[EP2] Cibes talk – Do frequent power outages affect the battery? How long does a screw-driven lift last? Can a lift run on solar power?

Our Video: Cibes Talk EP.2

00:20 How power outages affect the battery

Frequent power outages can shorten battery life, because each one counts as a full cycle. When the power goes out, the lift switches to battery mode and then recharges once the supply is restored — and that adds up over the battery’s total cycle count.

00:40 The service life of the lift system

Frequent fluctuations in the electrical supply can shorten battery life and cause it to degrade faster. The typical service life of a screw-driven lift system is between 25 and 30 years.

00:58 Colour changes on the lift

We recommend servicing the lift once or twice a year in line with the guidelines. Over time, a white lift may turn yellow or shift in tone through long use or exposure to sunlight. Every colour can fade or change shade after years of use.

01:20 Compatibility with solar cells

A white car shows it more clearly than other models, much like the service life of a car. Our screw-driven lifts can run on solar power, but it depends on the type and the output capacity the customer has prepared for the solar system, to make sure it meets the lift’s requirements. Our specialists can explain more on this topic.
01:57
How solar cells work
A solar cell is an electronic device that converts sunlight into electrical energy through a multi-function process: intense light sets electrons in motion, which in turn creates a gap, or a ‘h’, left behind by the moving electrons.

Lift Batteries, Service Life, Colour and Solar Power

1) Lift Batteries & Power Outages/Voltage Drops

• During a power outage, the lift switches to battery mode to bring passengers safely to a landing.
• When power returns, the system recharges the battery, and that counts as one battery cycle.
• With frequent voltage drops or outages, the battery is likely to degrade faster, and the electronics may wear out sooner.
  Our advice: fit a surge protector or UPS to the control system, have the battery health checked once a year, and replace it on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule (usually around 2–5 years, depending on usage and environment).

2) Service Life of a Screw-Driven Lift

• Typical service life: around 25–30 years (depending on usage and maintenance).
• We recommend servicing 1–2 times a year, following the manual and the service centre’s schedule.

3) Faded or Yellowed Lift Finishes (Color Fading)

• Every colour can fade or shift in tone after long use or continuous exposure to strong sunlight — much like car paint.
• White is bright and reflective, which makes any change in tone more noticeable than on other colours.
  Our advice: keep the lift indoors, avoid UV light, heat and smoke, and do not use harsh cleaning agents; wipe it down with a soft cloth and mild soapy water to keep the finish looking new for longer.

4) Solar Power and Lifts (Solar for Screw-Driven Elevators)

• Screw-driven lifts can run on solar power.
• Whether it works depends on the type and size of the inverter and the backup capacity (such as an ESS or solar battery) that can deliver stable power to the lift’s specification (voltage, frequency, continuous & peak output).
  Important: never connect solar panels directly to the lift — the supply must run through a properly designed electrical system installed by a qualified specialist.