What is an Elevator Modernization?

Written By Sean McMannis

This is a series I’ve been intending to write for quite a while now. I want to take a deep dive into the question of “What is a modernization?” Because this can mean different things to different people. There are no shortage of companies trying to sell you a modernization. Searching “What is an elevator modernization” brings up pages full of elevator companies and consultants looking to sell you their services. AI says that “Elevator modernization is the process of upgrading older elevator components with new technology to improve safety, performance, energy efficiency, and reliability. It involves replacing outdated mechanical and electrical parts—such as controllers, motors, and door operators—to meet current building codes, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance user experience.” That’s generally true. Let’s dive into more detail.

As far as the AHJ (the City of Seattle or Washington State L&I for this purpose) is concerned, a modernization is when you upgrade the elevator controller. Elevator modernizations often include components in addition to the controller. Here’s why…

  1. When you modernize the elevator, you must bring the entire system up to the current code. As of this writing, that’s ASME A17.1-2019.

  2. A new controller might not communicate with older components.

  3. When you are making the significant investment required for a modernization, it makes sense to also update outdated components.

Building owners and managers might have different goals that they are hoping to accomplish with a modernization. These include improving reliability, safety, performance, energy efficiency and upgrading obsolete or worn components to avoid unexpected downtime. My recommendations often vary based on the type of equipment. Sometimes a controller upgrade is needed. Other times, a building owner might want to do everything except the controller. Again, it depends on the goal and, of course, the budget.

Let’s dive into the various components of an elevator and how they would fit into a modernization project. For this series, I will be focusing on hydraulic elevators. I’m going to make some generalities and discuss codes specific to the City of Seattle and State of Washington. Most elevators companies have a hydraulic elevator modernization package. I’m going to lay out Washington Elevator’s approach to modernization and provide you with some questions to ask when evaluating a proposal for a hydraulic elevator modernization package.

This series of posts will explore the different systems of a hydraulic elevator:

  • Controller

  • Power Unit

  • Door Operator

  • Fixtures

Sean McMannis

There is nothing that Sean enjoys more than helping a customer solve an elevator issue. Since 2008, he has witnessed a deterioration in the services provided throughout the industry. Sean prides himself on being responsive and honest. He takes the time to educate elevator owners and help them understand their options. After spending time at various elevator companies, Sean joined Washington Elevator because he believes building owners and managers crave a company focused on people, not profits.

With more than 15 years of elevator experience, Sean’s goal is to proactively address all elevator issues so that you can focus on your business.

When Sean isn’t helping customers, you can find him playing on the soccer field, cheering on the Sounders and enjoying activities with his wife and their two young kids.

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Modernization Journey - FINAL!