Elevator hydraulic unit – HOT FLUID sensor 2010 elevator code 3.26.6.5

HOT FLUID/OIL sensor & shut down is an item that has been missed by some elevator personnel for new hydraulic elevator installations or modernization that is in the 2010 and 2013 elevator code.  This can be missed in engineering and ordering or it can be missed when installing the equipment due to the newer requirement and not being familiar with the new rule.  As inspectors we should be testing this feature as well during take ins.

3.26.6.5 states

In the pump motor controller for electro hydraulic elevators, when the occurrence of a single ground or the failure of any single magnetically operated switch, contactors, or relay; or any single solid state device; or software-system failure causes the liquid in the hydraulic driving machine to rise in temperature above its maximum operating temperature, the following shall occur:

a.    Power shall be removed from the hydraulic driving-machine motor

b.    The hydraulic driving-machine motor shall not be permitted to restart

c.    When the doors are closed, the car shall automatically be brought to the lowest landing and then operate in conformance to 3.26.9.2 and 3.26.9.3.

City of Chicago – The City of Chicago is on the 2007 elevator code right now so this requirement is not applicable

Everywhere else in the State of Illinois – This has been required since the adoption of the 2010 code which was some time ago. The State of Illinois is on the 2013 code currently.

Reason for the requirement – It is to prevent the elevator from running while the oil is thin which will result in level issues and cause a potential trip and fall issue.  

What temperature should HOT FLUID be set at? You should look at the hydraulic fluid MSDS and find the correct temperature.   Many people use 135 degrees as a good starting point.  If you use an organic fluid it may be lower or higher, do research for whatever hydraulic fluid you are using so you can set the temperature properly.

If you have any questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.