Having your building's lift break down is a very frustrating situation that causes discomfort on a daily basis. Therefore, one of the first questions that arise when calling the technician is: How long will it take to repair an lift?
The answer to this question is not simple, as the repair time of a lift can vary considerably depending on various factors.
In order to answer this question, we have written this article, where we will discuss the elements that influence the duration of a repair and provide you with useful information so that you have a clearer idea of the deadlines. Let's get started!
What are the most common faults in a lift?
Lifts, being complex mechanical systems, are subject to natural wear and tear and can present various types of failures. These problems arise due to a variety of factors, such as intensive use, the age of the equipment or lack of proper maintenance. Here are some of the most common ones:
Doors stuck or misaligned
Doors are often one of the parts of a lift that are most prone to failure. This problem is quickly noticed, since when they are stuck or misaligned, the system becomes inoperative for safety reasons.
The causes are diverse, such as wear of the opening and closing mechanisms, the accumulation of dirt or the failure of the safety sensors.
Engine or drive system failures
The motor and drive system are essential for moving the cabin and are among the components that fail most often in a lift. When they develop problems, the lift may stop or operate erratically.
Engine problems manifest themselves through unusual noises, excessive vibrations, or the inability to move the cabin. Some common causes include:
- Engine overheating.
- Brush wear.
- Problems with the speed control system.
Problems in the electrical or control system
The electrical system of a lift is very complex, and any fault in it can affect its operation. Electrical problems come in many forms, such as malfunctioning buttons, faulty lighting, unexpected stops, or errors in floor selection. The most common causes include:
- Cable wear.
- Short circuits.
- Problems with the electronic board.
- Power outages.
Wear on cables or pulleys
Cables and pulleys are essential components of the lift traction system and are subject to high stress. Wear and tear on these components causes the car to move unevenly or stop abruptly. Worn cables can also break, posing a serious safety risk.
Malfunctioning sensors or buttons
Sensors and push-button panels are electronic devices that control the operation of the lift. Problems with these components occur when the buttons do not respond, the floors are poorly leveled, or there are errors in floor selection. The causes can be diverse, such as:
- Contact wear.
- Accumulation of dirt.
- Electronic board faults.
Factors that influence the time to repair a lift
The time it takes to repair a lift depends not only on the fault itself, but on other key factors that can speed up or slow down the process. These are the most important ones:
Complexity of the problem
The time required to repair a lift varies depending on the severity of the fault. For example, minor repairs, such as adjusting a door, can be completed in a few hours. Meanwhile, more serious problems, such as motor or electrical system failures, can require days of work.
Availability of spare parts
When the necessary parts are not in stock, there may be delays until the manufacturer supplies them. To reduce waiting times, we recommend that you have a maintenance contract with a reliable supplier.
Lift type
The different types of lifts have different technologies that influence the time it takes to repair:
- Hydraulic: They tend to be easier to repair.
- Electrical: They may require more time due to their advanced systems.
- Tires: Because they are less common, technicians may need specific parts that are not readily available.
Age of the lift
Older equipment features systems and parts that may be discontinued, making repairs more difficult. To avoid extended wait times, it is advisable to upgrade components when they become obsolete.
Technician's experience
Having a specialized technician makes a difference in repair time, since a trained professional will diagnose and solve problems more quickly and efficiently.
Time to repair a lift
The time it takes to repair a lift depends on the type of problem and the factors mentioned above. For reference:
- Minor repairs: From 2 to 4 hours.
- Medium breakdowns: Between 1 and 2 days.
- Major faults: Up to a week or more, especially if specific parts or major replacements are needed.
It is essential to coordinate with the company in charge of the repairs to have a realistic estimate based on the initial diagnosis.
How to avoid costly lift repairs?
The best way to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs is to perform regular preventative maintenance. This involves periodically inspecting the lift to detect and correct any problems before they become a major breakdown. You can also follow these tips:
Proper use of the lift
Avoid overloading the lift, use the doors correctly and do not attempt to carry out repairs yourself.
Review of essential components
Periodically inspect cables, pulleys, doors, control systems and other critical components.
Upgrading old equipment
Modernizing obsolete components will improve lift reliability and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lifts
If you need to repair a lift, in Eleva Balear, specialists in lifts in the Balearic Islands, we have the experience and resources to provide fast and efficient service. We perform accurate diagnostics, use quality parts and offer preventative maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns.
If you need the services of lift repair in Mallorca, contact us and let us help you. We are at your disposal to solve any problem and ensure the optimal operation of your lifts.
