Advantages of Different Types of Traction Elevators

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Traction elevators are extremely useful in mid-rise and high-rise buildings. They are also recommended the most for ultra-high buildings. The reason is the speed and safety they showcase while travelling vertically. They are a worthwhile investment for any building or facility owner, and there are several reasons behind this. This blog post will help us understand what traction elevators are, as well as the different types and their benefits.

WHAT IS A TRACTION ELEVATOR?

A traction elevator is a lift or elevator powered by alternate current or direct current [AC and DC] motors. The friction between the hoist steel ropes and the sheave is used in these elevators to move the cab vertically. A counterweight option is also available in these elevators to offset the weight and ensure that the electric motor doesn’t have all the responsibility to move the cab vertically. This counterweight makes traction elevators highly energy-efficient and more powerful than hydraulic elevators.

WHAT TYPES OF TRACTION ELEVATORS ARE PRESENT?

GEARED TRACTION ELEVATORS

This is the most common version of traction elevators available, with a simple structure and very mature technology. As mentioned above, it runs on an AC or DC electric motor with the help of a pulley that moves the cab up and down. With these features, this model can achieve a speed of 500 ft. per minute while carrying a load of 13000 kilograms.

GEARLESS TRACTION ELEVATOR

According to the vendors of hydraulic lift, 80% of the traction elevators available in the markets are gearless traction elevators. They are ideal for mid to high-rise buildings mainly because of the operational speed. The gearless elevators have electric motors connected directly to the sheave, and due to this configuration, the top speed that gearless traction elevators can touch is between 2000 and 4000 feet per minute.

MACHINE ROOM LESS COLLECTION ELEVATORS

If space-related stress is on your mind, you can rely on machine room-less traction elevators. They are ideal for mid-rise and low-rise buildings where space-related constraints prevail. These elevators don’t require additional space like a machine room, and hence, they can save a good amount of time. Machine room-less elevators also reduce the initial investment cost, as the electric motors are placed inside the elevator shaft. Since no oil or lubricant is used, the potential fire risk also gets eliminated.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TRACTION ELEVATORS?

SOME TOP PROS OF TRACTION ELEVATORS ARE –

Smoother and quieter ride
Can travel a nearly unlimited number of floors
Smaller electric motor size and control room requirements
Accommodates front and rear openings in any configuration
Greater power and energy efficiency than hydraulic elevators
Travels faster and covers longer vertical distances than hydraulic elevators
It doesn’t require lubrication, thus eliminating the risk of oil contamination and potential fire risks
Explicitly designed to prevent dead drops
Prevent injuries from mechanical failure, steel ropes, or flat steel belts breaking.

Basic Steps Involved In Lift or Elevator Installation

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Selling properties on higher floors will be possible only if the builder arranges a good-quality elevator installation. Similarly, businesses in high-rise buildings will not succeed at all without high-quality lifts or elevators. These properties and businesses benefit from elevators and lifts in several ways. Firstly, they act as a long-term solution that allows people to access the upper floors of any building very quickly. Secondly, they are nothing short of a boon for elderly people, people with mobility issues, and wheelchair users who want to access otherwise impossible areas. The significant benefits of lift or elevator installation are listed below.

Safe, easy, vertical transportation of goods
Increased productivity
Time savings
Less labor is required than carrying goods
Elimination of the need for forklifts

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS OF ELEVATOR INSTALLATION

The first thing to understand is that it is not a DIY task, and you will require a trained technician or a lift service engineer. These professionals will ensure that the lift or elevator installation is done flawlessly with these steps.

SETTING UP THE COLUMNS IN PLACE

The first step in the lift or elevator installation process is assessing the location and ensuring that it is the best in the entire property.
It should be spacious enough and must not impact the workflow.
The floor should be sturdy enough to support a loaded lift.
Enough overhead space is another essential requirement before any lift or elevator installation.

ADDING THE CARRIAGE

After drawing the outlines on the floor and walls, the carriage is now ready to install. This carriage is placed inside by the engineers of inclined platform lift, and the position is already marked and followed. Now, they will fit the wheel blocks and then install the lift chains and connect them to the wheel blocks.

If you are installing a mechanical lift, they will lift the drive and ensure that the motor drive is fitted correctly.

ASSEMBLING AND SETTING THE GATES AND ENCLOSURES

The next step of lift or elevator installation is fitting the gates and enclosures. They are essential to an elevator to prevent any accident or injury. They are welded firmly at their place by lift installation professionals.

WIRING AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSTALLATION

The next step involves taking care of all the wires that power the elevator installation and making it move up and down. This will involve the services of a reputed electrician who will ensure that the lift installation is done perfectly and working correctly and safely.

A Checklist To Clean And Maintain Lifts Or Elevators

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The role of lift companies continues after installing a lift, as they are often given the responsibility of maintaining, repairing and cleaning the lift. Apart from these companies, several guides and videos are available on the Internet to help you clean the lift on your own. A detailed checklist can help you a lot in cleaning lifts for houses and offices. Some details related to effective cleaning and disinfection are reviewed here.

HOW OFTEN TO CLEAN A LIFT?

According to the experts of an elevator service company in Sydney, regular cleaning should be based on the lift’s usage, and those facing high traffic should be cleaned at least once weekly. Here are some fundamental facts to know about lift cleaning.

• Cleaning using a regular household disinfectant is highly effective in any cab.

• Those cleaning the lift should wear protective gear such as rubber gloves, aprons, and safety glasses for additional safety.

• Protection for eyes, mouth and nose should be assured if too much bodily fluid is present in dirty lifts.

• Experts recommend using cleaning projects we use to clean mirrors in our homes and offices.

• Too much moisture should be removed, as it can damage electrical parts and especially the buttons.

• The damp cloth should move circularly to clean the glass, colour-coated, and stainless steel surfaces.

Before starting, you must ensure that –

• The lifts for houses are switched off, and the plug is removed.

• The doors of passenger and platform lifts have been isolated.

Once this is confirmed, you can safely clean the lift with the help of guidance provided by lift companies.

There will be no worry of gates closing or obstructing the process.

While cleaning a commercial lifts, a warning sign should be placed in front of the door to let people know that the lift is currently under maintenance.

CLEANING THE LIFT BUTTONS AND HANDRAILS

The top recommendations related to cleaning lift buttons and handrails are –

• Use an antibacterial cleaning product to wipe handrails and keypads

• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe these areas and remove stacked dirt, dust and hair

• Clean the buttons first with smooth, delicate strokes

CLEANING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Experts from an elevator service company in Sydney start the cleaning process from the top and move towards the bottom part. This prevents the cleaning surface from getting contaminated or dirty again. Non-corrosive cleaners are the best, and to clean the hard surface, you can use warm, soapy water and a plain piece of cloth. You must clean frequently touched areas and surfaces more thoroughly, like the buttons, door handles, etc.

Details of ‘Must Have’ Safety Features in A Residential Lift

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Elevators and lifts have made vertical transportation very easy in commercial buildings. The trend is also seen in homes, as people are ready to invest in residential elevator costs to install a residential lift. Residential elevators and lifts are entirely different from those used in commercial buildings. They have additional safety features to make them even safer for people. Let us review some that a residential elevator must have to eliminate safety-related stress and worries.

SAFETY GATES

Safety gates are attached to the elevator cab to travel alongside the cab up and down. Most commercial elevators have two sets of doors, but this is not true with residential elevators. This means the lift will only move once the gate is secularly closed.

INTERLOCKS

Traction and hydraulic platform lift used in our homes have interlocks to prevent passengers from opening the door while the cab is moving. This means you can be assured that the cab will never open on its own and only after the lift has stopped entirely. This is an essential safety feature that every residential lift must have, and the cost is included in the traction or hydraulic platform lift cost.

LIGHTING AND INDICATORS

With internal lights and indicators, lift passengers know where they are travelling and on what floor they are currently positioned. This minimises the risks of tripping, slipping or falling. Emergency lights are also present for emergencies, like power outages.

BACKUP POWER

The backup power system is another practical and much-needed safety feature included in the residential elevator cost. Residential and commercial elevators are electrically powered, and power outages can bring them to a halt. But with backup power, you can keep the cab moving and bring it to the nearest floor for the passengers to evacuate the cabin.

EMERGENCY FEATURES

There should also be emergency features in traction and hydraulic platform lifts used at our homes. These features should allow passengers to contact someone for help in an emergency. Another feature that must be present in every residential elevator is the landline telephone to call for assistance in an emergency like a lift breakdown. A motorised braking system should also be there to stop the elevator in any technical issue.

HANDRAILS

Lastly, handrails should be in residential elevators to make you feel more stable and sturdy. They are more useful for elderly family members and people with mobility-related challenges. The homeowner must check these features before paying the final residential elevator cost.

Easy Guidelines Related To Maintaining Minivator Stairlifts

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Regardless of the type, a lift will always be a reliable and helpful installation in your home or any other residential or commercial building. These machines require timely maintenance and look after to perform flawlessly for years, and this applies to minivator stairlifts as well. Experts recommend preventive maintenance as the most beneficial step to prolong the lifespan of these stairlifts and keep them functional for a long time. Some straightforward steps are involved in their maintenance, and we have reviewed some here in this post.

As a general rule, whenever possible, your product should be:

• Serviced and safety checked annually

• Only lubricated if needed by a qualified engineer

• Cleaned down weekly

• Paying particular attention to the rail

• Getting maintenance and repair done by qualified engineers

CLEANING MINIVATOR STAIRLIFTS

It is essential to clean minivator stairlifts and all other residential lifts once every week. This simple step will influence their life and performance significantly.

You can do this easily through DIY, and some black marks will surely be visible on the rails, but you need not worry. These marks on minivator stairlifts result from dust and pet hairs and can be wiped away easily. You can clean them to ensure that your residential lifts work to their peak forever.

WHY REGULAR CLEANING IS IMPORTANT?

Ignoring timely cleaning and maintenance means allowing dirt, dust and debris to clog up the carriage and become a reason behind a sudden breakdown. Here are some common steps to clean the minivator stairlift regularly.

• Use an anti-static foaming cleanser or a rag to wipe down the lift

• You can also clean the charge strips of your rails very gently if they are too dusty

• Clean the chair and outside of the carriage carefully if some visible dust is present on minivator stairlifts.

WHETHER TO LUBRICATE THE MINIVATOR STAIRLIFT OR NOT?

The fact about residential lifts and minivator stairlifts is that it is impossible to lubricate all the parts, and you must refrain from attempting them. Remember, residential lifts prices are high, and no one would like to damage any part, as the repair charges can also be very high. The best step is to leave it to the maintenance team and rely upon them for annual inspections and services. Any maintenance, inspection, servicing, or repair work should be done by an expert engineer with sufficient tools and adequate experience to do this job successfully.

STAIRLIFT SERVICING

This annual servicing of minivator stairlifts is essential from the safety point of view to prevent you from any penalty or fine for not following the rules and regulations related to lift upkeep and maintenance. The professionals will check the safety circuits, batteries, and other parts for perfection. More than 25 parts need inspection and minor repair work if any normal wear and tear is detected.

Types of Commercial Lifts and Their Usage in Commercial Buildings

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Elevators and lifts play a very crucial role in our everyday life. They benefit people working in high-rise buildings and those with mobility issues or a disability that restricts them from moving freely. These lifts and elevators are divided into residential and commercial lifts. This post will cover different types of commercial lifts and what purposes they can serve.

WHAT ARE TRACTION LIFTS?

Passenger traction lifts are designed for easy installation, and they come with a very reliable design. Traction lifts are one of the most popular types of lifts in the category of commercial lifts. They consume considerably less power compared to hydraulic lifts or others discussed here. Traction elevators and lifts are available in different types and are best for carrying loads from 250 kilograms to 3000 kilograms or up to 20 people. You enjoy flexibility in design, and the features present in these elevators contribute towards noise reduction and speed control.

WHAT ARE GOODS LIFTS?

These elevators or lifts are simple to use, and the most fantastic feature is that they are used in various environments. For example – restaurants, hotels, retail environments, commercial kitchens, offices, etc., are ideal for using these goods lifts. The hassles of manual weight lifting will be eliminated, and so will the risks of injuries. They also have features that ensure low power consumption and become a highly cost-effective solution for businesses.

WHAT ARE LOW PIT LIFTS?

These lifts come with very similar features found in residential lifts available at very nominal residential lift prices. The main difference is that these low pit lifts include one-touch control and sliding doors. Just like the goods lifts, these low pit lifts can be used in many environments, including public access areas, offices, schools, retail stores, etc. They have a downside for safety purposes, i.e. the slow speed. The speed of low pit lifts is limited to 0.15m per second.

FREIGHT ELEVATORS

These elevators, in the commercial lift category, are designed for carrying heavy goods and not passengers. They come with a sturdy platform that can accommodate heavy loads and much more than the weight of multiple passengers. The design ensures that the elevator suffers no wear and tear while loading and unloading cargo and heavyweight products.

DUMBWAITER ELEVATORS

These are very similar to the freight elevators discussed above and are also kept in the category of commercial lifts. The only difference between freight elevators and dumbwaiter elevators is that the latter is smaller and used for transporting small loads like books or food items.

What Questions To Ask To Elevator Companies Prior To Hiring?

There was a time when people only had mobility and ease of accessibility in mind while getting an elevator installed. But thoughts have changed, and now, they search for elevators and minivators that meet the highest safety standards and are a beautiful addition to a property. This is what companies deliver as residential and commercial lifts and elevators. They have a wide range to offer, but before getting them installed, it is essential to ask some questions about the installation teams. Some of these questions are presented here.

WHAT IS THE COST OF RESIDENTIAL LIFTS?

Residential lifts and elevators these elevator companies offer are designed to meet several needs and requirements. You can get them custom-made and include the customisation of your choice in these lifts. As far as the cost is concerned, it gets affected by different factors like the size of the lift, the type and the power used to run. Moreover, the height it will travel is also a crucial factor impacting the final cost.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A RESIDENTIAL LIFT?

Lift companies usually take 3-4 days to install a residential lift. The time taken can increase to one week because the experts from elevator companies will ensure no compromise on lift safety. Installing a tall elevator with advanced features can take even more time and up to 15 days.

CAN I CUSTOMISE MY LIFT?

You have all the time in the world to get your minivator, as well as residential elevator, customised. There would be some limitations, but apart from this, the options you can customise are the button, flooring, wall panels, doors, mirrors, control panels and handrails.

ARE THESE ELEVATORS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?

Most companies are committed to delivering as environmentally-friendly minivator and home elevators as possible. They promote the usage of electric belt drive elevators that are cleaner, greener and economical.

WHAT AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS YOU TARGET WHILE GETTING A RESIDENTIAL LIFT INSTALLED?

The Australian standards to match vary greatly based on the specific purpose, but elevator companies mostly design them to meet almost every rule and law mentioned in Australia Standards AS-1735.

These Australian standards have countless specifications given for lift and elevator installation regarding

Minimum car dimensions and door opening width of lifts
Lighting requirements
Handrail-friendly walls
In-cabin announcers
Car operating panels
Signal and placement options

Here are some points to note while installing a residential elevator by elevator companies.

The handrail should be located adjacent to the cabin operating panel (COP)
The handrail should be 600mm long
Floor dimensions – at least 1,100mm x 1,400mm
There should be an entrance protection system
A clear door opening measuring at least 900mm in width
An emergency hands-free, self-dialling communication system
It should have an alarm button for proper illumination
The lift system needs a levelling accuracy of ± 6mm

What Is the Estimated Cost of Installation of Minivator Stairlift?

Any lift or elevator will benefit people with disabilities and mobility issues in an old building that lacks accessibility. However, some particular elevators are useful for people with mobility issues caused by injury, aging, illness or some progressive diseases. One of these lifts is the minivator stairlift, which we will discuss in this post.

WHAT IS A MINIVATOR STAIRLIFT?

A stair lift is a motorised chair that travels vertically along the rail, securely bolted to the steps. It is ideal for people finding it troublesome to use the stairs to access the upper or lower level. These lifts are categorised as straight rail lifts, curved rail lifts, indoor lifts and outdoor lifts. According to the vendors, it is a great product for properties where stairs and people with mobility issues are present together. They are also beneficial for wheelchair users but have enough upper body strength to transfer the body from the stair to the wheelchair and vice versa.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A MINIVATOR STAIRLIFT?

The residential elevator cost is mostly inside the homeowners’ budget, and as far as the cost of the minivator stairlift is concerned, it can be determined after considering several factors. One of these factors is the features of the chosen minivator stairlift. Generally, these lifts run on two 12-volt batteries that are charged using a standard wall charger. Other features included by default in the minivator stairlift are an offset swivel seat, two wireless call/sent remotes, a foldable seat and a footrest.

Considering all these features, it can be said that the residential lift in Sydney cost for a minivator stairlift would be somewhere between $2500 and $5000.

But again, the chosen model and the options will influence the budget. The outdoor unit or curved rail stairlift is more expensive than a basic straight stairlift. For an outdoor minivator stairlift, you must spend between $5700 and $9000. The increased cost is due to the waterproofing features added to the minivator stairlift.

HOW MUCH TIME IS USED FOR INSTALLATION?

Based on the property’s structure, particularly the stairs, the vendors will take one complete day to install the minivator stairlift at your home. The installation time will be just a few hours for a straight rail stairlift.

What Is the Cost of a Residential Elevator Installation Project?

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Elevators and lifts can make life easier, and for people with mobility issues or any disability, these installations are nothing short of a boon. However, a considerable amount of money is invested in getting lift installation done, and this is a major concern for people looking to get one such installation done. In this post, we have researched the expenditure involved in getting a lift installed.

WHAT IS THE COST OF RESIDENTIAL ELEVATOR INSTALLATION?

Several factors come into play when determining the exact estimate of a residential lift for your home. For example – there are different options and variables available, and keeping them in mind, you can anticipate paying anything between $18000 and $100000.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS?

The residential elevator installation will improve your life’s quality and allow people with disabilities and mobility issues to move around the property quickly. They will require no support, and the lift will help you quickly move groceries, luggage and furniture. They are available in different types, namely –

HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR INSTALLATION

In this type, an arm is used to lift the cab up and allow it to come down. The controller releases the piston cylinder pressure that makes the cab come down softly, and when the pressure is applied to the piston cylinder, the cab again goes upwards. Hydraulic elevators are ideal for high-traffic areas and areas where high weight-bearing is needed. They are also great for wheelchairs, just like wheelchair platform lifts and portable platform lifts, as they have sufficient space inside.

PNEUMATIC VACUUM ELEVATORS

Another very useful version of elevators used for residential purposes is the pneumatic vacuum elevator. They rely on the air pressure to move up and down, and the function is similar to the abovementioned version. The air pressure is applied to move the cab upwards, and releasing this pressure will bring the cab downwards.

WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING A RESIDENTIAL ELEVATOR INSTALLATION?

You can benefit in several ways by opting to get residential elevator installation done. You will make your home more comfortable and accessible with these lifts. While determining the right lift for your property, remember to consider the expenditure, the weight and the size. How far the lift has to travel is another question to obstruct you from getting a lift installed.

Learn About the Safety Features of Wheelchair Platform Lifts

People with limited mobility and elderly people often find it troublesome to access the porch or a raised deck. In these situations, wheelchair platform lifts can be beneficial, as they improve access to multi-level residential and commercial buildings and smaller heights like those mentioned above. These elevators and lifts are designed to take a wheelchair user up and down the different levels and provide easy access to raised spaces. They have so many benefits to offer, and one of them is top-level safety, i.e. there, due to the safety features installed in these elevators. Let us review some top safety features quickly integrated into these elevators and lifts.

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CONSTANT PRESSURE CONTROL

This safety feature ensures that the wheelchair platform lift stops when pressure on the switches is released.

OVER SPEED GOVERNOR

This safety feature is there to monitor the speed of the lift, and as it goes beyond the specific speed level, the feature will get activated and apply brakes to control the speed.

EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON

You will find this button located on the side wall of wheelchair platform lifts as well as inclined lifts. It is used to stop the platform lift in case of an emergency or if an obstruction occurs. When this button is pressed, an alarm will sound that some emergency is there.

AUTO FOLDING RAMP

Here is another safety feature that allows the lift to be folded when not in use. This ensures that the stairways are entirely free and spacious for others to access.

NON-SKID PLATFORM

These wheelchair platform lifts have a non-skid platform fitted to prevent the wheelchair from sliding forward and backward when the lift is in motion.

BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM

This feature ensures that the lift will function normally even in a power outage. In these situations, the user will not have to worry about returning to the floor.

SELF-LOWERING RAMP

This particular safety feature allows the user to move effectively from the platform to the entryway and vice versa.

BOTTOM PLATFORM SAFETY PANEL

This safety feature comes into play in case; there is an obstruction under the lift. It will ensure that the passenger does not face any risky situation caused by the obstruction.

CALL SEND STATIONS

This safety feature allows the lift to be brought down to the user at the top or the bottom of the stair if it was left on the other side.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL INTERLOCK

This locking feature is essential, as it prevents accidental opening of the platform gate when the lift is stationary or moving.

Apart from these safety features, wheelchair platform lifts come with all-weather-protected controls and switches. Particularly when used for outdoor applications, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to fit all weather-protected controls and switches along with weather-resistant finishes.