What is an elevator?

An elevator or lift is a type of vertical transportation device that moves people or goods between floors (levels, decks) of a building, vessel, or other structure. Elevators are typically powered by electric motors that drive traction cables and counterweight systems like a hoist, although some pump hydraulic fluid to raise a cylindrical piston like a jack.

What are the types of elevators?

  1. Traction Drive Elevator Systems.
  2. Roped Hydraulic Elevators.
  3. Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators for the Home.
  4. Winding Drum & Counterweight Chain Drive Home Elevator Systems.



Elevator Types


·        Elevators are devices that move people and goods vertically within a dedicated shaft that connects the floors of a building. They became commonplace in the 1850s as steel and iron structural frames allowed taller construction; however it was Elisha Otis's safety mechanism that prevented the car from falling that made elevators popular. In almost all modern multi-floor buildings, elevators are required to provide universal access.

·        There are three main types of elevators commonly used: traction with a machine room, machine-room-less traction, and hydraulic; however, there are variations on each type.

·        Hydraulic elevators are supported by a piston at the bottom of the elevator that pushes the elevator up as an electric motor forces oil or another hydraulic fluid into the piston.  The elevator descends as a valve releases the fluid from the piston. They are used for low-rise applications of 2-8 stories and travel at a maximum speed of 200 feet per minute. The machine room for hydraulic elevators is located at the lowest level adjacent to the elevator shaft.


·        Hole-less Hydraulic Elevators have a piston on either side of the cab.  In this configuration, the telescoping pistons are fixed at the base of the pit and do not require a sheave or hole below the pit.  Telescoping pistons allow up to 50 feet of travel distance.  Non-telescoping pistons only allow about 20 feet of travel distance.

·        Roped Hydraulic Elevators use a combination of ropes and a piston to move the elevator.  Maximum travel distance is about 60 feet.

·        Hydraulic elevators have a low initial cost and their ongoing maintenance costs are lower compared to the other elevator types. However, hydraulic elevators use more energy than other types of elevators because the electric motor works against gravity as it forces hydraulic fluid into the piston. A major drawback of hydraulic elevators is that the hydraulic fluid can sometimes leak, which can cause a serious environmental hazard. The environmental risk and high energy use are two main reasons that hydraulic elevators are not being installed as often as in the past.

·        Geared and Gearless Traction Elevators with Machine Room

·        Traction elevators are lifted by ropes, which pass over a wheel attached to an electric motor above the elevator shaft.  They are used for mid and high-rise applications and have much higher travel speeds than hydraulic elevators.  A counter weight makes the elevators more efficient by offsetting the weight of the car and occupants so that the motor doesn't have to move as much weight.



·        Geared traction elevators are middle of the road in terms of initial cost, ongoing maintenance costs, and energy consumption. Gear-less traction elevators have a high initial cost, medium ongoing maintenance costs, and use energy a bit more efficiently than geared traction elevators.

·        It is important that traction elevator ropes and sheaves are checked for wear on a regular basis. As they wear, the traction between the sheave and the cables is reduced and slippage becomes more regular, which reduces the efficiency and can become dangerous if left unchecked.

·        Traction elevators have height restrictions that are governed by the length and weight of the cables or ropes. New materials that are stronger and lighter, such as carbon fiber, will allow traction elevators to achieve new heights.

·        Machine-Room-Less ­elevator are traction elevators that do not have a dedicated machine room above the elevator shaft.  The machine sits in the override space and is accessed from the top of the elevator cab when maintenance or repairs are required. The control boxes are located in a control room that is adjacent to the elevator shaft on the highest landing and within around 150 feet of the machine.

·        Machine-room-less elevators have a maximum travel distance of up to 250 feet and can travel at speeds up to 500 feet-per-minute. MRL elevators are comparable to geared traction elevators in terms of initial and maintenance costs, but they have relatively low energy consumption compared to geared elevators.

·        Machine-room-less elevators are becoming the most popular choice for mid-rise buildings where the travel distance is up to 250 feet. They are energy efficient, require less space, and their operation and reliability are on par with gear-less traction elevators.

·        The main reason that MRL elevators have been adopted so slowly in the United States is because the building codes had provisions that didn't allow the motor to be within the hoist way. This is slowly being changed, but it is worth consulting with the local authorities before specifying an MRL elevator.

Why elevator inspection important­

Manufacturers and operators of lifting systems must be confident that elevator constructions are designed and maintained to safely and reliably carry people, freight or equipment as well as meet all standardized regulatory mandates.

As an authorized inspection agency, we can perform the comprehensive series of inspections legally required of your specific type of elevator. We are also ready to assist in matters related to elevator design, construction and modification as well as provide training courses for elevator operators.

With the support of our experts, you can rest assured that your elevators are both compliant and operating safely

Our elevator inspection services help you to attain the highest quality and operational standards for your elevator equipment and systems. We make sure that you are compliant with all industrial safety and health regulations requirements and keep installation costs at a minimum starting in the planning phase. Our wide range of inspection and support services ensure a high level of safety, identifying hidden defects or material wear early on to prevent accidents and preserve the value of your assets

Documentation and Reporting

Upon the completion of the elevator inspection an initial test report will be issued providing detailed information about the elevator and all the findings. If any the result of the inspection will be mentioned clearly of any defect and remark found the site engineer will be notified about the problem and instructed on how to fix it in order to pass the inspection.

Later on a safety certificate will be issued carrying the B Safe Safety Stamp our certificates and initial reports are made to be easy to understand, simplicity and accuracy are our aim when it comes to certification and documentation.

B Safe Safety is an authorized body for analysis, inspection, and certification service in UAE.