With an increase in the construction of the high-rise buildings in New Jersey, the demand for elevators is soaring. In addition to helping people with mobility issues move about their home freely, elevators make it easy to carry heavy items form one level to another. However, installing an elevator is not an easy task and this is where the need for working with a professional elevator company in New Jersey becomes significant. Installation is a crucial component if you want your elevator to function properly and last as long as possible. A poorly installed elevator can be unsafe and present a wide array of problems in both residential and commercial settings. Therefore, do your research well in advance and make an informed decision.
Here are ten important things to consider when installing an elevator –
- Purpose – Why do you need the lift? If it’s about moving small items from floor to floor, then perhaps a dumbwaiter would suit your needs. On the other hand, if any of your home members are experiencing mobility issues, then an elevator designed for accessibility would be a great choice. Moreover, an elevator can also transport large loads and bulky items like furniture and wooden objects.
- Space – The building layout and design determine the space factor. The amount of space for installation depends on elevator model chosen, platform dimensions, arrangement of the hoistway, car shape, and shape and size of the landing. For example, some systems require separate a machine room, pit and hoistway for installation. On the other hand, some systems can even be installed with stairs wrapping around it, through a hole in the floor, or attached to a balcony. The installation team would need to make the decision as to whether to make structural modifications to set up the system.
- Load capacity – Before installation, it is important to consider the load capacity of the lift and check whether it matches your individual needs. Your installation contractor will ask you about your intended use, and then recommend the right size and load capacity for you. For instance, if a family member uses a motorized wheelchair, then you will need an elevator with high load capacity and a wide entry. On the other hand, if you intend to use the lift to also move furniture/heavy items or accommodate an unassisted wheelchair user, it would need to have a more robust load capacity. Carrying more than the recommended weight capacity may not only increase the risk of accidents during operation but also reduce the life span of the device.
- Building the shaft – Constructing a shaft is one of the first steps of installing an elevator. The shaft is essentially a vertical hallway through which your elevator will traverse. It is crucial that the measurements of the shaft and the elevator car match up perfectly.
- Drive System – Residential elevator systems come with different types of drive systems such as roped hydraulic, winding drum, counterweight chain, vacuum, and gearless drive. Selecting a lift model depends on your specific situation – what you need from the system and the layout of your building. Make sure to select a system with a quiet, smooth drive system.
- Setting the Columns in Place – The technician will first make sure that the place you would like the device to be installed is the right choice. There should be enough space to work safely without impacting your workflow. In addition –
- The floors on both levels must be sturdy enough to support the lift system when loaded.
- There should be enough overhead clearance for loading and off-loading cargo.
- Adding the Carriage – Outlines will be drawn on the floor and walls to ensure that the carriage is perfectly placed on the correct location to travel up the columns evenly. The carriage will be placed inside the columns in the exact position indicated by these markings. The technician will check that the pre-assembled lift chains are secured and that these should not run off the sprocket when the carriage is raised. Wheel blocks will be fitted to the columns and the carriage uprights will be bolted into place accordingly.
- Code Requirements – A residential or commercial elevator system must meet the requirements of the National Electric Code, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) safety code, and state and local building codes. Therefore, it is important that the system is installed by an experienced, authorized local dealer in accessibility equipment.
- Safety mechanisms – Before installing an elevator system, make sure it meets the safety standards according to the current norms. Top models of residential elevators come equipped with advanced safety mechanisms such as – emergency stop and alarm buttons, non-skid platforms, under-panel sensors (to stop the unit if it detects an obstruction), slack rope safety system, elevator door interlocks, lockable control panel, in-use indicator lights on hall station, pressure relief valve (to prevent platform overload), infrared safety light curtain, handrails inside the cab and automatic battery recharging. On the other hand, some systems can even be installed with stairs wrapping around it, through a hole in the floor, or attached to a balcony.
- Setting up wiring – Your elevator depends on electrical components to function properly. Once the shaft has been constructed, your elevator company will set up the necessary wiring so that your elevator can easily operated at the flick of a switch.
Proper installation is important for smooth, safe functioning of your elevator. Partnering with a reliable and professional elevator company in New Jersey will ensure efficient support for installation, testing, inspection, and maintenance.