You could be forgiven for preferring to take the lift rather than ascend ten flights of stairs as our skyscrapers and buildings reach ever-higher altitudes. The ability to quickly and easily move between levels without using stairs has made lifts a true revolution in building transportation.
The Equality Act of 2010 has also made them necessary for the majority of multi-story buildings. It mandates that companies and groups make “reasonable adjustments” to their spaces to allow impaired access.
Even still, there is still a widespread, albeit somewhat unfounded, fear of lifts failing, despite all the positive effects they can have. Being confined in an elevator car that is hanging over several floors is obviously not ideal.
Maintaining the convenience and passenger safety of an elevator system depends on the identification and resolution of lift problems. Not only may proactive elevator maintenance and troubleshooting avert possible mishaps, but they also reduce downtime and expensive repairs. This blog will examine typical lift problems and how to fix them.
How to troubleshoot a broken elevator
Once you’ve noticed a problem with your elevator, it’s time to call a lift maintenance and lift repairs engineer from a reputable company. Below is what an engineer will do before coming up with a solution.
Using a methodical troubleshooting method can assist in locating and fixing lift-related issues. An excellent troubleshooting framework can be found in the stages that follow:
- Step 1: Safety first – Before beginning any troubleshooting procedures, make sure the lift is safe and correctly isolated.
- Step 2: Determining the problem – Pay attention to symptoms and indicators, like strange noises, error numbers on the control panel, or error messages.
- Step 3: Basic Inspections: Make sure the power supply is working, look for any issues on the control panel, and make sure the emergency stop is not activated.
- Step 4: Examining door mechanisms and sensors – Check the door mechanisms, including the tracks, rollers, and sensors, to see if there are any problems or obstructions.
- Step 5: Analysing the mechanical and electrical systems – Check for wear or damage on any pulleys, cables, motors and brake systems, among other mechanical and electrical components of the lift.
- Step 6: Testing safety features and emergency protocols – Verify that safety features including emergency communication systems, overspeed governors, and emergency brakes are operating as intended by conducting tests on them.
6 common reasons for broken elevators
A lift may encounter a number of problems that could prevent it from operating normally. Recognising these typical problems is necessary for efficient troubleshooting, but repairing a lift should never be done without a licensed professional engineer. Typical lift system problems include the following:
Lift getting stuck
An elevator getting stuck may arise from a mechanical breakdown, a control system fault, or a power failures.
Check that the power supply is restored in the event of a power outage. Check the control panel for any error codes or other indications of a particular problem if the lift is still unresponsive or stuck in the elevator shaft.
Lift being slow
A number of things, including poor lubrication, worn-out parts, misaligned pulleys, and issues with the motor or drive system, can cause slow or jerky movements.
As directed by the manufacturer, lubricate the moving parts on a regular basis. If the problem continues, a more in-depth examination could be necessary to pinpoint the exact cause and resolve it. This could entail changing out worn-out parts, realigning pulleys, or fixing the motor or drive system.
Unusual noises
Unusual sounds or vibrations may be caused by damaged bearings, misaligned parts, loose or worn-out parts, or malfunctioning control systems.
Examine the lift for any broken or loose components, such as screws, bolts, or brackets, and replace or tighten them as needed. Lubricate moving parts as well to lessen friction. If the vibrations or noises don’t go away, get a comprehensive inspection done by elevator contractors and make any necessary replacements or repairs.
Doors not opening or closing
A number of things can cause this difficulty, such as misaligned door tracks, malfunctioning door sensors, worn-out door rollers, or issues with the door operator system.
Look for any obstacles or misalignments in the door tracks, then adjust or realign them as necessary. Clear the door sensors to make sure they are operating properly. If the problem continues, an evaluation should be conducted to fix any damaged door parts or make adjustments to the door operator system.
Irregular floor level
Problems with the levelling sensors, misplaced guide rails, worn-out suspension ropes, and uneven floor surfaces can all lead to irregular levelling.
Check the alignment and cleanliness of the levelling sensors. Make that the guiding rails are correctly positioned and unobstructed. The suspension ropes should be inspected, modified, or replaced as necessary, if the problem continues. To guarantee precise levelling, the lift controller may occasionally need to be adjusted.
Oil leak
When lubricating or hydraulic oil escapes into places it shouldn’t, including the lift shaft, pit, or control panel, contamination by oil can occur. It may be the result of deteriorating hoses, malfunctioning valves, or broken seals.
Find the cause of the oil leak and fix or swap out the broken parts. To get rid of any oil spills, thoroughly clean the impacted areas. To stop leaks in the future, provide the hydraulic system regular lift maintenance and inspections. Make sure that any tainted oil is disposed of properly and in compliance with environmental rules.
Looking for regular preventative maintenance or lift repairs?
It’s extremely important to troubleshoot lift problems to preserve lift users’ convenience and safety, but remember never try to DIY repairs with a lift! Resolving lift problems quickly not only improves safety but also reduces downtime and elevator maintenance cost, which ultimately benefits facility managers and building occupants. The secret to a dependable and effective lift system is proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.
Future Lift Services are a lift company with expertise in lift installation, maintenance, and modernisation for all types of commercial and residential facilities.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our modern lift services or to request a free, no-obligation quote with us, based in London and Essex!
How to fix elevators FAQs
What are the common malfunction of elevators?
These consist of unexpected pauses, door malfunctions, sharp landings, power outages, floor changes and lurching lifts. After further investigation, a distinct cause can be identified for each of these kinds of lift problems.
How do you know if an elevator is broken?
Vibrations or strange noises coming from your lift may indicate a problem. For instance, noises like grinding, squeaking, or scraping could mean that there’s a problem with the pulleys, gears, or engine.
How long do elevators take to fix?
Depending on the issue, lift repairs might range from small to large. While large repairs can take days or even weeks, minor lift repairs can be completed in a few hours. There are some regular intervals at which we recommend you get your passenger lifts inspected.
Future Lift Services have a 24/7 emergency line for lift repairs, and we’ll always try to reach you as soon as possible.