Importance of elevator data tags

When we are doing elevator modernization there is a very large reliance on the existing elevator data tags.  It is important that we pay attention to these tags as they are most likely the only piece of information that is left to help us understand the original engineering as most of the final engineering documents from construction are long gone.  When we do not pay attention to the data tags or the data tags are gone, or someone else in the past hasn’t paid attention to the tags it can provide challenges when engineering or installing the elevator system with assumed information.

Issue #1 – We were awarded a modernization project at a municipal building and when it got to engineering, we found this on top the elevator. 

Significance – Low

Outcome – All the information was cross referenced but whomever the knucklehead who painted over the data tag should get a dunce cap.

Issue #2 - The biggest issue we ran into recently was when one vendor replaced a motor when they changed the controller.  Another vendor replaced a machine less motor but did not check the motor that was installed to see if it was correct.  Another vendor replaced the controller again years later with a machine that matched the crosshead data tag but the motor that was installed with the first modernization was not engineered correctly.  In this situation we have these nice new flexible drives that could be challenging to work with in this scenario.  By the time we realized what had occurred it was too late.  What should have taken place was to take car speed measurements prior to engineering.  The car said it went 100fpm, it seemed like it went 100fpm.  It really went 75-80fpm with the existing motor.  The engineering data went to the control manufacturer and popped out a motor to match the old motor.

Significance – High

Outcome – We worked this out and made the corrections and the building go their 100fpm car but this was after mystery, headaches and a lot of wasted time.

Issue #3 – We went out to engineer a modernization project and found this.  Painted then someone had attempted to scratch off the paint to find that nothing was ever etched or stamped into the data tag.

Significance – Low - Medium

Outcome – This was a US Elevator and we have modernized many of them so we have a lot of data on similar elevators.  There was no issue here but could been if the car weight was abnormal or we didn’t check the car speed.

Take away – We as elevator professionals should be leaving the correct data on projects for the next person.  If we do not have the correct data we should be getting identification that is permanently marked so it will forever be with that piece of equipment. 

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

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