A planned maintenance programme specifying the lubricants, quantities, frequencies, and application methods for all lubrication points in an elevator installation, essential for reliability and component life.
Full Definition
Lubrication is a critical element of elevator preventive maintenance. Key lubrication points include: guide rail lubricators (automatic or manual) — the guide shoes or rollers require rail lubricant to reduce friction and noise; drive sheave rope grooves — excessive lubrication transfers to ropes and reduces traction, so only minimal dressing is applied; wire ropes — rope lubricant penetrates to the core for corrosion protection and flexibility (avoid over-lubrication that contaminates grooves); gearbox (for geared machines) — gear oil grade to manufacturer specification, oil change typically every 3–5 years; bearings in motors, sheaves, and pulleys — grease to manufacturer's specification and cycle interval; hydraulic oil (hydraulic lifts) — biodegradable hydraulic fluid preferred in environmentally sensitive locations, annual condition check, typically replaced every 3–5 years; door operator components — door tracks, hangers, and gibs require periodic light lubrication. EN 13015 requires the maintenance provider to use lubricants specified by the manufacturer or equivalents and to maintain records of all lubricant applications. Over-lubrication of guide rails can cause rope contamination and traction loss — a serious safety defect.
