FAQs
Maintenance
What is the right level of maintenance frequency?
What types of maintenance contracts are available?
What are the benefits of a full maintenance contract?
Repairs
Are repairs chargeable or included in the maintenance contract?
Modernizations
How long will an elevator run before requiring a modernization?
How long does it take to modernize an elevator?
What can I do to extend the life of my elevator?
New Construction
What thickness of floor material can be installed in an elevator?
How much overhead is required in the machine room?
How long does it take to install an elevator?
What is "non-proprietary" elevator equipment?
What are "elevator loading" requirements?
What security systems provision does my elevator need to have?
What is the difference between Firefighters Emergency Operation and Firefighters Elevators?
Does my building need a handicapped lift, a LULA, or a full elevator?
How important are drawings and approvals?
Can changes be made to your standard products?
Is Fire Service required for a LULA elevator?
Is a hoist beam required for an accessibility lift or for a LULA elevator?
What is the right level of maintenance frequency?
The recommended maintenance frequency is a function of the type of unit and its usage patterns. For normal usage levels:
- Elevators - Monthly
- Accessibility Lifts - Bi-monthly
- Manlifts - Semi-annually
What types of maintenance contracts are available?
There are three types of elevator contracts: Labour, Oil & Grease (LOG), Full Maintenance (FM) and Full Maintenance - Extended (FMX). The LOG type is the minimum level of maintenance legally required, with extra charges for all additional work. The FM type includes most callbacks as well as a preventative maintenance program. The FMX type includes all callbacks and the preventative maintenance program.
| Type | Calls During Regular Hours
|
After Hour Calls & Travel Time
|
Preventative Maintenance
|
|---|---|---|---|
| LOG | Extra
|
Extra
|
Extra |
| FM | Included
|
Extra
|
Included |
| FMX
|
Included
|
Included
|
Included
|
What are the benefits of a full maintenance contract?
An FM contract helps keep elevator operating costs stable over time because most callbacks are included and because a preventative maintenance program is performed. This means that in the long term, the elevator will last longer, incur fewer "balloon" expenses, and have lower life cycle costs. These benefits make long term capital budgeting easier.
Are repairs chargeable or included in the maintenance contract?
This depends on the type of contract and the type of repair. Virtually all repairs under an LOG contract are chargeable to the owner, while under an FM or FMX contract most repairs are not chargeable.
What about obsolete parts?
One type of repair that is almost always chargeable relates to obsolete parts. In normal circumstances, these are not not covered by any type of contract. However, once the parts are upgraded, they are covered under FM and FMX contracts.
Who pays for vandalism?
Regardless of the type of contract, the owner is responsible for vandalism done to the elevator since vandalism is not related to the reliability of the elevator.
How long will an elevator run before requiring a modernization?
The the expected life of an elevator depends on equipment design, environmental factors, level of usage, and maintenance programs. With a proper preventative maintenance program in place, most elevators will last about 20 years before a major upgrade is required.How long does it take to modernize an elevator?
The length of time an elevator is out of service due to a modernization depends on the type of drive configuration, the extent of the equipment being replaced, and the number of floors. However, most modernizations can be completed in four or five weeks. This period can be compressed by working overtime, outside of core hours. Note that the lead time for modernizations can be up to 12 months due to parts sourcing and crew scheduling constraints.
What can I do to extend the life of my elevator?
General wear and / or damage cannot be improved but with careful maintenance and replacement of worn components, the need for a full modernization can often be delayed. This allows time for the expenditure to be incorporated in your normal capital planning cycle. Delta can provide equipment evaluations to help assess a unit's expected life and possible repairs to extend it.
What thickness of floor material can be installed in an elevator?
On a standard elevator, the flooring can be up to 5/8” in thickness, which means 1/2” tile can be accommodated.How much overhead is required in the machine room?
The B-44 Elevator Code Clause 2.7.4.1 requires 2,130 mm of clear overhead in the machine room, while the Ontario Electrical Code requires only 2,000 mm. No lighting or other ceiling mounted devices are permitted to hang below the 2,130 mm mark.How long does it take to install an elevator?
Basic installation times range from about 2 weeks for a handicapped lift, 4 weeks for a hydraulic elevator, and 6 weeks for a traction elevator. This represents the actual on-site time for the installation crews - the actual time line to do the installation is typically at least double due to tasks that are the responsibility of other trades.
What is "non-proprietary" elevator equipment?
Elevators and elevator components range in their proprietary nature. Prior to making a purchase decision for a new elevator or controller, it is important to understand how an installation will be affected by the proprietary components of the product under consideration.
Delta controllers are available with or without a diagnostic tool. Tools can also be purchased as an after market item. Delta stands behind its product 100% and supports its elevators regardless of who is maintaining them.
Click on the image to access Delta's worksheet for additional information on this critical issue.
What are "elevator loading" requirements?
All elevating devices have a loading classification set by the B-44 Elevator Code pertaining to the capacity of the elevating device and to the nature of the loading method.
It is important that the loading classification matches the elevating device's intended use. Early determination of this issue ensures the design and the classification result in safe operation of the elevating device.
Click on the image to review Delta's information document for a description of the loading classifications permitted under the B-44 Elevator Code and that are available from Delta Elevator Co Ltd.
What security system provision does my elevator need to have?
Security systems are becoming common features in elevators for both new construction and for modernizations. It is important to ensure the provisions in the elevator are capable of accommodating the system that is eventually put in place. This should take place as early as possible, preferably during the design phase.
At Delta, we believe that full disclosure of what our security system provision includes helps to avoid issues in the future.
Click on image to read Delta's perspective on security system provisions.
What is the difference between Firefighters’ Emergency Operation (FEO) and Elevators for Use by Firefighters?
Both the Building Code and the B-44 Elevator Code include references elevators emergency situations: The Building Code governs Elevators for Use by Firefighters, while the Elevator Code governs Firefighters Emergency Operation.
Unfortunately, the requirements and purpose of each code’s rules and regulations are sometimes confused in tender documents. This can lead to extra costs on the job site in order to pass the final inspection.
Click on the image to read Delta’s clarifying statement regarding this issue.
Does my building need a handicapped lift, a LULA, or a full elevator?
Delta believes that accessibility considerations are important aspects of building design, and that these considerations should take the long term into account.
For HLs in particular, the trade-off between cost and features changes depending on the time frame considered during the decision making process. In some cases, slight modifications to a handicapped lift installation can provide for a future to a LULA or to a full elevator.
Click on the image to read more about making the right decision for accessibility design.
How important are drawings and approvals?
Drawings and approvals are extremely important for a smooth installation process. All the required information for the General Contractor is provided on these documents. Once they are accepted, the elevator equipment is custom built to those specifications. It is the General Contractor's responsibility to ensure the hoistway, the machine room, and the related feeds meet the approved design.
Can changes be made to your standard products?
It is usually most economical to use a supplier's standard product. However, when this is not possible, the flexibility to meet your specific needs is one of Delta's strengths. Delta designs and manufactures its own product, so custom applications can be accommodated, usually at a reasonable cost, when accurate information and reasonable lead time are available.
Is Fire Service required for a LULA elevator?
No, Fire Service is not required for a LULA elevator.
Is a hoist beam required for an accessibility lift or for a LULA elevator?
No, hoist beams are not required for either of these Delta products.