51,000 lifts in Hong Kong not fitted with voltage dip devices that cut risk of becoming trapped, officials reveal
- Only 22,000 lifts in city are fitted with voltage dip mitigation devices allowing them to resume operations after self-inspection, government official says
- Cost of installing such devices in older lifts can potentially be over HK$500,000 for a single one, he says
Nearly 70 per cent of lifts in Hong Kong are not equipped with devices that allow them to automatically start operating after voltage dips, authorities have said, adding that installing just one in an old building costs more than HK$500,000 (US$64,029).
Chan Pak-cheung, deputy director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, said on Monday that Hong Kong had 73,000 lifts but only 22,000 were fitted with voltage dip mitigation devices allowing them to resume operations after self-inspection.
Lifts installed after 2009 must be equipped with such devices.
“Most lifts affected by voltage issues are primarily older models operated by electronic control panels,” Chan said.
“The cost of installing such devices in older lifts can potentially be over HK$500,000 for a single one.”
