Residential elevators are convenient home additions that improve mobility, increase resale value and enhance your interior. After learning about their practical and aesthetic benefits, you might want to install your own. Since a home elevator is a significant investment, educating yourself on safety, price and structure is important.
Debunking Common Myths About Elevator Safety
Being concerned about the risks of residential elevators is understandable, elevator safety has evolved significantly. However, some misconceptions persist. Here are three common elevator myths debunked:
- Myth 1: Residential Elevators Aren’t Safe
- Myth 2: Residential Elevators Are Expensive
- Myth 3: Residential Elevators Don’t Offer Much Power
Myth 1: Residential Elevators Aren’t Safe
Are home elevators safe? Home elevators adhere to safety standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Known as ASME A17.1 in the United States and CSA B44 in Canada, this code regulates designs, installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations. While ASME 17.1 applies to all lift systems, section 5.3 sets specific guidelines for residential elevators. Protocols are adjusted frequently, with the latest update being in 2019.
Individual states may also have their own regulations. While features vary by manufacturer, Inclinator prioritizes your security throughout the purchasing process. Our drawings, planning guides, installation instructions and elevators meet all code requirements. Every Elevette® model comes with standard safety components, including:
- Gates: Lightweight and compact, gates travel with your elevator. Your elevator knows when they’re open, closed or obstructed and stays in place until everyone is safely on board.
- Interlocks: Interlocks prevent elevator doors from opening while the elevator is moving or at a different landing. They use a lock and keeper bracket, which must be connected for the door to open. These components usually connect electronically, but you can also use a key to control them manually.
- Lighting and indicators: Our home elevators feature low-temperature LED lights. Brighter than traditional lighting, they’ll turn on when the elevator is open or in motion. You can configure your own lighting to ensure maximum visibility and reduce the risk of tripping.
- Handrails: Handrails help you maintain or regain stability by giving you a secure object to grip. Simple yet necessary, they’re beneficial for anyone who needs assistance staying balanced.
Optional add-on components offer more convenience and safety to fit your lifestyle, needs and preferences. These features include:
- A speakerphone in your elevator cab
- Automatic gate and door openers
Myth 2: Residential Elevators Are Expensive
Your thoughts about residential elevators may include a high price tag, but home elevators are more affordable than you think. Several factors impact the cost of your elevator, including:
- Cab style
- Drive system
- State and local regulations
- How many elevators you’re installing
- Custom accessories
- Your hoistway’s complexity and configuration
- Whether it’s a new installation or a retrofit
With numerous customization options, accessibility and independence come at a wide range of price points. Work with a reliable Inclinator dealer to select what fits your tastes, needs and budget. Modify elements such as:
- Cab style: We offer six distinctive cab styles to suit your unique home. Select a simple and economical design like the 100 Cab, or create a sleek, sophisticated look with the 500 Cab. All cab styles can have one or two openings and up to 18 potential configurations.
- Drive system: Mechanical personalization is essential, as well. Our drive systems offer similar travel times and offer their own benefits. Since each one varies in cost, comfort and space requirements, we’ll help you choose a suitable one for your residence.
- Gates and doors: Gates and doors are available in a variety of durable materials and finishes, including hardwood, acrylic, aluminum and vinyl laminate. No matter which one you choose, you can count on them for ease of use, safety and aesthetic appeal.
Since residential lift systems are highly customizable, you receive only the features you need or want. This flexibility lets you save on your purchase and get the most value out of your home elevator. Whatever options you choose, you can expect an affordable, attractive addition to your home.
When considering the price, you should note that you’re investing in long-term convenience. A single installation can provide you with many years of improved mobility and a better quality of life. That fact alone makes a home elevator worth the investment.
Future repairs are another financial aspect to include. Home elevators are complex machines, meaning they may require occasional servicing. You can minimize these costs by being proactive. Schedule professional maintenance annually to increase your system’s longevity and address issues before they become more serious.
Myth 3: Residential Elevators Don’t Offer Much Power
Elevators are designed to carry passengers from landing to landing — it’s understandable to have concerns about residential elevators’ weight limits. However, home elevators are supported by multiple steel cables and robust drive systems. The drive system determines how your car travels, using either hydraulic fluid or cable to raise and lower the elevator.
Whether you choose hydraulic or cable, your elevator can safely hold several occupants at once. A 15-square-foot cab can accommodate up to 1,000 pounds, while a 12-square-foot cab has a 500-pound capacity. We offer three different configurations:
- Cable drum: Cable drum systems feature monorail guides for a compact elevator design and the quietest travel in the industry.
- Hydraulic: Hydraulic drive systems use hydraulic fluid pressure to raise a piston, lifting your elevator with it. Our hydraulic system uses less fluid and provides smooth, peaceful rides.
- Machine roomless (MRL) overhead cable drum: This drive system operates in the shaftway instead of requiring a machine room. It runs on two guide rails for enhanced stability.
While exact weight limits vary depending on the drive system, our drive systems are compatible with any cab size. Each system comes with cab door and gate safety devices as well as two Type A safety mechanisms, so you can feel secure every time you step in. If you and other passengers or objects exceed the recommended weight, the elevator will remain in place until it senses a suitable capacity.
Home elevators can also handle power outages. All Elevette models have battery backup, emergency lighting and an emergency bell. These features activate as soon as you lose electricity, allowing your elevator to lower you to the bottom floor safely. A manual lowering system lets you move your car by hand if you need to quickly exit the car or building.
Learn More About Residential Elevators Today
With almost a century of experience, Inclinator is a trusted manufacturer for safe, reliable mobility solutions. We offer the most customizable elevators in the industry to meet your individual needs while ensuring complete safety and the right price.
Add convenience and comfort to your home in five easy steps — our experts will guide you through every detail so you’ll always know what to expect. Contact your local dealer today to get started or if you have questions about our elevators or the installation process.
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