In a variety of structures, including residences, apartment complexes, and workplaces, elevators are useful, and most of the time essential to making your building fully accessible.
In fact, according to research, the UK Elevators and escalators market was valued at 9.3 thousand units in 2021 and is expected to reach 12.8 thousand units by 2028 growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7% during the forecast period (2022-2028). In simple terms, if your building is more than 1 storey high, you need a lift.
Today, a lift is unquestionably a necessary component of any structure. Some people might find it difficult to choose the correct kind of elevator because so many buildings either already have them installed or the owners are preparing to install them. Let’s look at the typical lift kinds instead in order to simplify the choosing procedure:
Types of Lifts
Passenger Lifts
Utilised to carry passenger traffic vertically. This kind of elevator is usable by both wheelchair users and people travelling on foot.
Platform Lifts
Platform lifts are employed as an alternative to a normal passenger lift for some sites with limited space or fewer floors to traverse, as well as to assist those who are physically unable to use the stairs. They could also be a less expensive substitute for the pricey passenger elevator.
But choosing an elevator can be difficult because there are so many different kinds and designs available. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a lift for your building.
Wheelchair Lifts
Wheelchair lifts come with a range of choices, such as remote controls, automated door openers, and customisable colour schemes and finishes.
Goods Lifts
Designed to convey cargo and hefty objects like furniture, machinery, and supplies that weigh a specified amount.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Lift
Structure of the Building
The type of vertical transit system needed mostly depends on the type of building. Population, arrival rate, and pattern are the main variables that affect demand.
The traffic flow, in addition to the traffic density, is a key factor in the planning of lifts. Analysing your passengers’ movements will enable you to manage traffic flow effectively.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider traffic flow management, which entails anticipating demand, particularly during peak hours. The number of lifts you need, as well as their type, placement, size, arrangement, dimensions, and speed, will all be greatly impacted by this.
Capacity
Depending on the dimensions of the lift, a decision must be taken regarding whether to select a deep car or a wide car.
Wide trains offer better passenger transfer and can carry more passengers than deep trains, hence they are generally preferred. On the other hand, wheelchair users can ride in deep automobiles. Similar to open cars, open cars have two uses: moving cargo and carrying passengers.
It is then advised to choose the perfect measurements for the machine room, pit depth, and headroom. Once the number, size, placement, and speed of the lift vehicles have been determined, you can either utilise general dimensions from standards or individual manufacturer’s data sheets.
You must determine the anticipated building capacity before deciding on the kind of lift you will need. This will help you determine your building’s appropriate waiting time and lift vehicle capacity.
Security
Safety precautions must be taken if you are moving individuals. To keep you and anybody else riding the lift safe, a variety of systems need to be put in place. These consist of an elevator cabin phone, an alarm system, backup power systems, a braking system, and backup power systems.
Price
There are many different types of lifts, ranging from cheaper, smaller, more basic models to opulent, luxurious models that are a delight to use. But in addition to the lift’s initial cost, you also need to think about how much the installation will cost as well as the servicing and lift maintenance which will need to be carried out at specific intervals.
Drive system
Another key decision is the drive system. You will need to conduct some of your own research in addition to the more in-depth explanations that the lift installer may provide. The counterweight chain drive and winding drum drive are the two most used small elevator drive methods. Some of these, like the system for winding drums, will require a machine room to house the drive.
Conclusion
Lifts form the framework of a building in terms of construction, supporting access and transit as well as the layout.
Although the fundamental characteristics are rather consistent across the sector, they are used in a wide variety of applications. The primary distinctions between services, hospitals, and commodities lifts are based on their size and capacity.
However, there are a variety of layouts and design options available for both commercial and residential elevators, so it’s important to consider all the factors we mentioned above before choosing your lift.
No matter what your business or building, you need to spend some time planning and comparing lifts before you make your decision. An expert lift installation company can help you to do so.
