Lift Modernisation for Otis Lifts: Must-read For Singapore Lift Owners
Are you considering modernising your Otis lift?
Otis lifts have been a reliable presence for decades in the bustling city of Singapore. However, as buildings age, so do their lifts. Technological advancements and changing safety standards make lift modernisation crucial for occupant safety and to maintain competitiveness in the property market.
Common Issues with Old Otis Lifts in Singapore
Older Otis lifts in Singapore often face a range of problems that can impact their performance and reliability. These issues not only affect the daily lives of tenants and residents, but also lead to increased lift maintenance costs and safety concerns.
Frequent Lift Breakdowns Cause Tenant & Resident Dissatisfaction
Old Otis lifts are prone to frequent lift breakdowns, causing significant inconvenience to building occupants. These issues can manifest as:
Erratic stopping behaviour, with lifts failing to level properly at floors
Doors that struggle to open or close smoothly
Sudden jerks or vibrations during operation
Intermittent power failures causing lifts to stop between floors
Such problems not only disrupt daily routines but also erode confidence in the building's infrastructure. Property managers often find themselves fielding complaints and struggling to maintain tenant or resident satisfaction with issues.
Obsolete Technology and Components Lead to Longer Downtime & Higher Repair Costs
Obsolete technology in older Otis lifts present significant challenges for lift maintenance and repairs. These issues include:
Difficulty in sourcing replacement parts for discontinued components
The need to source parts from specialised suppliers at premium prices
Increased costs when custom fabrication is required
Your lift maintenance company might spend an extended time locating a specific part for an older Otis model, extending downtime and inconveniencing building occupants. This prolonged downtime not only affects the building's functionality but also increases the risk of safety incidents.
Understanding Lift Modernisation in Singapore
Simply put, lift modernisation in Singapore involves upgrading existing lift systems to meet current safety standards and improve performance. This process goes beyond routine lift maintenance, focusing on replacing outdated components with new technology.
In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) sets stringent guidelines for lift safety and performance. It also recommends lifts which are more than 15 years old to undergo lift modernisation.
The scope of lift modernisation can vary from partial upgrades to complete system overhauls—partial modernisation might involve replacing specific components, while full modernisation could entail replacing the entire lift system.
Our Approach Towards Lift Modernisation
Hin Chong distinguishes itself from leading lift manufacturers by offering an unbiased perspective on lift systems. We employ non-proprietary systems, guaranteeing that your future lift maintenance choices remain fully flexible.
For clients who would like us to service their lifts post-modernisation, we provide attractive comprehensive lift maintenance packages—with the benefit of extended warranty throughout the duration of the maintenance period.
Benefits of Modernising Your Otis Lift
Modernising your Otis lift offers numerous advantages that extend beyond mere aesthetics. Here's a closer look at the key benefits you might experience after upgrading your lift system:
Increased Reliability & Performance
Modernising your Otis lift significantly enhances its reliability and performance.
Operational issues are often caused by the degradation of electromechanical components like relays and contactors, which deteriorate with time. Updating these components in older lifts can significantly improve performance.
Lift modernisation will help with resolving levelling discrepancies as well. Older lifts tend to face issues with precise floor alignment, creating both inconvenience and potential hazards. Modernisation may entail installing advanced sensors and control algorithms designed for precise levelling.
With modern components and updated software, your lift system will naturally operate more smoothly. This increased dependability not only enhances user experience, but also minimises disruptions to your building's daily operations.
Improved Safety Features
Safety is a huge benefit when it comes to lift modernisation, and upgrading your Otis lift introduces modern safety features.
Modernising an old Otis lift might involve the installation of an Ascending Car Overspeed Protection (ACOP) system. This system is designed to detect and prevent uncontrolled upward movement, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers.
Additionally, the upgrade might include an Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP) mechanism, which safeguards against unexpected movement of the lift car when the doors are open.
A Car Apron may also be implemented to prevent falls into the lift shaft, when the landing doors are open and the lift car is paused above the levelling point.
For other lifts still using physically activated safety edge door sensors, it is highly recommended to replace these old unsafe sensors as soon as possible with Full Length Light Curtain Sensor to prevent physical injuries.
Enhanced Building Value & Marketability
Modernising your Otis lift can significantly boost your building's value and marketability. In Singapore's competitive property market, a modernised lift system sets your building apart from others.
A modernised lift system demonstrates your commitment to maintaining and improving your property. It signals to tenants that you're invested in their comfort and safety, potentially leading to higher occupancy rates and rental values. For commercial buildings, a sleek, efficient lift system can be a key selling point for businesses looking for premium office space.
Work With a BCA-approved Lift Contractor for Lift Modernisation in Singapore
Modernising your old Otis lift is a crucial investment in your building's future. By partnering with a BCA-approved lift contractor like Hin Chong, you'll ensure a smooth lift modernisation process that meets Singapore's safety standards and regulations.
Our team of professionals will guide you through every step from planning to implementation, tailoring solutions to your specific needs. Don't wait for lift breakdowns or obsolete lift parts to force your hand—take proactive steps to modernise your Otis lift to improve its reliability and safety.
