What are the Types of Commercial Elevators

What are the Types of Commercial Elevators

Commercial elevators play an essential role in modern buildings, enabling easy and safe access to different floors for building occupants and visitors. However, not all commercial elevators are the same.

There are several types of commercial elevators available, each with its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages.

In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of commercial elevators to help building owners and facility managers make an informed decision when selecting an elevator for their building.

Traction Elevators

Traction elevators are the most common type of commercial elevator, used in a wide variety of buildings, including offices, hotels, and apartment complexes.

They use an electric motor to power a hoist that lifts and lowers the elevator car up and down the shaft. Traction elevators can be either geared or gearless, depending on the building's height and usage.

One of the advantages of traction elevators is that they offer a smooth, quiet ride. However, they can be more expensive to install than other types of elevators and require a separate machine room, which can take up valuable space in a building.

Hydraulic Elevators

Hydraulic elevators use a hydraulic piston to lift and lower the elevator car. They are typically used in low to mid-rise buildings, such as hospitals and schools. One of the advantages of hydraulic elevators is that they are energy-efficient and require less electricity to operate than other types of elevators.

However, hydraulic elevators can be noisier than other types of elevators, and they are not suitable for high-rise buildings. Additionally, they require a machine room to house the hydraulic pump and motor.

Machine-Room-Less Elevators

Machine-room-less elevators (MRLs) are a relatively new type of elevator that eliminates the need for a separate machine room. The elevator motor and controls are housed within the shaft itself, saving valuable space in the building. MRLs are typically used in mid to high-rise buildings, such as hotels and office buildings.

One of the advantages of MRLs is that they require less energy to operate than other types of elevators. However, they can be more expensive to install than other types of elevators, and they may require more maintenance.

Destination-Controlled Elevators

Destination-controlled elevators use advanced computer algorithms to optimize elevator travel time and reduce wait times for passengers. These elevators are typically used in high-traffic buildings, such as airports and shopping malls.

One of the advantages of destination-controlled elevators is that they can reduce wait times for passengers, resulting in a more efficient use of the elevator system. However, they can be more expensive to install than other types of elevators, and they may require more maintenance.

Other Types of Commercial Elevators

There are several other types of commercial elevators available, including double-deck elevators and inclined elevators. Double-deck elevators are used in high-rise buildings to increase passenger capacity, while inclined elevators are used in buildings with unique architectural features, such as sloping walls.

Conclusion

By understanding the different types of commercial elevators available, building owners and facility managers can make the correct decision when selecting an elevator for their building. If you're unsure which type of elevator is right for your building, consider contacting Bramalea Elevator for guidance and advice.