How Lift Modernisation Can Solve The Issues Plaguing Your Old Lift
From frequent lift breakdowns to long downtimes, old lifts often struggle to meet modern demands. But there's good news: Lift modernisation offers a solution to these common issues.
Whether you're a property manager or lift owner in Singapore, understanding the benefits of lift modernisation can help you make informed decisions about your building's infrastructure.
In this article, we'll explore how lift modernisation addresses the challenges faced with old lifts, and why it's a smart investment for the future of any building or estate.
Common Issues with Old Lifts in Singapore
Ageing lifts in Singapore face numerous challenges that affect tenants and residents. These issues range from safety concerns to operational inefficiencies—and this is exactly why the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) recommends old lifts which are more than 15 years old to undergo lift modernisation.
1. Not Compliant With Latest Standards
Lifts in Singapore are designed and installed according to the Singapore Standard, reviewed every five years to incorporate technological and industry updates. The current standard is SS550: Code of Practice for Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Electric Passenger and Goods Lifts, along with other BCA-approved guidelines.
Older lifts may not include features that adhere to the latest industry best practices, and outdated lift systems pose significant safety hazards for passengers.
2. Frequent Lift Breakdowns
Older lifts experience more frequent breakdowns due to wear and tear of critical components. This is something that all our lift modernisation clients have faced before we helped them modernise their lifts.
These lift breakdowns lead to inconvenience for tenants and residents, especially in high-rise buildings where stairs aren't a practical alternative. Property managers also face increased lift maintenance costs and tenant complaints as a result of these recurring issues.
3. Obsolete Technology & Longer Downtimes
Old lifts often rely on outdated technology, making repairs and part replacements challenging. Manufacturers may no longer produce specific components, leading to extended downtimes during lift maintenance or lift breakdowns.
One example is the Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). PCBs, which are widely used in lifts, are integral to car door control circuits, car-top control panels, and main controllers. Unlike other mechanical components with longer lifespans, PCBs tend to have shorter lifespans. Due to their often-customized nature, locating exact replacements can be challenging and can cause disruptions in lift operations.
Key Components of Lift Modernisation
Lift modernisation involves upgrading various components to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency. The process typically focuses on the lift control system, lift mechanical system, or both.
Modernisation of Lift Control System:
The control system is the brain of the lift, managing its operations and performance. Upgrading this includes the lift control system, buttons & displays, sensors, and emergency backup system.
Modernisation of Lift Mechanical System:
Mechanical system upgrades concentrate on enhancing the lift's physical components. This involves replacing outdated geared motors with highly energy-efficient permanent magnetic motors, replacing rusty and worn out main the wire ropes as well as adding new safety mechanisms for free-fall detection and uncontrolled lift car movement.
Key Benefits of Lift Modernisation
Lift modernisation offers numerous advantages for property managers and lift owners in Singapore. It's a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple issues associated with ageing lift systems, providing long-term benefits for buildings and their occupants.
1. Enhanced Safety Features
Modern lifts incorporate advanced safety mechanisms that significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Some examples include:
Ascending Car Overspeed Protection (ACOP):
A traction drive lift with ascending car overspeed protection, featuring speed monitoring and speed reducing components to detect uncontrolled upward movement of the lift car. This system will stop or slow the lift car to a speed appropriate for the counterweight buffer's design.
Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP):
A traction drive lift with a mechanism to detect and stop unintended movement of the lift car away from the landing when both the landing door and the lift car door are open.
2. Reduced Lift Breakdowns & Downtimes
Lift modernisation dramatically reduces breakdowns and downtimes—and we have the case studies to prove it. Feel free to check out some of our case studies:
3. Impact on Building Value & Tenant Satisfaction
Lift modernisation significantly enhances a building's marketability and value—especially in Singapore's competitive property market, where lifts are a key factor in tenant satisfaction.
Frequent lift breakdowns can lead tenants to consider terminating their leases, which is an issue that no property manager wishes to deal with. One of our lift modernisation clients, an old conservation shophouse, faced exactly this issue.
Reliable lifts are ultimately a contributing factor for higher occupancy rates and rental yields, making them a valuable investment for property owners. Naturally, the reverse is true as well.
For older buildings, lift modernisation can be a cost-effective way to compete with newer developments, helping to retain existing tenants and attract new ones.
Modernise Your Old Lift In Singapore
By upgrading outdated lift systems, you'll solve numerous issues while future-proofing your property.
If you're thinking of modernising your lift and need professional advice, feel free to get in touch with Hin Chong for a complimentary lift assessment. Our qualified Lift & Escalator Inspector (LEI) will be happy to offer an objective and independent diagnosis of your lift condition.
