OTIS ESCALATORS - MODELS 506&510 - NON REVERSING DEVICE (FRD) SWITCH

Non-reversing devices are an important safety feature. They are intended to minimize potential injuries to passengers that might result from unintended reversal of escalators while riding in the up direction. As an example, this could occur due to loss of a phase in the power supply to a 3-phase drive motor. Their function is to ensure that the escalator brake is applied in such cases.

When performing maintenance tasks on Otis escalator models 506 and 510, the FRD switch should be checked regularly for wear on the end of the nylon arm that actuates the switch. On a number of these escalators we have found that the end of the nylon arm, which rides on the motor shaft mounted circular actuating plate, has worn to a point (originally blunt) causing it to "float over" the notch in the circular actuating plate rather than dropping in to the notch and actuating the switch to remove power from the driving machine and brake.

This is a relatively easy check. Observe the FRD switch and actuating arm while running the unit in both the up and down directions. Confirm that the switch arm actually drops into the notch on the circular actuating plate and reverses it's direction. If it does not, replace the switch arm to restore the blunt end and maintain manufacturer's switch arm end to bottom of notch clearance specifications.

Also, when checking the operation of the FRD circuit, another check should be made to ensure that the switch activates immediately. Another problem we have found relates to a timer in the FRD circuit that delays its actuation. If you find there is a delay, check if this meets up-to-date manufacturer's specifications.

HOLLISTER WHITNEY "ROPE GRIPPERS"

During recent tests of a Hollister Whitney rope gripper, the rope gripper was actuated and functioned as required. However, during the process of resetting it, the side of the hydraulic cylinder ruptured. The unit could not be reset. On further investigation, we found a document headed "trouble shooting suggestions" among Hollister Whitney's instructions about their experience with this problem. It includes possible causes and suggested corrective actions (see Attachment 2 for your information and action as necessary).

NEW REQUIREMENTS - ELEVATOR CAR DOOR RESTRICTORS - ALBERTA REGULATION (A.R.) 276/98

It is our understanding that copies of regulation 276/98 were provided to all elevator contractors by Alberta Labour.

On contracts signed on or after March 1, 1999 for new installations and some major alterations (where applicable per Section 10 of B44-94 Safety Code for Elevators), passenger elevators must be equipped so that the car doors cannot be opened more than 102 mm [approx. 4 inches]by passengers from inside the car while the car is outside the landing zone (250 mm [approx. 9.75 inches] above or below a landing).

As an alternate, long platform aprons (toe guards) may be used. However, they must be installed so that the hoistway opening space below the platform guard is limited to not more than 250 mm between the floor and the bottom of the platform guard, regardless of the elevator car when it is stopped.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT DOOR RESTRICTORS (AS NOW PERMITTED BY THE NEW REGULATION) BE ADDED TO ALL OLDER PASSENGER ELEVATORS.

ALBERTA REGULATION 216/97, Cl. 8.6.19 - ESCALATOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE SWITCH

We have had some proposals to accept pendant cord type inspection and service operating means as an equivalency. Clause 8.6.19 reads as follows: an inspection and service switch shall be provided in each machinery space of every new or existing escalator where a means of access to the space is provided that, when actuated, will open self-holding circuits of the driving machine motor and brake running relays. The switch shall be:

Further to the above, Alberta Labour Bulletin Number ED-98-001 - ESC dated October, 1998 clarifies with the following:

Pendant cord type inspection and service operating means that we have encountered so far seem to meet the main intent of clause 8.6.19 from standpoint of operating controls. However, other parts of the regulation and Albert Labour bulletin ED-98-001 need to be addressed for equivalency purposes. Examples of equivalencies possible and acceptable equivalents are as follows:

ALBERTA REGULATION 216/97, SECTION 12 - MAINTENANCE OF ELEVATORS, DUMBWAITERS AND ESCALATORS

As you are probably aware, Alberta's Section 12 was adopted in November 1997. Clause 12.2.2 in the regulation states - On and after November 1, 1998, except for procedures in this Section where time intervals are specified,maintenance inspections shall be carried out at least once every 3 months to ensure compliance with Clause 12.2.1. When adopted, this became the law. In effect, specific procedures set out in the regulation would have to be performed every three months (as underlined above). This did not reflect the intent of the ELEVATORS TECHNICAL COUNCIL. Their intent was that specified procedures be carried out at least once a year unless longer intervals are specified in the regulation.

When we questioned this, we were instructed not to enforce it pending further instructions. Alberta Labour in conjunction with the elevators technical council decided to try to find a way to rectify the problem other than change the regulation (potentially too long to process). We have been working with them on resolving this issue with them over the past months.

As a result, you should be receiving a STANDATA from Alberta Labour in the near future. The STANDATA should effect a province wide variance that will permit the intervals for procedures to be extended by elevator manufacturers, elevator maintenance companies or professional engineers up to one year provided the extension is documented in the log book for the device and signed by both the owner (or the owners agent) the elevator manufacturer, elevator maintenance company or professional engineer making the extension.

Once the STANDATA is issued we will implement measures for compliance.

If you have any questions pertaining to this newsletter your nearest AEDARSA office can provide assistance.

Attachment 1

Attachment 2

HOLLISTER WHITNEY
Trouble Shooting Suggestions

Quoted from Hollister Whitney "Rope Gripper" Bulletin

Hollister Whitney has encountered, in a few instances, problems with the Hydraulic Cylinder rupturing during the operation of the "ROPE GRIPPER". We have found that the reason for most of these problems is a result of:

We offer the following suggestions should these problems be encountered:

AIR IN LINE

Bleed air by loosening hose at cylinder, then using hand pump, pump until oil comes out of hose at cylinder and no air is evident.

MICROSWITCH OUT OF ADJUSTMENT

Adjust microswitch to 1/32" clearance between latch and trigger to prevent rotating shaft from bottoming out in cam.

BINDING MOVEABLE SHOE

On models #600, 605&610 "ROPE GRIPPER" we have available a Guide Angle to squarely guide the moveable shoe, preventing it from binding on the 4 guide pins.