Your Guide to Buying Elevators

Posted by Mitsubishi Electric on March 18th, 2021

An elevator is a crucial part of any building and a purchase that is supposed to last for years. That is why it is important for buyers to consider every aspect of its use before making a purchase decision. There are several aspects of an elevator’s operations that together define the role and importance of elevators in a building, which should be considered for making the right decision.

If you are planning to buy elevators for your home or office, here is a basic guide to help you through the process.

What are Elevators?

When constructing multi-storied buildings, people prefer installing elevators rather than stairs because of the speed and convenience they offer. In India, elevators have become indispensable, especially as the infrastructure of the country is being developed at a rapid pace. An elevator or lift is basically a car that moves in a vertical shaft, carrying passengers or freight between different floors of a building.

Most Popular Types of Elevators in India

Some of the most common types of elevators in India that you can choose from include:

• Hydraulic Elevators
• Vacuum Elevators
• Machine Room-Less Elevators
• Geared and Gearless Traction Elevators

How to Choose Elevators that Fit your Requirements?

1. Design and Technology

Elevators come in different shapes and sizes, with varying designs, and equipped with different types of technologies. Depending on factors like frequency of use, space available, required capacity, expected operational speed, etc., you will need to decide with elevator technology will suit your requirements best.
Other than this, you will also have a range of choices in design. Some elevator manufacturers also offer the option to customise the elevators you want to buy. Here, you need to ensure that you choose a design that helps enhance the aesthetics of the building.

2. Commercial or Residential

While it may seem similar, there are a lot of factors that differentiate the qualities of elevators in commercial buildings like offices or malls and your house. The most significant of these factors are the size and capacity of the elevator.

Commercial buildings require high-capacity elevators that are designed to fit in more passengers and freight and deliver a good speed. On the other hand, home elevators can be much more compact and more aesthetically inclined.

3. Passengers or Freight

Most buildings have different elevators for carrying passengers and freight. However, some may even have common elevators.

In either case, buyers must ensure that the elevator offers the exact capabilities they need. Whether you want a passenger car, freight car, or one that offers both features, you should put in some time to compare different elevators to find the one that meets your requirements perfectly.

4. Safety

Safety and reliability are very significant factors that you need to consider when buying elevators. Once you have shortlisted preferred models, check their safety features. Some of the most common features to look out for include brakes, door sensors, door closing device, door restraints, pit buffers, emergency evacuation feature, emergency alarm, door interlock, safety switches, etc.

An elevator equipped with these features is considered a reliable option, especially during an emergency or mishap.

5. Budget

Last but not least is to set a budget limit. In India, elevators have become much more common than before, but they still signify a major expense. Set a budget for how much you are willing to spend. Then, compare the features of different elevators with their prices to find a product that offers the best value for your money. When you are setting your budget, don’t forget to account for its installation charges, maintenance, and repair cost.

Putting in some time and research can help ensure that you make the right decision when it comes to buying elevators in India.