Elevator Modernization: A Comprehensive Scope of Work
As a commercial property manager or facility manager, you know how crucial it is to ensure that your elevator systems operate safely and efficiently. While regular maintenance is essential, occasionally, these systems need to be modernized. Modernization typically involves an elevator updated with newer components, improved safety features, and upgrades to meet current code standards.
Successful project requires a comprehensive scope of work to understand the overall condition of your system and address issues. This article outlines a comprehensive elevator modernization scope of work to help you get started on the path to updating your building.
Below are essential benefits and components of elevator modernization, along with specific benefits of this process and resources to get you started.
The Benefits of Elevator Modernization
Elevator modernization has many benefits that make it a wise decision for facility managers looking to upgrade their buildings. While upgrading your lift is essential for keeping your system safe and running smoothly, there are various additional benefits you might have yet to consider. Below are only a few of the significant upsides to upgrading your lift:
- Cost savings: modernization allows for cost savings by reducing the costs associated with frequent elevator maintenance and repair.
- Energy efficiency: By ensuring that your elevator system runs efficiently and reliably, modernization can improve energy efficiency, making passengers more comfortable and reducing high energy consumption and operating costs.
- Improved reliability: by modernizing your elevator system, you can boost reliability and significantly reduce the chance of your elevator system breaking down.
- Safety: elevator modernization is essential to safeguard yourself and other passengers in your facility. By modernizing, you can ensure that you are always up to safety standards.
- Aesthetic appeal: While it isn’t necessarily required, elevator modernization is the perfect time to boost your system’s aesthetic appeal. Contemporary designs can give your elevator and building a new and improved look.
Accessing the benefits of upgrading is simple if you know the total scope of work for this process. Below are a few additional considerations and steps of the process for elevator modernization.
1. The Items of Consideration for Elevator Modernization
During the elevator modernization process, a few critical areas of your system will require extra precaution and focus for a thorough, safe, and effective upgrade. For example, below are factors you should always consider during modernization and ensure that the team working on this project inspects:
- Upgrading your elevator’s main lines
- Inspecting, updating, or installing fire and smoke alarms
- Current emergency power changes to ensure sufficient safety measures
- HVAC in machine rooms
- Checking whether the system is up to code
2. Elevator Inspections
The next step to successful a successful project is hiring a team to perform a professional inspection of your facility. This inspection will include the condition of your elevators and any factors about your building’s structure that could influence modernization. For instance, the inspector will typically inspect the following:
- Whether the elevator doors open and close correctly
- Whether the elevator’s alarm system is in working condition
- How well the elevator cab reaches its destination
- The quality of the elevator’s interior
- Whether the emergency communication system is running properly
If an inspector deems repairs necessary to stay up to code, they will work with you to develop a plan. This plan includes a schedule and budget for modernizing components of your building’s elevator system to ensure it’s safe for passengers.
3. Replacement, Maintenance, and Repair of Outdated Components
Elevator modernization involves replacing outdated components that do not meet safety and security standards, including components such as your elevator’s cab, controller, doors, and motors. While elevator replacement is possible, many buildings will only require upgrades and minor component replacements to get the elevator up and running.
Elevator modernization doesn’t have one clear-cut definition, making it difficult for some facility owners to understand what needs to be changed in their system. Elevator modernization can be divided into three subcategories: maintenance, repair, and replacement. The entire system or subsystem will be altered, removed, and re-installed if a component is replaced.
Elevator modernization extends beyond replacement, however. Maintenance involves a more straightforward process where your system is inspected, cleaned, and adjusted as necessary. Elevator repair, a vital component of modernization, involves reconditioning or renewal of elevator parts to comply with code requirements in your jurisdiction.
4. Additional Features
Within the scope of elevator modernization and lift installation are additional features to modernize your system and make it more accessible to passengers. For instance, consider installing emergency call buttons or automatic sensors to detect motion a better identify how long doors should remain open. Additionally, modern elevator features, such as the following, can improve passenger experiences and safety in your elevator system.
- Card readers
- Touchless systems and voice-activated control
- Acoustic control to absorb overwhelming sounds
- Emergency lighting
Before beginning the elevator modernization process, determine what features you want to add to your upgraded system. This step will make the scope of your work more straightforward and accessible for the team working on this project.
5. Ensuring the System is Up to Code
A vital aspect of successful lift system renovation is ensuring that your system is up to code. Your code will depend on your jurisdiction as well as local building codes and safety regulations. If your elevator is not up to code, this will become one of the primary focuses of upgrades. An inspector will determine whether your system meets codes for the following:
- Proper ventilation in the elevator
- Functioning emergency call buttons and sensors
- Proper maintenance of the elevator system to guarantee passenger safety
Safety codes are determined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), with the latest accepted standards in North America accessible in the latest publication, ASME A17.1. These guidelines are a basis for how elevators and escalator systems should be designed, constructed, and installed. These guidelines also outline safety requirements for the following:
- Elevator testing
- Inspection requirements
- Maintenance practices
- Alteration guidelines
- Repair guidelines
Expert Elevator Modernization Services From Murphy Elevator
At Murphy Elevator, we are committed to providing property and facility managers with the highest level of service. Our experienced team of elevator specialists is dedicated to delivering quality craft and superior customer service. We use only the highest-quality materials and adhere to the most stringent safety standards, ensuring your system operates safely and efficiently.
With a comprehensive scope of work for elevator modernization, you can rest assured that your system is up to code. Our full range of elevator modernization services will bring your elevators up to code and ensure the highest level of safety for your passengers.
If you are a property manager in the Midwest and want to get started with elevator modernization, contact the experts at Murphy Elevator Company today.
