Ensuring the seamless and reliable operation of elevators in critical infrastructures such as international airports, high-speed rail stations, major exhibition centers, and four-star or above hotels is paramount. During major events or in high-traffic settings, elevator downtime is not merely an inconvenience—it can disrupt operations, impact safety, and diminish the user experience. A proactive, high-standard maintenance strategy with a carefully curated inventory of critical spare parts is essential for minimizing failure risks and ensuring rapid recovery.
This blog outlines a two-tiered approach to elevator spare parts management: a High-Standard Specification for critical venues and a General Maintenance Specification for standard buildings.
1. High-Standard Spare Parts Specification for Critical Venues
This specification is designed for elevators subject to intensive, near-continuous operation. The recommended replacement cycles are conservative, and minimum stock levels are set to ensure immediate availability, thereby maximizing uptime.
| **System | Vulnerable Part / Spare Part Name | Recommended Replacement Cycle | Minimum Stock Qty | Notes** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door System | Car Door Panel | Every 5-6 years, or if deformed/severely worn | 1 panel | Must strictly match car door specifications. |
| Car Door Lock Device | Every 3-4 years, or if malfunctioning | 1 set | Includes lock hook, strike plate, electrical interlocks. | |
| Car Door Machine Belt | Every 2-3 years, or if aged/cracked | 5 belts | Dimensions vary by brand and model. | |
| Car Door Rollers | Every 1-2 years, or if worn/not turning smoothly | 5-10 units | Quantity depends on door structure. | |
| Hall Door Panel | Annual inspection, replace if visibly damaged | 1 panel | Must adapt to various floor door specs. | |
| Hall Door Lock Device | Every 2-3 years, with regular functional checks | 1 set | Ensure compatibility with hall doors. | |
| Hall Door Sill | When severely worn, affecting smooth operation | 2 pcs (longest length) | Adapt to different door widths. | |
| Traction System | Traction Steel Ropes | If diameter reduced by 7%, broken wires exceed standard, severe wear/rust | 1 set (matching elevator's number of ropes) | Specifications must match original. |
| Traction Sheave | Every 5-8 years, or if uneven/worn beyond tolerance | 1 unit | Must match traction machine model. | |
| Traction Machine Brake Lining | Every 5-8 years, or if worn beyond thickness/sticking | 1-2 sets | Compatible with brake model. | |
| Traction Machine Bearings | Every 3-5 years, or if noisy/overheating/jamming | At least 1 set | Must match traction machine model. | |
| Control System | Elevator Main Board | Every 5-8 years, or if faulty beyond repair | 1 board | Must strictly match elevator brand & model. |
| Car Operating Panel Buttons | As per usage frequency, if damaged/malfunctioning | 5-10 units (common buttons) | Includes floor, door open/close buttons. | |
| Hall Call Buttons | As per usage frequency, if faulty | 5-10 units (common buttons) | May differ per floor. | |
| Safety Circuit Relay | Every 3-5 years, or if contacts are poor | 1-2 units | Must match safety circuit design. | |
| Contactor | Every 3-5 years, or if contacts are burnt/sticking | 1-2 units | Stock according to model in control system. | |
| Safety Protection System | Governor | Every 5-8 years, or if action is inaccurate/faulty | 1 unit | Must match elevator rated speed & parameters. |
| Safety Gear | Every 7-10 years, or if action is unreliable | 1 set | Compatible with car & guide rail specs. | |
| Buffer | Every 3-5 years (inspection), replace if faulty | 1 unit (based on type & qty) | Check oil level for hydraulic types. | |
| Light Curtain | If faulty/causing false operations | 1 set | Must match door width & parameters. | |
| Other | Elevator Lighting Bulbs | Every 6-12 months, or if failed | 5-10 units | Match lighting system bulb model. |
| Traveling Cable | If damaged/aged/short-circuited | 1 cable (full length) | Must match shaft height & parameters. | |
| Lubricating Grease | Replenish/change as per usage | Adequate supply | Different types for different components. |
2. General Maintenance Spare Parts Recommendation (Universal Version)
For elevators in standard residential or office buildings, the following list provides a practical baseline for spare parts inventory.
| **Category | Recommended Spare Parts to Stock** |
|---|---|
| Door System | Door Machine Belts, Hall/Car Door Rollers, Door Guide Shoes, Door Lock Devices (incl. electrical contacts), Call Buttons (Hall & Car), Hall Position Indicators |
| Control System | Relays (various types), Contactors, Fuses, Phase Sequence Relay, Operating Panel Buttons, Leveling Sensors, Limit Switches |
| Safety System | Safety Gear Wedges, Governor Tension Device Switch, Buffer Switch, Pit Emergency Stop Switch, Safety Circuit Switches |
| Traction & Guidance | Guide Shoe Liners, Traction Machine Grease, Guide Rail Oil Cups |
| Shaft & Car | Traveling Cable, Car Lighting Fixtures (LED/Lamps), Fan, Emergency Power Device |
| Tools & Consumables | Appropriate Lubricants/Greases, Bolts & Nuts (various sizes), Electrical Tape, Wire Markers, Common Tools (Multimeter, Wrenches, etc.) |
Core Principles for Effective Spare Parts Management
-
Compatibility: All spare parts must strictly match the elevator's brand, model, and specifications. This is critical for key components like mainboards and traction sheaves.
-
Tiered Preparation: Dynamically adjust inventory levels based on elevator usage frequency, venue importance, and equipment age. Critical elevators should adhere to the High-Standard Specification.
-
Reliable Source: Ensure parts are sourced from reliable suppliers with proper quality certifications. Priority should be given to OEM or authorized distributors.
-
Dynamic Management: Maintain a spare parts ledger with clear procedures for check-in/check-out. Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure all parts are in good condition and ready for use.
By establishing a scientific and rational spare parts inventory based on these specifications, facility managers and maintenance teams can dramatically reduce elevator downtime, enhance operational safety, and ensure a consistently reliable vertical transportation service—especially when it matters most.
