely to slow down over time. A more permanent and proactive solution might be upgrading from a relay-based system to a microprocessor-based control system.
2. Poor Quality Power Supply
Modern elevators rely on equipment sensitive to the quality of power supplied. If the power fluctuates or is of poor quality, it can interfere with the elevator’s performance and eventually cause costly damage.
Review your records to see if there have been frequent incidents of motor burnouts or overheating of electronic components in your building. If so, it’s time to arrange for a power quality audit to prevent further damage.
3. Repeated Breakdowns
Frequent breakdowns are a clear sign that major service failure is on the horizon. This typically indicates that the elevator’s essential components are aging. If your elevator is breaking down repeatedly, it may be time to consider an overhaul or even modernization.
One common symptom of a system in need of an update is the increasing frequency of service calls. As components wear out, they fall out of adjustment more easily, leading to shutdowns or operational issues.
A wise facility manager will keep track of all issues with the elevator. Regularly reviewing maintenance records can help you spot bigger problems before they happen.