An elevator shaft must meet various requirements. Safety, structural regulations and functional efficiency are key factors. In this article, we explore the fundamental criteria essential for the planning, construction and operation of an elevator shaft.
Fundamental requirements for the shaft
Regardless of the chosen construction method (read our article The optimal enclosure for goods lifts: Materials and construction methods), the basic mechanical and geometric requirements for the elevator shaft must always be met. These include:
Sufficient stability
The stability requirements for shaft walls depend on the type of elevator being used.
Column lifts exert relatively low forces on the walls. Only the connection points — such as supports for tipping forces — need to be designed with sufficient stability to safely absorb these loads.
Scissor lift tables place higher demands on the stability of shaft walls. Due to the lack of tight guidance for the lifting platform, uneven loading, unloading processes or imbalances may cause slight tilting or swaying of the platform. To counteract these effects, we equip our platforms with plastic guides that restrict platform movement. However, the adjacent shaft wall must be designed with sufficient strength to absorb the forces generated during guiding operations effectively.
Plumb shaft walls
Shaft walls should be constructed as plumb and straight as possible to ensure optimal functionality. Irregularities, such as a 10 mm clearance at the loading edge at the lower stop and 100 mm at the upper stop, must be avoided.
The EN 1570-1 standard specifies a maximum clearance of 30 mm between the shaft and platform edge. This tight tolerance means that typical construction tolerances often fall short of meeting the requirements for an elevator shaft. As such, careful planning and precise execution are essential.
Flat shaft walls
An elevator shaft should be as free from large protrusions as possible to ensure that loads can move smoothly. Protrusions of up to 5 mm are permissible. Larger irregularities must be mitigated using deflector plates to prevent potential hazards and operational disruptions.
Dimensional accuracy
Ensuring the correct dimensions of the elevator shaft is essential. For instance, an elevator platform measuring 2,000 mm in length cannot be installed in a shaft with a clear dimension of 1,900 mm. This highlights the importance of meticulous planning and dimension control during the construction phase.
Less obvious, but just as critical as the shaft's clear width and length, is its squareness. To ensure the shaft meets the necessary requirements, we always include an allowable diagonal measurement as a reference value in our shaft drawings. This measurement facilitates quick and straightforward verification during construction, preventing potential installation issues later.
Additional requirements for the elevator shaft
The requirements for an elevator shaft also depend on the specific location where the elevator is installed. Below, we examine three key aspects:
Managing water in the elevator shaft
If an elevator is installed in a basement area (e.g., as an underground lift) and the site is located in a region with a high groundwater level, the shaft typically needs to be designed as a watertight basin. This requires sealing the shaft walls with appropriate materials to prevent water ingress.
In outdoor areas, where rain or melting snow can enter the shaft, proper drainage is essential. In simpler cases, a soakaway pit is sufficient to divert the water. However, more complex installation scenarios or regulatory requirements may necessitate the use of a pump in combination with an oil separator. For further details, refer to our article Is an oil-resistant pit coating necessary?.
Electrical and hydraulic systems in the elevator shaft
For larger elevator systems, we strongly recommend the external placement of the hydraulic unit and control system. This setup improves accessibility for maintenance or in the event of a malfunction.
If the decision is made to install the drive unit externally, appropriate conduits must be provided for the routing of hydraulic and control lines. However, even with an internal setup, at least one conduit is required for the power supply and the control lines connecting to the operating panels.
Thermal insulation
If the elevator shaft connects two areas with differing temperatures — such as a warm basement and a cold courtyard — appropriate thermal insulation is required. This applies to both the shaft walls and the elevator doors to minimize energy loss and prevent condensation.
Important: Coordination with professional planners
As this article only covers the basic requirements for an elevator shaft, we recommend consulting an architect, structural engineer or another specialist planner before constructing the shaft. This ensures compliance with all building regulations.
For specific questions or detailed coordination, we are happy to collaborate with your architects and planners.
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