Elevator breakdowns are relatively uncommon today. In many cases, property owners post signage to avoid using an elevator, not because there was a breakdown but because a malfunction was detected before a breakdown could occur. Still, understanding the common causes of elevator breakdowns can help put your mind at ease if you are someone who worries about the safety of these systems or if you are a property manager in a building with an elevator.
Modern elevators also use advanced elevator monitoring technology to assist passengers in the case of a breakdown. Contact ELEVATE Monitoring to learn more.
Common Causes of Elevator Breakdowns and Failures
When you picture an elevator breakdown, you may imagine something catastrophic, like the elevator cable breaking and sending the car plummeting. In reality, breakdowns usually mean that the elevator is purposefully not running due to a detected mechanical issue.
A few common reasons why elevators stop working unexpectedly include:
- Power outages: Power outages in the building can cause the elevator’s electrical components to stop working. If the elevator is in use when this happens, it will often proceed to the nearest floor and open the door using backup power systems, allowing passengers to safely exit.
- User error: Some elevator malfunctions are due to improper use of the elevator system, like forcing doors open or shut or tampering with safety mechanisms. These behaviors can damage the elevator’s components.
- Mechanical issues: While rare, mechanical and electrical issues in elevators can sometimes lead to breakdowns. Door malfunctions, motor failures, or pulley issues can impact the smoothness and safety of the ride. The elevator’s safety circuit often detects issues before this can happen, shutting down elevator operations until the system is restored to safety.
- Lack of maintenance: Elevator components will deteriorate without the proper maintenance and oversight. Lack of maintenance is one of the main causes of elevator breakdowns.
Impact of Poor Maintenance on Elevator Performance
When an elevator breakdown occurs, property managers should review the proper maintenance schedule and understand whether a lack of upkeep may have led to the breakdown in question. Poor elevator maintenance can lead to:
- Reduced efficiency, as the elevator may run more slowly, leading passengers to experience longer wait times
- Shorter equipment lifespans,leading to increased replacement costs
- Poor ride quality due to increased noise, jerking, or shaking
- Increased operating costs, as the equipment needs to work harder to transport passengers between floors
Improve Response Times During Breakdowns With ELEVATE Monitoring
Knowing the common causes of elevator breakdowns can help you prevent them in your building. When breakdowns do occur, you need reliable monitoring equipment that allows passengers to receive help when they need it.
ELEVATE Monitoring’s two-way video monitoring technology allows passengers to speak with a trained operator face to face when they need assistance, helping them understand what to do in the event of a breakdown. Learn common causes of elevator communication failures that sometimes lead to breakdowns, then contact ELEVATE Monitoring today at 877-990-9191 for more information.
