The brain of your elevator. It processes all inputs from passengers and controls the movement of the cabin and doors. The controller is wired to all components and the various safety circuits of the whole system.
TK Elevator
United Kingdom and Ireland
Lift systems and escalators consist of many components that can be replaced and modernised surprisingly easily. TK Elevator is your modernisation partner for all mobility solutions.
Upgrades and modernisation measures make lifts and escalators safer, more comfortable and reduce operating costs. Our concepts enable high availability and economic efficiency in equal measure.
Every investment in a longer service life for your system(s) not only saves resources, but also keeps your bottom line in check. The life of lifts and escalators can be extended by decades.
Mobility systems such as elevators and escalators are indispensable facilities in modern buildings. They guarantee comfort and accessibility for all. They also represent a significant portion of the building's value, can determine the attractiveness of a property and are thus an important part of an owner's investment.
In our ageing cities, mobility solutions that continue to function smoothly many years after they were first put into service are an indicator of a well-maintaned building. For your transport systems, this means: preventive maintenance, timely repairs, replacement of worn parts and targeted modernisation of components until it is time for the product life cycle to be restarted with a full replacement unit.
TK Elevator is your service and modernisation partner along the entire product life cycle, not just for equipment that was manufactured by us, but also any third-party elevators or escalators. Our approach is aligned with your interests: providing continued access and mobility in buildings while keeping a close eye on operational and economic efficiency – no matter who manufactured the original unit.
Lifts and escalators are complex systems – and yet, compared to many other installations and machines, they are extremely repair-friendly and predestined for technology upgrades. Their life cycle shows that with long-term planning and the right timing, massive advantages can be achieved in operational use as well as costs.
In the UK 50% of elevator systems have seen more than 20 years of operation. For escalators the median age is estimated even higher. What may sound like a looming infrastructure problem at first deserves in fact a closer look. In theory, these mobility systems are far from the end of their several decades long product lifecycle. In practice, there is often a considerable backlog of repairs and modernisation measures that could (and should) be easily implemented.
For building managers and owners, catching up on repairs and replacements can seem exhausting and costly, and yet only in the rarest of cases it is too late to profitably extend the product life. Ideally, measures are taken along the way at the ideal time – economically, efficiently and with foresight. Knowing which stage of the product lifecycle your equipment is at, is therefore the first step to minimise downtime and decide on a concept that fits your needs.
The "as good as new" phase of a lift or escalator lasts about a decade. The system is technically and aesthetically up-to-date and meets all user requirements. With a good maintenance plan, no surprises are expected apart from the replacement of worn parts and perhaps one or another unavoidable breakdown.
More frequent breakdowns announce the transition to the next phase in the cycle: now an attentive service partner and swift decisions by the owner are required. With targeted preventive measures and the timely execution of repairs, manageable investments bring many more years of trouble-free operation.
The best time to modernise is when you still can choose the timing. Owners who have set up regular upkeep measures are at an advantage and can now pursue a sound modernisation concept. Even if local authorities issue new regulations, the implementation is less costly for elevators and escalators that are well maintained.
There are elevators and escalators that have "survived" 40 years and more through constant modernisation. However, the reality is that at some point the gap to the state of the art can only be closed by a replacement system. After such a conversion, it's like you have a new product – and the cycle starts again...
Combining existing values with new technologies in a sensible way. For us, that's what makes a successful modernisation. The goal is to find an optimal solution for the existing building and the existing transport system, no matter the age, manufacturer and type of lift.
And we happen to have just the right concept.
The five most common reasons for modernisation are safety, performance, aesthetics and design, comfort and energy efficiency – or simply: S P A C E. Which aspect should have priority depends entirely on the system and its technical condition, the building and the users. After an in-depth analysis with your TK Elevator modernisation consultant, targeted priority measures can be set from one or more of the five SPACE categories.
Elevators are one of the safest means of transport. Nevertheless, we are constantly developing new technologies that make lifts safer for both passengers and maintenance staff. A comparison with the state of the art is usually necessary after the first decades of operation. Sometimes, safety-related updates are also required by law obligating operators to carry out modernisation measures.
Typical measures improve safety include: Renewal of the controller, rope replacement, door conversion (manual > automatic), emergency call system with cellular connectivity, retrofit of light curtains
Controller, drive, doors: these are the determining factors of the transport capacity performance of a lift. To get passengers to their destination faster and with minimal waiting times, modern elevator systems offer considerably more possibilities for fine-tuning, while reducing unnecessary trips. When it comes to the drive, it is rarely a matter of increasing speed, but rather more efficient use of power.
Performance-enhancing modernisations include: Renewal of the drive and frequency converter, renewal of the controller, door drive.
Modernising the lift cabin is more than "just" renewing the wall cladding. A retrofitted mirror conveys greater spatial proportions, and converting the cabin light to LED not only "brightens up" the lift ride, but also saves energy along the way. Buildings with updated facilities and well-presented communal areas can increase the property value by up to 20%.
A design-oriented modernisation includes: Cabin cladding (standard or custom-made), control panels and buttons (also in connection with a new controller), floor (standard or locally supplied), LED lighting, mirror, handrail, multimedia display, etc.
Modern ride comfort means a smoother and quieter ride, but also smoother starts and precise levelling (no tripping hazards). New fixtures with integrated signalling displays make the ride more pleasant for users. With upgraded controller technology, owners and passengers alike benefit from an extended range of functions. Last but not least: comfort also means improved accessibility!
A comfort-improving modernisation includes: Frequency-controlled drive, automatic instead of manual doors, control panels with signalling devices or displays, expanded controller functions such as parking stop, call cancellation, etc.
You can save energy directly at the elevator with a new drive, a switch to LED lighting or a new controller with sleep or standby function. There is also a lot to be gained indirectly: a regenerative drive feeds electricity back into the grid, an intelligent shaft ventilation system prevents heated / cooled air from venting uncontrollably through the shaft.
An energy-saving modernisation includes: Drive and controller renewal (with corresponding measurable benefits), energy recuperation, LED lighting (cabin + shaft), controlled shaft ventilation (saves HVAC energy).
If there's a robust concept, the technical aspects are easier explained. That's why your TK Elevator modernisation consultant always takes the time to explain the technology and functionalities of your proposed solution – or you can find out more right here! On the image below, all components of an elevator system are explained in an understandable way, with the most important facts and modernisation benefits. Click on the squares to learn more about the different lift component.
The brain of your elevator. It processes all inputs from passengers and controls the movement of the cabin and doors. The controller is wired to all components and the various safety circuits of the whole system.
The heart of your elevator. An electric motor that “rolls” the ropes, thereby moving the cabin.
Allows for continuous control of speed and acceleration, improving passenger comfort and reducing energy use.
Device on modern elevators that captures the energy generated by a full cabin moving downwards or an empty cabin moving upwards and feeds it back into the building‘s electrical power grid. Can be retrofitted during modernisation.
A set of ropes which transmit the movement of the traction drive to the cabin and counterweight while supporting it.
Matches the cabin weight and helps to counterbalance it.
T-shaped metal profiles fixed to the shaft, which guide the cabin and counterweight.
A speed governor activates an emergency cabin brake if it exceeds a certain speed, ensuring safe and secure travel. The safety gear must be inspected and tested regularly.
Located in the shaft pit and designed to stop a descending cabin by dissipating its kinetic energy.
The first part of the elevator doors that remain in the landing, fixed to the landing walls. Operated automatically on modern elevators or manually on older models.
Information and control panel containing control elements (buttons, key switches, etc.) and information elements (displays, light and acoustic indicators). Updating the COP can increase accessibility and comfort.
Passengers use the landing operating panel tocall the elevator. The landing indicator paneldisplays travel status and direction. An update can increase accessibility and passenger comfort.
The cabin combines the structural walls, the underfloor and roof, standard elements like mirrors and handrails, as well as decorative features like special lighting and false ceilings.
Ensures 24-hour emergency connectivity for the elevator passengers and must be compliant with all legal requirements. State-of-the-art emergency call systems connect via cellular networks to ensure its availability and prevent connection errors.
The component of the elevator doors that is attached to and moves with the cabin.
Electric motor that moves the cabin and landing doors. Upgrading to a modern door drive can increase safety, performance and reliability.
The lift shaft is usually made of concrete, masonry or a metal/glass construction. The lift rises and descends in the shaft, and all shaft components are attached to the walls. In machine room-less lifts, the drive is also located in the shaft (usually in the head, more rarely in the pit).
For many decades, machine rooms were needed to house the drive and controller. In modern elevators, compact drives are usually located directly in the shaft. The latest-generation controllers, which are also more compact, can be placed in a landing within or next to the door frame. After modernisation, a machine room can often be used for other purposes.
Frequently asked questions about elevator modernisation
How long does it take to modernise an elevator?
How much dirt and noise do I have to expect during a modernisation?
What’s the difference between elevator repair and modernisation?
How long will my modernised elevator last?
From the almost "plug and play"-solution for residential and small commercial buildings to the tailor-made high-rise system with a serious boost in performance and digital capabilities, our broad and innovative product portfolio features a full spectrum for every modernisation requirement, and also includes a range of flexible full replacement solutions.
Residential and commercial buildings need a dedicated, flexible solution that fits the often tight spaces reserved for elevators. Our full replacement elevator for residential and small commercial buildings is synergy 200, which brings all the advantages of a new lift system with the lowest possible installation effort and downtime.
synergy 200 is installed without scaffolding, thus causing the least possible inconvenience for residents or business operations. With synergy 200, the drive can be placed in the shaft in order to repurpose an existing machine room.
synergy 200 increases transport capacites and can sometimes make better use of shafts than older lifts, which may result in larger car dimensions of the new lift. synergy 200 is also more efficient when it comes to energy: the switch to a gearless drive and LED lighting help reduce power consumption.
Certainly, our office lives have changed in the last two decades. What we expect from an upgraded commercial building is therefore to cater to the needs of modern office life by reducing waiting times, enabling frequent interfloor travel, and boosting overall performance and transport capacities. evolution 200 delivers on all of these requirements, plus: premium design capabilities.
evolution 200 delivers powerful and reliable performance for mid-traffic buildings with up to 40 stops. You can choose a machine that allows up to 240 starts per hour to manage increased traffic volumes. These can occour over time with a change in tenants or new floor plans in your building.
An increase in performance comes with an increase in energy efficiency, too. The full range of the latest energy-saving technologies, such as regenerative drives, can be applied. evolution 200 can also be combined with our intelligent AGILE Destination Control for the most efficient passenger flow.
With its adjustable cabin dimensions and optimal shaft efficiency, evolution 200 fits seamlessly in your building. In addition to the available standard cabin dimensions with capacities of up to 2.500 kg, you can match the cabin size to the shaft in 50 mm-steps.
To match the interior of the car, signalling and landing fixtures to your building's interiour design as well, evolution 200 offers a multitude of design capabilities. Choose from a broad range of pre-designed cabins or design and apply your own – from the floor to the ceiling. evolution 200 is also available with a panoramic cabin.
Frequently asked questions about full replacement elevators
How much does a full replacement of my elevator cost?
When does a full replacement elevator make sense?
What’s the better choice – modernisation or full replacement?
Since the 1990s skyscrapers have enjoyed a constant boom. The trend towards tall buildings swept across the UK, too with the first wave of projects now coming full-cycle into the renovation and upgrade phase. With decades of experience in managing complicated high-rise projects and our strong German engineering capabilities, TK Elevator is your lifecycle partner in high-rise mobility.
High-rise buildings are complex microverses with often tailor-made mobility solutions. But after two decades (or more) the initial concept is usually ready for an overhaul, and in most cases a performance boost as well. Whether you are seeking extended transport capabilities, new and innovative ways to cope with changing passenger flows or shift the building's usage towards a modern mixed-purpose – our holistic approach ensures that your next mobility concept fits your needs and is and future-proof.
Increasing transport capacity in an existing building is often a key requirement for modernisations and full replacements. TK Elevator's one-of-a-kind TWIN offers the maximum there is to gain, by adding a second cabin that moves independently in the same shaft.
The TWIN® lift system has two cabs travelling one above the other that operate independently in one shaft. An innovative solution for existing buildings with increased traffic requirements. It is ideal for buildings with common areas on multiple levels, such as hotels, offices, hospitals and educational institutions, and therefore a suitable approach when converting to mixed-use concepts.
Escalators and moving walks are the marathon runners among transport systems, not only in terms of daily operating time, but also total years of use. High-traffic escalators with 40 or more years of operation are not unseen in our cities. Carefully maintained and regularly modernised, performance, efficiency and safety are 100% guaranteed.
Escalators and moving walks are subject to great mechanical stress around the clock. This must be taken into account when maintenance and modernisation measures are required. The timely renewal of physically stressed components such as handrails, steps and skirt brushes not only preserves the value of the system, but also protects against expensive secondary damages caused by breakdowns.
Investments in the renewal of the controller, drive, and other components that enhance safety while consuming less electricity, can always be calculated accurately in terms of their amortisation.
Other common modernisation measures are: Conversion to LED lighting, adding skirt brushes with integrated LED lighting, safety upgrades with barriers and over-climbing protection, energy-saving functions (e.g. stop and go), safety sensors (monitoring of handrail speed, step damage) or even heating devices for outdoor escalators.
If an escalator really is at the end of its product life cycle after several decades of non-stop operation, operators face major logistical challenges to install a new one – after all, you don't just carry an escalator through the front door. However, with compact, modular solutions, the replacement systems from TK Elevator dramatically reduce the on-site effort and set new standards in terms of logistics and installation times.
With its replacement systems for escalators and moving walks, TK Elevator sets industry standards because the construction effort for installation and assembly is minimal.
First, the existing escalator is measured to the millimetre so that the replacement modules can be manufactured to fit precisely. During the subsequent dismantling of the existing system, the truss remains intact and is cleaned, checked and repainted on site.
The new drive and reversing stations, controller, etc. are delivered as compact individual units and installed in the existing pit, if necessary, they are also installed in the existing controller cabinets. The electronics installation is followed by the installation of the cladding (new or refurbished) and commissioning.
From the moment our crew arrives, to the moment the comissioning inspector leaves, owners working with TK Elevator have a dedicated project manager taking care of everything with your modernisation or full replacement.
After the planning and specification of your modernisation project is accomplished, a fast and efficient execution is expected – on time and on budget. From our decades of experience on thousands of lifts and escalators we know: it's all in the details and the scheduling. Before any work begins, your dedicated TK Elevator project manager will therefore conduct a site survey together with your or your building manager to define what happens when and how along the project milestones.
1. Site inspection to plan installation and safety (e.g. routes for residents)
2. Deinstallation of old equipment and recycling / disposal
3. Installation of new equipment
4. Handover check, quality inspection and final comissioning
We make sure that everyone who uses the building is able to move around safely and that all permits, plans, and calculations have been checked and approved by the relevant local authorities. During the installation, we'll do everything possible to minimise disturbance to everyday life in the building. Our installation team also protects the floors, walls, and walkways to make sure they are not damaged, and makes every effort to keep noise and dust to a minimum.
It's your choice: together with you, we will always be prepared to evaluate different measures and calculable offers for the modernisation concept and the installation process.
You can be sure: as a global company with strong local presence, TK Elevator provides maximum contractual and financial security.
You are kept in the loop: with regular project updates from the team, you're always aware of the project status.