Power cuts aren’t the danger—elevators without an ARD are.
In modern high-rise buildings, elevators have become essential to daily life. However, when a sudden power outage, electrical failure, or internal control cabinet fault occurs, the elevator may stop between floors — trapping passengers inside. Such incidents are not uncommon. To prevent danger and panic, the elevator ARD (Automatic Rescue Device) has become a crucial safety configuration in modern elevators.
1. What Is the Core Function of an ARD?
ARD is an independent backup power system that activates automatically when the main power supply fails. Within seconds, it takes over the elevator’s power, allowing the car to move to the nearest floor and open the doors to release passengers. Its main functions include:
1) Automatic Power Supply During Outage
When the building suddenly loses power or the elevator’s main power circuit fails, the ARD’s backup battery or supercapacitor instantly kicks in, supplying temporary power to the traction machine, door operator, and control system.
2) Safely Moving Passengers to the Nearest Floor
The ARD analyzes the car’s position and moves it smoothly at low speed to avoid sliding or impact.
3) Automatically Opening the Door for Quick Escape
After reaching the nearest floor, the ARD executes the door-opening command, allowing passengers to exit without waiting for manual rescue.
4) Preventing Panic and Secondary Risks
Without ARD, elevators become completely dark and unventilated during outages, easily triggering anxiety, breathing discomfort, or health risks. ARD prevents these situations entirely.
2. Why Is ARD So Essential?
1) Power Outages Are Unpredictable
Even the most modern buildings cannot fully avoid:
Regional blackouts
Machine room breaker trips
Distribution cabinet failures
Lightning-induced voltage loss
ARD is the only device that ensures self-rescue in a sudden outage.
2) Prevents People From Being Trapped During Low-Traffic Hours
At night, on weekends, or during off-peak office hours, no one may notice an elevator failure.
ARD prevents long-duration entrapments.
3) Improves Elevator Safety Ratings & Property Reputation
Many regions now include ARD in elevator inspection or recommended safety standards.
Installing ARD reduces liability and enhances safety classification.
4) A Must-Have in Elevator Modernization
In old elevator upgrades, ARD is often listed as a required replacement to meet modern safety needs.
- Common ARD Problems
Although reliable, ARDs can still encounter certain issues, such as:
Battery aging leading to insufficient power
Relay or control board failure preventing power switching
Door operator not receiving enough power to open the door
Loose wiring causing malfunction
Most of these problems can be resolved through periodic inspection and timely replacement.
4. How to Choose a Reliable ARD
When selecting an elevator ARD, pay attention to:
Compatibility with the elevator traction machine power
Compatibility with mainstream control systems (NICE3000, STEP, Monarch, etc.)
Battery lifespan and capacity
Whether it supports smooth leveling operation
Whether it provides auxiliary power to the door operator
These factors directly affect ARD performance and reliability.
5. A-FLY — Your Professional Supplier for Elevator ARD Solutions
As a global elevator & escalator parts supplier, A-FLY provides:
Elevator ARD Automatic Rescue Devices
Elevator main boards, control boards, power supplies
Traction sheaves, guide wheels, mechanical components
Elevator buttons, light curtains, door locks, motors, and other consumables
A-FLY ARD Features:
Strong compatibility with multiple elevator brands
Long battery life
Fast response with stable leveling
Easy installation for maintenance and modernization projects
Whether for new elevator installation or upgrading old units, A-FLY delivers cost-effective and reliable ARD solutions.
Conclusion: ARD Is the Elevator’s “Last Line of Protection”
A power outage itself isn’t frightening — what’s frightening is an elevator without ARD.For commercial buildings, residential complexes, and public facilities, equipping an ARD has become an essential measure to enhance safety and prevent entrapment incidents.
Choose A-FLY — ensuring your elevator stays safe even when the power doesn’t.
AF-LY — Your global expert in elevator safety components, providing reliable protection for every elevator system.
