Lift motor room
A lift (or elevator) is a form of vertical transportation between building floors, levels or decks, commonly found in multi-storey buildings.
A lift motor room (sometimes referred to as an elevator machine room), is a room that houses the machinery and electrical controls that operate a lift.
A lift motor room will typically contain:
- Electrical disconnects.
- Machine (geared, gearless or drum type).
- Machine brake.
- Drive motor.
- Encoder.
- Motor generator set.
- Selector.
- Counterweight governor.
- Rope gripper.
- Light fixtures and light control switch.
- Fire alarm devices.
- Hoist beam.
- HVAC equipment.
- Deflector sheaves.
Typically, the entrance to a lift motor room is located in a public corridor, but the room should be fully enclosed or otherwise secured against non-authorised access.
A lift motor room should be well-ventilated and provided with a controlled environment to prevent damage to the equipment. A lifting beam on the ceiling and a floor hatch should be included so that heavy machinery and parts can be winched in and out of the room.
For traction lifts, the room is usually located above the hoistway of the lift that is served by the equipment. This is often on a rooftop of a building or two storeys above the highest storey that the lift serves.
The room can also be found on the ground floor or in the basement if overhead space is unavailable. In this case, the lift cable is a complete chain with an unpowered sheave at the top of the shaft and a powered sheave at the bottom. It may also be on the ground floor or in the basement in the case of hydraulic lifts.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.