Reassurance Redefined: Pioneering answers to some of the UK lift engineer and technicians’ most burning questions.
When we have issues with external devices causing faults with lift controllers, what tools are available to help identify & resolve?
When it comes to finding faults, our ARKEL AREM stands out as an indispensable companion for lift technicians and engineers, designed to simplify fault finding – freeing up your valuable time for other critical tasks.
Specifically, this hand tool is associated with the ARCODE Integrated Lift Control Unit.
It offers an intuitive interface, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive fault analysis with remote accessibility.
This tool enhances efficiency by quickly identifying and resolving a wide range of issues and lift system faults, reducing downtime and improving system reliability.
And what’s more, its data logging capabilities enable historical performance tracking and full user support.
Full training is provided to all our customers to ensure optimal usage.
For a preview of the the AREM in action, take a look here: https://fb.watch/o9_-XkiDAO/
If you’re curious to see it in action together with our Arcode Lift Controller, simply get in touch for a free demonstration: sales@prliftequip.co.uk.
I find myself grappling with the nitty-gritty of marrying lifts to building access systems and security setups, how can I make integration less of a headache and save time?
We have a number of easy solutions that aid in the integration of Building access control and security.
We can supply Passcode protection of floors via the COP, this is a feature called ARPASS. With an easy setup, giving dedicated control access to floors, see how easy this is to install
If integrating to an existing security access control system, we can configure the Arkel controller to utilise the existing Security system. With being of a bespoke nature, our dedicated UK support team are on hand to assist.
We can supply a programmable Key Fob system, giving individuals access to calls allocated to that particular Key Fob.
Another solution is using a standard Key Switch arrangement, when supplying a keyed arrangement, we always supply with a Call Halo built into the key switch.
If there are any specific requirements, we discuss with the consultant and the installation team.
Get in touch and find out how we can help.
Regarding regular servicing, how do the Arkel controllers aid in identifying wear and tear patterns and potential component failures?
The significance of regular servicing in ensuring building and personnel safety, as well as the cost-efficient operation of lift systems, cannot be overstated.
Our Arkel controllers are renowned for their unparalleled predictive diagnostics.
One of the many tools that we have available is the ability to monitor calls to each of the floors in the form of a bar graph using the Arkel AREM tool.
When using the graph to review the answered calls, it is usual to see that there is a floor that has many more responded calls. Normally being the main entrance level, but other patterns might be seen depending on the use of the building.
Using the graph gives a good understanding of the most used floors, thus giving advanced warning of possible floors, where extra attention can be paid to looking at potential servicing/wear issues.
By using a proactive approach to lift servicing, customer satisfaction is increased with less chance of a problematic lift.
A problem that I sometimes encounter is the unpredictable behaviour of a lift during loss of power or voltage fluctuations. Are there any solutions that that you can offer?
In some cases, it can cause trapped passengers to panic and try to escape the lift cabin. Possibly resulting in further damage to doors, door locks etc.
So, a simple act of loss of power can result in, loss of confidence in the lift equipment, call out fees or in extreme cases: expensive repairs.
When we supply our Arkel Lift control systems, we supply an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This means, in the event of loss of power, a battery-backed supply is then used, this will allow the lift to move at a reduced speed, under control and allowed to run to the next floor.
In the event of loss of power, and with the safety circuit intact:
For a #TractionLift: this will drive in the easiest direction.
For a #Hydraulic: the emergency lowering solenoid will be operated.
In both cases the lift will arrive at floor level and stop. At this point, the door will open and allow the trapped passengers to evacuate.
**It’s worth noting that for the doors to open under these conditions, a single phase VVVF type door operator would be required.**
If an older 3-phase door operator was fitted, a replacement modern VVVF door upgrade should be considered as part of any #modernisation works.
In summary, the benefits of having a modern solution to the loss of power to the control panel, keeps customer confidence in the system provided, reduces the urgency for an immediate call out and saves on costly repairs (if the trapped passenger decides to force their way out).
What is direct to floor control and how is it better than traditional stopping methods?
Direct to floor control is a means of bringing the lift to a stop, from high speed, level at floor without an intermediate levelling speed. This method of control is only available if your lift has an absolute lift positioning system. In other words the lift controller must know exactly when the lift is at all times.
With traditional positioning systems. The controller only knows roughly where the lift is unless it is on a door zone or stepping signal. This method requires the slowing to start much earlier so that the lift can reach a very slow “levelling” speed before it arrives at floor. The slow speed allows for the lift to stop quickly when it receives its level signal. The down side of this system is that the floor level can fluctuate depending on load and the lift is time inefficient, taking longer to travel between floors.
With an absolute positioning system, the lift controller can calculate the exact moment to start the slowing process to bring the lift to a safe stop, level with the landing floor. During the deceleration, minor adjustments can be made to account for differing load meaning a more accurate floor level. As the lift is running at high speed for a little longer, the travel time between floors reduces, and an additional bonus is that the ride quality is improved as there is only one deceleration, and not two distinct slowing points.
Traditional system
Positives:
- Simple system
- Lower cost
Negatives
- Floor levels vary, depending on load
- Time inefficient. Travel time between floors is longer.
Direct to floor
Positives:
- Accurate floor levels.
- Time efficient
- Improved ride quality
Negatives:
- Only works with absolute positioning system
- Higher cost
All closed loop traction controllers supplied by PR Lift equipment have absolute positioning and
come with direct to floor control as standard with no additional costs.
How long have Arkel control panels been in the UK?
The first panels were being fitted back in 2011.
How reliable are Arkel controllers?
Arkel are very reliable, which is why we give a 2 year warranty. There are a great deal of controllers that have been running without problems since 2011.
How easy is the Arkel controller to install?
This is super easy. For the traction controllers, we have developed a pictorial manual to help with the install. This explains how to install using mostly pictures, with a few words thrown in for good measure.
If I need a bespoke back plate, can you supply?
We are supplying special back plates for the slim design Kone Monospace / Schindler Smart / Thyssen Isis / and other special requirements. If you have a requirement for a special design, give us a call.
How quick can you supply a controller?
We have stock controllers that we can turn round within a week. For standard controllers, normally 7 weeks.
Do you have spare parts?
A comprehensive selection of spare parts are kept in our UK warehouse
Why do you have CAT 1 equipment as standard?
We believe that the customer should have a great experience with the equipment that we supply.
When you say Plug and Play, what do you supply?
Trailing flex / CAN network for the car equipment / CAN network for the landing, including plug connection to the indicator and pushbuttons / complete landing lock loom / pit connections. When connecting to third party equipment, this is hard wired e.g. we supply the landing lock loom, but requires to be wired as only screw connections are available.
If using your Plug and Play system, how much time can I save on an install?
On a 4 floor install. You would save about 40 hours, when compared to a traditional wired install.
When you say Plug and Play, what do you supply?
Trailing flex / CAN network for the car equipment / CAN network for the landing, including plug connection to the indicator and pushbuttons / complete landing lock loom / pit connections. When connecting to third party equipment, this is hard wired e.g. we supply the landing lock loom, but requires to be wired as only screw connections are available.
