How Long Should Elevator Last?

How Long Should Elevator Last? Elevators last a long time but like any other mechanical equipment, they require servicing and regular repairs from time to time to keep them functioning properly.

They generally last for about 20 to 25 years on average but your lift can either last more or less depending on various factors. We will slowly discuss them in the below paragraphs.

There are many online calculators that will take decades of data and calculate the approximate age of your elevator.

If you know how much time is left for your elevator, then it will be easier for you to plan renovation and when to replace it before any major catastrophe happens. You can always upgrade but too often can be a waste of money and too late can result in accidents.

Factors which can affect the elevator life:

There are many factors that affect the overall longevity and some of them are as follows :

• A badly maintained Elevator
• Not upgrading to newer technologies
• Not following the proper installation process.
• High usage
• Loading It above its maximum capacity
• Misusing a passenger elevator as a freight elevator
• Environmental factors like if the weather is corrosive in nature due to the presence of salts or other factors. For example in coastal areas.
• When the parts are obsolete, no longer manufactures, or cannot be obtained easily from the market.

So if you do not keep repairing them from time to time, the wear and tear of the components will keep on increasing exponentially and ultimately a lack of total maintenance will dramatically decrease the lifespan of the elevator.

You need to choose a particular date or period for maintenance so that it stays efficient and well maintained.

The Individual life cycle of components of the elevator

The overall life cycle of the elevator also depends on the different equipment pieces. We have broken down and mentioned all the general lifespans of the elevator equipment.

Door Operators and Equipment

Door operators last from about 20 years to 25 years and with proper care, can even last longer. You should replace the door rollers when there are cracks or any flattened rollers begin to appear on it.

It is one of the most important and with also the highest rate of failure amongst all components. The door operator system which is badly maintained only lasts for 15 years maximum.

Controller

Controllers lasted more than door operators with longevity of up to 30 years. The part should be replaced frequently if there are failures and if the part is obsolete, then you should change it as soon as possible to keep the elevator efficient and up to date.

Hoist Machine

Hoist Machines last the most and will trouble you the least. They generally last for 30 to 40 good years and if you maintain them regularly and with good servicing, it can last you for up to a maximum of 100 years.

Proper motor refurbishment, a good maintenance program, and the correct drive. This can easily push the life expectancy of the hoist to well over 50 years.

The Hydraulic Piston and Cylinders

Most of the time, the jacks might fail from the underground conditions and this will require a full replacement. You will need proper jack protection in place and with the correct protection, it can outlast most other components of the elevator.

You should protect the piston from the scores and it can last for 3 to 4 full life cycles of the elevator.

Power Unit

You should protect it with proper maintenance and like the elevator soft-starter, the elevator power will last for 20 to 30 whole years.

The Travelling Cable

The traveling cable is the main source of power and hence it should be repaired or replaced in proper intervals to avoid intermittent electrical accidents. With proper installation, a traveling cable can last for almost 30 years.

How Long Should Elevator Last? – Conclusion

So now you know why should you take care of your elevator and what will happen if you do not. The most important factor is periodic maintenance and that will change the longevity of the elevator and make the elevator last longer. You also need to keep changing or repairing parts as they get worn out by usage.