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When a high-rise elevator in Shanghai failed during a blackout last year, our 80kVA UPS system kept it operational long enough for all passengers to exit safely.
Critical UPS selection factors for elevators:
- Runtime requirements (minimum 30 minutes emergency operation)
- Voltage compatibility (380V/220V 3-phase standard)
- Surge protection rating (minimum 50kA)
- Battery type (long-life AGM recommended)
- Redundant configuration options
What is the 3-4 Rule for Elevators?
We apply this industry standard when designing UPS systems for elevator manufacturers in Guangdong.
The 3-4 rule explained:
- Minimum 3 emergency landings per hour
- 4 major components requiring backup:
- Control system
- Lighting/intercom
- Door operation
- Alarm systems
3-4 Rule Implementation Guide
| Elevator Type | UPS Runtime | Power Requirements | Our Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-rise (≤8 floors) | 15 minutes | 5-15kVA | UPSE-15 |
| Mid-rise (9-20 floors) | 30 minutes | 20-40kVA | UPSE-30 |
| High-rise (21+ floors) | 45 minutes | 50-100kVA | UPSE-80 |
Technical Note: Our UPSE series includes automatic load testing for monthly safety checks.
How Many Amps Does It Take to Run an Elevator?
After measuring 37 elevator installations last quarter, we found current demands vary dramatically by elevator type.
Typical current draws:
- Small hydraulic elevator: 20-30A
- Standard traction elevator: 45-75A
- High-speed elevator: 110-150A
- Hospital service elevator: 80-120A
Current Calculation Table
| Component | Startup Current | Running Current | UPS Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 3× rated current | 1× rated current | Must handle inrush |
| Control system | 2-5A | 1-3A | Voltage stabilization |
| Lighting | 10-15A surge | 5-8A | Continuous support |
| Door mechanism | 8-12A | 3-5A | Frequent cycling |
Pro Tip: Always spec your UPS 25% higher than measured peak current.
Which DC Motors Are Preferred for Elevators?
Our UPS solutions integrate best with these three DC motor types common in modern elevators.
Most compatible motor types:
- Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMSM)
- Brushless DC (BLDC)
- Traditional Ward Leonard (for retrofits)
DC Motor Comparison
| Motor Type | Efficiency | UPS Compatibility | Maintenance | Our Preferred UPS Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMSM | 88-92% | Excellent | Low | UPSE-RM20 |
| BLDC | 85-90% | Very Good | Medium | UPSE-RM15 |
| Ward Leonard | 75-82% | Good | High | UPSE-RM10 |
Case Study: Our UPSE-RM20 increased runtime 22% for PMSM elevators in Beijing Tower.
What Are the Power Requirements for Elevators?
We customize UPS solutions based on these verified power parameters from over 200 elevator installations.
Key power specifications:
- Voltage: 380VAC 3-phase ±10%
- Frequency: 50Hz ±5%
- Voltage regulation: ≤2% fluctuation
- THD: <5% for sensitive controls
Power Requirement Matrix
| Elevator Class | Typical Load | Startup Surge | Runtime Need | Our Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 7.5-15kW | 22-45kW | 15-30 min | UPSE-R series |
| Commercial | 18-37kW | 54-110kW | 30-60 min | UPSE-C series |
| Hospital | 25-55kW | 75-165kW | 45-90 min | UPSE-H series |
| High-speed | 75-150kW | 225-450kW | 30-45 min | UPSE-S series |
Safety Feature: All our elevator UPS units include automatic bypass during maintenance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right UPS for elevators1 requires understanding current demands, motor types, and strict safety standards - our 10 years specializing in elevator power solutions2 ensures your system meets all requirements.
