Elevator Diagnostics 101: Decoding Common Issues and Solutions

Approximately 10,000 elevator-related injuries occur each year, emphasizing the need for proper elevator maintenance in your commercial business. Any minor issue can lead to downtime, business interruptions, and potential accidents. These can have severe consequences, such as increased operating costs, potential litigation, and a depreciated business reputation.

In these circumstances, elevator diagnostics are vital. The ability to identify and mitigate common elevator complications aids in averting most mechanical failures, ensuring your elevator operates at peak efficiency.

This preventive strategy leads to safer operations, enhanced usability, and reduced long-term costs. To glean further insights on this, continue reading about common elevator problems to be vigilant for.

Mechanical Failure

A leading cause of elevator injuries is mechanical failure. Such problems arise from issues like worn sheaves, which put a strain on the ropes and cause them to wear down. If you notice sudden jerking movements or changes in speed, this might be the root cause.

Yet there’s a solution. Regular maintenance can mitigate this. Having a professional routinely service the elevator can prevent significant issues down the line.

Inaccurate Elevator Leveling

In some cases, the elevator may not stop evenly with the floor, leading to potential tripping hazards. This issue is often associated with faulty elevator sensors.

Once these sensors fail, the elevator carriage may not stop as required. This disrupts the seamless movement of passengers in and out of the elevator.

Resolving this issue entails replacing the faulty sensors. Once calibrated, the new sensors should improve the precision of elevator stops.

Misaligned Doors

Misaligned doors constitute another common problem. This happens when there’s uneven wear and tear on the door equipment, causing the elevator doors to malfunction.

It’s vital not to ignore these issues. Misaligned doors can lead to further complications and pose a safety hazard to users. The likely solution here is an elevator repair that realigns the doors.

Electrical System Malfunctions

If your elevator experiences unexpected shutdowns or erratic operations, it could indicate electrical issues. Approaching a professional to diagnose and rectify electrical problems is the best way forward. After a thorough repair, sign up for regular maintenance to stop the problem from reoccurring.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is your golden key to elevator longevity and efficient performance. Consider setting a maintenance schedule that includes professional inspections of all the elevator’s components, including the cables, safety system, and door mechanisms. The frequency of maintenance would depend on various factors, including the lift’s age, usage, and manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ensure Safety With Professional Elevator Diagnostics

The importance of effective elevator diagnostics cannot be overstated. We’ve expounded on several common issues and their implications, such as mechanical failures, misaligned doors, inaccurate leveling, and electrical system malfunctions.

You can prevent and rectify these crucial issues through regular professional maintenance. Routine elevator inspections are key to safer, more efficient operations and significant long-term cost reduction.

Your commitment to safety starts with proper upkeep. At Keystone Elevator, we’re ready to offer our expertise in elevator repairs 24/7. Contact us today and let’s ensure the lasting reliability of your elevators.

How To Evaluate Elevator Maintenance Contract Prices

Did you know that people typically use a functional elevator four times a day? So naturally, maintaining a working elevator is a critical business investment. But, like the company printer needs repair, so does your business elevator.

Yet, you’re unsure about elevator maintenance contract prices. And you’re uncertain about what to ask a commercial elevator service company. So, your first move is to read this article for the top seven questions to ask about elevator repair.

And if you haven’t stuck to your elevator maintenance schedule, reading this guide is a must. Broken elevators can lead to lawsuits or lost business.

So why take unnecessary chances with your elevator? Take charge of your elevator repair by reading these essential questions.

1. How do I Find Fair Elevator Maintenance Contract Prices?

It’s wise to call around to compare elevator repair prices. That way, you can see if they’re overcharging you. Of course, you can check our professional commercial elevator service repair.

2. What Is a Good Elevator Maintenance Schedule?

While commercial elevators can last more than 20 years, it’s vital to maintain preventive maintenance. Otherwise, you might pay for a new elevator sooner than planned.

All elevators have different maintenance schedules. Your elevator repair main should diagnose your particular elevator’s needs. Also, the number of trips the elevator takes daily adds to the wear and tear.

The manufacturer might include free elevator repairs if your elevator is still under warranty. Or you can rely on our expert staff for preventive maintenance.

Also, ask about the elevator repair company’s location. Ideally, you want an elevator repair company nearby—especially if you need emergency elevator servicing.

3. When Do I Upgrade the Elevator?

If you frequently pay for commercial elevator service, it might be time for a new elevator. In addition, elevators in service for over 25 years might be due for modernization.

4. How Reliable Are Elevator Parts?

Elevator parts not up to code might cause your commercial elevator to fail inspection. Most states require an annual elevator inspection.

Cheap and inferior elevator parts lead to the elevator failure rate. Before contracting elevator repair services, ask about their parts.

5. Do You Have Client References?

When considering elevator maintenance contract prices, research the company’s business history. Elevator repair companies with a long history should have client references.

By all means, ask them about their other clients. And don’t hesitate to contact them to gauge their satisfaction.

6. What Is Your Contact Response Time?

How long does your prospective elevator repair company take to respond to your calls? And how do they respond? These questions are critical in case you need emergency elevator servicing.

7. What Are Your Elevator Repair Services?

Your elevator type dictates your particular needs. So, you need to know if the repair company meets those needs. Any elevator repair company you contract should have a license.

8. Do You Offer Documentation?

After each commercial elevator service repair, there should be a document. Reliable and thorough records help keep track of your elevator’s productivity. It can also help against lawsuits.

More on Elevator Maintenance Contract Prices

For nearly 30 years, we have continued providing unrivaled full-service elevator repairs. We respond promptly to our clients’ calls for elevator repairs. Our expert technicians have licenses in Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

We stand ready to provide preventive maintenance to your hydraulic or dumbwaiter elevators. In addition, we can upgrade obsolete elevators.

Contact us today about our elevator maintenance contract prices. Let us know how we can fit your elevator maintenance schedule.

The Different Types of Elevators for Commercial Buildings, Explained

Projections show that the global elevator and escalator market will reach a value of $132.08 billion by 2029.

Elevators are widely used in commercial buildings. Most people only know elevators as something they use to go up and down floors in hotels. While these are the most widely seen, several other types of elevators are used in commercial settings.

Keep reading for a rundown of the different types of commercial elevators available.

Passenger Elevator

This is one of the most common types of commercial elevators. These are typically present in any commercial building with more than one floor to transport people up and down. Even a two-floor building with stairs will generally require one of these so that disabled people can access both floors.

These can vary a lot in terms of size, weight limit, and speed. You’ll have to determine these based on your needs and uses. Many buildings will use multiple passenger elevators to meet the demands of their business.

Service Elevator

These are also common elevators for commercial buildings. They’re mainly used by employees when transporting goods throughout the building. A common example would be housekeeping staff using them to transport cleaning carts.

Hospitals also make use of these so that hospital staff can transport patients in hospital beds with ease. Service elevators generally need to transport heavier loads than passenger elevators, so they’re more robust and larger. They also have stricter code requirements to ensure they’re fit for purpose.

Freight Elevator

A freight elevator is the best type of elevator for transporting heavy loads. This often includes things like vehicles or cargo in industrial settings. The working conditions of freight elevators are typically much tougher than other elevator types.

The weight of the goods transported by freight elevators means they need to be incredibly strong and durable. They’re often made with steel walls/floors and have very high load capacities.

Freight elevators aren’t designed for transporting passengers, so there’s generally no focus on making them attractive in any way.

Dumbwaiter

A dumbwaiter is the smallest type of elevator available. While freight elevators aren’t designed for transporting passengers, it’s still possible. Dumbwaiters, however, are typically far too small and are only for transporting certain goods.

One of the most common uses of these is for transporting food in restaurants. Aside from commercial buildings, they’re also found in public and private buildings.

Elevator Hoist Systems

The design of an elevator installation can vary depending on a range of factors. One of the most important aspects of an elevator is the hoist system.

Hydraulic elevators require a lot of energy and are most commonly used for heavy loads. They’re typically only found in buildings that are six stories high or less.

Traction elevators use a more energy-efficient pulley system and are better for passengers as they give a smoother, quieter ride. Regular maintenance will help keep them running smoothly. Most modern elevators use a gearless traction system to save both energy and space.

Deciding Between Different Types of Elevators

With all the types of elevators available, figuring out how to choose a commercial elevator can be difficult. Keystone elevator is a professional elevator installation service, and we can help determine the best solution for your building. We also handle repairs, maintenance, testing, and more.

If you have any questions about our services click here to contact us today.

Understanding the Life Cycle of an Elevator

elevator

Elevator Life Cycle Factors 

Elevators come in a variety of styles, types, and models. These differentiating factors may affect the elevator’s maintenance requirements and overall life cycle. However, despite the differences, there are ways to increase the life cycle of all elevators.

How Modernizing Affects the Life Cycle

If you want your elevator to last, you need to have regular maintenance performed. If you don’t invest in regular maintenance, your elevator’s expected life cycle will decrease drastically. An elevator that is expected to last 20 years may now last only 15. While regular maintenance will keep your elevator in working order, it is not always enough to prevent the technology from becoming obsolete. This is where modernization comes in. Modernization is a great option when your elevator needs more than just repairs but hasn’t quite reached its end. Modernization allows you to upgrade your elevator by replacing any outdated components.

How Inspections and Maintenance Plans Make a Difference

Work with your elevator service provider to manage your elevator’s life span. We perform inspections, create maintenance plans, and upgrade an elevator whenever it begins to lose its efficiency. Without a maintenance plan, your elevator is a mystery. There may be seemingly small problems that go unnoticed, but over time they will grow into large, costly problems.

How the Environment Damages Elevators

One of the many things that can affect your elevator is the elements. If moisture finds its way into your elevator, it can result in severe water damage, mold, or rot. Water can completely sabotage any metal structure and mechanical device. Other elevators, such as hydraulic elevators, are vulnerable when it comes to seismic activities and harsh temperatures.

Servicing the Greater Boston Metro, we provide elevator service to office buildings, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, and more. If you invest in maintenance and modernization for your elevator, you can push the lifespan far beyond the typical 25 years. Start extending the life of your elevator today by contacting Keystone Elevator.

ada compliant elevator

How to Keep Your Elevators ADA Compliant

When you install an elevator, you have to follow the Americans with Disability Act guidelines. The ADA ensures that those who have disabilities can access elevators and safely operate them. As a property manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that the ADA’s regulations are upheld.

Door Opening and Closing Requirements

Your doors must remain open for at least three seconds at a time. Additionally, there should be a reopening device detection point, in case someone gets stuck between the elevator doors. In the elevator, passengers must have a clear sign that the elevator has arrived at the destination. There must be visible signs, lights, and a verbal or auditory signal.

Button Requirements

Numerical buttons have to be in ascending order and must be reachable to someone in a wheelchair. There should also be a two-way communication system that anyone can safely reach. Door open and close buttons have to be above emergency buttons, and there should never be any symbols that could be confused for another. All buttons should also have braille beneath so that those with visual impairments can also access the controls.

Dimension Requirements

In addition to button and door requirements, all elevators must be in an accessible place in the building. The cart must be big enough for a wheelchair to enter comfortably. An elevator should be at least 80” by 54”. When it comes to door width, a wheelchair requires at least 36” width of clearance. Not only does this help wheelchair users, but the width of the door helps when multiple passengers are boarding at the same time.

If a company chooses not to follow ADA regulations, they may face a fine of up to $75,000. When you work with Keystone Elevator, we can help you stay up to date on the changing regulations. To find out more about elevator servicing in the Greater Boston Metro, call 781-277-4655 or email us today!

Keep Your Costs Down With Regular Elevator Maintenance

Elevators, like all equipment, require maintenance to remain in the best condition. Despite the necessary repairs, building managers and owners may forego maintenance because it can be inconvenient. The problem with this mindset is if you forego the repairs, then the elevators will eventually stop working as efficiently. Most of the time, elevator servicing contractors do not receive a call from building owners until the problem is already obvious and more expensive.

If you want to keep your elevator running and cut down on costs, then you’re going to need preventative maintenance.

Routine Contracts May Be More Affordable

If you enter into a routine maintenance contract with an elevator service company, then you can save on maintenance throughout the year. A contractor will visit your building according to the schedule that you set and will offer detailed reports about your elevator. If there are any issues, they will catch them and repair them right away, rather than waiting for them to get worse.

Major Repairs Stop Elevators for Longer

You may worry about stopping your elevator for maintenance, but routine maintenance is quick, whereas if your elevator breaks down, you are going to have more lengthy repairs. Your guests, staff, or tenants are going to have to wait even longer for an alternative elevator. This can dip into your building’s productivity or cause complaints from your guests.

Doors and Rollers Need the Most Upkeep

To maintain your elevator system and otherwise lower your repair costs, focus on the doors and rollers. Doors are the most heavily used component in your elevator. They undergo a lot of wear and tear and may need to be aligned regularly. Issues with the doors and rollers can lead to performance issues.

Do not let your costs go up because you didn’t receive preventative maintenance on your elevators. Contact Keystone Elevator by calling 781-277-4655 or emailing us today!

commercial elevator

3 Signs That Your Elevator Needs Repairs

commercial elevator

If your building has an elevator, then odds are your guests and staff rely heavily on it to transport them throughout the building. It is your responsibility to ensure a safe and convenient ride.

Elevators have a long lifespan, so how do you know when something is wrong? When is it time for you to invest in repairs or a new elevator? Here are three common warning signs.

Extended Wait Times

How long do passengers have to wait for your elevator? Elevators are supposed to be convenient and quick. Guests and staff should not have to wait a long time for the cab to arrive. If your elevators are too slow, it will cut into the productivity of your building. The long wait times could also indicate an issue with the cables, motor, pulleys, or other mechanical components in the elevator.

Unusual Noise Making

Most elevators operate in silence. A modern elevator should be as quiet as possible. Most passengers feel uncomfortable in elevators that make too much noise. If you hear any clanking, this might mean that you could have several different mechanical issues. Some building owners and managers will shrug off any noises from the elevator. Unfortunately, the sounds will worsen and the problems could become worse over time.

Jarring Movements

Your elevator is supposed to have a smooth operation. Jerky movements and sudden stops are unnatural and a sign that your elevator has a problem. The components responsible for moving your elevator may no longer be functioning properly. An elevator that stops suddenly or has rough movements can injure the passengers inside.

If your elevator is showing even one of these signs, you should have a professional inspect it as soon as possible. Keystone Elevator services elevators in commercial buildings, offices, hotels, hospitals, and more. Call 781-277-4655 or email us today to find out more!

How Do You Know If Your Elevator Is ADA Compliant?

As the manager or owner of a commercial building, you are required to make sure your building complies with all codes, laws, and regulations. If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at ADA provisions, you might want to review them to be sure your elevator is compliant. The following are some requirements to be aware of.

Electronic Operation

To be ADA compliant, your elevator must operate electronically. This means the doors have to open and close without anyone touching the actual doors. They need to have a reopening feature that will open the doors without physical contact when someone enters the elevator after the doors have already begun to close.

Floor Space

Your elevators need to have a certain amount of floor space to be ADA compliant. A wheelchair user should be able to comfortably enter and exit the elevator. He or she should be able to reach the controls as well, as they should also be a certain height from the floor.

Hall Signals

Elevators need to have visible and audible hall signals under ADA provisions. If you have more than one elevator in one hallway or location, each elevator should have its own audible, visible hall signal so the user knows which elevator has answered the call button. Ascending and descending directions should have appropriate audible signs, and users should have a verbal signal that shows whether the elevator is headed up or down.

Open Doors

When an elevator door opens, it needs to remain open for a minimum time of three seconds. This gives those with special needs an appropriate amount of time to enter or exit the elevator. If he or she needs more time, the electronic reopening feature should kick in.

Learning More About ADA Compliance

If you’re still unsure whether your commercial elevators are ADA compliant, consult with the professionals. Contact Keystone Elevator by calling 781-277-4655 or emailing us today to learn more!

Three Ways Modernizing Your Commercial Elevator Could Save You Money

Commercial Clients

There are a lot of benefits that come with elevator modernization. This includes increasing property value, improving safety, and increasing traffic flow within the building. Did you know elevator modernization can also save you money? The following are three upgrades you might consider in order to do so.

Installing Digital Controllers

Digital controllers are constantly scanning and assigning activity within the machine to make the elevator more efficient. When you have smart controllers, energy consumption is often greatly reduced. Everyone knows reduced energy means reduced energy bills.

Replacing the DC Motor to an AC Motor

Again, there is less energy used when you complete certain repairs, including using an AC motor instead of a DC motor. Less energy and higher efficiency mean less in energy costs. The power factor correction will also make your energy bills reduced. AC motors reduce the amount of heat put out, which means your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the building. In turn, you experience more energy cost savings.

Replacing the Motor Drive

You’ll have better luck and more savings with an AC motor drive than you will with a DC drive. AC drives only consume power while the elevator is actually running, rather than at all times like the DC. With the AC motor drives, you can utilize regenerative drives, which puts more power back into the building. Similar to replacing the motor itself to an AC, replacing the drive also produces less heat, which reduces overall energy consumption with the building’s air conditioning system.

Getting Started

Older elevators might work well, and their components may have been right for the time they were built, but there are some modernizing techniques you can implement to save money. Making your elevator more efficient sets off a wave of reactions that allow you to save in other areas as well. To learn more about modernization, or to get started with your elevator, contact Keystone Elevator by calling 781-277-4655 or sending us an email today!

Which Elevator Door Do You Need?

As a property owner or manager, you make a lot of decisions that affect a lot of different people. When it comes to the elevator, it’s your job to ensure everyone can get to where they need to be within the building in a timely manner. Perhaps you’ve never put much thought into it, but what type of elevator door do you need? The following are four different types and what they are each good for.

Single-Speed, One Direction

The single-speed, one direction door is one of the most popular and cost-efficient types of doors. Because it opens in just one direction, it’s perfect for a building in which there is more space on one side of the elevator than the other. The single panel gives it a seamless, clean look that some property owners simply prefer.

Single-Speed, Two Directions

The single-speed elevator door that opens in two opposite directions is another popular option. When you step up to the elevator, the two panels open from the center and move in opposite directions. This type of elevator door can work in pretty much any building, though it will need the storage space inside the wall to store both panels when they open.

Two-Speed, One Direction

What makes this door different than the single-speed, one direction, is it is made with two panels. Both panels move in the same direction, but the door opens a little more quickly because both panels are moving at the same time. The stacked panels make this a great door for freight elevators or those that need to save some space.

Two-Speed, Two Directions

When you take all of the aforementioned elevator doors and combine them, you get the two-speed, two-direction door. This door opens from the center, with the two doors moving in opposite directions. Each door is made up of two panels, so the doors open a little more quickly. These doors often open a bit wider, making them perfect for wide freight elevators or those that carry a large number of people.

Learning More

Whether you’re new to property management, or just looking into some new elevator options, contact the professionals at Keystone Elevator by calling 781-277-4655 or sending us an email today!