Power failures are unavoidable. Passenger entrapment shouldn’t be.
That’s why the Auto Rescue Device (ARD) is one of the most critical safety systems in modern elevators.
However, one common mistake during commissioning is assuming the ARD is working simply because it’s powered ON.
A proper ARD verification goes beyond a visual inspection. It should confirm that the entire rescue sequence performs as intended:
✔ Detect the power failure.
✔ Move the elevator safely to the nearest landing.
✔ Stop accurately within the landing zone.
✔ Open the doors safely.
✔ Return to normal operation once power is restored.
Some of the most common issues found during testing include weak batteries, charger faults, wiring problems, landing zone sensor issues, and incorrect controller settings.
The best test? Simulate a real power failure.
Because safety isn’t measured by how an elevator operates under normal conditions.
It’s measured by how it performs when something goes wrong.
This is the first post in my Elevator Safety Systems series, where I’ll be sharing practical insights from the field on the systems that keep passengers safe.
What safety system should we cover next?
#ElevatorSafety #VerticalTransportation #Commissioning #Engineering #Elevators