Do maintenance-free elevators exist?

ascensores sin mantenimiento

Are there vertical lift systems that could eliminate the maintenance costs of an elevator? With the rapid advancement of technology, it would not be surprising to think that vertical mobility systems could operate without the need for periodic checks and inspections.

Although it may seem possible in a technology-driven future, the truth is that skipping elevator maintenance is not only impractical but also dangerous. Vertical mobility systems must always have periodic reviews and inspections to ensure their safety and operation.

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Maintenance-free elevators: Is it possible?

While technological innovation has enabled the industry to develop more advanced elevators, with self-diagnostic systems and real-time monitoring, this does not replace the essential role of maintenance. Long-term safety and performance depend on regular technical interventions, as many mechanical components – such as ropes, pulleys, or brakes – require adjustments and replacements to avoid failure.

In other words, elevators without maintenance can represent a risk for the users who use them on a daily basis. In fact, it can be stated that maintenance of these lifting devices is a mandatory and essential practice to preserve their operability and safety.

Like any other mechanical and electronic system, elevators are subject to wear and tear caused by continuous use, environmental factors and possible technical failures. For this reason, it is essential to keep them in optimum condition.

Technical and safety reasons for servicing elevators

  • Component wear and tear: Parts essential to the operation of the elevator require adjustment or replacement over time, as continued use causes natural wear and tear.
  • Safety systems: Devices such as emergency brakes, overload sensors and leveling systems should be checked regularly to avoid serious failures.
  • Lubrication and calibration: As in any equipment, mechanical parts need to be lubricated and calibrated to avoid noise, vibrations and premature wear.
  • Electronic systems: Control panels, motors and power supply systems can experience malfunctions due to electrical fluctuations or failures in internal components. In this sense, maintenance is indispensable, as it allows issues to be detected and corrected before they affect elevator operation.

In addition, the new ITC establishes strict regulations governing the maintenance of elevators, ensuring that they meet the required safety and operability standards.

Risks of unmaintained elevators

Increased risk of mechanical failure

Operating elevators without maintenance significantly increases the possibility of unexpected breakdowns, which can lead to equipment downtime. Without regular inspections, mechanical and electronic components experience progressive wear and tear, which over time can compromise the system’s safety and functionality. This not only causes inconvenience for users, but also generates high repair costs.

On the other hand, deterioration of critical parts, such as traction cables, pulleys and brakes, can go unnoticed without proper inspection, increasing the risk of critical failures.

Possible accidents due to lack of safety system checks

This is one of the main risks of doing without maintenance in elevators. Safety systems, such as emergency brakes, load sensors and fall arrest devices, are designed to prevent serious accidents. Without regular inspections, these mechanisms can fail without warning, endangering the integrity of users.

For example, if a braking system is worn or poorly calibrated, it may not activate properly in an emergency, increasing the risk of sudden falls or unexpected cabin slides.

ascensores sin mantenimiento

Accelerated deterioration of critical parts

There are components in elevators that inevitably wear out over time, such as traction cables, pulleys, brakes, bearings and damping systems. If these parts are not lubricated and checked periodically, their service life can be drastically reduced, as they would be exposed to premature wear.

Increase in energy consumption due to lack of adjustments

Unmaintained elevators are more likely to operate with worn or poorly fitted parts, which can lead to increased energy consumption. Poorly maintained equipment requires more effort to operate properly, which unnecessarily increases energy costs.

Legal sanctions for non-compliance with regulations

The lack of maintenance in elevators can result in legal sanctions for the owners, according to the new Complementary Technical Instruction (ITC) AEM 1 “Elevators” in Spain. This regulation establishes that maintenance is mandatory and must be carried out at specific intervals:

  • Every 2 years for elevators in public or high-traffic buildings.
  • Every 4 years for elevators in residential buildings with more than 20 dwellings or more than 4 floors.
  • Every 6 years for elevators in smaller residential buildings.

In addition, if an unmaintained elevator causes an accident, the owner or the company responsible for maintenance could be held legally liable for negligence.

Ensure the safety of your elevator with Aszende maintenance

Now that you know the risks of neglecting maintenance, it is essential to prioritize this task to avoid problems and ensure optimal operation of the elevator. Equipment in poor condition can not only cause costly breakdowns, but also jeopardize the safety of users.

In this sense, having a maintenance company that offers trust, support and experience is essential. Aszende specializes in the maintenance of elevators, providing a comprehensive service that ensures their operability and safety at all times.

Why choose Aszende for the maintenance of your elevator?

  • Experience and track record: More than 45 years offering reliable solutions in the sector.
  • Breakdown prevention: Technical team specialized in all types of elevators, ensuring that the equipment is kept in optimal conditions and avoiding unexpected failures.
  • Personalized service: Flexible maintenance plans and solutions tailored to the specific needs of each customer.
  • Fast and efficient response: Immediate attention to resolve any incident at any time.

Don’t compromise your elevator’s safety and performance by neglecting maintenance. Trust Aszende and choose a service designed to prevent breakdowns, optimize performance and prolong the life of your equipment.

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