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Like many specialised trades, the lift industry has its own terminology, which can be confusing at first. This article breaks down key lift-related language, empowering customers to ask the right questions when dealing with suppliers and to confidently compare quotes.
The drawing below represents a typical lift design, making it easier to visualise and understand the terms discussed. Lift companies require the purchaser's approval of lift drawings before proceeding with an order. It's crucial to understand these drawings, as signed or approved lift drawings override any previous agreements or conversations. Misinterpreting lift drawings can lead to costly mistakes, I've witnessed some very expensive issues arise from such misunderstandings!
Lift pit
All lifts require a lift pit. The lift pit is below the bottom floor level of the lift. On the lift drawing attached it is marked as 1200mm deep. Lift pit depth is determined by lift code and is generally related to lift speed and the need for lift mechanic safety. Be careful to ensure the lift pit you have on your lift complies with Australian or European lift code, lift consultants can assist with this information.
Travel
The travel of a lift is the distance from the bottom floor level to the top floor level. This is usually noted in millimetres. Travel is measured from the finshed floor surfaces such as carpet or tiles etc.
Headroom
Headroom is the distance above the top finished floor level, this is the structural floor level plus floor finishes such as the top of the carpet or tiles etc.. The attached drawing shows a headroom of 4300mm. The headroom requirements will vary from lift to lift so ensure you have allowed the headroom with overall building height allowed, check with your building surveyor. I have lost count of how many conversations I have had with builders and architects trying to reduce the headroom on a half constructed building due to building height issues. This is simply bad planning.
Number of stops
The number of stops is every level the lift services. For example a lift servicing Ground and Level 1 is a 2 stop lift.
Shaft width and Depth
Shaft width is the clear internal shaft dimension from left to right width when viewing the bottom lift door from the landing. On the attached drawing the shaft width is 2020mm. The shaft depth is the front to rear dimension, on the attached drawing this is 2700mm. Only the clear internal dimensions of the shaft are relevant to the lift company, the thickness of shaft walls is up to your architect, builder and engineer. Getting these dimension wrong can be very expensive and sometimes compromise the function of the lift.
Speed
Speed is measured in meters per second (M/sec.). A typical home lift from Europe is 0.15 M/sec, this is a snail, through to commercial lifts starting at 0.63 M/sec.
Rated Load
Rated load is the number of kilograms the lift is allowed to carry. This is often expressed in the number of people a lift can carry, however, this can be deceptive as the European standard person is heavier than a standard American, go figure. This can result in confusion when assessing how much your lift can carry so just refer to the kilogram rating for the lift.
Drive System
This refers to the type of equipment used to raise and lower your lift. The following are some of the main drive systems:
• Hydraulic lifts use a motor and pump to pump hydraulic oil into a ram to drive the lift up and down. Slow to moderate speed lifts
• Traction Lifts, these lifts are also referred to as all electric lifts. These lifts have an electric motor with steel cables or belts, generally, these are fast lifts.
• Screw Lifts use threaded rods with a turning nut running up and down the screw. Slow speed lifts.
I have covered the main terms that are used when discussing lifts so it will give the customer a starting point when stepping into the complexity of the lift world. Good luck!
Until next time,
Andrew Lewis
Director
Melbourne Elevators
Published: September 26, 2024
