Elevator Shutdown Prevention
Summer has arrived and the threat of rotating power outages is looming with extreme weather and wildfire conditions. Due to the extreme fire season in 2018, our local utility companies are lessening the risk by enacting a plan to shut down power in the event of a risk to the power lines, including winds (25 mph+) and high temperatures. For a company that has an elevator installed (as well as any other critical business infrastructure), it is important to have an emergency backup power plan in place.
In the case of a rotating motor load, such as an elevator or even air conditioning, a UPS would not be the solution for back-up power. 
The current spikes which come as a result of a motor load cannot be supported by a traditional UPS/battery set-up. In this case, the best solution for back-up power is a generator.
What do I need to do with my elevator?
Dependant on the State you reside in, Building and Fire Code regulations require you to provide elevator recall as part of the building’s fire alarm system. Having your elevator properly maintained by a factory trained technician is critical. It is also important to mention that it remains the responsibility of the building owner, and/or tenant, to be in compliance with the safe usage and operation of the system. This includes back-up power to emergency lighting, communications, and any security camera monitoring systems inside an elevator.
What happens if the power goes out?
For a point of safety, it is important to ensure there is a working phone in the elevator so you can call for help if necessary. Once a generator is in place to supply emergency back-up power to the elevator motor, it will be able to operate again after the generator has come up to full operation after start-up (generally under 30 seconds). Additionally, as computers and phones are down, this downtime costs money. Power outages can also become a Health and Safety liability. When the main utility power source fails, an uninterruptible power system, lighting inverter, or generator are all optional sources for emergency power.
If a power outage hits, you need your business to continue with a failsafe plan and without a decrease in revenue.
How to prepare
For more information contact us anytime and we will be happy to answer your questions. Odyssey can provide you with multiple back-up options including rental generators or the installation of back-up power equipment to help you prepare for the next outage.