When planning to install a residential elevator, the first and most critical question often revolves around the size of the elevator. What size should a residential elevator be to fit perfectly into your home?
However, many owners and developers often feel overwhelmed when faced with complex technical specifications and space requirements. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to standard residential elevator dimensions, space requirements and appropriate size selection, helping you find the most suitable elevator model among many options.
Standard residential elevator sizes
Understanding the standard sizes of residential elevators is the first step in choosing the right model. Generally, the size of a residential elevator depends on its type, load capacity and the spatial layout of the building.
Standard Dimensions of Common Residential Elevators
Standard residential elevators typically have the following dimensions:
| Elevator Type | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger | 1000-1400 | 1200-1600 | 2100 |
| Home Lift | 900-1100 | 1000-1300 | 2000 |
| Shaftless | 750-1000 | 850-1200 | 2000 |
Why are standard dimensions important?
Using standard sized elevators ensures compliance with building codes, such as ASME A17.1 and EN 81-20, which clearly define the requirements for residential elevators in terms of safety and accessibility. Choosing the right size not only ensures safety, but also maximizes the use of space in your home.
Dimensions of Different Types of Residential Elevators
There are many types of residential elevators, each with different space requirements. Here are the dimensional data for different types of residential elevators:
Traction Elevator Dimensions
Traction elevators are often used in high-rise residential buildings because of their high speed and large load capacity.
Standard dimensions:
- Width: 1100-1400 mm
- Depth: 1400-2000 mm
- Height: 2100 mm
Space requirements: A dedicated machine room is required, usually located on the top of the building.
Hydraulic elevator dimensions
Hydraulic elevators are widely used in low-rise residential buildings and villas, and are known for their smooth operation and low noise.
Standard dimensions:
- Width: 1000-1400 mm
- Depth: 1200-1600 mm
- Height: 2000 mm
Space requirements: The pit depth is 1200 mm, and the machine room is usually located in the basement.
How much space is required for a residential elevator?
The installation space of a residential elevator mainly depends on the type of elevator and the building structure. Different types of elevators (such as traction elevators, hydraulic elevators, and shaftless elevators) have different space requirements.
Here is a list of common residential elevator dimensions:
| Elevator Type | Suitable Scenarios | Shaft Width | Shaft Depth | Pit Depth | Machine Room/Top Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traction Elevator | High-rise residential buildings | Elevator width + 200 mm (1300-1600 mm) | Elevator depth + 150 mm (1550-2150 mm) | 1200-1400 mm | Machine room height: ≥2500 mm |
| Hydraulic Elevator | Low-rise residential, villas | Elevator width + 200 mm (1200-1600 mm) | Elevator depth + 150 mm (1350-1750 mm) | 1200 mm | Machine room height: ≥2500 mm |
| Shaftless Elevator | Private residential spaces with limited space | 900-1100 mm | 1000-1300 mm | 300-500 mm | Top height: ≥2200 mm |
Tips:When planning an elevator installation, it is recommended to measure the building space in advance, paying special attention to the shaft width, pit depth, and overhead clearance to ensure that the elevator can be installed smoothly and operate safely.
Elevator shaft space calculation
When calculating the space, use the following formula:
Shaft width = elevator width + 200 mm
Shaft depth = elevator depth + 150 mm
Example:
For a passenger elevator that is 1200 mm wide and 1400 mm deep, the shaft dimensions should be:
Width: 1400 mm
Depth: 1550 mm
Minimum Space Requirements for Residential Elevators
In a building environment with limited space, we can use compact home elevators. Of course, they also have certain space requirements. We can first understand the minimum space requirements of these elevators.
Minimum Space for Different Elevator Types
| Elevator Type | Minimum Width | Minimum Depth | Minimum Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaftless | 900 mm | 1000 mm | 2000 mm |
| MRL (Machine Room-Less) | 1100 mm | 1300 mm | 2100 mm |
| Traction (High-Rise) | 1200 mm | 1400 mm | 2500 mm |
Installation Tip:
If space is severely limited, consider installing a Shaftless Elevator, which minimizes structural changes while still offering essential mobility solutions.
How to choose the right home elevator size?
Choosing the right elevator size requires a comprehensive consideration of usage requirements, available space, and load capacity.
Four steps to choosing the right size
- Clarify usage requirements: Consider the number of users and frequency of use.
- Measure available space: Include shaft space and overhead clearance.
- Professional consultation: Invite an elevator engineer to conduct on-site measurements and technical evaluations.
- Model comparison: Choose hydraulic, traction or shaftless elevators according to your needs.
Knowing the size of residential elevators not only helps you plan the installation plan scientifically, but also helps ensure the long-term safety and stable operation of the elevator. I hope this guide can help you. For more content, please follow BDFUJI.
