The expected life table below assumes elevator maintenance is performed on a routine basis and equipment is manufactured by a major OEM
Equipment Type
Electrical Switchgear
Electrical Wiring
Controller, dispatcher
Cab Interior
Machinery
Shaft Doors
Shaftways
Hoist rails
Cables
Traveling Cables
Hydraulic Piston
Elevator Call Station
Elevator Car Operating Panel
Expected Useful
Life in Years
50+
30
20 -25
15
30
20 - 30
N/A
25
20
20
25
15
20
Recommended
Action
Retain
Replace
Replace
Refurbish Interior
Replace
Replace Gibs & Rollers
N/A
Realign rails
Replace
Replace
Replace / Resleeve Piston Replace
Replace
Other factors that may effect your elevator equipment lifespan
Routine Maintenance
Elevators that are not properly maintained will have a significantly reduced lifespan and may need to be modernized within the first 10 to 15 years. Properly maintained elevators will allow the building owners to modernize based on a strategic capital investment rather than one done out of necessity.
Non Proprietary Vs Proprietary
“Proprietary” or “Non-Proprietary” is a term that is used improperly in the elevator industry. By definition all elevator controls are “proprietary.” Each manufacturer has ownership of the software code in the controller, their design is patent protected and only their company has right to make code and software changes. As a general rule equipment manufactured by a “major elevator company” will have longer supported life span than equipment manufactured by an independent control supplier. One disadvantage of purchasing from a major OEM’s is you may have limited options of service companies increasing monthly maintenance fees.
How long elevator equipment should last
A common rule of thumb in the industry is an elevator older than 20 years is a probable candidate for modernization. After 20 to 25 years of service elevators will reach the end of their cost effective lives. During this period the building may experience decreasing performance along with a increase in service calls. These indicators are clear signs of potential problems and slipping reliability.
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