Choosing the Correct Drive Mechnism

 Choosing the correct drive mechanism

When deciding on an elevator in your home one of the most important factors in your decision should be the drive mechanism.

 

There are a variety of options available but it all basically boils down to 3 choices.

 

1. Hydraulic

 

2. Cable and drum

 

3. Traction - counter weight

Elevator Terminology

As professionals in the elevator industry we often speak using the industry "lingo" The following is an explanation of some of the common terms you will find in quotations, drawings, and design guides:

Pit - This is the recess in the floor at the bottom level of an elevators travel. This is required so that when the elevator lands, the car or platform base can land level with the lower landing floor. Pit depths are usually 3" , 6" , 8", 12" or 14". There are some devices on the market that advertise "no pit required ". If a pit is not utilized you will be required to ramp up to the platform or in some cases the elevator has a thin base that lands directly on the floor. These units typically utilize a 3" pit. if you want to avoid the ramp.

Hoistway or Shaftway - The enclosure around the elevator consisting of one load bearing wall (sometimes referred to as the Rail Wall) and a landing entrance for each stop. This structure can be constructed using wood studs and drywall.



Standard Door

2 Speed sliding door

Landing entrance - A door wired into the elevators' safety circuit to prevent access to the hoistway. This safety feature will also prevent the elevator from moving if the landing entrance is not closed. A landing entrance could be a standard household door (with an interlock), or a two speed sliding elevator door supplied by the elevator manufacturer.

Travel - the total distance from the bottom floor to the upper most floor that the elevator will be accessing

Overhead - The amount of space required from the top floor to the nearest ceiling obstruction. Most residential elevators only need 8' overhead so a standard 8' ceiling is adequate

Machine Room - Some elevators and accessibility lifts require a small machine room. This room would typically be about 2 ' deep x 3' wide. According to the electrical code you must be able to have clear access 1 meter in front of the electrical controller and disconnect.

Car or platform configuration - Elevators can be ordered with 1,2 or 3 openings (depending on the model). It is conceivable that on a 3 stop elevator you could enter from the north on the first level, exit from the east on the 2nd level and then exit from the south on the third level.

Car gate

Through car or platform (Type II) - This design would have 2 openings directly across from each other (enter/exit opposite sides)

90 degree car or platform (Type III or IV) - This design allows for the user to enter from the front, then turn right or left at the next landing. If this configuration is chosen, make sure you select a large enough platform.

Car gate - This is the device travels with the elevator to ensure that you cannot come into contact with the hoistway.

Car door - Rather than a car gate a two speed sliding elevator door can be selected to travel with the car. This gives the appearance of a passenger elevator like you may see in public applications.

Light Screen - This is another means of ensuring that the passenger of the elevator remains safe while the device is operating. An invisible beam shoots across the open side(s) of the car. If the light beam is broken the elevator stops.

COP (Car Operating Panel) - This is the panel located on one of the walls of  your elevator that will have the various floor selections and emergency stop buttons. Some COP's also contain a phone cabinet or a hands free phone built right into them.

For more information on residential elevators please visit Medichair

 

Porch Lifts

 

Stair Lifts

Stair lifts which are also referred to as stair chairs or stair glides are one of the most common devices installed into private homes when an accessibility issue arises. A stair lift is a cost effective solution when the stairs become either unsafe or are impossible to manage. Some of the benefits of stair lifts are:


Relatively low cost compared to other accessibility devices (straight run units range from $3,000.00-$5,000.00)

Quick installation - A good elevator and lift supplier should have stair lifts in stock . A factory trained technician will be able to install a lift within 2 to 4 hours.

Low maintenance cost - based on the simple nature of a stair chair , there isn't a lot that can go wrong. Typically you could expect to replace the batteries anywhere from 3 to 6 years depending on use. Other maintenance may include an annual check up to lubricate the rails and check all safeties.

Minimal impact on your home with almost no contractual work required. When folded up a stair lift on average with take up 14 inches of your stairway . A regular power outlet would be required at the top, bottom or under the stairs.As with any device that you depend on make sure your elevator and lift supplier has 24 hour service. Be aware companies that try to be “all things to all people”. Your Elevator and Lift supplier should specialize in this equipment and be an expert. There are also  companies that offer incentives to have you order online. If you are considering this ask the following questions:

Does shipping cost extra?

Who will install this lift, and how can I ensure it is installed to the manufacturers specification? What happens if the device needs to be repaired? What is the warranty and how will I utilize it if there is no local representation? Without a free consultation, how can I be sure this is the right lift for me?

My background comes from installing and servicing these lifts. I am fully aware that to simply have a quality product is not enough. The service component is often what will determine if you are satisfied with this transaction. I always encourage people to visit the showroom and meet the staff (not just the salesperson) of any supplier they may be considering doing business with. If this is not possible, do your homework , ask lots of questions , and get references.

Additional information on stair lifts can be found here.

Home accessibility lifts and residential elevators - what is the difference?

Home accessibility lifts and residential elevators both have the ability to be incorporated into your home, but are quite different.

Accessibility Lifts

These devices include stair lifts, porch lifts ,  and vertical platform lifts. There primary usage is to get and individual from one floor to another. The design of these lifts is centered around accessibility (larger buttons, limited features). Accessibility lifts operate on constant pressure controls and can not be made to function otherwise. It is more common to retro-fit these devices into existing homes as they often take up less space, or can be placed directly on the stair case. A vertical accessibility lift is sometimes called an " open cab lift " or a " vertical platform lift " . These terms are applied due to the nature of the cab design. They have no ceilings and are open to the lift shaft or hoistway. These lifts are often refered to as basic elevators, or stair elevators, and can be a cost effective solution to your accessibility needs.

Residential Elevators

A residential or home elevator can be as basic or elaborate as you like. These elevators will operate using " single touch operation " just like a regular elevator. Due to this, they are required to have gates that travel with the cab. Most manufactures have moved away from light screens and replaced this option with a power gate on their order forms. A home elevator can come with a variety of wall finishes and ceilings, it is even possible to have a home builder or carpenter finish the elevator car to match the existing décor of your home. The landing entrances can be as simple as any other door in your home (with an interlocking device wired into the elevator's safety  circuit) or as elaborate as a sliding elevator door. Once the travel of a device exceeds 14 feet the cost of  home elevators and vertical accessibility lifts are quite comparable.

Home elevators in new construction

When building a new home, considering a residential elevator is now a viable option. An  elevator  will not only have an immediate benefit, it will be of use for years to come. A residential elevator will:

• Add value to your home
• Make your home more attractive to potential buyers (especially as more people are looking for accessible homes)
• Act as a convenience item if not required immediately
• Cost much less if considered during new home construction
• Allow you to stay in your home should the stairs become difficult
• Be incorporated into your home and can match any decor or style

Examples of home elevators can be found here .

The cost of a residential elevator can vary and it is wise to consult a trained professional who specializes in this field. You should be leery of companies that do not have adequate staff to conduct sales, service and maintenance.

It is critical that you involve your home elevator supplier during the design phase By doing this you will:

• Save money - your elevator representative knows the design applications that cost extra
• Have complete access to your home - there are a variety of designs and applications available
• Allow the device to be completely incorporated into your home - not look like an after thought
• Be assured that all construction is completed as per the manufactures strict standards
• Allow for the home builder and the Elevator supplier to work together to achieve the design you desire
• Get the home elevator you want - There are a multitude of options available

More information Residential elevators can be found at http://www.medichaircalgary.com