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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-08-22 Origin: Site
Elevators play a crucial role in modern buildings, especially in high-rise residential and commercial structures. For instance, an elevator in a ten-story building may operate around 300 trips per day. Over time, constant operation leads to wear and tear of mechanical components, making regular maintenance and inspection vital for safe and stable performance.
This article explores the key elements of elevator maintenance and the main inspection points, with a special focus on the elevator wire rope, one of the most critical components for operational safety.
Why Regular Elevator Maintenance Matters
Elevator maintenance involves professional technicians performing periodic inspections, lubrication, adjustments, and component replacements. Proper maintenance not only ensures smooth operation but also extends the service life of essential components such as the elevator wire rope, traction system, and braking mechanisms.
Four Key Elements of Elevator Maintenance
Cleanliness is the foundation of reliable elevator performance. Dust accumulation can easily cause malfunctions—just a small amount on relay contacts or door locks can stop an elevator from running.
Routine cleaning helps detect potential failure points and worn components early, preventing costly breakdowns.
Timely replacement and repair of worn or damaged parts are essential. Components like elevator wire ropes, traction wheels, door locks, and relays must be inspected regularly. Any signs of abrasion, fraying, or corrosion should prompt immediate maintenance or replacement.
Lubrication is critical for minimizing friction and wear in all mechanical systems. Regular, systematic lubrication ensures smooth elevator movement, reduces energy loss, and prolongs the life of the elevator wire rope and traction sheaves.
Even with proper cleaning, lubrication, and repairs, improper adjustments can lead to performance issues. Regular calibration of the door systems, braking mechanisms, and leveling controls ensures the elevator operates efficiently and safely at all times.
Main Elevator Maintenance Inspection Items
Check the engagement distance between the hall door lock hook and electrical contact, ensuring it is at least 7mm. If not, adjust to meet safety standards.
Before manual operation, cut off the main power supply. Insert the handwheel into the traction device and ensure at least two people perform the procedure—one to release the brake and one to rotate the handwheel carefully. Confirm car leveling before stopping.
Inspect the traction sheave grooves regularly. Excessive wear can cause premature wire rope damage.
If the groove depth difference exceeds 1.5mm, repair or replace the sheave to maintain optimal friction and safety.
Measure and adjust the tension of each wire rope using a steel ruler or similar tool. Uneven tension can cause uneven load distribution and accelerated wear on both the ropes and sheave grooves.
For sliding or fixed guide shoes, maintain a clearance of 1–2mm; for roller guide shoes, the clearance should be 3mm. Use feeler gauges for accurate measurement to ensure stable movement within the shaft.
Measure the brake gap with a feeler gauge; it should be 0.2–0.4mm on both sides. Adjust the handle carefully, ensuring that the elevator does not move upward during the process.
Test both limit switches and final limit switches to confirm they function correctly. These switches stop the elevator in emergencies and prevent overtravel within the shaft.
During operation, the leveling detector should stop the car smoothly. The difference between the car sill and landing sill should not exceed 3mm. Proper leveling ensures passenger comfort and safety.
Conclusion
Elevator maintenance is more than routine service—it’s a critical safety responsibility. Proper inspection of elevator wire ropes, traction systems, and control components ensures reliable operation, reduces downtime, and prevents accidents.
By focusing on cleaning, replacement, lubrication, and adjustment, building managers and maintenance professionals can guarantee that every ride is safe, smooth, and efficient.
