You likely don't think much about elevators until one breaks down, but have you ever wondered what goes into installing these critical pieces of infrastructure in the first place? Elevator installation is a complex process that requires extensive planning, specialized equipment, and highly trained technicians. When done right, it helps ensure your elevator runs smoothly for years. Here, we'll dive into the intricacies behind elevator installation and what you can expect when you have one installed on your property.

Selecting the Right Equipment

Before installation can begin, the elevator installation company needs to work with architects and builders to select the right model and specifications for the property. Considerations include the building's height and traffic patterns to determine the appropriate speed, capacity, and features. Technicians also evaluate the space allocated for shafts, machinery, and openings. All equipment must meet local safety codes and regulations. The result is a customized elevator designed to fit your building's unique needs.

Preparing the Shaft

Installing the elevator is impossible without proper shaft preparation. Technicians first construct walls and doors for each floor. They install guide rails, create space for the counterweights, and assemble the elevator machine room. Rigging and temporary construction platforms are built to support heavy machinery. The shaft preparation protects workers while also ensuring the elevators slide in smoothly.

Lowering and Aligning Components

The elevator installation process relies on precision engineering to align massive moving parts. Workers use rigging equipment to lower critical elevator components like the rails, cabin, counterweights, and cylinders into the shaft. Technicians work from the top down, carefully placing items to perfectly fit specifications. They repeatedly check alignments to confirm everything sits level and plumb. Just a small deviation gets magnified over the elevator's movement, so accuracy matters.

Connecting Electrical Systems

Of course, an elevator won't run without electrical and mechanical connections. Installers start by fitting the elevator cab to its guide rails to ensure proper tracking. They rig temporary controllers to test initial movement quality. Other critical steps involve connecting the elevator repair machinery to power systems, controllers, door operators, and sensors. Workers carefully feed cables through pre-built channels to protect electrical integrity. Extensive testing confirms that all systems connect properly before inspection.

Inspecting and Testing

Once installation finishes, your elevator faces extensive examination and testing before it gets approved for use. Certified inspectors and technicians methodically evaluate safety mechanisms, controls, cables, alarms, lighting, door operators, and more based on local and national codes. They load the elevator with weighted loads for days to evaluate operation across its rated capacity and speed. Additional tests determine emergency braking distances, battery backup performance, and earthquake sensors. Rigorous inspection provides a vital quality control check of the entire system.

Maintaining the Elevator

Your elevator's job doesn't end after installation. Without proper maintenance from qualified technicians, elevators get shut down for potentially unsafe operation. That's why state laws mandate regular professional inspections, usually either annually or every six months. Maintenance visits involve cleaning, lubricating, and replacing worn components across the pulleys, motors, doors, controls, and sensors. Teams check for frayed cables, uneven wear patterns, cracks, leaks, or corrosion while monitoring power, load testing, and mechanical performance, too. They spot small issues before they become bigger problems. With rigorous upkeep from professionals, your elevator will continue operating dependably for years after the installation crew finishes.

Staying Safe Throughout the Process

Specialized elevators have risks, so professional installation teams make safety the top priority. Workers wear personal protective equipment, get secured to temporary platforms in shafts, and follow lockout protocols before accessing dangerous spaces. Signage and barriers go up to protect bystanders, too. Experienced technicians also get backed by comprehensive project plans, equipment inspections, and activity logging to minimize hazards. By focusing on safety first, they keep both workers and future riders secure.

Properly installing an elevator takes extensive expertise across the electrical, mechanical, structural, and safety domains. That's why you should always turn to qualified elevator repair professionals for new equipment or replacement projects. Their training, safety protocols, and precision engineering help ensure your elevator runs reliably for decades. According to Kings III, there's an average of five people on every elevator ride. Keep passengers in your elevator safe by hiring us at Carlsen Elevator Service when you need an elevator installation or maintenance. Call us now to schedule an appointment.