3D Door Scans – New Elevator Code A17.1 2019 – State Of Illinois

As of 5/25/21 the State of Illinois adopted A17.1 2019 which means we require all sorts of new gizmos including a new style 3D door scan.  This means 2 things; you get a safer elevator and it will be more expensive. 

In the State of Illinois we are required to install 3D door scans when:

        1. We replace a safe edge or electric eye

        2. We modernize an elevator system 

        3. We install a new construction elevator

In the State of Illinois we are not required to install a 3D door scan when:

        1. We replace it for a like door scan

How does it work? Detection of approaching objects

Detection of approaching objects/persons is now mandatory. The aim is to ensure that approaching objects trigger the doors to open, thus reducing chances of being hit by the closing elevator doors. The code states that an object of  an 8" diameter and 40" height will need to be detected at an approaching speed of up to 3 ft/s within a defined detection zone.

The design requirements within the code call out the detection of ‘ultra-flat matte black’ and ‘glossy white’ color targets. As matte black surfaces absorb infrared (IR), conventional 3D detection solutions based on IR technology will be unable to detect the target.

[detection objects required for testing]

The detection zone, wherein objects must be detected when moving towards the doors, is described as between 20” and 9” from the landing side face of the hoist way door and 9” ahead of the leading edges of the doors. This area will decrease in size as the doors begin to shut. Once the leading edge of the doors are within 18” of the fully closed position, the detection device is permitted to become inoperative, unless there is a 2D trigger before the doors are fully closed.

Rendering inoperative of a 3D detection means

The rendering inoperative requirement for 3D detection focuses on 2 things:

    1. Once the leading edge of the doors are 18” from the closing point (i.e. the other door or door jamb) the 3D detection device is permitted to become temporarily inoperative. For reference the 2D detection is required to stay active until 0.75” from the door / door jamb.

    2. The second point relates to how long after a trigger the 3D detector is supposed to stay active. After the first 3D trigger the detection device is required to stay active for 20 seconds. Once the 20 seconds is over, the 3D detector is permitted to be made temporarily inoperative and the doors will begin to shut unless there is a trigger in the 2D detection zone whereby the 20 second count will begin again.

What does a 3D door scan do differently than a 2D door scan?  The traditional 2D door scan rides on the elevator and will detect an object or person when it breaks the threshold of the elevator's car door.  The intent of the code change is to catch a person or object so it doesn't get caught between the car door and hatch door.  You know, when you run to catch an elevator and put your hand in the door way hoping the door reopens?  We want to reopen the door so people's hands aren't getting caught in the hatch door if they don't break the car door beam.

What if I installed a 3D door scan years ago, do I comply?  Probably not because that generation of door scans didn’t work very well.  Some had cool light up colors, some had some promises, but most didn’t work to today’s code requirements. 

Who sells 3D door scans?  Lots of great vendors sell solutions for 3D.  If I missed one, let me know so I can put a link up.

Formula Systems - Vision Plus - formula-systems.com/product/vision-plus/

Janus - Janus Smart 3D – avire-global.com/us/products/elevator-light-curtains/smart3d/

Cedes CabSafe - cedes.com/en/application-markets/elevators/

Unitech - Optiguard Shield - unitecparts.com/elevators/elevator-products/door-protection-device-optiguard/

Adams - Cedes IMS 100 NT - adamselevator.com/products_3d_door_sensor.asp

Testing & code requirement reference – Avire - avire-global.com/us/market-insights/3d-detector-requirements-in-asme-17-1-csa-b44-2019/

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.

Colley Cares - Chicago Land Elevator Company Gives Back!

 

Last year we committed to extend some of our charitable outreach. The more we sell, the more we donate. As a group we targeted 5 organizations to support in the 4th quarter of 2021.   We will also continue to support the organizations we have supported for many years. Colley Elevator will be donating an additional $1,900.00 amongst the following 5 great causes.  We have given over $12,000.00 in 2021 to our 2021 line up.  I have included how we got to know each of the organizations and why they mean something to us. Get to know them and if you feel so inclined, give them a few bucks. 

 Pillars Community Health 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!

 

Ray Graham Association website

Ray Graham Association – Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association serves nearly 2,000 people with disabilities and employ about nearly 350 people. Ray Graham enriches lives by empowering those we support and those who care for them to reach, grow, and achieve. Thank you for being a part of this life-saving and life-giving mission.

I got a phone call from a person who I dealt with at a facility for many years and he had a new gig at Ray Graham and wanted us to take a look at his elevator.  I walked in and saw the wonderful work the people at Ray Graham are doing and learned about their organization.  Before I even left the building I thought of them as one of our Colley Cares causes.  RG has a facility right by my house and I ride my bike by it with my kids frequently, now I know what they do.  Get to know them!

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.

This group puts up the good fight and we all know people who cancer has touched.  Lets fund the group looking to eradicate the heartache this cellular mapping reproduction disfunction creates. 

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!

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.

Hydraulic Freight Elevator Modernization – Evanston, IL

We recently turned over the first of a multiple car modernization that was the heart and soul of the building, the freight car.  This elevator is in charge of food service, materials, construction, storage and all other heavy lifting.  Since freight elevators are a niche within a niche industry, I am always pretty stoked to get a chance to work on them and work with the different vendors that are only freight elevator suppliers.  After we completed and visited the building to do the final equipment review, I saw this freight car being used and abused nonstop by the building, food service, contractors and anyone in-between to get everything where it needed to go and it didn’t skip a beat.  Great work Colley field teams!

Existing elevator & project scope – The old elevator system was an Otis Elevator from 1962 with all original components; Otis Elevator controls, Otis Elevator freight doors, Otis Elevator hydraulic power unit.

New equipment providers

Controllers – Motion Control Engineering

Door operators – Peelle Doors wireless

Fixtures – Innovation Industries

Power unit – Quality Elevator w/Maxton UC4 control valve

Elevator controllers – The existing elevator controller was an Otis Elevator hydraulic controller from 1962.  The new elevator controller is a Motion Control Engineering hydraulic elevator controller.

[New MCE 2000 hydraulic elevator controller]

Freight door equipment – We replaced the existing Otis Elevator automatic freight doors with Peelle Company freight door equipment.

[Old Otis Elevator freight doors & hall station]

[New Peelle freight doors & Innovation Industries hall station]

[Old Otis basement freight door]

[New Peelle basement freight door]

Elevator fixtures – The old Otis Elevator hall and car stations where removed and we installed Innovation Industries fixtures.  We also installed an additional car station for the building as it is helpful to have 2 car stations on this walk through elevator. This helps multiple people, loading multiple loads at the same time, get in the elevator.

[Old Otis Elevator car station]

[New Innovation Industries car station]

Hydraulic power unit – The existing hydraulic power unit was the original Otis Elevator dry unit and was replaced with a Quality Elevator hydraulic power unit.

[New Quality Elevator hydraulic unit with Maxton UC 4 valve]

Machine room layout – The modernization let us lay out the machine room so you actually had room to work on the elevator and open up the room.

[Old elevator machine room]

[New machine room layout with MCE controller & Quality power unit]

Elevator electrical -  With this project we had a freight car with automatic doors, generator hook up and a shunt trip.

[New elevator electrical]

Experience – This elevator modernization's first look was in April 20’ when COVID was unknown and scary. We had a walk through with 15+ people in a sensitive building and a bunch of contractors, GC’s and building owners.  We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with the building on this elevator, which will be the first of 5 modernizations over the next few years.  Over the last two years, we have worked with 2 GCs, an elevator consultant, building owner, and multiple other trades before we even began the project.  With all of these other people orbiting the project, some helpful some not so much, and COVID surrounding us we delivered a great end product for the building owner.

Team work– The sales person and the project team who finishes typically get the glory on a project.  In between the initial contract sale and the final acceptance are many other people who work on the project to make it successful.  From the truck driver to the engineer to the billing department to the assistance when needed, 14 Colley Elevator employees where involved in the project and we had tremendous team work on it.  Thank you everyone - without you we would not have had such a successful delivery!

 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.

Cold Weather Elevator – How Does Cold Weather Affect My Elevator

We have had pretty warm weather in the Chicago area up until recently, now it is cooooolllldddd!   What happens to your elevator when it gets cold?  Good question. 

Symptoms

        Elevator runs sluggishly

Elevator doesn’t level properly

Doors move slowly and are bumpy

Potential outcomes

People get stuck or trapped in the elevator

Trip and falls

Elevator will not work to service the building 

According to the NEII vertical transportation standard, the temperature of your elevator machine room should be 55 degrees to 80 degrees.  Computer manufacturers recommend an ambient temperature of 60 to 90 degrees.

The temperatures that hydraulic elevators fluid should be is: 

Operating temperature  - 80 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit 

Operating temperature  - 100 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit 

Source - Maxton Valve[www.maxtonvalve.com] - Maxton valve is one of the largest valve suppliers in North America.

Oil composition when it gets cold – When hydraulic elevator fluid gets cold it becomes thicker or has a higher viscosity.  

Viscosity definition - The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stressor tensile stress. For liquids, it corresponds to the informal concept of "thickness". For example, honey has a much higher viscosity than water.

How does this translate to your elevator – In our Chicago area environment we use a certain hydraulic fluid that offers more flexibility between hot and cold environment because of our seasons in the Chicago area.  Due to significant swings in temperature in our environment when it is very cold the oil gets thicker and the valve and elevator system will not operate correctly causing a potential issue with leveling or entrapment.  The reverse occurs when it gets very hot and the oil gets very hot.  Both scenarios cause safety issues for the elevator riders.  If we always had cold or warm temperatures we could use a different hydraulic fluid that would be more appropriate for a hot or cold environment.  But! We live in Chicago.

What not to do – As a building owner it is very important to have your elevator running.  Some building owners take it upon themselves to improvise to get their elevators running on cold days with space heaters.  While the installation of space heaters is a short term solution, it isn't a safe long term solution as you will see space heaters in non-occupied machinery spaces that can malfunction causing smoke and fire hazards.  The space heaters also can overload your electrical circuits causing your breakers to trip.  The electricity costs to run multiple heaters in one year would probably be significantly more than the installation of an elevator tank heater.

[This building owner was resourceful putting a heater on the valve]

[Two heaters on one elevator power unit]

[One heater in the elevator pit]

Recommended solution – use a tank heater.  Pay an elevator company to install a tank heater on the elevator with an on/off switch.  This is a safe alternative to space heaters. 

Take away – If you are having winter issues, talk to your elevator company.  If you are not getting the right answers, call Colley Elevator.  I went to a building for a nuisance issue[not a Colley maintenance account], they described what was occurring, without even walking in the elevator room I told them it was cold oil, they told me they had a space heater in the machine room, when we looked, they did have a space heater and it hadn’t worked all season.  The valve was ice cold.  I’m sure they will go get a new one and when it is in the machine room their inconsistencies will go away.

Hey! Sign up for our mailing list! 

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.

Year in reflection – Colley Elevator Blog – 2021 Elevator Blog

 

When I wrote the 2020 reflection I thought we might be out of the woods with our pandemic but as I write this we have 510,000 positive covid cases on 12/27/21. In the last year we had the opportunity to do some great things and work with some great people.  The greatest experience I have personally have is to work with our great Colley team, I’m lucky to have such great people around as we enter our 114^th year of being an independent elevator contractor.

Annual reflection – This year we saw our maintenance portfolio grow from 1850 to 2020 elevators under contract. This year we ordered/installed 61 Smartrise controller and 4 MCE controllers.  23 cylinders where installed, 37 power units, 74 door packages, 50+ fixture packages, a few machines and a few complete elevators.  We have a team of great people working on every project to make sure when the product gets here, we have minimum issues from engineering.  Colley expanded our foot print in Bensenville by leasing 12,000 more square feet next door. We gave the 2021 Ellies a great run but did not retain the title, the title went to our great friends at Midwest Elevator in St. Louis, MO.  Colley started a great new program called, Colley Cares, which gave out over $12,000 to philanthropic organizations ranging from substance abuse to food depositories.  The Colley team came together to help out Toys for Tots and a Food Depository this fall/winter with a truck load of gifts and food to help out those in need.  We work with incredible people who made this all happen and our average employment is about 10 years. I’m proud to work side by side with everyone here and that we have a culture of openness at Colley that helps get everyone done at a high level! Thank you to our coworkers, customers & suppliers for being great!

Elevator personnel during covid – There is something to be said for all the elevator mechanics, apprentices and support staff who continues to go to work during the pandemic.  Much appreciation and credit for elevator personnel team and our great office staff who showed up and did their job when there was a reason to go and hide.

Post reflection – Take a look at the great catalog of blog posts in 2021, go back and read some.

1/1/21 - Year in reflection – Colley Elevator blog – 2020 Elevator blog

1/10/21 - Otis Elevator Company recalls home elevators – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

1/17/21 – Attention property managers/building owners – application for certificate of operation

1/24/21 – Hydraulic elevator modernization – Forest Park, IL

1/31/21 – Elevator sump pump – water in my elevator pit!

2/6/21 – Elevator picture Hall of Fame 2020 – Superbowl of Elevators!

2/14/21 – Elevator World – Preventative maintenance – is technology a complement or substitute

2/21/21 – LULA lift new construction – 500 N. Michigan – Chicago, IL

2/28/21 – Support for the Family of Joseph Rosa – Elevator Accident/death NYC

3/7/21 – Elevator pit and hoistway access is limited to authorized individuals

3/14/21 – Colley Cares – Colley Elevator gives back

3/21/21 – Elevator World Chicago Issue – Not just for Code Compliance – Elevator solid state starters

3/28/21 – Hydraulic elevator control modernization – Arlington Heights, IL

4/4/21 – Elevator disconnect auxiliary contacts – Elevator controller emergency battery lowering

4/11/21 – American Elevator Group

4/18/21 – 2020 Top OSHA violations – Elevator Industry stay frosty

4/25/21 – Guided tour of Chicago – Elevator project tour

5/2/21 – Colley Cares – Donation update

5/16/21 – City of Chicago Fireman’s Emergency operation [FEO] Phase 2 mandate

5/23/21 – IBM Relays – Dover Elevators US Elevators

5/29/21 – Hydraulic Elevator Modernization – Oak Park, IL

6/6/21 – Wisconsin Elevator symposium – QEI training

6/13/21 – Hot and Humid elevator control rooms – How does it affect my elevator?

6/18/21 – State of Illinois Fire Marshal moves to ASME A17.1 2019 Elevator code

6/27/21 – Hydraulic elevator modernization – Chicago, IL

7/5/21 – Colley Elevator featured in Community Associations Institute Summer Magazine

7/9/21 – Property Manager Lunch & Learn – Elevator 101

7/17/21 – End of Life/Obsolete Elevator Equipment – Dover DMC Elevator

7/25/21 – Elevator picture hall of fame – Volume 1 – 2021

8/9/21 – Elevator Worlds 2021 Ellies – Best Contractor North – Colley Elevator

8/16/21 – Colley Cares – 2^nd Quarter update

8/22/21 – One last chance to vote – Elevator Worlds 2021 Ellies

9/6/21 – Elevator IOT correlation – tracker & cylinder gland packing – Labor day

9/12/21 – Hydraulic Elevator Modernization – Arlington Heights, IL

9/19/21 – State of Illinois 5 year elevator fireman’s recall A17.1 2019 Code modification

9/26/21 – Elevator code changes – Continuing education – State of Illinois

10/11/21 – NACE 72^nd Annual Convention – New Orleans

10/18/21 – Colley Elevator’s Holiday Challenge – It just takes a box

10/24/21 – Maxton Valve continuing education – Colley Elevator

10/31/21 – Traction elevator 4 car modernization – Chicago, IL

11/5/21 – Community Association Institute of Illinois – CAI – Toys for Tots & food bank

11/14/21 – Colley Cares – Colley gives back – 3^rd Quarter

11/21/21 – Hydraulic elevator control modernization – Glen Ellyn, IL – US Elevator

12/8/21 – Hydraulic elevator control modernization – Des Plaines, IL

12/19/21 – Elevator electrical, fire alarm & other work by othters[WBO] – Elevator modernization

Blog reflection – 45 posts in 2021[that is a lot of words, pictures and time], over 34,000 views, over 169,448 views in the blog’s history.  

Thank you for everyone who took the time to read the blog.  My challenge for you in 2022 is to make an impact in someone’s life, do something great.  Move outside your comfort zone.  Turn off the TV, computer or your phone and spend time with a person or call someone you haven’t talked to in a while.  The last two years have been a very lonely time for many people and together we should be raising each other up.  Lets make 2022 a great year and I wish you and your families the best and look forward to working with you in the New Year.

Hey! Sign up for our mailing list! 

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.

Elevator Electrical, Fire Alarm & Other Work By Others [WBO] – Elevator Modernization

Over the last two months we have had a large amount of questions on the typical WBO, or work by other, scope for elevator modernizations. This is a relatively comprehensive WBO list that should work for 95% of the projects Colley works on.

Elevator Electrical

The elevator electrical is as follows:

• Heavy duty fused main line disconnect w/earth ground.
• If battery lowering is present, have auxiliary contacts installed.
• If building generator that powers elevator is installed, have wires from generator to elevator controller for emergency power contact and power pre-transfer contact.

Shunt Trip Disconnect System

Shunt trip disconnect is required on any new or existing elevator where a sprinkler is located at the top of the hoistway or in the machine room. Note that a properly located sprinkler in the pit only, will not cause shunt trip disconnect to be required.

Non-sprinklered elevators will not have a shunt trip disconnect system.

The shunt trip disconnect is as follows:

• Must cause disconnection of normal power and emergency/stand-by power.
• It must also cause disconnection of any internal auxiliary power operations, such as battery lowering devices, on hydraulic elevators or anti-entrapment (TAP) devices on traction elevators if so equipped. The shunt trip disconnect must have a set of contacts that signal the control system to prevent movement of the elevator.
• Power to and operation of the shunt trip shall be independent of the elevator control and shall not be self-resetting.
• Location of the shunt trip disconnect is not specified by code. Shunt trip disconnect can be in a fire command center, elevator machine room, electrical room, or other location. If in the machine room, it may be combined with the main disconnect.
• City of Chicago discourages shunt trips[check with DOB prior to installation]

[Separate disconnect & shut works]

[Combo unit works]

110 VAC Car Lighting Disconnect

Car lighting disconnects are as follows:

Single non GFCIs outlet for sumps.

Adequate lighting in pit and machine room – 4’ LEDS work great for the pit.

Pit light switch accessible & adjacent from hoist way door.

Duplex GFCI protected outlet in pit area and machine room

*All items must comply with NEC section 620 – pay mind to electrical clearance requirements and label sources.

GFCI’s in the elevator machine room and pit

Elevator Fire Alarms – Fire Alarm Initiating Devices (FAIDs)

These shall be installed as follows:

• Fire recall detectors at each landing.
• Smoke detectors on ceilings must be at least 4” from the wall.
• Smoke detectors on walls must be between 4” and 12” from ceiling (see image) 

 Fire recall detector in the elevator machine room

Fire recall relays in elevator machine room

Fire recall detectors are required at the top of the hoist way when either a sprinkler is present or the passenger cab is not fire rated. If a cab is not fire rated, you can also get fire resistant paint instead of installing sprinklers.

NO smoke detectors shall be provided in the elevator per NFPA 72.

If a sprinkler is 24” above pit floor you must provide a heat detector – if you provide a heat detector, you must provide a smoke detector.  If sprinklers are 24" above pit floor you may be required to move them to below 24"[address with AHJ prior to installation].

Heat detector must be located within 24” of a sprinkler.

*all items shall comply with NFPA 72 or local AHJ rule or funding entity rule such as IDPH or other authorities that may require rules that may be different than NFPA or NEC requirements. If you don’t know, find out.


Other items we may need a building to provide include:

• A fire rated machine room & hoistway
• Fire rated doors – labeled w/rating
• Self closing self locking machine room door
• 12” x 12” fused louver ventilation in machine room (see image)
• Internet connectivity – a CAT 5 cable for elevator camera and texting if the building is located in the suburbs (not City of Chicago) to comply with A17.1 2019 audio/visual code requirements
• Temperature and humidity controlled machine/control rooms – 55 to 80 degrees & 0 to 85% humidity

Take away – Educate yourself on the work by others so when we have your elevator inspected, we can have a cleaner inspection and less items on the punch list. These are easy ones to address before, during or shortly after a modernization is completed.

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.

Hydraulic Elevator Control Modernization – Des Plaines, IL

A property management firm we work with called us for a building they take care of that was considering modernization on their elevator equipment.  I started giving the building pricing in 2005 for maintenance and other work. When we went to the building we saw they had a Vertitron VH 40 controller that is obsolete and gave them a recommendation to modernize. A few months later we were invited to the building and had a great meeting with the Condominium Board.  We were fortunate enough to be awarded the project.

Existing elevator & project scope – We replaced the elevator controls, fixtures, wiring and door operator. The building retained a great power unit from our friends at Quality Elevator that was still in good condition. 

[Old elevator machine room]

[New elevator machine room]

New equipment providers

Controllers – Smartrise Engineering

Door operators – GAL MOVFR

Fixtures – Innovation Industries

Elevator controllers – The existing controller was a hydraulic elevator controller manufactured by Vertitron Midwest – Mankato, MN in 1995.  This elevator system is not supported any longer[obsolete] and is a coin flip if the boards can be repaired.  We replaced it with a Smartrise Engineering hydraulic elevator controller.

[Old Vertitron Midwest VH 40 hydraulic elevator controller]

[New Smartrise Engineering hydraulic elevator controller]

Elevator door operators – We replaced the MAC door operator with a GAL MOVFR II door operator and replaced all the hatch and door equipment while retaining the door tracks.

[Old elevator car top - pre modernization]

[Post modernization elevator car top]

Elevator fixtures – We installed Innovation Industries hall and car fixtures which was a good upgrade cosmetically for the building.  This car station is equiped with the new State of Illinois adopted A17.1 2019 code which requires visual items; camera & texting.

[Old elevator car station buttons]

[New Innovation Industries elevator car station push buttons]

[Old elevator main lobby elevator push buttons - NON ADA height]

[New elevator main lobby elevator push buttons -  ADA height]

Hydraulic power unit – One of the only good things the existing elevator had going for it was the Quality Elevator power unit installed in 2008.  We opted to retain this piece of equipment as it was in good condition.

[Existing Quality Elevator hydraulic power unit]

Take away – Importance of having a board meeting – One of the greatest things about this project was having a meeting with the Board prior to the signing of the modernization proposal.  We spent about an hour talking through the process and answering questions.  When it came time to mobilize everyone on the board was ready and educated.  When we turned the car over, they knew what to expect.   I encourage all buildings to have a meeting with the key players in the building so you can go over expectations, challenges, work by others and anything else that is topical to the building.  It makes a project go much smoother.

Team work– The sales person and the project team who finishes typically get the glory on a project.  In between the initial contract sale and the final acceptance are many other people who work on the project to make it successful.  From the truck driver to the engineer to the billing department to the assist when needed 9 Colley Elevator employees where involved in the project and we had tremendous team work on it.  Thank you everyone without you we would not have had such a successful delivery!

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.