Elevator Operation

Elevator Error Codes

Thyssenkrupp Elevators/Lifts are installed at A1 and A2 buildings of SOJ, these elevators can halt while in service when the power supply to the elevators is interrupted. Under such a circumstance the display (inside as well as outside the elevator) will show any of the following two types of Error codes or messages;

1. AR (Auto Rescue) code :

AR occurs due to power failure and the elevator is supported by DG backup. The elevators will automatically restart function in 45-90 seconds (time taken for DG back up to initiate) and will open at the nearest floor. The elevator user at such point is expected to disembark the lift once door open.

2. ER (Emergency Rescue) code:

ER occurs when there is a swap in electricity phases which happens at the MSEB end. It is noted that phase swap is a frequent occurring in Kharadi area.

Here, the lift will start functioning when key is used to allow manually elevator operations, and thereafter the lift can be pulled manually up or down towards the nearest floor. As there is no automatic restart of elevator operations in this case, the elevator user is expected to press the alarm button inside the lift. Security is trained to operate elevators using a key in such a case. This can take 10 to 15 minutes as the remediation requires security to go to the terrace lift room and manually restart the elevator.

Note: A key is NOT to be used if the error code displayed is AR.

Lift Alarms During Error Codes: Lift Alarm is a battery-based alarm and is expected to work at all times. However, as the battery does not have an indicator, it may not be possible to decipher if it is working adequately or not.  Technically, if the battery of the alarm malfunctions the alarm may not be functional during the error code AR (which happens in case of power failure) and is rarely seen in ER code (as some component of electricity is present). Alarms are testing every month during the maintenance window of the elevators.

Tips to Elevator Users:

• • Understand how Elevator rescue process works

  • Remain calm during an incident and evaluate options based on error code 

  • If a mobile is handy use it 

  • Bang on the door if you are not sure that Alarm is working

  • Report the incident

Incident Reporting:

This section is dedicated to record elevator related incidents to improve elevator safety;

Incident reported on 23 Oct 2018

Elevator malfunctioned on 5th Floor with Error Code reported as ER. The resident pressed the Alarm, which did not ring, the resident had to bang on the door for approx. 15 mins before a passer-by on 7th floor heard her and informed security guard on duty.

RCA# This incident was due to an electrical relay failure caused due to power fluctuation (most common cause in SOJ). The Alarm and speaker malfunctioned, although the last preventive maintenance checklist shows that these were functioning at the time.

Corrective Action (CA): Resetting the elevator resulted in its functioning again. Elevator vendor (who has the preventive maintenance contract) was contacted. It was informed by the vendor that as the mother board software logic decides lift error and outcomes, a power fluctuation needs to be stabilizer to prevent such incidents. It is noted that the elevators are already on stabilizers. These stabilizers can stabilize the MCB surge range usually experienced in SoJ.

Preventive action (PA): The MC will review the option of taking the alarm system on DG backup to avoid relying on indicator-less elevator battery. Additionally, a loud horn alarm will be placed at P1 level to raise awareness of the situation easily. (as of Oct 2021, alarms are no more on battery and have moved to power supply with DG backup)

Conclusion: It is unfortunate that residents go through such incidents. Banging on the elevator door seems as an alternative to alarm malfunction. Incident reporting and CAPA to be performed for all elevator related incidents.

Incident reported on 16 Feb 2019 2100 hrs

Dominos delivery person got stuck in SOJ A2 service lift. We were able to take him out and in the process, I learned how to fix the lift when it displays ER... Warning! Unless you have some knowledge of electricity do now follow or let anyone else follow the steps given below 

Sharing the steps so that we all are aware of how to handle this situation 

1. See if security supervisor is around if so seek his help he knows the drill.

2. If not, then check if any of the security people know the step

3. If both 1,2 criteria did not match take one of the security guards along with roof key, 

4. Go to the 15+1 floor. 

5. Unlock the door

6. Go to the room above the floor

7. In the room you would see two boxes, if you are looking towards the box then left one is for service lift and the right one is for resident lift.

8. Open the box

9. You would see a trip switch like in the above picture

10. Carefully, switch it off and then on

11. Close the box

12. Close the door of the roof

13. Go back to your flat :)