Types of Lifts

1 Introduction
2 Platform lifts
3 Passenger lifts
4 Glass lifts
5 Service lifts
- 5.1 Dumb waiters
- 5.2 Trolley lifts
6 Disabled access lifts
7 Evacuation lift
8 Firefighting lift
9 Others
10 Find out more
- 10.1 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:

Introduction

Lifts and elevators have become an essential part of everyday life, particularly for those who work or live in high-rise buildings. There are many different types of lift which can be used in different applications, serving different purposes.

Platform lifts

Platform lifts can take a number of different forms, but they are usually used in low-rise buildings where they will only travel a few floors at most. This means they tend to move more slowly than passenger lifts and are often used for disabled access in buildings where most people will take the stairs.

Passenger lifts

Passenger lifts are designed to carry people and can come in a variety of forms. As these lifts carry passengers, they should meet specific requirements and standards to ensure that they are safe. They can come in a range of sizes, transporting different numbers of passengers.

These lifts can be customised with different designs, both inside and outside of the cabin, so they can fit in with the design and style of the space around it. These lifts appear in a variety of settings, from shopping centres to private residences. They also tend to travel faster than other lift types as they are often used in high-rise buildings where passengers may be travelling through multiple floors.

Glass lifts

Glass lifts are a type of passenger lift that have glass walls and doors. They can be used in any situation that a regular passenger lift would be used in, but they can offer a stylish alternative. They are often chosen for their aesthetics and can provide a way of maintaining the style of a building whilst providing a means of transportation.

Service lifts

Service lifts tend to not be designed to carry passengers, but usually carry goods of some description. This also means that these lifts may not have to meet the same level of standards required of passenger lifts.

Dumb waiters

Dumb waiters are often used in a kitchen setting, in restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. These small lifts are used to transport food from the kitchen to a serving area.. They can also be used in other settings such as hospitals or offices.

Trolley lifts

Trolley lifts are designed to transport larger goods on trolleys and roll cages. They are often found within a shop setting or any other environment where you may need to take deliveries and transport them between floors.

Disabled access lifts

Disabled access lifts can take a variety of forms and can fall under many different categories, while serving the purpose of transporting those with mobility issues.

Stair lifts

Stair lifts are most commonly used in the home and provide an easy way for individuals to move up and down stairs. This usually involves them sitting in a motorised seat which takes them from one level to another. This, however, is not suitable for individuals who are confined to a wheelchair.

Step lifts

Step lifts can be rather simple lifts as they usually provide access when a few steps are present. This can be one or two steps or a small incline inside or outside of a building. The step lift can take many forms and may be as simple as a small platform or can be something more complex.

Passenger lift

Disabled access lifts can also take the form of passenger lifts, providing an enclosed space for the passenger.

Evacuation lift

In general it is not appropriate to use lifts when there is a fire in the building because there is always the danger of people being trapped in a lift that has become immobilised as a result of the fire. However, in some circumstances a lift may be provided as part of a management plan for evacuating people.

Firefighting lift

A lift designed to have additional protection, with controls that enable it to be used under the direct control of the fire and rescue service in fighting a fire. A firefighting lift is required if the building has a floor more than 18m above, or more than 10m below fire service vehicle access level.