The modern elevator or lift is an everyday convenience we take for granted, but city living would be nearly impossible without them. In a high-rise or residential building where certain occupants are unable to utilise lengthy staircases, a lift malfunction can be completely isolating.
Elevators malfunction at least four times a year on average, according to new data from a smart lift technology expert, and each malfunction takes an average of four hours to fix. There are approximately 272 million hours of downtime annually and over 17 million lifts in use worldwide.
You probably have a strong interest in lift maintenance and ensuring that the lifts on your property are always in full working order if you are a lift owner. One of these typical lift malfunction scenarios that we’ll explain below is probably the cause of a lift’s outage.
We’ll also offer some tips on what to do should you ever be stuck inside an elevator.
7 reasons why elevators break down
If you’ve ever been stuck in an elevator or you own a building that has elevators, here is some useful information on why your lift may have broken down:
Worn Sheaves
The pulley or sheave is the basic mechanism of a lift, despite being a complex piece of equipment. Sheaves can become worn out after years of supporting heavy lifting in a lift, which can provide a bumpy ride on multiple axes. The lift may not only have fits and starts as it climbs the shaft, but it may also have some side-to-side bumps. It is vital to repair or regroove worn-out sheaves.
Motor Failure
Certain lift motors still run on direct current even when buildings are wired for alternating current. This means that before the lift operates, motor-generator sets must convert AC to DC. The wear-prone carbon brushes, among other moving elements, are a major contributor to breakdowns in lifts, making lift motor failures a common occurrence.
Damaged Consoles
Damage to the console, which is the collection of buttons that directs the lift where to travel, is one of the most frequent reasons for lift malfunctions. By pressing buttons excessively simultaneously, or in other ways beyond what the console can withstand, both impatient users and young children can harm the console.
For those stranded in the elevator shaft, this can be an uncomfortable breakdown situation and a costly repair.
Poor Lubrication
Proper lubrication is essential for the optimal operation of most elevators. In the same way, lubricating the parts of your lift is necessary to guarantee flawless operation. For lubrication, clean oil can be used. But after extended use, small metallic fragments may fall off from your lift.
These particles could have an effect on the lubricating procedure. These microscopic particles could have an impact on your lift’s effectiveness and performance. A bad scent is apparent, along with a few other problems. An oil analysis can help you avoid this.
The oil analysis test will examine the oils to determine the degree of contamination. They can aid in the selection of the proper oil for lubricating your lift and guarding against contamination.
Improper Lift Maintenance
Neglecting routine maintenance and inspections in an attempt to save money is nearly never a good idea. Unexpected maintenance, annoyances for tenants, and malfunctions which cause a stuck elevator are the inevitable outcomes of this. An outdated system can function more effectively and reduce your lift maintenance costs if it is completely modernised and maintained regularly.
Even newly installed elevators and passenger lifts should be inspected and have routine maintenance every six months.
Age
The likelihood that components may deteriorate and require replacement increases with system age. It’s also possible that older equipment uses outdated technology. A new system could end up saving you money over time by requiring fewer repairs and energy expenses.
Misuse
People don’t always act appropriately, whether they are boisterous children, mischievous teens, or unaware adults. Elevator overloading, smoking, vandalism and other undesirable behaviours happen on a daily basis. These operations lead to overworked or broken parts. You can build a CCTV system or display signs cautioning against such behaviour. If not, get lift repairs ordered as soon as you can.
What to do if you get stuck in an elevator
Even though modern lifts are extremely safe, getting stuck in a lift is a common fear for most people. Here are our do’s and don’ts if this should ever happen to you.
Don’t panic
Panic may set in as soon as you know you’re stuck. But it’s crucial that you stay calm. Try your best to reassure the other people in the lift so they know everything will be alright and to keep them calm as well. It’s true that being stuck in a lift can be stressful, but there’s probably no immediate danger to the passengers.
Don’t attempt to get out
You should never try to force the landing doors open or lift vehicles open in order to escape, no matter how simple it may seem. If the lift was halfway there when it failed, this is much more significant.
When a passenger tries to exit a stopped lift, they run the risk of falling into the lift well and suffering severe injuries because there is usually a big space between the elevator door and the landing ledges.
Use the call button for emergency personnel
An autodialer or emergency communication system can be found in the majority of modern lifts. This enables a trapped passenger to signal for help, typically by holding down the alarm button for a set amount of time. There is frequently an emergency phone or at least an emergency number to call in older lifts without an auto dialer.
After you’ve explained your situation to the emergency service (maintenance contractor, building services, etc.), give them the building’s address and, if there are any lifts, the lift ID, number, or location within the building.
When using a mobile phone, wait to call the fire department or other emergency services until all other avenues have been exhausted.
Continue to remain calm
Lift engineers would prioritise fixing any malfunction that puts passengers in danger, but it can take some time for the nearest engineer to get to the scene. Till assistance arrives and they can get the door open, try and remain calm.
Looking for expert lift maintenance?
In summary, there are various reasons why a lift may malfunction. Lift breakdowns are typically the result of technical issues such as worn-out parts and inadequate lubrication. This can easily be avoided by regular maintenance and servicing.
Our expert lift engineers at Future Lift Services have years of experience in the field, and we offer a comprehensive range of lift services to meet your specific needs.
We can help you maintain the efficiency and smooth operation of your lifts while also assisting you in making the most cost-effective possible servicing cost savings.
This includes lift modernisation & refurbishment , installation, servicing, and maintenance.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Why do elevators get stuck FAQs
What causes a lift to get stuck?
This issue can occur due to a power outage, malfunctioning control system, or mechanical failure.
Should you climb out of a stuck elevator?
Entrapment in a lift can be extremely unpleasant since many people experience claustrophobia and fear, or they may get worried or agitated because of the wait. Stay cool and wait for assistance to arrive; do not attempt to push the lift doors open or climb out in order to prevent possible injury.
Why do elevators suddenly stop working?
Elevators that stop suddenly could be caused by a malfunctioning motor or by inadequate maintenance. The lift is designed to stop gradually at each floor.