Elevators have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. They are everywhere, from skyscrapers to shopping malls, from hospitals to our homes. These vertical transportation vehicles make our lives easier, while also creating an important point where our safety must be ensured. This is where elevator guide rails and related safety standards and regulations come into play.
Elevator guide rails are one of the most critical components of the elevator system, directing and limiting the up and down movement of the cabin. The quality, installation and maintenance of these rails are essential for the safe operation of the elevator. So, what safety standards and regulations apply to elevator guide rails? What risks arise if these standards are not followed? Let’s look for answers to these questions together and take a closer look at guide rails, one of the cornerstones of elevator safety.
The Importance of Elevator Guide Rails
Elevator guide rails minimize shaking and vibration by ensuring the smooth movement of the cabin. This contributes to the passengers’ comfortable and safe journey experience. In addition, the rails prevent possible accidents by maintaining the balance of the cabin. In the event of an obstacle while the elevator is moving, the guide rails prevent the cabin from swinging or tipping over, preventing serious damage and injuries.
Just think, when you get on the elevator in a high-rise building, you feel the cabin start to shake and lose its balance. How scary would that be, right? That’s why the quality and correct installation of elevator guide rails are vital. These rails are one of the basic elements that ensure the safe operation of the elevator and they need to be checked and maintained regularly.
Materials Used in Elevator Guide Rails
Elevator guide rails are usually made of steel. Thanks to its high strength and durability, steel can carry the weight of the elevator cabin and can be used safely for many years. However, not all steel is the same. The steel used in elevator rails must meet certain standards. For example, properties such as hardness, tensile strength and corrosion resistance of the steel are important.
In some cases, especially in high-speed elevators, aluminum, which is a lighter and more durable material, can also be used. Aluminum rails can help reduce the elevator’s energy consumption and provide quieter operation. However, aluminum rails are more expensive than steel rails.
Türkray is one of the world leaders in the production of elevator guide rails. We produce rails in accordance with international standards using high-quality steel and aluminum. Exporting to more than 80 countries, Türkray stands out in the sector with the importance it attaches to elevator safety.
Safety Standards in Elevator Guide Rails
The design, production, assembly and maintenance of elevator guide rails must be carried out in accordance with national and international standards. These standards have been established to ensure the safe operation of elevators and to prevent possible accidents.
The most important standard regarding elevator safety in Turkey is the TS EN 81-20 standard. This standard specifies the safety rules for the construction and assembly of elevators and contains detailed information about guide rails. For example, the dimensions, material, assembly tolerances and test methods of the rails are specified in this standard.
In European Union countries, the EN 81-20 standard is valid. This standard is largely compatible with the TS EN 81-20 standard and includes similar rules on elevator safety.
In addition to these standards, there are also regulations that require periodic inspection and maintenance of elevators. These regulations were created to ensure the safe operation of elevators and to ensure early diagnosis of possible malfunctions.
Common Elevator Guide Rail Problems
Various problems can occur in elevator guide rails over time. These problems can affect the performance of the elevator and even pose safety risks. Some of the most common problems include:
- Wear and tear: The constant movement of the elevator car can cause wear and tear on the guide rails. This can cause the car to shake, vibrate, or even come off the rails.
- Warping and bending: Guide rails can become warped or bent due to impact, overload, or improper installation. This can impede the movement of the car and pose safety risks.
- Rust and corrosion: Rust and corrosion can occur on guide rails, especially in humid environments. This reduces the strength of the rails and can lead to breakage.
- Loose connections: The connection points of the guide rails can become loose over time. This can cause the cabin to shake and cause noise.
To prevent these problems, elevator guide rails must be regularly checked and maintained. In addition, care must be taken to use the elevator correctly and not to overload it.
Maintenance and Control of Elevator Guide Rails
Maintenance and control of elevator guide rails are vital for the safe and trouble-free operation of the elevator. These operations must be carried out periodically by authorized service companies. During maintenance and control operations, the rails are examined for problems such as wear, tear, warping, bending, rust and loose connections.
If a problem is detected, the necessary repairs or replacements are made. In addition, operations such as cleaning and lubrication of the rails are also carried out within the scope of maintenance.
Maintenance and control of elevator guide rails are important not only for safety but also for extending the life of the elevator. Regular maintenance ensures that the rails last longer and operate smoothly.
Users’ Responsibilities in Elevator Safety
Elevator safety is not only the responsibility of elevator manufacturers, installers and service companies. Elevator users also have an important role in ensuring safety. Users should use the elevator correctly and comply with safety rules.
For example, simple precautions such as not exceeding the capacity of the elevator, not moving in the cabin, not opening the elevator doors by force and notifying the authorities if they notice any malfunctions in the elevator can help ensure safety.
Elevator Guide Rails and Building Types
Elevator guide rails may vary depending on the type of building they are used in. For example, the elevator rails used in a residential building may not be the same as the elevator rails used in a skyscraper. This is because different building types have different needs.
Low-speed and low-capacity elevators are generally used in residential buildings. Therefore, the guide rails used in these buildings may be lighter and thinner. However, elevators used in skyscrapers are high-speed and high-capacity. Therefore, the guide rails used in these buildings must be heavier and thicker.
In addition, the installation method of the guide rails may vary depending on the building type. For example, in residential buildings, guide rails are usually mounted on walls, while in skyscrapers, they are mounted on specially designed steel structures.
The Importance of Installation in Elevator Guide Rails
Proper installation of elevator guide rails is critical to the safe and efficient operation of the elevator. Improper installation can cause the cabin to shake, vibrate, or even come off the rails. This can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
The installation of guide rails must be done by experienced and authorized technicians. During installation, the rails must be properly aligned and fixed. In addition, the connection points of the rails must be tightly checked and care must be taken to ensure that there is no looseness.
After the installation process is completed, the elevator must be tested and ensured that it operates safely. These tests cover elements such as the elevator’s load-carrying capacity, speed, and brake system.
Innovative Technologies in Elevator Guide Rails
Elevator technology is constantly evolving, and this development is also reflected in the guide rails. Today, lighter, more durable, and more efficient guide rails are produced. These rails increase the performance of elevators and reduce energy consumption.
For example, some manufacturers are developing guide rails made of lightweight and durable materials such as carbon fiber. These rails allow elevators to operate faster and quieter.
In addition, smart sensors and artificial intelligence technologies have also begun to be used in guide rails. These technologies constantly monitor the condition of the rails and detect potential problems in advance. In this way, elevator safety is further increased and malfunctions are prevented.
As Türkray, we closely follow innovations in elevator technology and use the latest technologies in guide rails. Our goal is to always offer our customers the safest and most innovative solutions.
Elevator Guide Rails and Earthquake Safety
Elevator safety becomes even more important in regions with high earthquake risk, such as Turkey. In order for elevators to stop safely during an earthquake and for passengers not to be harmed, guide rails must be earthquake resistant.
Tremors during an earthquake can cause the elevator car to come off the rails or to swing inside the car. For this reason, elevator guide rails used in earthquake zones should be made of stronger and more flexible materials.
In addition, the installation of guide rails is also important for earthquake safety. The rails must be fixed in a way that will withstand the forces that may occur during an earthquake. Specially designed earthquake absorbers and fasteners can be used for this purpose.
Things to Consider When Choosing Elevator Guide Rails
When choosing an elevator guide rail, it is important to consider a number of factors. These factors include the type of elevator, its capacity, speed, frequency of use, building type and environmental conditions.
In addition, the material, quality and installation method of the guide rails are also important. Rails manufactured from high-quality materials and correctly installed ensure the safe and trouble-free operation of the elevator.
Elevator Guide Rails and Maintenance Contracts
Regular maintenance of elevator guide rails is important for the safety and life of the elevator. Maintenance operations should be carried out by authorized service companies and the rails should be checked for problems such as wear, tear, warping, bending, rust and loose connections.
Maintenance contracts ensure that elevator owners receive regular maintenance service and that your elevator operates safely. These contracts are usually made on an annual basis and cover maintenance services for a specified period of time.