In past years, due to developments in the field of construction, as well as extensive changes in building construction, the elevator has become one of the most widely used devices in any building. You may have heard the name elevator weight-measuring sensor or elevator overload microswitch. In fact, the elevator overload or weight-measuring sensor is a component in the elevator that measures the weight of the car and reports the amount to the elevator control panel. This component has different types, which the Cabin Plus Industrial Group, one of the leading companies in the field of elevator installation and sale of quality parts, intends to explain to you in this article.
Introducing the Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor or Elevator Overload Microswitch
According to the national elevator standard, the elevator must be equipped with a device that measures the car’s weight and prevents the elevator from starting movement, as well as prevents its re-leveling, when there is excess weight inside the elevator car. The elevator weight-measuring sensor device, also known as the elevator overload microswitch, is a component that measures the car’s weight. If the elevator car’s weight exceeds the allowed limit, its duty is to inform the control panel. In this situation, the control panel, after receiving the message related to the excess weight in the car, issues the command for the elevator not to move, and the elevator is not allowed to move. In fact, the elevator overload microswitch contributes to increasing the elevator’s lifespan.
This component is capable of measuring the car’s weight, but under normal conditions, it specifies two distinct weight limits for the user, one of which is called Full Load and the other Overload. An elevator weight-measuring sensor may consist of several output commands and a display. The presence of this component is mandatory for all elevators, and if an elevator does not have this component, it will not receive the license for elevator commissioning. In fact, it can be said that the reason for the mandatory installation of the elevator overload microswitch is to prevent potential damages and accidents. Because if the car’s weight is excessive, the probability of the elevator falling or malfunctioning is high.
Types of Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensors
Weight Vector Measuring Sensor: The elevator weight-measuring sensor of the weight vector type is responsible for measuring the load’s weight. This model of elevator overload microswitch measures the car load’s weight using direct and indirect methods. Now, with the advancement of technology and the unveiling of various models of this component, it is better to pay close attention to its quality and brand to increase this component’s performance. This model of elevator weight vector measuring sensor is designed and manufactured in accordance with strain gauge sensors. The weight vector measuring sensor has various types, including the cable, frame, or car corner type.
Weight Effect Measuring Sensor: The elevator weight-measuring sensor of the weight effect measuring sensor type is responsible for measuring the load’s weight by sensing mechanical effects. In other words, the functionality of this sensor model is based on calculating the mechanical effects of weight change. The weight effect measuring sensor, like its other type, has various drawbacks and advantages. It is better to seek help from experienced people in this field for its purchase and installation. The weight effect measuring sensor also has various types, including the variable transformer, inductive, and magnetic type.
Mechanism of the Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor
The operating algorithm of the load cell is created according to the changes in length resulting from the car load being applied, which causes a change in the load cell’s output. After the passenger or load passes through the elevator door and the car’s weight is completed, the amount of pressure applied to the car causes the elevator weight-measuring sensor to be converted into an electrical signal. This electronic signal calculates the amount of load applied to the car. In fact, the load cell’s duty is to convert the vertical load or force into electrical signals and allows the car’s precise weight to be calculated.
Load cells are composed of various types, the basis of all of which is measuring load changes, or in other words, they involve an intermediate substance such as liquid, gas, light, resistance, as well as changes in its bearing capacity, such as physical, chemical changes, etc. By measuring these changes, the amount of load weight is obtained. For this reason, according to international standards, all elevators must use an elevator weight-measuring sensor or elevator overload microswitch, which is the same as the overload system, on the car.
Reason for Installing an Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor
The elevator overload microswitch (elevator weight-measuring sensor) is an electrical sensor that measures the car’s weight and then sends information to the control panel. This sensor prevents the car from moving when the car’s weight exceeds the capacity, and prevents potential damages and accidents to the elevator. These accidents include damage to physical structures, electromotors, and the elevator’s driving forces, which cause the elevator to face serious malfunctions and additional costs.
The elevator weight-measuring sensor consists of a specific load cell and an indicator installed on the load cell. The installation and setup of the load cell are very easy, but it is better to be done by elevator service technicians. To know the car’s maximum allowable weight, the amount of overload is usually indicated inside the elevator car on the top part of the chassis. The presence of this sensor is very important, such that if the elevator has an elevator overload microswitch, the elevator is not allowed to move if the passengers’ weight inside the car is greater than the capacity.
Structure of the Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor
The elevator overload microswitch consists of a metal core made of a special alloy. Next to this sensor, several electrical circuits and resistors are also provided. They are responsible for creating an elastic state against the applied force. The accuracy of the elevator weight-measuring sensor is determined proportional to the car’s weight and its error. Simply put, it can be said that it first prevents the elevator door from hitting people or objects inside the car and then warns if the weight inside the car exceeds the allowable limit to prevent accidents. The resolution and decomposition of the elevator overload microswitch are tested by a specific humidity and temperature.
The elevator weight-measuring sensor consists of a specific load cell and an indicator installed on the load cell. The installation and setup of the load cell are very easy, but it is better to be done by elevator service technicians. To know the car’s maximum allowable weight, the amount of overload is usually indicated inside the elevator car on the top part of the chassis. The presence of this sensor is very important, such that if the elevator has an elevator overload microswitch, the elevator is not allowed to move if the passengers’ weight inside the car is greater than the capacity.
Structure of the Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor
The elevator overload microswitch consists of a metal core made of a special alloy. Next to this sensor, several electrical circuits and resistors are also provided. They are responsible for creating an elastic state against the applied force. The accuracy of the elevator weight-measuring sensor is determined proportional to the car’s weight and its error. Simply put, it can be said that it first prevents the elevator door from hitting people or objects inside the car and then warns if the weight inside the car exceeds the allowable limit to prevent accidents. The resolution and decomposition of the elevator overload microswitch are tested by a specific humidity and temperature.
The elevator overload microswitch consists of a metal core made of a special alloy. Next to this sensor, several electrical circuits and resistors are also provided. They are responsible for creating an elastic state against the applied force. The accuracy of the elevator weight-measuring sensor is determined proportional to the car’s weight and its error. Simply put, it can be said that it first prevents the elevator door from hitting people or objects inside the car and then warns if the weight inside the car exceeds the allowable limit to prevent accidents. The resolution and decomposition of the elevator overload microswitch are tested by a specific humidity and temperature.
Important Tips When Buying an Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor
After-Sales Service of the Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor: Experts in this field have concluded that it is better to use Iranian products when buying an elevator overload microswitch sensor. This is because, in case of any problem or unexpected accidents, the consumer can receive the necessary services and maintenance from the Iranian brand. Foreign brands lack after-sales services, and in case of problems, there is no possibility for the brand to respond. It is true that foreign brands have higher quality, but one can purchase from reputable companies with a suitable history and resume. Reputable companies provide the necessary warranties and guarantees to their customers when offering products or services.
Standard Certificate of the Elevator Weight-Measuring Sensor: The standard certificate in elevator products is of high importance, and it is better to use products that have a standard certificate. This is because a product’s health and standards, in addition to having better performance, also affect the elevator’s lifespan. In case this component lacks a standard certificate, inspectors and safety and standard experts may not approve it after installation.
Conclusion
One of the important points regarding the elevator weight-measuring sensor is the quality and correct functioning of this component. This is because the installation location of the overload sensor is underneath the elevator car, and if any malfunction or problem is observed, the car must be taken out of its main settings. This is because the conditions for repairing or servicing this sensor are somewhat difficult and may take a long time. Therefore, if you need help with the installation, adjustment, or purchase of this component, Cabin Plus Industrial Group is with you to guide you in procuring suitable and high-quality components.
