Elevator Repair and Maintenance: 4 Essential Insights

Elevator repair and maintenance are mandatory activities to ensure that equipment operates safely, stably, and without sudden breakdowns. Following a proper maintenance process not only extends the elevator’s lifespan but also optimizes long-term costs for the investor. This article summarizes the 4 most critical insights you need to know about elevator repair and maintenance: the procedural workflow, legal regulations, and a reputable service provider in Vietnam.

1. Elevator Maintenance Activities

1.1 Concept

Elevator maintenance is a cyclic process of inspection, cleaning, adjustment, and component replacement aimed at keeping the equipment running stably and safely. This is a compulsory activity for all types of elevators: passenger lifts, freight lifts, hospital elevators, homelifts, and more.

The maintenance process consists of 5 fundamental steps:

1. Inspecting and cleaning the machine room: Checking voltages, electrical equipment inside the control panel, braking systems, oil levels, steel cables, and the overspeed governor.
2. Inspecting the hoistway and the upper section of the cabin.
3. Inspecting the pit bottom and the lower section of the cabin.
4. Inspecting and maintaining the cabin interior.
5. Inspecting and maintaining the shaft exterior at each floor.

Note: During this process, technicians must clearly log the type, quantity, damage condition, and technical faults of any components that require replacement or repair.

See more: Building Maintenance Operations | Reputable Maintenance Providers

1.2 When Does an Elevator Require Maintenance?

Elevator maintenance should be performed periodically (1–2 times/month), immediately upon detecting abnormal operating signs, after long periods of non-use, or right after major repairs and component replacements. Specifically:

• Periodic Maintenance: According to manufacturer recommendations and Vietnamese regulations, elevators must be maintained once or twice a month, depending on usage frequency.
• When Abnormal Signs Occur:
  • The elevator operates slowly or shakes.
  • Doors do not open or close smoothly.
  • The cabin generates loud noises.
  • The control panel displays errors or flickers.
  • Hall calls fail, or the elevator stops unexpectedly while running.
  • Floor leveling is inaccurate.
  • Other related issues include slow travel, jammed doors, or loud motor noises.

Elevator owners need to recognize these symptoms early to schedule timely repairs and prevent severe damage.

• After Long Periods of Non-Use: The elevator requires a comprehensive inspection if it has been out of service for 1 to 3 months or longer.
• Following Major Repairs or Component Replacements: After replacing traction cables, PCBs, motors, or upgrading the control panel, maintenance is required to calibrate the elevator for stable operation.

See more: How to use elevator step by step? Elevator safety Guide

1.3 Benefits of Elevator Repair and Maintenance

• Minimizing Safety Risks: Regular maintenance helps detect technical faults early, preventing dangerous incidents such as jammed doors, snapped cables, lost floor tracking, or sudden stops.
• Extending Equipment Lifespan: Properly cleaning and lubricating traction cables, guide rails, landing doors, and motors reduces wear and tear, lowering future repair costs.
• Mitigating Severe Breakdowns and Major Costs: Routine check-ups prevent critical failures that lead to expensive component replacements.
• Ensuring Smoother and Stabler Operation: The elevator runs quietly, levels accurately, and guarantees peace of mind for passengers.
• Prevention and Repair: Promptly identifying and handling potential malfunctions and hazards before they escalate.

1.4 Elevator Repair Workflow

• Step 1: Survey the current condition of the existing elevator; review all equipment and components that need replacement.
• Step 2: Advise the customer on the necessary parts and equipment to be replaced.
• Step 3: Send a detailed elevator condition report along with a precise quotation for replacement materials.
• Step 4: Discuss the status and costs with the customer to implement a reasonable, cost-saving solution.
• Step 5: Proceed with elevator repairs immediately upon receiving the customer’s approval.

2. Regulations on Elevator Repair and Maintenance

2.1 Regulations on Maintenance Frequency

Elevators transport people vertically; thus, proper maintenance prevents unwanted malfunctions and keeps the system in peak condition. According to the National Technical Regulation QCVN 32:2018/BLDTBXH and Circular 48/2016/TT-BLDTBXH, operational elevators must undergo periodic maintenance at least once every 3 months. However, industry experts highly recommend a frequency of once a month.

Generally, maintenance frequency depends on service years and application type:

2.2 Penalties for Violations in Maintenance and Inspection

• Failure to perform maintenance as regulated: Administrative fine ranging from 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND.
• Operating an uninspected or expired elevator: Administrative fine ranging from 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 VND.
• Causing accidents due to lack of maintenance: The owner/responsible party must provide full financial compensation and may face criminal prosecution if the consequences are severe.

2.3 Occupational Safety Regulations During Maintenance

To ensure labor safety during maintenance, technical teams must comply with QCVN 32:2018/BLDTBXH, which stipulates:

• Compliance with TCVN 6395:2008: This standard governs technical safety requirements for elevators, outlining detailed safety measures for workers and methods for accident prevention and management.
• Establishment of Custom Maintenance Workflows: Elevator manufacturers are responsible for providing specific maintenance workflows tailored to each elevator model. These procedures must guarantee absolute safety for technicians on duty.
• Mandatory Maintenance Logbooks: Every elevator must have a dedicated logbook tracking adjustments, servicing, maintenance, and repairs. This logbook serves as a baseline for tracking component lifecycles and planning future service. It is also an important legal reference to resolve any liability disputes between the asset owner and the service provider.

3. Elevator Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs depend on several shifting factors:

• Origin and Brand: Imported elevators usually incur higher maintenance costs due to proprietary spare parts.
• Load Capacity: Larger capacities require higher service fees.
• Elevator Type: Commercial lifts (apartments, high-traffic buildings) experience higher wear and tear, making their upkeep more expensive than home homelifts.
• Location: Service fees in major hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are typically higher than in rural provinces.

To obtain an accurate quotation, an on-site inspection covering the brand, number of floors, and current condition is highly recommended.