Lift deterioration, obsolescence factors and their significance

Our customers frequently receive maintenance reports and estimates; these are important documents written in the terminology specific to the lift sector to talk about lift damage.

As we speak today we would like to explain the difference between several terms that, although similar, do NOT mean the same.

Key differences: wear, obsolescence, and deterioration

Excessive wear and tear in a lift

This refers to material loss or deformation of a component due to continuous use. Once a part loses its mechanical or structural properties, it can no longer function properly.

• Example: A worn-out brake surface may compromise the system’s safety.

Obsolescence in a lift

Obsolescence happens when a component is no longer manufactured or readily available on the market due to technological advancements. This doesn’t necessarily mean the part is broken, but replacing it becomes difficult or impossible.

• Example: Electronic control panels with discontinued spare parts.

Deterioration of a lift

Deterioration is the loss of performance due to aging alone, regardless of usage. It can affect properties such as electrical conductivity, insulation, porosity, or structural integrity.

• Example: Rust forming on the cabin chassis over time.

How to identify obsolescence in the lift

Obsolescence in the lift occurs, in general 30 years for mechanical parts: cabin chassis, mechanical part of the brake, pulley, guides, chute, etc.

• 20 years for electromechanical components: motor, electrical part of the brake, selection device, control cabinet, locks, etc.
• In the case of electronic boards, the obsolescence time may be even shorter due to the fact that technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. In fact, we often find that certain electronic components are no longer manufactured in as little as 5 or 10 years.

In other words: we encourage you to be aware that materials, components and machines have a lifespan – they are NOT eternal!

However, we do not like to propose total lift replacements. Therefore, remember to check your contract for the share of obsolete lift parts that are the responsibility of the maintenance company or the lift owner. Instead, we usually propose the replacement of assemblies or elements and integrate them with the rest of the installation.

Put an end to damage or deterioration with total lift renovation or replacement

Lifts are means of transport that we use every day, and the wear and tear caused by regular use affects their performance and efficiency and can even cause lift damage. This is why it is necessary to carry out a total or partial renovation of lifts from time to time and depending on the case. A common case of partial refurbishment is often a deteriorated lift floor. In particular, the average lifespan is around 20-25 years, at which point it is recommended to replace the most important elements of the lift.

Lift damage is not usually the fault of maintenance. The most obvious sign that raises the alarm? When a machine that is more than 20 years old begins to suffer constant breakdowns that are becoming increasingly time-consuming and costly to repair.

If your machine spends more time out of service than it does in operation, we recommend that you consider modernisation. Remember that the renovation or replacement of the most important parts of the lift brings multiple benefits: more safety, fewer breakdowns (and lower costs), new functionalities, greater energy efficiency, smoother, quieter operation and superior finishes, more contemporary and adapted to the new times.

Contact your sales representative by filling in the following form and ask for an assessment of the elements of your machine that should be renewed…