C.J. Anderson & Company - a behind the Biz Blog » replacing like for like elevator controllers http://cjanderson.biz a behind the Biz Blog! Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:43:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Adding Fire Service To A 1984 Elevator Controller http://cjanderson.biz/2010/01/adding-fire-service-to-a-1984-elevator-controller/ http://cjanderson.biz/2010/01/adding-fire-service-to-a-1984-elevator-controller/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:45:33 +0000 Admin http://cjanderson.biz/?p=124 When it comes to elevator modernizations or upgrades we can all agree that they are expensive. A recent trend we’ve seen is replacing an elevator controller that’s really old with a new controller that has features identical to the one that was originally installed. This is smart and can extend the life of the elevator another 30-40 years as the components used today, ice cube relays, generic contactor’s, and soft starts are easy to find from many different manufacturers.

I received a call yesterday from an elevator company wanting to add fire service to a controller we built back in 1984. I pulled the file and found that it was single speed AC soft start back in 1984. He didn’t want to mess around with an overlay and his line of thinking was right on as Fire Service Overlays can be a nightmare if a good set of prints can’t be found.

The original controller that was provided in 1984 was relay logic with a soft start.  It had an AC Motor and manual freight doors. Because it was so simple we were able to ad Fire Service features without having to use a PLC to run it. This is not always the case and typically we’re unable to add Fire Service without utilizing a PLC which does not fall within the criteria for a like for like elevator controller replacement.

Important things to remember when replacing like for like.

  • Motor Control Must Remain The Same – Single Speed AC Motors or Two Speed AC Motors are typical for this kind of application.
  • Speed of Elevator MUST be less than 100 FPM – Single Speed and less than 150 FPM – 2 Speed - Reason being is that the elevator is going to stop on the brake but have a smooth start up. Speeds higher than this will really give you a run for your money when setting up the leveling.
  • Cannot Use PLC or VVVF Drive
  • 2 Speed Motors work better than single speed motors
  • The operation of the system must be single automatic
  • Check with your local AHJ to make sure that they understand that this type of installation is considered a like for like replacement

The next time you consider an upgrading an outdated antiquated elevator, consider replacing the controller for a like for like system. PLC based controllers that are being built today have a life cycle of 10-15 years if you’re lucky. By removing the PLC from the equation you’ve doubled the life of your controller. Keep in mind that you won’t be improving the performance of the elevator but you will make it so that components can be purchased from local electrical distributors.

The original Controller has been working great for the last 25 years. Installing a like for like controller will easily give it another 25.

To get a price quote today http://www.cjanderson.com/controllerquoteform.aspx

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