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What's New in the Elevator Business #1 |
MR-L's
One of the biggest changes that took place in recent years in the elevator industry was the introduction of the “MACHINE ROOM – LESS” ELEVATOR (MR-L). The name speaks for itself, literally, no machine room – when the code will allow it.
The initial thrust to sell the MR-L’s has been to the new construction market. Having said that, the MR-L’s are also planned for modernization projects, replacement of the “old” and installing the MR-L’s for the “new” as the upgraded systems for the replacement – modernization programs.
The traditional elevator systems have the main electrical control and drive systems located in a separate machine room either at the top or, at the bottom of the building. Generally referred to, as ‘overhead’ or, ‘basement’ location. For this article we will refer these as “traditional elevators” with “traditional machine rooms”
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This independent global communication site is designed specifically for Building Owners, Property Managers, Building Managers, Consultants, Architects, Elevator Mechanics, Supervisors and the Public.
To bring together vertical transportation information and global news relating to passenger and freight elevators; lifts; high-speed and low-speed; cable and hydraulic; escalators and moving walks; new construction; preventative maintenance; modernization; service; maintenance contracts - what to look for and what to expect.
Included are links related to the elevator industry & sourcing: elevator history, elevator companies, elevator code authorities, elevator news items, safety issues and more. |
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Building Owners / Property Managers |
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Designed specifically for Building Owners, Property Managers...............
BUILDING OWNERS - PROPERTY MANAGERS – ELEVATOR CONSIDERATIONS
Elevators – lifts (escalators and moving walks will be covered in a separate article)
The elevator (vertical transportation) system, whether it is low-rise or high-rise, low-speed or high-speed, is critical to any building operation, whether residential, commercial, hospital, public or private building.
Key considerations:
Safety must be number one. Start with the contract/agreement.
The building owner/management pays for the service, and in return, service is provided. Elevators, lifts, escalators etc., are electrical and mechanical devices. Hydraulic elevators have three components to consider: electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems all rolled into one operating system. Many things can go wrong. Anything from general wear and tear to vandalism can take its toll on even the best-maintained systems. Regular and systematic attention is required not only from the service provider/contractor but also from an observant building management team.
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As with anything mechanical, age or lack of maintenance will seriously affect the service life, performance and safety of an elevator system. Whether it is a small hydraulic elevator in an apartment block or a multi bank gearless system in a high-rise office tower the elevator system is one of the most important components of a building. Not only does it provide transportation of tenants to various parts of the building it is also used to move material and goods throughout the building by its maintenance staff. Without elevators the population density and structure of a city could not be what it is today.
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Critical to all elevator operations are elevator mechanics, the front liners out in the field. The support system, "the elevator contractor/company" behind the mechanics is also of prime importance. This article focuses on the mechanic, what it takes to be one, and the role mechanics play in installing and maintaining elevator systems.
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