Elevator modernization

An elevator is being modernized into Schindler 3300 AP MRL in 2013. The former elevator was a 1991 Dong Yang hydraulic elevator.

An elevator is being modernized into Schindler 5500 elevator in 2013. The former elevator was a 1980s Falconi traction elevator. The right one already modernized.

Elevator modernization (or lift modernisation) is the process of upgrading the critical parts of the elevator in order for it to be able to handle new technology, have better performance, improve safety, and even give the aesthetics an up-to-date appeal.

Sometimes, elevator (lift) replacement work also applied in this term.

Introduction

Most elevators are built to provide about 30 to 40 years of service (although some elevators as old as 50 years or more are still in service), as long as service intervals specified and periodic maintenance/inspections by the manufacturer are followed. As the elevator ages and equipment become increasingly difficult to find or replace, along with code changes and deteriorating ride performance, a complete overhaul of the elevator may be suggested to the building owners.

Typically, a modernization will affect the controller equipment (the part of the elevator that controls the movement of the elevator through the floors), the hoist machines and motors (the part of the elevator that does the heavy lifting), electrical wiring and buttons of the cab (controlling the lights, destination floors, etc.,) even the tracks of the doors are sometimes modified and changed, all to keep the elevator up-to-date, and to the aesthetics conscious, paneling, electronics, and additional style changes can also be done in the interior of the cabs.

The process

Please refer to Elevator major alterations.

For starters, an elevator modernization plan will have to be created. This is done usually with the help of an elevator service company which can also do modernization.

This process will determine which parts of the elevator will have to be modernized, the scope of the procedure, and most importantly,  making sure that code compliance is met. Once this is done, preventive maintenance will have to be done until the elevator is removed from service.

During this time, the elevator will be out of service, so building owners will have to compensate for this. This includes proper diversion of building’s traffic, creating contingency plans, and so on. This is needed because depending on the amount of modernization done, the number of elevators, and the size of the building, the whole process may take anywhere from a few months, to a whole year.

When the process complete, elevator service company must complete the elevator examination for newly installed elevator or elevator recently complete the major alterations before it back in service.

Components that need to be replaced in different elevator modernization plans

Component	Scheme of elevator modernization plan
	Refurbishment work	Partial modernization	Full modernization	Full replacement
Elevator car
Sling	No	No	by building owners	Yes
Door operator	No	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Cab design	by building owners	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Car doors	by building owners	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Car fixtures	Yes	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Wedges connected to the governor	No	No	Yes	Yes
Additional phone/intercom if they don't equipped	by building owners	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traveling cable	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wire ropes	No	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Shaft
Counterweight	No	No	No	Yes
Hydraulic rams	No	No	No	Yes
Guide rails	No	No	No	Yes
Buffers	No	No	Yes	Yes
Electrical components	No	No	No	Yes
Tapehead	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Limit switches	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wiring	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Compensations	No	No	No	Yes
Lobby
Shaft door components	by building owners	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Shaft doors	by building owners	by building owners	by building owners	Yes
Hall fixtures	Yes	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Machine room
Machines	No	by building owners	Yes	Yes
Controllers	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Removal of the selector	by building owners	Yes	Yes	Yes
Overspeed governor	No	No	Yes	Yes
Additional unintended car movement protection device if they don't equipped	by building owners	by elevator safety code in countries
Backup battery or uninterruptible power supply	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

Notable elevator modernization packages

Disclaimer: Almost every elevator companies provides elevator modernization packages to building owners. Here are some notable elevator modernization packages provided by the elevator companies. Building owners can have their own customize modernization solutions. Elevatorpedia strongly recommend building owners, consult to the professionals suggestions before the construction project get started.

Fujitec

• Modernization for Royal Superdyne

Mitsubishi

• ELEMOTION (for low to mid-rise buildings, since 2001)
• NexWay Modernization (for high-rise buildings)

Otis

• HydroAccel (for North America)
• Gen2 Mod (for low to mid-rise buildings)
• Elevonic R-Series (for North America)
• Elevonic 411M

Schindler

• Miconic HXpress (for North America)
• 6300
• 6400 NA (for North America)
• 6500
• Schindler Modernization

Toshiba

• ELFRESH

thyssenkrupp

• MOD Solutions (for North America)
  • H Power (formerly HYPower, hydraulic elevator modernization)
  • G2 Power (geared to gearless traction elevator modernization)
  • G Power (formerly Numbers, geared elevator modernization)
  • GL Power (gearless elevator modernization)
  • AT Power (modernization to destination dispatch)

Benefits of elevator modernization

Modernization can greatly improve operational reliability by replacing mechanical relays and contacts with solid-state electronics. Ride quality can be improved by replacing motor-generator-based drive designs with Variable-Voltage, Variable Frequency (VVVF) drives, providing near-seamless acceleration and deceleration. Passenger safety is also improved by updating systems and equipment (such as redundant brake system, unintended car movement protection device on the brake system. etc.) to conform to current codes.

Problems of elevator modernization

Many vintage elevator enthusiasts dislike elevator modernization, because it reduces the aesthetic appeal of the elevator with a generic, modern design, and also may not blend in with the architecture of historic buildings. Also, some people criticize that modernized elevators aren't as well made or have as long a lifespan, because of the sensitive electronic controllers, cheaper made mechanical parts, and fast work method. As a result, some people say that elevators should not be modernized, unless it's absolutely needed, and if so, should be done in a high quality, efficient manner.

Gallery

A 1990s Hyundai elevator is being modernized into Kone elevator in Mall Kelapa Gading, Jakarta, Indonesia.

See also

• Lift Upgrading Programme (Singapore, discontinued project)
• Lift Modernisation Programme (Hong Kong, ongoing project)
• Escalator modernization

External links

Government official guidelines

• Guidelines for Modernising Existing Lifts (Chinese version) (Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong)
• Lift Modernization Safe Use of Lifts & Escalators (Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong)

Fan-made guidelines

• Modernization guide (Beno.org.uk)

Elevator

Drive systems: Traction • Winding Drum • Hydraulic Types of elevators: Double Deck • Dumbwaiter • Fireman's • Freight • Incline • Passenger • Residential • Wheelchair lift Concept: Capacity • Destination dispatch • Elevator algorithm • Elevator control system • Elevator machine room • Elevator maintenance • Elevator monitoring system • Elevator modernization • ACOP & UCMP • Machine room less elevator • Major alterations • Rated speed Elevator systems, controllers and equipments: Elevator emergency automatic rescue device • Elevator fixtures • Elevator keys • Elevator special modes • Elevator doors • Door cam • Door interlocks (Interlock wiring communication system) • Door restrictor • Elevator Inspection Certificate • Emergency stop button • Floor designators • Gate switch • Old Deadman controls • Overspeed governor • Motor-generator set & Silicon-controlled rectifier (for DC-powered elevators) • Insulated-gate bipolar transistor (for AC-VVVF-powered elevators) • Selector • Tape head • Regenerative converter (for AC-VVVF-powered elevators) See also: List of elevator fixtures guide • List of elevator and escalator companies • Elevator door sill guide (Non-proprietary elevator component door sill guide) • Floor numbering (Unlucky floor numbers) • Elevator incidents and accidents