Why Is the Leveling Error of an Old Elevator Getting Worse?
After many years of operation, older elevators may develop increasingly noticeable leveling errors, such as the elevator car stopping slightly above or below the landing floor.
Elevator leveling accuracy is affected by more than one component. It is usually related to position detection, speed control, the traction system, and control parameters. Therefore, before starting an elevator modernization project, it is important to identify the actual source of the problem and determine which components need to be replaced or upgraded.
1. Why Does an Old Elevator Develop Inaccurate Leveling?
Common causes include:
Aging elevator encoders, resulting in unstable speed or position feedback signals;
Changes in the sensing distance, installation position, or signal output of the elevator leveling sensor;
Aging elevator inverters, causing poor low-speed control or deceleration performance;
Parameter drift in the main control board or slower response from the elevator control system;
Worn traction sheaves or elevator wire ropes, changing traction conditions;
Abnormal brake clearance, causing slight car movement after stopping.
If the leveling error continues to increase, simply adjusting the leveling parameters may provide only temporary improvement.
2. Which Components Should Be Considered for Replacement During Elevator Modernization?
The elevator encoder provides feedback on motor speed and operating position.
If signal loss, unstable feedback, or position deviation occurs, the encoder should be carefully inspected and replaced when necessary.
Check the leveling switches, magnetic sensors, photoelectric sensors, and their installation positions.
If these components are aged, misaligned, or responding inconsistently, timely replacement can help restore accurate position detection.
Older elevator inverters may develop problems such as unstable low-speed control or abnormal deceleration curves.
During elevator modernization, the inverter can be replaced or rematched according to the traction machine and control system requirements.
If the original elevator control cabinet is outdated and failures occur frequently, upgrading the main control board, inverter, and related control modules may improve position calculation and overall operating control.
The elevator brake clearance, brake linings, and brake operation should also be inspected.
Proper brake adjustment helps prevent slight elevator car movement after stopping at the landing.
6. Traction System Wear Parts
Wear of the elevator wire ropes, traction sheave, and guide shoes may also indirectly affect stopping stability.
These components should therefore be inspected as part of a complete elevator modernization assessment.
3. Post-Modernization Adjustment Is Equally Important
After replacing elevator modernization parts, proper commissioning is essential.
This may include:
Hoistway position learning;
Elevator leveling parameter adjustment;
Deceleration curve adjustment;
No-load testing;
Load testing.
Even with new components installed, incorrect parameter settings or incomplete commissioning may prevent the elevator from achieving the expected leveling accuracy.
4. Elevator Modernization Parts Purchasing Tips
Before purchasing replacement or modernization parts, it is recommended to provide:
Elevator model and system information;
Control system model;
Traction machine specifications;
Encoder model;
Inverter model;
Number of floors;
Description of the existing fault symptoms.
For older or discontinued elevator parts, compatible replacements may be identified based on photos, interfaces, dimensions, and electrical specifications.
Replacement components should not be selected based on appearance alone, as similar-looking parts may have different electrical or mechanical specifications.
5. A-FLY Elevator & Escalator Parts Supply Capability
A-FLY supplies a wide range of elevator modernization parts, including:
Other elevator and escalator spare parts.
These products are suitable for elevator maintenance, old elevator modernization, and system upgrade projects.
A-FLY also supports model confirmation, parameter matching, OEM/ODM customization, and one-stop elevator and escalator spare parts purchasing services, helping engineering contractors and maintenance companies improve replacement part matching efficiency for older elevators.
Conclusion
Increasing leveling errors in older elevators are often caused by a combination of changes in position feedback, speed control, and mechanical operating conditions.
Compared with simply adjusting leveling parameters, systematically inspecting and upgrading the encoder, leveling sensors, inverter, control system, and related mechanical components can provide a more effective approach to restoring stable and accurate elevator leveling performance.
