Do you know how to identify lift problems? To achieve maximum performance and safety, lifts require regular and preventative maintenance to minimise potential equipment malfunctions and identify possible failures

These maintenance procedures should be performed on all lift components, which need to be reviewed from time to time and with the utmost attention.

Noisy trips

It's common for some noise to be heard when the equipment is being used, as the bearings and friction between parts can generate sounds. However, when this noise becomes too loud, it's a sign that a problem is occurring, and the maintenance team should be called to check what is causing the noise.

Step between lift and floor

This unevenness, common in older buildings or those that carry a lot of weight in the cabin, represents a risk to passengers, especially the elderly or those with some type of disability. Assistance should always be requested if this "step" is noticed, so the problem can be resolved and incidents avoided.

Doors that are misaligned when opening or closing.

The highest number of lift defects relate to the door system, accounting for up to 60% of customer service calls, because they are more vulnerable to misuse. Habits such as "forcing" the opening and closing of doors can cause equipment malfunction.

In addition to this aspect, lifts with swing doors have a hydraulic damping system, which is affected by temperature fluctuations, causing the doors to slam shut more forcefully or not close completely. As soon as any anomaly is observed, assistance should be requested immediately.

Sudden equipment shutdowns

There are several sensors and devices that cause the lift to stop if there is any safety problem. If this occurs, technical assistance must be called to identify the problem that caused the stoppage. Its operation is only restored after it has been confirmed that there is no safety problem with the equipment.

Older lifts are more susceptible to failure than new lifts.

A 30-year-old lift control panel had several dozen relays – electromechanical switches in constant operation, with a much higher possibility of failure than an electronic board found in new lifts.

The most common problems are power outages, misuse of the lift (children playing and/or jumping, or overloading the cabin), and also the failure to replace necessary parts (such as electrical contacts, pulleys, and slides), which are usually indicated by technical assistance.

You can rely on Otis for lift maintenance, upgrades and modernisation.

As we have seen, many problems that can occur in lifts are entirely avoidable when preventive maintenance is up to date, combined with proper use of the equipment. This is a habit that helps ensures passenger safety.

Another good solution could be lift modernisation, recommended for older equipment, which updates components and makes rides safer and smoother.

On the Otis website , you can find all available services and products. Contact us if you have any questions or would like more information.