Elevator diagnostics: basics and testing methods
Elevators are an integral part of our life in a modern metropolis. We use them every day in offices, shops, residential complexes and other places. However, elevators do not always work one hundred percent, and sometimes problems arise that can lead to dangerous consequences. In order to avoid unpleasant situations, elevator diagnostics are carried out, which allows us to identify possible problems and prevent their occurrence.
Contents of the article:
elevator diagnostics is a process during which the technical condition and performance of the elevator is determined. There are several types of diagnostics: planned, technical, expert and diagnostics after an accident. Scheduled diagnostics are carried out regularly and are aimed at identifying faults that may arise in the future. Technical diagnostics are carried out when any problems occur and it is necessary to find out the reasons for their occurrence. Expert diagnostics are carried out to identify the causes of accidents, and diagnostics after an accident are carried out to determine the possibility of restoring the elevator.
Elevator diagnostics allows you to identify the following problems: interruptions in operation, disruption of control mechanisms, problems with transporting people and goods, damage to the cabin, doors and other elements of the elevator structure, and much more. Conducting diagnostics not only improves the safety of passengers and workers at the facility, but also saves money on repairs and upgrades of equipment in the future.
Why do you need elevator diagnostics?
An elevator is a complex technical device that requires regular maintenance and diagnostics. After all, the safety of the people who use it depends on the quality of the elevator’s operation.
The main reasons why elevator diagnostics are necessary:
- Increased security. Based on the diagnostic results, faults can be identified and eliminated in a timely manner, preventing the possibility of emergency situations;
- Increasing the service life of the elevator. Regular diagnostics allows you to timely identify and eliminate defects and wear, which allows you to extend the life of the equipment;
- Reduced operating costs. Regular diagnostics allows you to get rid of expensive repairs in case of accumulation of defects.
In addition, elevator diagnostics required by law. Also, diagnostics can increase the value of the property in which the elevator is located.
How often are elevator diagnostics carried out?
To ensure the safety of passengers and the smooth operation of the elevator, it is necessary to regularly carry out diagnostics. How often should this be done?
- According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, mandatory elevator diagnostics must be carried out once a year.
- Some elevator manufacturers recommend diagnostics every 6 months.
- If the elevator is operated under conditions of frequent use (for example, in multi-storey buildings or in production), then diagnostics are recommended to be carried out even more often.
Also, if you suspect a malfunction or the possibility of a problem, you should contact a specialist for diagnosis. Prompt response to warnings from passengers or elevator signals (e. g. noise, vibration) is essential to ensure safety.
Remember that you cannot repair the elevator yourself or engage in illegal maintenance; this is fraught with dangerous consequences. Only qualified specialists should perform their task of maintaining the elevator in good condition.
How is an elevator diagnosed?
Primary diagnosis
Primary diagnostics of an elevator is the first stage at which the performance of various components and elements of the elevator is checked. Using this diagnostic, you can identify the main causes of malfunctions and determine the necessary repair work. During the initial diagnosis of an elevator, specialists use specialized tools and equipment, which allows them to obtain accurate results.
Detailed diagnostics
Detailed diagnostics are carried out if serious elevator malfunctions are detected during the initial diagnostics. At this stage, all elements and components of the elevator are diagnosed. For this purpose, more accurate means of assessing the condition of devices are used.
As a result of detailed diagnostics, experts receive a complete picture of the technical condition of the elevator and can determine the list of necessary repairs.
Conclusions based on diagnostic results
The results of the elevator diagnostics are summarized in a special report, which is presented to the owner of the elevator. Based on the data received, experts describe in detail all identified problems and defects and recommend the most effective way to eliminate them.
If critical faults are identified, specialists may decide to stop operating the elevator until the faults are eliminated.
Thus, elevator diagnostics are necessary for its smooth and safe operation. It is especially important to carry out regular diagnostics at the stages of design, construction and operation, which helps to minimize the possibility of malfunctions and accidents.
Preparing for elevator diagnostics
Technician training
Elevator diagnostics is a responsible process that requires highly qualified technicians. Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare not only the tools and equipment, but also the specialist himself. The technician must be attentive, punctual and possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
Before leaving for the site, diagnostics must check the availability of all necessary tools and consumables, as well as ensure that the equipment is in working order.
Elevator preparation
Before carrying out diagnostics, it is necessary to stop the movement of the cabin and drive. In the allotted time, it is necessary to collect all information about the manufacturer and model of the elevator, as well as the technical condition and operation of the elevator at the time of the last service.
To carry out a thorough diagnosis, the technician must inspect all elements of the elevator and evaluate their performance, internal condition and compliance with safety requirements.
- Check the operation of the elevator control buttons
- Assess hydraulic system pressure and oil quality
- Check the presence and condition of locking devices and other safety systems
- Assess the operation and condition of the cabin, doors and doorways
What is checked when diagnosing an elevator?
1. Condition of cables and ropes
One of the main elements of the elevator are cables and ropes that support the weight of the cabin and passengers. When diagnosing an elevator, the condition of the cables and ropes is checked for rust, wear, cracks and other damage.
2. Electronics performance
Modern elevators are equipped with electronics that control the operation of all elevator systems. During diagnostics, the functionality of the electronics is checked for errors and malfunctions in the system.
3. Condition of the elevator doors
Elevator doors must be reliable and safe for passengers. During diagnostics, the condition of the doors is checked for cracks, wear, weak locks, and the operation of the door opening and closing sensors is also checked.
4. Operation of security systems
Elevator safety systems are necessary to prevent possible accidents and ensure safe operation of the system. During diagnostics, the operation of the emergency braking system, cabin breakage system, air pumping system into the shaft and other safety systems is checked.
5. Condition of the cabin and shaft
The elevator car must be safe and comfortable for passengers, and the shaft must be clean and safe for maintenance. During diagnostics, the condition of the cabin and shaft is checked for damage, potholes, cracks, rust and other defects.
6. Maintenance of elevator mechanisms and components
The elevator contains many mechanisms and components that require regular maintenance. During diagnostics, the condition of brakes, motors, gearboxes, and other components is checked for wear, breaks, cracks and other damage.
So, when diagnosing an elevator, they check:
- Condition of cables and ropes
- Electronics performance
- Elevator door condition
- Operation of security systems
- Cabin and shaft condition
- Maintenance of elevator mechanisms and components
What to do after diagnosing an elevator
Option 1: Elevator repair
If diagnostics reveal malfunctions in the operation of the elevator, it is necessary to urgently begin repairs. Even minor damage can lead to serious consequences, so repairs should not be put off.
After diagnosing the elevator, you should order repair work from specialists. This can be either routine or major repairs, depending on the expert opinion. It is better to choose proven and reliable craftsmen in order to be confident in the quality of work and the safety of using the elevator in the future.
Option 2: Carrying out preventive measures
Even if the elevator diagnostics don’t reveal any serious problems, it’s still recommended to perform preventative maintenance and inspections.
- Change oil and filters in hydraulic systems;
- Check and adjust fluid levels in hydraulic systems;
- Clean and adjust sensors and cables in elevator equipment;
These measures will improve elevator operation and prevent future breakdowns. Preventative maintenance is recommended at least twice a year, especially if the elevator is the primary means of transportation in the building.
What to do if you find problems when diagnosing an elevator
1. Contact professionals
If you discover problems during elevator diagnostics, do not attempt to fix them yourself. Contact an elevator maintenance company with professional technicians. They have the knowledge and experience to resolve any issue.
2. Don’t ignore problems
Immediately after detecting a problem, contact competent specialists to resolve it. Don’t ignore problems and wait for them to be resolved on your own. Otherwise, it could have serious consequences for the safety of passengers and the elevator equipment. 3. Follow the Maintenance Schedule
3. Follow the maintenance schedule
4. Maintain Proper Elevator Handling
4. Organize proper handling of the elevator
Elevator Diagnostics: Basics and Testing Methods
