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How expensive is it to retrofit an elevator to be wirelessly controlled?
Hello! Thanks for your question about the expense involved in retrofitting an elevator to be wirelessly controlled. The short version is that this is a relatively new technology and therefore cost estimates are not yet available; however, we do know that retrofitting costs are reduced significantly by changing to wireless technology. If the job is limited to wireless upgrades, the pricing that we identified was approximately $2,300 for the system, with labor costs added. Below you will find a deep dive of my findings.
METHODOLOGY
In researching this issue for you we researched industry websites, corporate websites, periodicals and government websites. We began by looking at the general costs involved in retrofitting elevators and then attempted to drill down further to identify the costs associated with retrofitting for purposes of installing wireless controllers. While there are general estimates concerning the overall costs to retrofit an elevator, we found that there are no projections for wireless retrofitting. That being said, we did find multiple companies that produce and sell these controllers; however, they typically do not make their prices available without the customer contacting them directly for an estimate. We also researched patents that have been obtained for these controllers, but, once again, this did not lead to firm pricing information.
GENERAL FINDINGS
In order to put things into perspective, I first considered the general cost for retrofitting an elevator. If you plan to completely retrofit an elevator, then the overall cost projections would likely be consistent with the following estimates. This is because the equipment that is purchased could include wireless capabilities and, if anything, would reduce the overall cost. While the overall costs associated with retrofitting an elevator will vary by region, the current national average for initial installation projects is $20,000. Retrofitting, on the other hand, can be significantly more expensive, depending upon the lift type. Hydraulic lifts can cost a minimum of $30,000 and run as high as $100,000. Pneumatic lifts can be retrofitted for approximately $10,000. One thing to consider is labor costs. These costs are sometimes included in the cost of the elevator; however, when separated out, they can run from $4,000 to $50,000, depending upon the job. Buildings.com estimates that, not surprisingly, retrofitting costs can vary widely according to the nature of the job involved. They estimate the costs to run between $500 to $15,000. This article notes, however, that the energy costs associated with the finished project can easily offset the capital outlay. Another article notes that retrofitting costs can be as much as 80% less when using wireless technology, largely because of the ability to forego costly conduit installation. The elimination of wiring also serves to significantly reduce overall costs.
Costing a retrofitting job becomes much more difficult, however, if the project that you envision is limited to upgrading an existing elevator so that it has wireless capabilities. Perhaps it is because the technology is somewhat new, but we did not find any general estimates of the costs involved in such projects. Indeed, in a paper written for Penn State University in 2007, the authors describe what is clearly considered to be a new and novel idea of providing wireless capabilities to elevators in order to, among other things, benefit disabled persons. That paper concluded that the cost would be approximately $20,170.83, including labor costs at $50 per hour.
Given the relatively recent developments in this industry, I endeavored to locate wireless products so that I could provide you with the costs of those products. Labor costs would then be added to the overall project and would necessarily be dependent upon the region in which the project is being undertaken. I found multiple products that are designed to provide wireless control capability for elevator systems. Except for one, however, the companies that provide these products do not include pricing on their websites. (Secondary searches for product pricing likewise did not produce results.) Instead, the customer needs to contact sales for direct quotes. With that in mind, I have listed qualifying products below.
PRODUCTS
Elevator control mechanisms currently serve multiple functions, including security, overall elevator operation and lighting. Companies in the industry now produce wireless products that are capable of performing just one, or multiple tasks. While many of the products offer wireless technology, a careful review of them revealed that their purpose was to provide services such as wireless broadband to elevator passengers. These products did not appear to meet your needs. Other products, while numerous, were essentially remote security systems and I did not think that you would be interested in them either. When all of the above products are eliminated the field of products narrows Significantly. The wireless products that I have listed below are products that are designed to provide wireless control to elevator systems, and thus more closely within the scope of your request.
1. STORLOGIX BY PTI SECURITY SYSTEMS
The StorLogix system is designed to wirelessly provide access control. It works with the Falcon XT, a product that enables retrofitting to older systems. This system works with Windows 10. It can control multiple units on multiple properties, if needed. It can also control lighting. Pricing is not available for this system.
2. ECK400 ELEVATOR ACCESS CONTROL KIT BY SCHLAGE
This kit affords wireless communication for as far away as 1,000 feet. It has a wireless reader interface that is compatible with most current readers. Pricing is not available for this system.
3. ICT
ICT produces wireless products designed to bring wireless capabilities to elevator alarm systems and also for access control. The products, particularly the Protege GX System, are designed to work with Otis elevator systems. The ICT Protege GX System interface controls the operation of the Otis system. Pricing is not available, except from the manufacturer.
4. MUL-T-LOCK SYSTEMS
This is a smart-key manufacturer that also produces controllers for use with elevators. According to its catalog on page 17, "SMARTair® readers are offered both in standard and wireless forms (with or without keypads). Narrow style, elevator controllers and updaters are also available." On page 20, those readers are listed as costing between $2,100 and $2,310.53.
5. PEELE FREIGHT ELEVATOR DOOR SYSTEMS
According to a 2012 article by PEELLE, wireless technology for elevator doors is relatively new and has only limited application. But this company has moved forward with its development. On the first full page of its catalog is a discussion of wireless controllers that it provides for these doors. It notes that the product arrives ready to use. It is essentially plug and play technology. While no prices are given, there is a video provided to introduce the product.
6. SYSTEM GALAXY
This wireless controller is designed to provide "integrated access control." It can link multiple doors and provides full-graphics as well as email and alarms. There are multiple controllers available from this company, but no prices are given.
7. PINNACLE BY SIELOX
Pinnacle is a security system that provides access control to multiple systems, including elevators. It is designed to be able to grow as the system grows. Prices are not available on its website.
CONCLUSION
To wrap it up, while general estimates are not available for the costs associated with retrofitting an elevator for wireless capabilities, it is clear that the overall costs associated with retrofitting are significantly reduced by using wireless technology. If the project involves only retrofitting for wireless capabilities the costs appear to be approximately $2,300 plus the prevailing labor rate in the area.
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