Hydraulic Elevator Modernization – Oak Park, IL

 

In 2016 we visited a building looking for maintenance.  The main complaint was the elevator was breaking down too much and the current company was difficult to deal with.  The elevator I saw was an ESCO from the late 1960s.   We said we would give it a shot, but the building should plan to replace it.  The elevator had a good run until it did not, the car had some critical catastrophic failures and needed a quick turnaround for a modernization.

Existing elevator & project scope – The elevator’s power unit was replaced a year prior.  When the building needed to have a modernization done quickly we had a controller, fixtures and door operator to replace. Pronto Pronto! 

New equipment providers

Controllers – Smartrise Engineering

Power units – Minnesota Elevator w/Maxton UC4 valve

Door operators – GAL MOVFR

Fixtures – Innovation Industries

Machine room– The machine room had an ESCO Elevator controller from the late 1960s.  The machine room also had everything else from the building jammed in it and was using it for a storage room.  We moved the controller away from the back corner and moved the electrical disconnects closer to the strike jamb.

[Old Machine room/Pre MOD]

[Old Machine room/Pre MOD]

[New Machine room/Post MOD]

[New Machine room/Post MOD]

[1960's era ESCO Elevator Controller]

[New Smartrise Engineering hydraulic elevator controller]

Door operators – The elevator had a GAL MOD on it prior to the modernization and we replaced it with a GAL MOVFR.

[Old car top preMOD]

[new car top postMOD]

[Old GAL MOD door operator]

[New GAL MOVFR door operator]

Elevator fixtures – The old ESCO fixtures were replaced with new code compliant Innovation Industries elevator fixtures.

[Old ESCO Elevator car operating panel]

[New Innovation Industries car operating panel]

Fire alarm elevator work – We had a great partner on this project, Fox Valley Fire, who did some good work and worked with us to connect the dots and get it turned over to the building quickly.

Take away – The elevator modernization should have been planned for years prior but we were able to get a quick turn around on equipment and get the building back up and running.  We had a great property manager to work with us on time lines and building communication, that always helps.   It is much easier to plan a modernization prior to the end of life of equipment that is over 40 or 50 years.  Talk with your elevator company, get a plan, stick with the plan.

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.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

IBM Relays – Dover Elevators US Elevators

Over the years we find specific parts of elevator systems that are more challenging than others.  This week we will talk about the use of IBM relays in the 1970s by Dover Elevator and US Elevator.  Neither Dover Elevator nor US Elevator are in business any longer.

 

[A fairly common US Elevator with 70 IBM relays of all shapes, sizes and brands that have been used over the years]

[One of the Dover controller versions that utilizes 64 IBM relays]

The biggest challenge we have with the IBM relay is that the internal contacts are very small to see, so it is difficult to tell if the actual relay is working.  If we can't tell, we will be forced to spend time troubleshooting and that's never what a customer wants to hear.

On Wednesday we had a great find with a relay contact that had dropped to short out.  It is very difficult to see, since it is 1/8" difference, so the relay needed to physically be pulled out to look.  Below is a picture which shows how small that difference is.

 Relay tester – There is a relay tester available to assist in the troubleshooting

Replacement parts – There are a few sources where replacement parts can be found.  One is from Thyssen Krupp's parts company, Vertical Express which supplies “direct replacements” to the IBM relay.  Another provider is Adams Elevator which has a replacement relay.  World Electronics sells a solid state replacement relay for the 48VDC versions only.  

You have 4 pole double throw 26 VDC, 4 pole double throw 32 VDC, 4 pole double throw 48 VDC, 4 pole double throw 48 VDC w/diode, 6 pole double throw 48 VDC, 12 pole double throw 48 VDC.  If you are not paying attention, the most common relay is the 4 pole, and can be replaced with the wrong voltage 26vdc, 32vdc or 48vdc.  Some of the relays that are sold and/or used for original installation are not marked very well.  Commonly companies are using relays that are taken from the boneyard when an elevator is modernized.

Take away – While many of the elevators that run on IBM relays are running well the fact is that the controllers are 40-50 years old and the personnel with the domain knowledge to work on these elevator controllers at a high level are fewer and fewer as they retire.  If your building has a platform that relies on IBM relays I would put together a plan with your elevator company to replace the elevator controller.  

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.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

City of Chicago Fireman’s Emergency Operation [FEO] Phase 2 Mandate – Elevator Fire Service Update

Back on 1/1/17 the City of Chicago mandated all elevators that had Fireman’s Service Phase 2 to operate the same.  Many elevators are still not compliant with the mandate and we are still seeing violations or “have elevator company verify” violations[see below].  If you are unsure, or have gotten a notice, call up your elevator contractor.

[If you get one of these, call your elevator company]

[Original document notifying buildings of the mandate published November 2016]

[Updated Phase II mandate instructions]

Does it affect my building?  This is a good question, you can ask your elevator inspector or your current elevator contractor.  Most of the items can be checked with one competent person.  Unfortunately it is very difficult to check portions of the required operations with one person.  This only affects buildings with FEO phase II[key switch in the car station]. 

Who is checking?  Your elevator inspector[AIC or City of Chicago] or elevator contractor should be checking this for compliance.  As I mentioned, until recently many people where not informed to the extent that was intended due to the document that passed around originally.

What is occurring? Many buildings are replacing their control systems or modifying their existing control systems with software updates, wiring changes or an auxiliary panel. Buildings are going to admin hearings for non-compliance, not getting their certificates, and being fined.  Many buildings have hired companies to rewire their controller to try and make it work with software updates. However, I have heard about a lot of failures from talking to building owners/other contractors.

What is the best strategy - replacement or modification?  Each building’s elevator controller will be a bit different.  If it is a simple software change with a control manufacturer that is still supporting your product, this is a viable option.  If your elevator controller is 10-15+ years old, then it may be time to consider the entire controller replacement.  There are also auxiliary panels that can be installed by a few different manufacturers.  We do not recommend too many auxiliary panels/rewiring at this time as they tend to get complicated.

[Many Dover DMC controllers failed portions of the mandate]

[Your elevator contractor may recommend a new controller]

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.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

Colley Cares – Donation Update

 

Earlier we committed to extend some of our charitable outreach so the more we sell, the more we donate. As a group we targeted 5 organizations to support in the 1st quarter of 2021. We will also continue to support the organizations we have supported for many years. Colley Elevator will be donating an additional $2,700.00 amongst the following 5 great causes. I have included how we got to know each of the organizations and why they mean something to us. Get to know the them and if you feel so inclined, give them a few bucks.

 Pillars website

Pillars Community Health – A healthcare organization that is committed to meeting the changing health and social needs of the western suburban residents.

Colley Elevator has been servicing buildings for Community Nurses out of La Grange, IL for the last 40-50+ years. Pillars and Community Nurses merged to form Pillars Community Health. Pillars Community Healthy is a phenomenal organization that you should get to know! I have a deep appreciation for everything they do day to day!

 

One Tail at a Time website

One Tail at a Time – The mission is to end pets homelessness in the Chicago area.

Many moons ago, the managing partner of Colley went to College with the founder of OTAT and spent many hours hanging out, tutoring inner city kids, following bands around the Midwest and we are very proud of what she is doing. She has founded a wonderful organization. I know you guys love dogs so take a look at what they are doing!

NEDSRA Website

NEDSRA – Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association improves the quality of life for thousands of people with disabilities each year by providing them with a variety of recreational and social programs. The programs are offered in partnership with eight park districts and three village recreation departments.

We had a phone call for an opportunity that was nearby. When we stopped in, we talked about what the organization does. In the end, we helped them out with their elevator and are now their service provider. It's been a pleasure getting to know this group which is doing wonderful things. One of our coworker’s family members has had great experiences with the service offerings that NEDSRA provides.

Chicago Food Bank Website

Greater Chicago Food Pantry – A united community effort working to bring food, dignity and hope to our Cook County neighbors.

Something we may take for granted is having a meal on the table. Some people cannot take that for granted and this is one of the organizations that is there to help them in their time of need. No one should go to bed hungry, go to school hungry or have to worry where their next meal is coming from. This is one of the organizations that Colley fundraised for last year and donated a few thousand dollars to.

 

American Cancer website

American Cancer Society – Simple mission – free the world from Cancer.

We all have been touched by cancer; friends, family, coworkers, etc. I will be going to a funeral on Thursday for a good friend’s younger brother [37] who died from colorectal cancer.

Every quarter we will be choosing new organizations doing great things. If you have an organization that is doing great things and want to be considered, please email me at Craigz@colleyelevator.com. And if you have time to read this blog you have time to get your credit card and pick one of these great organizations to give a few bucks to. Some people are not as fortunate as you, give back, it will feel great!

Hey! Sign up for our mailing list! Top right corner of the blog.

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.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.