Electrical modernisation of an ageing passenger lift at a four storey apartment block
TJ Lift Solutions was appointed to carry out a detailed assessment and upgrade of an existing passenger lift serving Admiral Sounds Apartments in Cleveleys. The building’s hydraulic lift, originally manufactured and installed by Schindler, had been in operation for many years and was beginning to show clear signs of ageing.
Serving four floors with an 8-person (630kg) load rating, the passenger lift was a critical part of the building’s infrastructure. Many residents rely on the lift daily, including elderly occupants and those with mobility requirements. As such, reliability, safety and consistent performance were paramount.
The managing agents reported increasing service call-outs, intermittent faults and concerns around long-term parts availability. While the lift remained operational, several key components had reached the end of their serviceable life. Ageing control equipment and outdated door operating mechanisms were contributing to inconsistent levelling accuracy and occasional shutdowns. Lighting systems were also inefficient compared to modern standards, increasing energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
A full lift replacement was considered; however, after a comprehensive site survey and consultation with the client, TJ Lift Solutions recommended a targeted refurbishment approach. The objective was to extend the lifespan of the passenger lift, improve reliability and enhance passenger experience, without the disruption and higher capital cost associated with complete lift replacement.
The requirement was clear:
TJ Lift Solutions designed a partial lift refurbishment programme tailored specifically to the needs of Admiral Sounds Apartments. The focus was on upgrading core mechanical and electrical systems while retaining suitable structural components.
The refurbishment works included the installation of a new hydraulic lift controller, forming the heart of the upgraded passenger lift system. Modern control technology significantly improves operational accuracy, fault diagnostics and long-term reliability. This upgrade alone transformed the performance and responsiveness of the lift.
To complement the new controller, we installed a new encoder positioning system, ensuring precise car levelling and floor positioning. Accurate levelling is critical in residential environments, reducing trip hazards and improving passenger safety, particularly for those with mobility aids.
Additional shaft safety components were upgraded, including new shaft switches and stop buttons where required, ensuring compliance with current safety expectations and enhancing maintenance accessibility.
A full system re-wire and new containment were completed where necessary. This eliminated ageing cabling and potential failure points, future-proofing the electrical infrastructure of the passenger lift.
Within the lift car itself, we installed a new car top control station integrated with the updated control panel. This improves safety and efficiency for engineers during servicing and maintenance.
Passenger interface and comfort were significantly improved with the installation of a new Car Operating Panel (COP). The upgraded panel included a modern position indicator and integrated speech announcement system, enhancing accessibility and user experience. Clear visual and audible communication is particularly important in multi-occupancy residential buildings.
Door operation reliability was addressed with a new car door operator, reducing door faults — one of the most common causes of lift breakdowns. Smooth, consistent door movement improves both safety and passenger confidence.
At each floor, we installed new landing push stations, providing a modern appearance and dependable call registration across all four levels.
Energy efficiency improvements formed an important part of the solution. We replaced the existing lighting with new LED car light fittings including emergency battery backup, ensuring improved illumination, reduced energy usage and continued operation during power interruptions. Additionally, a new LED shaft lighting system was installed to enhance visibility for maintenance while reducing ongoing energy costs.
All displaced equipment was safely removed and responsibly disposed of, leaving the lift motor room and shaft areas clean, organised and compliant.
Throughout the project, careful planning minimised downtime and disruption to residents. Works were phased and communicated clearly to building management to ensure transparency and efficiency.
The completed lift refurbishment has delivered a significantly enhanced passenger lift system for the Apartments. Reliability has improved dramatically, with modern control equipment reducing nuisance faults and unplanned downtime.
Residents now benefit from smoother operation, more accurate floor levelling and improved door performance. The new car operating panel with integrated speech announcements has enhanced accessibility and overall passenger confidence.
From a management perspective, the building now has a future-proofed lift system with improved diagnostics, better parts availability and reduced maintenance risk. Energy-efficient LED lighting has lowered operational costs while improving safety standards.
Importantly, the client achieved these benefits at a substantially lower cost than full lift replacement, while extending the operational lifespan of the existing installation.
This project demonstrates how a strategically planned passenger lift refurbishment can deliver long-term reliability, safety and performance improvements without the disruption of complete modernisation.
TJ Lift Solutions continues to support the Apartments with ongoing servicing and maintenance, ensuring the lift remains safe, compliant and dependable for years to come.
