What should be saved before replacing an elevator drive?
Save a dated parameter export where the old drive supports it, plus a human-readable record of the installation. Include the old drive model, firmware, motor nameplate, encoder or PG card, controller I/O and approved brake-related settings. Keep the original export read-only and identify the lift it belongs to.
Build a backup that another technician can verify
- Label the export with the lift identifier, drive model, firmware and date. Keep the manufacturer’s software or keypad version alongside the file.
- Record motor voltage, rated current and speed, control mode, encoder interface, and controller I/O function and polarity from approved records. Keep safety-circuit details in the project’s controlled documentation.
- Separate old values, proposed equivalents and approved values in the handover sheet. Include units, the source and who verified each item. Capture the replacement drive’s final export after sign-off.
Can the old parameter file be loaded into the replacement?
Only consider a direct restore if the drive manufacturer confirms compatibility for the specific model, firmware and options. For a cross-brand swap, the old export is a reference for function-by-function mapping. A qualified elevator technician must verify settings and complete the required commissioning and acceptance tests before release.
What if the old drive is already dead?
Use the last verified backup, the controller documentation and the motor and encoder nameplates. Flag missing or conflicting values for verification and keep them out of the approved set until the responsible technician has resolved them.
Closed-loop commissioning checklist · IDEEI 11LIFT elevator drive