Understanding the Lifespan of Coated Steel Belt Suspension Members and Their Impact on Building Owners
Modern elevators often use coated steel belt (CSB) suspension members instead of traditional steel cables. Promoted for their compact size, flexibility, and smoother ride, CSBs have become increasingly popular—especially in machine-room-less (MRL) elevators. However, these newer technologies come with unique considerations, particularly when it comes to lifespan, maintenance, and long-term costs for building owners.
What Are Coated Steel Belts (CSBs)?
Coated steel belts consist of multiple high-strength steel wires embedded in a polyurethane coating. This design offers several advantages:
- Reduced weight and smaller turning radius
- Quieter, smoother operation
- Compatibility with MRL designs and compact machine rooms
Despite these benefits, CSBs have different aging characteristics and maintenance requirements compared to conventional ropes.
Lifespan of Coated Steel Belts
The typical lifespan of a CSB suspension member is approximately 10 years, depending on usage, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. While this may seem reasonable, it is often shorter than the lifespan of traditional steel ropes, which can last 20+ years with proper care and re-roping procedures.
The typical lifespan of a CSB suspension member can vary depending on manufacturer and often the manufacturer’s boast a much longer life span than what many professionals are seeing in the field.
Unfortunately, unlike traditional ropes, CSBs cannot be field-spliced or easily adjusted. When they wear out, the entire belt must be replaced, which often requires proprietary tools and service technicians.
The Hidden Costs of CSBs for Building Owners
While CSBs can reduce installation costs and enhance ride quality, they may introduce significant long-term costs that building owners should be aware of:
1. Higher Replacement Costs
Replacing CSBs can be more expensive than traditional ropes due to:
- Proprietary technology and tools
- Limited vendor options
- Specialized technician requirements
2. Shorter Replacement Intervals
With a typical replacement cycle of 10-15 years, building owners may face more frequent capital expenditures than expected. For elevators with high usage, this interval may be even shorter.
3. Limited Maintenance Flexibility
Unlike steel ropes that can be re-tensioned or adjusted, CSBs often require full replacement when issues arise. This limits maintenance options and increases dependency on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
4. Vendor Lock-In
Many CSB systems are proprietary, meaning building owners are tied to a specific manufacturer for replacement parts and servicing. This lack of competition can lead to higher prices and fewer scheduling options. In addition, these CSB suspension members used to be replaced as part of a full-maintenance agreement, but due to the shorter longevity many manufacturers are excluding them from their agreements.
The resulting additional costs can be in excess of $30,000 per elevator when CSB’s need to be replaced.
How an Elevator Consultant Can Help
An experienced elevator consultant can help building owners navigate the complexities of owning an elevator system with CSBs. They provide valuable insight by:
- Assessing current CSB condition and estimating remaining lifespan
- Forecasting replacement costs and helping develop a capital plan
- Reviewing maintenance agreements to ensure CSB inspections and replacements are included
- Providing vendor-neutral advice to avoid unnecessary costs or early replacements
Conclusion: Be Proactive About Coated Steel Belt Maintenance
While coated steel belts offer modern benefits, they also bring unique maintenance and cost considerations that building owners should not ignore. Proactive planning and expert guidance from an elevator consultant can help mitigate unexpected expenses and ensure long-term elevator performance.
If your building has elevators with coated steel belts or you’re unsure what type of system you have, contact KDA Elevator Consultants today for a comprehensive evaluation and cost planning consultation.