It’s not very hard to find an elevator these days. According to the National Elevator Industry Inc, in the U.S. alone, there are nearly one million elevators. And NEII claims people in the United States travel over 2.5 billion miles on elevators and escalators each year.
The earliest elevators were called hoists. These simple machines were operated through humans or animal power, or sometimes water-powered mechanisms. Written reports indicate elevators were in use as early as the first century B.C.
The technology for these useful machines has come a long way since then. Here’s a look at the different types of elevators that exist today.
Hydraulic Elevators
Different types of elevators use different hoist systems. The hydraulic elevator is one of the simplest types of elevators. They are supported by a piston at the bottom that pushes the elevator up.
The elevation occurs as an electric motor injects hydraulic fluid, like oil, down the piston. The elevator will descend when a valve releases the hydraulic fluid from the piston.
These are good residential elevators, especially for low-rise buildings. They can be used as a commercial elevator as well in buildings between two and eight stories. Specific types of hydraulic elevators include conventional, hole-less, and roped.
Machine Room-Less Elevators
The machine room-less elevators are different from the other types of elevators because they don’t feature a dedicated machine room above the elevator shaft. These elevators have become very popular in mid-rise buildings because of their speed.
Machine room-less elevators can travel at speeds up to 500 feet per minute and travel a maximum distance of up to 250 feet. Their low energy requirements make it an efficient choice for building owners. And they require less room during construction.
Traction Elevators
Traction elevators feature a pulley system located above the shaft. These types of elevators use an electric motor to move cables or ropes to raise and lower the elevator’s cab.
Traction elevators provide passengers with a quiet and smooth ride. They are energy efficient and move faster than hydraulic elevators. A geared traction elevator can move about up to 500 feet per minute.
A gearless traction elevator can travel up to speeds of 2,000 feet per minute and climb a maximum of 2,000 feet. This makes them the best elevators for skyscrapers.
Elevator Industry Needs
Elevators are used in a variety of contexts these days. Passenger elevators move people up and down a building, and can typically hold anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 pounds. Some can hold as much as 10,000 pounds.
Freight and service are types of elevators normally closed to public use. They’re used in buildings to move manpower and material from floor to floor without disrupting guests and residents. Freight elevators can carry up to 20,000 pounds or more.
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Types of Elevators and Much More
Before installing one of these types of elevators in your multi-story building, make sure you evaluate your building’s needs. Do you need commercial elevators, residential elevators, or something simpler like a dumbwaiter? These machines are a pricey investment, so know what you need.
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