Elevators in commercial and residential buildings work thousands of hours each year. Even the most reliable systems develop wear over time. For property owners across New Jersey and Philadelphia, breakdowns usually come from a few predictable mechanical or electrical issues. Understanding these causes helps reduce downtime, prepare for inspections, and plan repairs before they turn into emergencies.
Why elevators break down
Elevator systems include hundreds of moving parts and control components. The majority of faults trace back to five categories; mechanical wear, electrical failure, door malfunctions, environmental conditions, and skipped maintenance. According to ASME A17.1 and state inspection data, these categories account for most service disruptions recorded by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections.
1. Worn mechanical components
Over time, traction cables, guide rails, and bearings lose lubrication and alignment. When this happens, the car can travel unevenly or stop short of the floor. Vibration or rumbling noises are early signs that friction points need attention. If ignored, the wear can damage pulleys and sheaves, leading to longer shutdowns and higher repair costs.
2. Door system faults
Door equipment is responsible for a large share of service calls nationwide. Tracks collect dust and debris, rollers wear out, and sensors can misread obstructions. When doors fail to close within the set time, the elevator will not move, creating the impression of a breakdown even though the main system is healthy. Regular cleaning and sensor calibration are simple ways to prevent these interruptions.
3. Electrical or controller problems
Modern elevators rely on complex control circuits. Power surges, outdated wiring, or moisture intrusion can cause faults in the main controller or relay boards. Philadelphia’s older buildings often have mixed electrical systems that make elevators more sensitive to voltage changes. Licensed technicians test these circuits during scheduled service to catch loose connections or damaged components.
4. Overheating and environmental exposure
Elevator machinery rooms in older properties are sometimes poorly ventilated. Heat buildup in motors and control cabinets accelerates component wear and can trip thermal safety sensors. In winter, low humidity can create static discharge issues. Both New Jersey and Philadelphia building codes reference ASME requirements for adequate machine-room ventilation. Maintaining stable temperature and air quality extends the lifespan of electrical systems and hydraulic fluid.
5. Hydraulic fluid contamination
For hydraulic elevators, dirty or low fluid is a frequent cause of rough rides or slow starts. Leaks, moisture, or oxidized oil reduce efficiency and damage seals. Periodic fluid sampling and replacement keep the system operating smoothly. The National Elevator Industry, Inc. recommends testing hydraulic oil every 12 months under typical commercial use.
6. Misaligned sensors and safety switches
Safety circuits monitor door position, car leveling, and speed. Misalignment or loose wiring can interrupt these signals and trigger a shutdown. Although the system may appear stuck, it is actually performing as designed to prevent unsafe movement. Quick calibration restores operation.
7. Neglected preventive maintenance
The most common reason elevators break down is skipped maintenance. Minor wear becomes a chain reaction when components are not cleaned or adjusted on schedule. Preventive maintenance catches these early faults, reduces emergency callouts, and keeps equipment within inspection limits.
|
Maintenance task |
Typical interval |
Purpose |
|
Lubricate moving parts |
Monthly |
Reduce friction and noise |
|
Clean and align doors |
Monthly |
Prevent door-related shutdowns |
|
Test safety devices |
Quarterly |
Confirm code compliance |
|
Inspect cables and belts |
Bi-annual |
Detect wear before failure |
|
Review controller logs |
Quarterly |
Identify repeated fault codes |
How Allied Elevator approaches repairs
Allied Elevator’s licensed technicians handle both emergency repairs and planned modernization work across New Jersey and Philadelphia. Each service visit starts with diagnostic testing, fault-code review, and a safety inspection. The team stocks common replacement parts to shorten downtime. Repair reports are shared digitally with building managers for record keeping and future maintenance planning.
The company also offers maintenance programs that combine inspection, cleaning, and adjustment schedules tailored to each property’s usage and elevator type. These programs help buildings maintain compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and Philadelphia’s L&I inspection requirements.
How to reduce future breakdowns
- Schedule regular maintenance based on building traffic, not just inspection dates.
- Keep machine rooms clean and temperature controlled.
- Replace aging electrical components during modernization, not after failure.
- Respond quickly to early warning signs such as noise, vibration, or door hesitation.
Taking these steps supports smooth daily operation and protects the long-term value of the equipment.
If your elevator has shown any of these symptoms, Allied Elevator can diagnose and repair the issue quickly. The team serves all major areas of New Jersey and Philadelphia with 24-hour response.
CONTACT ALLIED ELEVATOR TODAY TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR SERVICE OR REQUEST A DIAGNOSTIC VISIT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes most elevator breakdowns?
The main causes are door faults, electrical problems, worn mechanical parts, and skipped maintenance.
How can elevator breakdowns be prevented?
Routine service, cleaning, and inspection of doors, cables, and controllers reduce the chance of failure.
Who should perform elevator repairs?
Only licensed elevator technicians registered with state or city authorities should perform repairs.