Elevators include a wide range of safety features that help them operate safely in critical situations and prevent accidents. Modern elevators rely on electrical components to operate, which means that a power surge could be disastrous without the right protections in place. This is why elevators use surge protection devices to prevent damage from electrical spikes.
Learn the importance of elevator surge protection systems for passenger safety. Then discover how elevator monitoring services also play a role in a system’s larger safety plan.
What Is Elevator Surge Protection?
A power surge or electrical spike happens when there is a brief increase in voltage that exceeds that of a building’s standard electrical system. This can occur due to a lightning strike, power grid fluctuations, or other unexpected incidents.
Power surges can significantly damage electrical equipment by overloading it beyond capacity. Many homes and businesses use surge protectors to prevent a power surge from overloading sensitive equipment. The same is true for elevators, but on a larger scale.
Elevator surge protection refers to the equipment designed to protect elevator electronics against power surges. An elevator’s motors, controllers, brakes, and a range of other components all rely on electricity to function, meaning a power surge can quickly halt the entire system without the right surge protection equipment.
How Surge Protection Improves Elevator Safety
Surge protection devices are important for protecting elevators from electrical damage, but this also translates to increased safety for passengers and building occupants. Surge protection improves elevator safety by:
- Protecting critical components against sudden electricity loss or damage, which could put passengers at risk
- Preventing voltage spikes from causing malfunctions like error messages or system resets that could trap passengers between floors
- Reducing panic by preventing important components from becoming damaged during a power surge
Surge protection may also be required in certain installations under the NEC/NFPA 70. Applicable elevator systems must have one of the listed Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) installed to be up to code.
In contrast, ignoring surge protection requirements can lead to downsides like:
- High repair and replacement costs after power surges, which can cause expensive damage to the elevator system
- Extended elevator downtime from power surges that harm your building’s reputation
- Increased operational costs due to the higher risk of electrical interference
Installing and maintaining surge protection devices is one of the most important elevator safety measures you can take to protect passengers and your reputation as a building owner.
Improve Your Elevator Safety With ELEVATE Monitoring
Now that you know the importance of elevator surge protection, it’s time to ensure that your system is up to code and adequately prepared for a power outage or electrical surge. ELEVATE Monitoring also helps businesses improve elevator safety with advanced two-way video monitoring systems.
Passengers can speak with a trained operator face to face when they encounter a malfunction or need assistance, improving customer satisfaction and safety. Learn more about our two-way monitoring systems today by calling ELEVATE Monitoring at 877-990-9191.
