Pre-1971 hydraulic elevator

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Prior to 1971, most hydraulic elevators were designed with a single-bottom cylinder. In 1971 ASME established a recommendation that required that elevators have double-bottom cylinders for all new installations. Is it necessary to replace all single-bottom cylinder elevators? Or can they somehow be maintained safely? Are new codes coming out that would mandate their replacement? I am asking this question because ThyssenKrupp recently sent my company a letter saying that our current elevators should be replaced. At the current time we can not afford to make these changes. But are we accepting a large amount of liability by not making these changes? Any information or comments would help!

-- Kate Balanda (kbalanda@housingcenter.com), July 09, 2002

Answers

The latest edition of the ANSI A17.1 Code requires that cylinders have a safety bulkhead ("double bottom") OR have a safety device like that used on traction ("cable") elevators. This Code is advisory unless a local jurisdiction adopts it, giving it the force of law. So, if it was not adopted back in 1970, elevators installed thereafter may or may not have safety bulkheads. If the 2000 version has not been adopted in your area, there is no LEGAL requirement to replace your cylinder. HOWEVER - the CODE provision does represent the opinion of a panel of qualified experts.

It would generally not be practical to retrofit an existing hydraulic elevator with such a safety device.

In my opinion, it possible to make proper tests of existing cylinders to determine whether there is any imminent danger of cylinder failure.

If your elevator was installed prior to the requirement for double bulkheads, it is at least 32 years old and probably a candidate for replacement on numerous grounds. Best get going on budgeting for the necessary work without further delay.

-- John Brannon (akaelevman@aol.com), July 09, 2002.


KATE IF YOU DO HAVE A SIGLE BOTTOM CYLINDER YOU SHOULD MIN. REPLACE THE CYLINDER .THEY SHOULD BUT DOWN PVC PIPE WITH AN END CAP ON IT ALSO AT THAT TIME. THEN YOU SHOULD SEE ABOUT ARRANGING FUNDS FOR SOME TIME IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO UPGRADE THE CONTROLER AND BUTTONS TO MAKE IT HANDY CAP ASSESIBLE.

-- RICHARD (elevator_bbr@hotmail.com), July 09, 2002.

KATE,

THERE ALWAYS IS AN OPTION,YOU CAN HAVE A RAM BRAKE INSTALLED.ITS A DEVICE IN WHICH IT MONITORS THE SPEED. IF THE THE UNIT HAS A LEAK THE RAM BRAKE STOPS THE UNIT BEFORE IT CRASHES ABOUT 8000 =OR-..GOOD LUCK ,,HOPE YOUR BUILDING ITS BY WATER OR OCEAN,,

-- DAN WIEGAND (DANOTIS@AOL.COM), March 03, 2003.


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