Safe, intelligent elevator delivery when commercial power is lost
MCE's Traction Auxiliary Power Supply (TAPS*) for VVVF controllers provides backup power when commercial power is lost, safely delivering the elevator car to a landing and maintaining door power so passengers can exit. During normal operation, TAPS builds and maintains reserve energy while continuously monitoring commercial power. TAPS determines the optimum travel direction (next landing up or down) without requiring a load weighing system, ensuring that energy use is minimized and battery power is conserved for as long as possible.
![](/elevators/-/media/elevators/mce/website-images/tapsunitcovered.ashx?la=cs-cz)
![](/elevators/-/media/elevators/mce/website-images/tapsuncovered_4cp.ashx?la=cs-cz)
TAPS functional description
Components
- UPS: Supplies backup power. Recharges automatically when commercial power is present.
- UPS Controller: Monitors commercial power, controls UPS function, informs elevator of emergency power status, determines elevator load direction and communicates it to elevator controller.
- TAPS User Guide: Complete installation, operation, and troubleshooting instructions. Detailed information.
Functional diagram
![](/elevators/-/media/elevators/mce/website-images/tapsblock2_k.ashx?la=cs-cz)
Applications
- Traction elevators with VVVF drives
Benefits
- Prevents passenger entrapments caused by commercial power loss
- Determines load direction without requiring a load weighing system
- Monitors UPS battery status and alerts building monitoring system (dry contact output)
- 1**, 3, and 6kVA models
- Batteries typically last 3 to 5 years
- Default backup run time: 8 minutes
Features
- On board controller provides intelligent operation
- Restart input from COP Door Open Button
- Test button to simulate power loss
- User adjustable parameters
- UPS bypass control
- Monitors disconnect switch
- Lockable shut-off switch for additional safety while working on the elevator
- 1kVA** unit: up to 5HP motor
- 3kVA unit: up to 20HP motor
- 6kVA unit: up to 40HP motor
- Battery level LED indicator
Specifications
- Input: Three-phase, 208/480VAC, 50/60Hz
- Output: Single-phase, 208/480VAC
- Lockable switch: Allows UPS to be sidelined when it is necessary to shut down the elevator controller and backup power is not desired.
- Bypass switch: Allows power to the elevator when the TAPS system is shut off.
- Dimensions:
1kVA, 3kVA, 6kVA: 19" h x 24" w x 24" d 6kVA only: 34" h x 18" w x 32" d (Second enclosure)
Compliance
- CSA B44.1-04/ASME A17.5-2004
- EN 12015 and 12016
- State of California
*Patent pending
**1kVA unit orders must be carefully qualified for adequate capacity by MCE Engineering