5 Essential Parts of the Elevator Modernization Process

If the time has come to consider an elevator modernization, you probably have considered cost and scheduling. However, an elevator modernization is much more than that. It is a comprehensive process that includes upgrading five major components of the elevator system.

At Sandoval Elevator, we believe in educating our customers to better understand each step of the modernization process, empowering them to select the best vendor for their unique situation. The five major components of an elevator modernization are:

1. The Controller

The elevator Controller is located in the elevator machine room. It is the computer “brain” of the elevator system. It uses microprocessor technology to make millions of decisions that ultimately control every aspect of the system. Today’s non-proprietary controllers are equipped with onboard diagnostics allowing any elevator service provider to diagnose and adjust—no special tools needed. This gives you the freedom to select any service provider to work on the elevator after it is modernized.

Over time, controllers, much like any computer, can experience slower processing speeds and require multiple repairs to keep them operating. That’s why it is essential to change the controller as part of the modernization process, ensuring your elevator is safe, reliable, and code compliant.

2. The Power Unit

The Power Unit is also located in the elevator machine room. It is often referred to as the “heart” of the elevator system, supplying hydraulic oil to the piston, which allows the elevator to travel up and down at a controlled, rated speed. This component includes the system’s hydraulic oil, valve, pump, and pump motor. Today’s power units are typically “submersible,” allowing the valve, pump, and pump motor to be submersed in the hydraulic oil within a sealed tank, eliminating leaks often caused by older “dry” power units.

Over time, the Power Unit can lose its ability to move the elevator and or bring the elevator to a safe floor level. To help eliminate trips and falls around your elevator, it is essential to include a new Power Unit in your modernization.

3. The Fixtures

The elevator Fixtures are the buttons, floor indicators, and key switches associated with the elevator. They are located inside the elevator, allowing passengers to select their floor level, and at every elevator lobby, allowing passengers to “call” the elevator to their floor. Today’s buttons utilize LEDs vs. older style incandescent bulbs, ensuring that your elevator buttons illuminate for years, not months.

Older elevators typically mount these fixtures at a height that is not in compliance with ADA regulations. By including new fixtures with your modernization project, you ensure that the buttons are mounted at the proper height and meet ADA guidelines.

4. The Door Operator and Equipment

The Door Operator is located on top of the elevator and is responsible for opening and closing the elevator doors. The doors on a typical elevator will open and close millions of times over its lifetime.

As you can imagine, this amount of wear and tear can cause problems with the elevator doors, such as:

• Failure of doors to open and close causing an elevator shutdown
• Opening or closing the doors at an extremely slow speed causing the elevator to shut down
• Doors shutter or make a loud grinding noise when opening and closing
• Failure to recognize when a person or object is blocking the doors resulting in striking people or objects as they enter and exit the elevator
• Unintended opening and closing of the doors resulting in longer wait times

Replacing the Door Operator and relating door equipment as part of an elevator modernization is a wise investment that will keep your elevator safe and reliable while extending its life expectancy for years to come.

5. Code Building Upgrades (Mechanical, Fire, and Electrical)

When performing an elevator modernization, local jurisdictions will require that the building’s fire alarm, electrical, and mechanical (air conditioning) systems meet current code requirements. In most situations, upgrades to your building in these areas will be required before the elevator modernization is ready for final inspection.

This building work is typically performed in conjunction with the elevator modernization work, which requires someone to manage the coordination of each trade to ensure work is completed in a timely manner.

At Sandoval Elevator, we serve as your one point of contact for building code upgrades. We will hire and manage the electrician, fire company, and mechanical company to perform the necessary upgrades, which ensures you receive one invoice and one vendor partner.

Importance of Elevator Modernization

Investing in elevator modernization offers several benefits for building owners. Not only does it increase the safety and reliability of your elevator system, but it can also improve the efficiency of elevator operations, leading to reduced costs. In addition, elevator modernization can help you comply with changing code requirements and take advantage of new technologies that can further improve elevator performance.

Choose Sandoval Elevator Company for all Your Elevator Needs!

If you’re looking for an elevator company you can trust, look no further than Sandoval Elevator Company. Our experienced team can help you choose the right type of elevator for your project, maintain them, and modernize them to make them like-new.

We maintain all types of elevators for commercial businesses in Colorado and Arizona and specialize in hydraulic elevators. Contact us today to learn more about our services!