Technical Overview of Schindler Lift Storing
System De-energisation: Isolating the main power supply and backup battery systems to prevent deep discharge. Mechanical Preservation: Application of volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCI) to machined surfaces and guide rails. Traction Media Protection: Relieving tension or implementing periodic rotation to prevent permanent flat spots on sheave liners. Environmental Stabilisation: Maintaining humidity levels below 60% to prevent PCB delamination and motor winding moisture ingress. Hydraulic Sealing: For hydraulic variants.
This ensures the piston is fully retracted to prevent rod scoring and seal drying.
The Physics of Vertical Transport Dormancy
When a Schindler lift enters a state of prolonged storage, the transition from dynamic operation to static loading introduces specific engineering challenges. Schindler lift storing demands a proactive approach to thermodynamics and material science.
The static weight of the car, often weighing several tonnes, exerts constant pressure on the hoist ropes and diverter sheaves. This constant pressure can cause "memory" in the steel wire ropes.
This leads to vibrations once the lift is reactivated. You must calculate the ideal positioning of the car within the hoistway to distribute this load evenly.
Electronic components face an equally careful threat. Modern Schindler systems use high-density printed circuit boards (PCBs) and Microprocessor-based controllers. These components are susceptible to hygroscopic stress.
If the lift motor room is not climate-controlled, moisture can penetrate the microscopic layers of the PCBs. This leads to short circuits when power is eventually restored.
Critical Component Vulnerability Matrix
Component Group:
- Traction Ropes
- Primary Risk During Storage: Corrosion and Tension Set
- Mitigation Strategy: VCI Coating and Position Cycling
Component Group: Drive Inverter; Primary Risk During Storage: Capacitor Drying; Mitigation Strategy: Periodic Low-Voltage Energisation. Component Group: Guide Rails; Primary Risk During Storage: Surface Oxidation; Mitigation Strategy: High-Viscosity Lubricant Application.
Safety and UK rules
Component Group: Door Operators; Primary Risk During Storage: Linkage Seizure. Mitigation Strategy: Manual Cycling and Greasing. Component Group: Safety Gears; Primary Risk During Storage: Mechanical Binding; Mitigation Strategy: Corrosion Inhibitor Spray.
Environmental Specifications for Schindler Lift Storing
The storage setting must meet strict criteria to satisfy manufacturer warranty needs and British Standards (BS EN 81-20). Temperature fluctuations lead to condensation, which is the precursor to terminal hardware failure.
You must make sure the storage zone or lift shaft remains between 5°C and 40°C. Humidity is the most critical variable. Relative humidity (RH) must not exceed 60% non-condensing.
In the UK climate, this often necessitates the use of industrial-grade dehumidifiers within the machine room or control cabinet space.
What it involves
Dust and particulate matter also pose a big risk to the Schindler lift storing process. Fine construction dust is often abrasive and conductive.
If the lift is stored during building renovations, the entire controller cabinet and all landing door tracks must be sealed with heavy-duty polythene sheeting.
Moisture Control Protocols
What to check and report
Install calibrated hygrometers in the motor room and pit. Deploy desiccant packs inside the main control panel (GCO/Miconic). Check that the pit sump pump is working to prevent flooding during inactivity.
Seal all hoistway vents that may allow direct ingress of rain or heavy mist.
Mechanical Preservation Procedures
To maintain the mechanical integrity of a Schindler system during storage, you must address the lubrication systems. Standard oils used for guide rail lubrication are designed for active flow.
During storage, these oils gravity-drain into the buffer pits, leaving the upper rail sections exposed to the atmosphere.
You are needed to apply a specialist preservative grease or high-viscosity oil to all machined surfaces. This includes the guide rails, the traction sheave grooves, and the brake drum surfaces.
Safety and UK rules
But, you must strictly document these uses, as these substances must be completely removed before the lift is returned to service to make sure proper brake friction and safety gear contact.
For full mechanical diagnosis before entering storage, refer to our guide on Lift Troubleshooting to spot any pre-existing faults that could worsen during dormancy.
Addressing alignment issues now prevents permanent deformation while the system is static.
Traction Media Upkeep
Steel hoist ropes are subject to internal friction and rust. When a lift is stored, the lubricant inside the hemp or synthetic core can settle.
Costs and timescales
To mitigate this, the lift should be moved to a different floor at least once every 30 days. This redistributes the lubricant and shifts the pressure points on the traction sheave.
If the Schindler lift storing duration exceeds 12 months, consider slackening the ropes slightly if the design allows, or using wooden blocks to support the car weight, effectively unloading the machine.
This is an advanced engineering task and needs precise recalibration of the governor and safety systems upon return to service.
Electronic and Electrical Isolation
Storing a lift is not as simple as turning off the main breaker. Modern Schindler controllers have volatile memory and real-time clocks powered by lithium or NiCad batteries.
If left unpowered for months, these batteries will deplete, possibly causing a loss of system parameters or "software death."
What it involves
You must do a controlled shutdown. This involves backing up the software configuration to a handheld tool or external drive. Once the backup is checked, disconnect the battery leads to prevent leakage.
For the drive inverters (VFDs), the large DC-link capacitors need special attention.
VFD Capacitor Maintenance
Electrolytic capacitors can undergo chemical wear if left uncharged for years.
If a Schindler lift is stored for more than two years, the VFD should be "reformed." This involves applying a gradual voltage to the capacitors to rebuild the dielectric layer.
Failure to do this can result in the capacitor exploding upon immediate full-voltage application.
Hydraulic Schindler Systems: Specific Storage Needs
Hydraulic Schindler lifts present a unique set of risks, mainly related to seal integrity and fluid oxidation.
If a hydraulic lift is stored with the piston extended, the exposed polished surface of the ram is vulnerable to corrosion.
Any pitting on the ram will destroy the cylinder seals the moment the lift moves.
What to check and report
Always store hydraulic lifts at the lowest landing. This ensures the ram is fully submerged in hydraulic oil, protecting it from the atmosphere. Also, you must check the oil for biological contamination.
In humid settings, bacteria can grow at the oil-water interface in the tank. This creates acidic byproducts that corrode the valve block.
Hydraulic Storage Checklist
Lower car to the lowest floor and check the ram is fully retracted. Close the main shut-off valve to the cylinder. Drain any condensation from the bottom of the oil reservoir.
Coat the emergency lowering valve and manual pump handle in protective film. Inspect the flexible hoses for signs of "sweating" or UV wear.
Safety and Compliance During Dormancy
In the United Kingdom, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) continue to apply to equipment even when not in use. If that equipment remains "in service" in a technical sense.
If the lift is officially decommissioned for storage, you must physically isolate the power and lock the machine room door.
Warning signs must be placed on every landing entrance. It is insufficient to simply rely on the "Out of Order" lights.
Physical obstacles should be installed if there is any risk of the doors being manually forced open.
The Schindler lift storing process is only complete when the system is legally and physically inaccessible to unauthorised personnel.
Recommissioning After Storage
Bringing a Schindler lift back into service after long-term storage is a high-risk operation. You cannot simply restore power and run a call. A structured re-entry method is needed.
This begins with a thorough visual inspection of all electrical terminations to check for rodent damage or corrosion.
The first movement should be performed in Inspection Mode from the top of the car. This allows you to monitor the guide rails and listen for unusual sounds from the hoisting machine.
What to check and report
You must check that the brake system is fully functional and that the friction surfaces have been cleaned of any preservative agents applied during the storage phase.
Step-by-Step Recommissioning Guide
Do a full cleaning of the hoistway, pit, and machine room. Remove all preservative greases and VCIs from rails and sheaves. Inspect all hoist ropes for signs of rouge (red dust indicating internal corrosion).
Test the insulation resistance of the motor and control wiring using a Megger. Reconnect and/or replace all backup batteries. Restore power and monitor the DC-bus voltage on the drive.
Safety and UK rules
Do a "Learn Run" or shaft image scan to recalibrate floor positions. Conduct a full-load safety gear test and buffer strike test.
Preventative Maintenance for Stored Assets
Even during storage, a minimal maintenance schedule is needed to make sure the Schindler lift storing process remains effective. An annual "Health Check" by a qualified engineer is recommended.
This check focuses on identifying environmental breaches, such as roof leaks in the machine room or rising damp in the pit.
If the lift is stored as part of a mothballed building, make sure the fire alarm interface is tested.
In some cases, the lift must remain capable of returning to the fire recall floor even if it is not in general use.
You must consult local fire councils to work out if the stored lift needs to maintain emergency functionality.
Risk Assessment of Storage Failures
The financial implications of improper Schindler lift storing are big. Replacing a rusted traction sheave or a moisture-damaged Miconic controller can cost thousands of pounds.
Beyond the parts, the labour involved in cleaning a corroded hoistway is wide.
A common mistake is leaving the car at the top floor. If there is a slow hydraulic leak or a brake drift, the car could move unexpectedly.
By storing the car at the bottom or mid-point (balanced with the counterweight), you minimise the gravitational potential energy and reduce the strain on the mechanical holding devices.
Professional Diagnostic Tools for Storage Monitoring
Technicians should use specific diagnostic tools to monitor the health of a stored Schindler lift.
A thermal imaging camera can spot damp spots in the controller that may not be visible to the naked eye.
An ultrasonic thickness gauge can be used on hydraulic cylinders to check for internal pitting if the lift has been stored in a corrosive setting.
Using the Schindler CADI (Computer Aided Diagnostic Instrument) tool before and after storage is essential. The error logs will give a "snapshot" of the system's health.
Any existing communication errors (E6, E8) must be cleared before storage to make sure the diagnostic starting point is clean upon reactivation.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long can a Schindler lift be stored without damage?
Without specific preservation measures, damage can begin within 3 months due to humidity and battery discharge.
With professional Schindler lift storing protocols, a lift can be stored for up to 5 years, though annual inspections are required.
- Do I need to change the oil after storage?
Yes. In hydraulic systems, hydraulic oil is prone to oxidation and moisture absorption. In traction systems, the gearbox oil (if applicable) should be sampled for acidity.
If the storage period exceeded 24 months, a full oil change is technically advisable.
- What is the most common failure after reactivation?
Electronic component failure, specially the VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) and the door operator control board, is the most common issue. This is usually caused by capacitor failure or moisture-induced short circuits on the PCBs.
- Is it safe to leave the lift on 'Out of Service' mode for a year?
No. Leaving the system energised but inactive leads to "burn-in" on displays and keeps contactor coils warm. This can attract moisture when they eventually cool down.
It also wastes energy and shortens the lifespan of the power supply units.
- Should I remove the hoist ropes for long-term storage?
Mostly, no. Removing ropes is labour-intensive and needs specialist rigging. The preferred method for Schindler lift storing is to treat the ropes with a preservative and rotate the system periodically to prevent permanent set.
- Can cold weather damage a stored lift?
Extreme cold can cause hydraulic fluid to become too viscous. Possibly damaging valves if the lift is moved.
In traction lifts, cold is less of a factor than the condensation that occurs when the temperature rises again. Heating elements in the control cabinet are recommended if temperatures drop below 5°C.
- Does storing a lift affect its LOLER certification?
If the lift is not in use, a LOLER "thorough examination" is not legally needed until it is brought back into service.
But, you must have a valid examination report *before* any person uses the lift again. Most insurers recommend maintaining the inspection cycle even during storage.
- How do I prevent the guide shoes from sticking?
Before Schindler lift storing, the guide shoes should be cleaned and the liners inspected. Apply a thin layer of silicone-based lubricant to the liners.
This prevents the rubber or plastic material from bonding to the steel guide rail over time.
- What should I do if I find rust on the rails after storage?
Minor surface rust can be removed with a fine abrasive cloth and kerosene. Do not use heavy grinding tools as this will alter the rail profile and cause ride quality issues.
If pitting is deep, the rail section may need replacement to meet safety standards. Properly executing Schindler lift storing is a technical necessity for asset protection.
By following these clinical protocols, you make sure that the machinery remains a viable, safe, and efficient vertical transport service upon its return to operation.
For further technical data on specific error codes during recommissioning, consult the diagnostic libraries available at Lift Troubleshooting.