Elevator Installation
Types, cost, and safety requirements for elevators. El-Eman Office handles elevator shaft construction.
Choosing the Right Lift for the Building
Before comparing prices, the actual need must be defined: the number of floors, the number of residents or users, peak periods and the type of load. A small residential building may be served by one medium-capacity lift, while an office building needs careful calculation of lift capacity and speed to reduce waiting. The presence of people with disabilities, or the need to move furniture, also affects the car dimensions and door width.
- Car capacity and the permitted number of passengers.
- Travel speed suited to the building height.
- Door type (manual or automatic) and opening width.
- Noise level and ride comfort.
Coordinating the Lift with the Structural Works
A leading cause of lift problems is failing to allow for the shaft in the structure. The designer must get the shaft dimensions, pit depth and overhead height from the supplier before approving the structural drawings, not after the concrete is built. Altering a shaft after pouring is costly and delays the project. The shaft walls must be perfectly vertical and plumb, which is checked with a plumb line or laser on every floor.
The fixing points for guide rails and brackets, and the openings for doors, switches and cables, are fixed in the concrete early. A separate, suitable power supply, sound earthing, and lighting and ventilation for the shaft and the machine room, if there is one, are also provided.
Installation, Testing and Maintenance
A specialist team from the supplier installs the guide rails, machine, car, landing doors and control panel, then tests are carried out before operation, covering doors, brakes, final limits and safety devices. After commissioning, regular maintenance under a contract with a licensed company is needed, because neglect raises the chance of breakdowns and shortens the lift's life.
- Take over the shaft and check its dimensions before installation starts.
- Install the guide rails and adjust their alignment.
- Install the machine, car and ropes.
- Test the safety devices and doors.
- Obtain the operating certificate from the competent body.
Safety and Operating Requirements
A lift must have safety devices including an emergency brake, door sensors, emergency lighting, an intercom and an alarm button, together with safe behaviour during a power cut, such as automatic descent to the nearest floor. A sign showing the maximum load and instructions for use is recommended, and the lift should not be used during a fire. Periodic inspection by licensed bodies is also required, as set by the regulators.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lift be installed in an existing building that has none?
In some cases yes, but it needs a structural study to find a suitable location and to strengthen the structure where necessary, and the shaft may be external. An engineering inspection is advisable before any commitment.
How often does a lift need maintenance?
A lift needs regular visits under the maintenance contract, following the manufacturer's recommendations and the intensity of use. Waiting for breakdowns is not acceptable, particularly because passenger safety is involved.
What is the difference between a hydraulic and a traction lift?
A hydraulic lift raises the car with a piston and oil and suits low rises, while a traction lift uses ropes and an overhead machine, suits greater heights and is more energy efficient.
