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.

Guided Tour of Chicago – Elevator Project Tour

I was able to take a couple hours out of my day and visit some of our project teams this week all over the Chicagoland area. We are doing work 6 floors below to 22 floors above and everything in between.

Here are a few of our projects I got to visit. As I told the retired elevator professional that was inspecting our work, the crew doing the field work are the hero's here - my job is easy. Way to go Team Colley!

Cylinder Replacement – Glen Ellyn, IL

This is a 6 story elevator cylinder replacement in Glen Ellyn, IL. We had pressed metal as our bolster so we had to scaffold to put secondary beams up for hoisting. We do a lot of cylinder work, but the day the debris removal truck comes is always an unnerving one. We never quite know what lays below for us. In this instance, we got 50’ clear hole of fairly straight casing, and it was dry.

[Long way down!]

 

Cylinder Replacement – Chicago, IL

This is a future cylinder replacement project. We got the vitals and now we're on to ordering the material. The building had a THE valve and ATL starter with a noise complaint. Not only are they getting a new cylinder but they will also be getting a new Maxton valve, Siemens soft start and heavy duty Dover style muffler. Noise complaints should be a thing of the past when we get done!

[Older Automatic/United cylinder ready to be replaced]

 

[The Ranger of Chicago - MCE 1000]

[Remember when Adams made buttons and everyone used them?]

Traction Control Mod – Chicago, IL

We are in process of doing a traction control mod on an old Swift elevator controller. Back 15-20 years ago the building replaced their controller, machine and pretty much everything else on the elevator. Unfortunately they had installed a Swift controller which they wanted something a bit more dependable and serviceable. They will be getting a Motion Control Engineering controller, we replaced the motor, and were able to retain the great HWEC machine.

[We love the exterior of this building that faces the lake]

[New Imperial Motor and EMR flex coupler on a bulletproof HWEC machine]

[MCE 4000 reliable traction controller!]

Freight Control/Door/Cylinder MOD – Chicago, IL

This big beast is a 16” cylinder with 12” piston and some pretty big freight doors. The building had door work done in the 1990’s to work with their 1967 Reliance/CJA controls. The new elevator will have an EECO Jack, Smartrise controller, Innovation fixtures, MEI dry unit and Peelle doors.

[Nessie comes out of Lochness]

[Some new big Peelle doors long over due!]

Hydro Control MOD – Chicago, IL

Colley installed an elevator in this building in 1986. In 2017, Chicago had a Fireman Emergency Operation (FEO) Phase II mandate that the Vertitron controller did not comply with. We had an opportunity to go back to the building and complete the modernization. The new elevator system will have Smartrise controls, Innovation fixtures, MEI submersible unit and GAL door operator and equipment.

 

[A lot of construction in this area]

[Before MEI had slick branding - Colley made power units with our own tags - they so happen to have been the same tags we put on envelopes]

[1993 Colley power unit w/EECO valve]

[New MEI branded power unit]

We didn’t make it to all the projects we had going on Wedneday/Thursday but it was great to see our teams doing the great work they've become know for! It really is amazing to see all the great work we are doing out there and how long our end product lasts. Built to Last!

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.

2020 Top OSHA Violations - Elevator Industry Stay Frosty!

 

The 2020 top OSHA violations list has come out which is another reminder we need to work on providing a safe work environment for ourselves and our coworkers. In the last year we have worked on some great job sites and some “call me when you're done or need me” construction sites. 

Accidents can happen quickly and some of them are long term and some of them are fatal, that is why OSHA is here. We advise our mechanics to pay attention to comply or pay attention to prevent accidents, either way, please pay attention so you're in a safe work environment. 

If you are the person working out in the field and see something, feel something, say something. You are the front line. The author of this blog spends more time in the office than the field and we rely on the field's input. Need another person, need different equipment, need anything, say the word and let's get it out to you and/or help you make a plan.

OSHA's top 10 violations list this year includes:  

1. Fall protection

2. Hazard communication

3. Respiratory protection

4. Scaffolding

5. Ladders

6. Lockout/tag out

7. Powered industrial trucks

8. Fall protection w/training requirements

9. PPE – eye and face protection

10. Machine guarding

The people that are getting hurt are our newbies as well as the people with experience who can do these jobs with their eyes closed. If you are either of these, be vigilant and reduce your exposure. Who is not getting hurt as frequently are people 30-45 and people ready to retire.

IUEC is having their safety stand down on 4/28/21, so let’s take some time that day to focus on safety and talk to you coworkers. Share stories, close calls, people you know, etc when we are talking about this, it keeps safety front and center and next time we have a decision to make, it may tip us over to making the right decision.

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.

American Elevator Group

From Mark Boelhouwer, whom you may have heard of from the elevator industry big splash of Vantage[GAL/Hollister Whitney/Elevator Controls/ETC] comes American Elevator Group.  Mark has a long history of M & A including working for Otis, Oracle, Vantage and now AEG.  Their current lineup includes

 

            Unitec

            Eltec

            D & D Elevator

            Standard Elevator[New Jersey]

            Kencor

            Jersey Elevator

            American Elevator & Machine Corp

            Pride and Service

            Eastern Elevator

            DC Elevator

            Dunwell Elevator

            Dura Lift

            Rite Way

 

In the last 10-20 years we have seen a tremendous amount of industry consolidation through holding companies/VC money.  This is another move for consolidation in our industry in the non union arena.  There are also some firms in the Northeast trying to duplicate this in the union market. 

I had the opportunity to get to know a lot of the key people at these companies during my time on the Board of Directors of the NAEC.  Being from Chicago where 98% of our companies are Union, it was eye opening to learn about some of the large non union firms that are across the country. What's next with this group? 

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.