Elevators are the backbone of infrastructure, assuring effortless vertical movement of people and goods in residential and commercial buildings, ships, or other structures. These vertical transportation systems feature several parts that contribute to their smooth operation. The designs of elevators have evolved for the better in terms of capacities, speed, and aesthetic features. Despite these, any failure in its operating parts would still lead to downtimes or endanger the safety of people using these systems. Whether you manage a residential building, a commercial property, or any other facility that depends on an elevator, stocking crucial elevator parts is mandatory. This post discusses 10 must-have elevator parts that assure efficient elevator functioning, preventing costly downtimes.
10 Must-Have Elevator Parts for Every Maintenance Team
Here are ten elevator parts that maintenance professionals attending elevator issues must stock.
- Elevator Hoistway and Cables: The hoistway, also known as shaftway or hatchway, is the shaft through which the elevator travels. This hoistway runs vertically and hosts the cab, rail guides, and counterweights. The cab or the car is supported by the cables, which may wear down due to tension over time. Hence, stocking spare elevator hoistway cables enables quick replacement as required, thereby helping minimize downtime and ensuring the safety of the passengers taking these elevators.
- Critical Circuit Boards: Elevator systems utilize various critical circuit boards for their essential functions, from door operation to movement to establishing communication between different parts. These critical circuit boards feature compact and denser designs and have higher failure rates due to challenging environments. The circuit boards usually malfunction over regular use, causing service disruptions, and bringing an elevator to stop. This may cause potential safety risks and inconvenience to passengers. To avoid this, maintenance technicians usually stock spare circuit boards. It effectively helps them address electronic failures and avoid downtimes.
- Car Components: A elevator car features components such as ceiling, floor, walls, and doors. Although made from durable materials and rigorously tested, these parts may fail due to wear and tear in high-traffic buildings. Stocking spare car components like ceiling tiles, door panels, and flooring can help maintain the aesthetic appeal and operational integrity of these elevators. These components may be small, but they contribute to the functioning and safety of elevators in many ways.
- Push Buttons: Push buttons are one of the most essential components in any elevator. They are active components that help establish communication between passengers and elevator systems. A passenger must press these push buttons to be directed to their destination. These buttons may wear out due to regular use. They may get stuck, unresponsive or even lose their aesthetic appeal, confusing passengers. Thus, stocking elevator push buttons may help maintenance technicians replace the ones that fail to respond to touch and ensure the elevator remains operational.
- Fixture Light Bulbs: They help illuminate the button panel and the car, and boost the safety and comfort of users. These light bulbs may burn out with years of use, increasing discomfort for passengers and sometimes creating safety concerns. Maintenance technicians can keep fixture light bulbs handy to replace them whenever they burn out.
- Elevator Interlocks: Elevator interlocks help ensure passenger safety by preventing elevator movement unless the doors close securely. The interlocks may malfunction or wear out, leading to safety hazards. Stocking spare interlocks allow maintenance technicians immediate replacement, ensuring the safety of elevators.
- Guide Shoes and Rollers: These components help stabilize the elevator car as it moves along the hoistway. These components experience significant abuse in high-use elevators. Damaged guide shoes and rollers impact the movement of elevators, leading to derailment or jerks. Hence, stocking these parts will help maintenance technicians to ensure stable and smooth elevator operation.
- Door Operators: These mechanical components control the opening and closing of elevator doors, ensuring passenger safety. Whenever these door operators fail, the elevator may malfunction. Due to regular use, door operators may wear and tear, demanding quick replacements. Stocking door operators will help maintenance technicians to ensure the functioning of elevator doors, ensuring their operational efficiency and safety.
- Overload Detection Systems: These systems help prevent elevators from failure due to overweight. If the overload detection system fails, it can endanger elevator longevity and passenger safety. Stocking spare parts of these overload detection systems ensures timely repairs and safe operation.
- Fire Safety Systems: Fire safety is ensured in elevators using fire-rated doors, smoke detectors, and emergency communication systems. These systems feature durable construction but may fail due to regular use, malfunctioning sensors, and more. Prompt repair or replacements must be performed if any of these components wear out or fail to perform. Stocking essential fire safety parts helps maintenance teams to ensure passengers’ safety and compliance with safety regulations.
Maintaining an inventory of elevator parts as discussed above will help maintenance technicians ensure the safety and reliability of their elevator systems. However, that is only one part of it; ensuring the quality of these parts is equally important. Sourcing these parts from trusted suppliers like PEAK ELEVATOR PARTS may help. We stock a comprehensive range of elevator parts of various makes, and brands. From regular components to obsolete components, we have everything needed to keep your equipment running smoothly. Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a quote for elevator parts.