Dumbwaiters are a practical, convenient and time-saving household feature, but they have not always looked the way they do today. While today’s dumbwaiters resemble small freight elevators, these cargo conveyors once had a very different appearance. In this guide, we’ll discuss some surprising facts about dumbwaiters and how they became the useful home helpers they are today.

What is a Dumbwaiter?

A dumbwaiter is a small lift that has an electric operation to move goods between floors. Their design makes them too small to carry people, and you must discourage children from attempting to ride in them. However, for moving groceries, books, meals and more between floors, nothing beats the ease of filling a dumbwaiter and pressing a button.

Some models, though, still use pulleys and hand-drawn ropes to move the dumbwaiter and its load between floors. These older, manual models often appear in older homes. Some people restore their homes with manually operated dumbwaiters to preserve the historical integrity of the property, but others may upgrade these models to electric. The mechanical operation of a manual dumbwaiter makes moving the cargo between floors more manageable, but it still requires extra effort that button-operated electric dumbwaiters don’t. Older dumbwaiter lifts could slip, disrupting the load in the car. If you had a plate of food, a dumbwaiter mishap could cause a lost lunch or toppled beverage. The dumbwaiters in today’s homes have numerous safety and convenience features not seen in older models.

What Are Dumbwaiters Used For?

What is a dumbwaiter used for in a home or business? Dumbwaiter elevators make household chores effortless, and they reduce manual labor in commercial settings as well.

Residential Applications

Below are a few uses for home dumbwaiter lifts:

• Doing laundry: Laundry is a household chore hardly anyone looks forward to. Carrying mountains of dirty clothes, towels or bedding down the stairs to the laundry room is tiring. And when the laundry is done, you have to lug it up all over again. Using a dumbwaiter for laundry, the task becomes much simpler. Simply load your laundry into the dumbwaiter and send it down to the laundry room with the touch of a button.
• Putting away groceries: If you have a large house, the groceries you buy may need to go into multiple rooms on multiple floors. Carrying heavy groceries up and down the stairs to the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, pantry or storage closets can wear you out, especially if you buy in bulk. Make this chore easier on yourself by packing your purchases into the dumbwaiter and sending them to the floor where they belong.
• Moving: At the end of a move, you may find yourself standing on the ground floor of your new home, surrounded by a sea of boxes you need to unpack. Carrying those boxes up and down the stairs can leave you sweaty and fatigued. It could leave you with sore or strained muscles, or you could fall on the stairs and injure yourself. A modern dumbwaiter makes the process easier and safer. If your boxes or items fit, you can slide them into the dumbwaiter and send them to another floor.
• Transporting cumbersome items: Sometimes you have bulky loads you need to move within your home. You might have a few cases of wine to send down to your wine cellar or some firewood to send to your fireplace. Or you might have stocked up on giant bags of dog food that need to go to the basement for storage. Using your dumbwaiter makes transporting these items simpler and faster.

Commercial Applications

Additionally, below are a few businesses that frequently use modern dumbwaiters:

• Restaurants: Restaurants use dumbwaiters to move food, trays and kitchen supplies to different floors. A kitchen dumbwaiter lift reduces the amount of manual climbing and carrying labor that staff members must perform. It helps keep them more alert and refreshed, and it frees them to focus more of their time and energy on the customer experience.
• Libraries: Books are notoriously heavy, as anyone who’s ever packed and moved cumbersome book boxes knows all too well. Carrying heavy stacks of books up and down the library stairs all day would be exhausting for staff members and could lead to repetitive stress injuries. Using a dumbwaiter alleviates these concerns.
• Retail stores: Large retail stores that span multiple floors need a way to move inventory quickly and easily. Sending employees to perform this task can exhaust them. It also directs their focus away from the patrons counting on them for quality service. Using a dumbwaiter lift to move products from floor to floor makes employees more efficient, productive and helpful.
• Hotels: Hotels often use dumbwaiters to move trays of food in their kitchens and restaurants. They may also have a dumbwaiter to transport luggage or use a laundry dumbwaiter for laundry and supplies.
• Hospitals and retirement homes: Medical facilities often have kitchens that need to serve a large population with timely, efficient service. Dumbwaiter lifts make the work of moving food trays and kitchen supplies more manageable.

The History of the Dumbwaiter

This design for the dumbwaiter has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a simple hoist in Ancient Greece. To fully appreciate the modern dumbwaiter, you should take a walk back through time to see how this device has evolved throughout the centuries:

Dumbwaiter Origins

The first dumbwaiter dates back to the Ancient Greeks. These lifts used a series of winches and pulleys with ropes pulled by strong men to move the load. Ancient Rome took the idea to the next level to move animals and gladiators to the fighting arena floor in the Colosseum via 24 lifts. The men required to operate these lifts numbered in the hundreds.

Over time, these hoists developed into elevators used to transport people and goods.

How Jefferson Made These Household Helpers Popular

In the 18th century, Thomas Jefferson, a Francophile, brought many innovations from France and the rest of Europe back to the United States. Among these was the French’s use of dumbwaiters during dinner parties.

However, the dumbwaiters adopted by Jefferson did not look anything like today’s versions. Instead, these models were more portable serving stands. Hosts would replace their servants at dinner with these mobile stands that included all the foods for the many courses, from appetizers to desserts. In Paris, Jefferson could host up to 20 people with the help of five of these dumbwaiters.

This piece of furniture may have remained as an archaic dining piece in Europe had Jefferson not brought the design back to the United States. At Jefferson’s estate of Monticello, he had five dumbwaiters in his dining area.

Among the dumbwaiters that Jefferson owned was a particular model that one guest described as a spring-loaded turning shelf between the kitchen and dining room. The device allowed the kitchen staff to put food and beverages into the dumbwaiter, and then turn it so it would appear in the dining room for Jefferson and any of his guests. After the meal, the guests would put their empty plates on the dumbwaiter, and it would revolve back into the kitchen. Jefferson employed such a model at the White House during his presidency, as well.

The use of a dumbwaiter at his estate allowed Jefferson privacy and the chance to entertain his guests without servants distracting the meal. At the White House, the ability to host a meal without servants became a matter of national security. The president could discuss sensitive issues at meals with his guests without worrying about servants who may spread gossip about the discussions. With the Revolutionary War still in recent memory, along with the espionage that occurred during it, the nation’s leaders had reason to fear open ears.

The name for the dumbwaiter likely came from its ability to act as a silent servant, using the outdated term “dumb” for someone who does not speak.

Spinning shelves to move food between rooms was not the only dumbwaiter innovation Jefferson made at his home of Monticello. He also had a lift mechanism to bring bottles of wine from his wine cellar to the floor above. The lift used weights and pulleys to move a load of wine from the basement up to the dining room. At the end of the meal, Jefferson could put the empty bottles back into the dumbwaiter and send them down to the cellar for reuse. If he had sent an empty bottle down during the meal, a member of his staff would likely replace it with a full bottle to return to the dining room.

Though the first patent for dumbwaiters would not appear until the late 19th century, several homes of the well-to-do used variations of this device until then.

For example, in Thomas Edison’s home of Glenmont, the floor plans showed a dumbwaiter in the home’s design. This mechanical model lasted until 1944 when the Edison family converted the space into a passenger elevator as a convenience for Mrs. Edison in her later years.

Later, the space underwent renovations again to become a return air shaft. In 1931, an appraisal report of the home described the dumbwaiter as a pine car measuring two feet by two and a half feet inside a four-story shaft with a guide rope. The Edisons likely used the dumbwaiter to move coal and firewood from the cellar to fuel the fireplaces and stoves on the floors above.

The First Patent

Though the mechanical dumbwaiter Jefferson used at Monticello was futuristic at the time, it didn’t take off in popularity until the end of the 19th century when the first patent for a dumbwaiter appeared.

In 1887, George W. Cannon filed the first patent for a mechanical dumbwaiter operated by pulleys and weights. This design featured a counterbalance weight to help the car move vertically. Pulleys at the top of the shaft and attached above and below the car increased the length of the rope, which reduced the effort needed to move the dumbwaiter. Thanks to the introduction of the mechanical dumbwaiter, multi-story homes and apartments could have easier deliveries between floors. This device’s use also became a boon to restaurant workers of the time.

In an era when restaurant kitchens or pantries occupied different floors from each other and the dining area, dumbwaiters could safely convey food without workers tripping on stairs. To operate, these models required someone to shout what they needed down the shaft. The person below would fill the need and hoist the dumbwaiter car. Unfortunately, these dumbwaiters got such heavy use that the ropes would stretch or slip off the pulleys, resulting in dumbwaiters crashing to the bottom of the shaft.

In the late 19th century, these mechanical dumbwaiters became popular additions in the multi-story homes of the wealthy. One Peoria, Illinois, home, built just a few years after the dumbwaiter’s patent, had one of these devices installed in it. This dumbwaiter and others like it of the period had a few features to ensure their safe operation, like:

• A handwheel pulled the rope to prevent the user from getting rope burns.
• Both a hand brake and a check rope allowed the operator to slow or stop the car as it moved.
• Wooden guide rails kept the dumbwaiter moving on a straight vertical path.

Though commonplace in the homes of the wealthy, dumbwaiters also had applications in high-rise tenements. Those on the upper floors could safely bring their laundry or groceries up without tripping over the stairs. The added convenience and safety brought by the dumbwaiter helped these early apartment dwellers cope with their cramped city quarters.

Several of these manual dumbwaiters — or at least hints of them — remain in many homes today. If you are lucky enough to have the shaft of one of these old dumbwaiters in your home today, you likely don’t have the dumbwaiter still. As times changed and wooden guide rails and ropes wore out, homeowners converted the dumbwaiter spaces into conduits for wires or cables. Should you choose to restore dumbwaiter service to your home, you may be able to use the existing space when you upgrade to a modern electric model.

Just as today’s homeowners always want to update their homes with the latest appliances, so did people of the early 20th century. As electricity became more common in homes, it eventually would power dumbwaiters, too, though this innovation would not happen until the 1920s.

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Dumbwaiters in the 20th Century

In the 1920s, the dumbwaiter would join the electric revolution with the addition of electric motors. These engines allowed for better control of the devices and fewer mishaps from slipped loads. These modern devices appeared in many places, including restaurants and libraries.

One example of a library taking advantage of the electric dumbwaiter is the facility at Duke University. Up until the 1970s, most undergraduate students could not browse the stacks themselves. They would have to request a book from the Circulation Desk. In the 1940s and 1950s, the procedure started with a student identifying the call number of the desired book from the card catalog. They would write this number on a paper and deliver it to the Circulation Desk. The attendant would then put the paper into a pneumatic tube and send it to the proper floor. Additional staff members on that floor would pull the requested book and drop it onto an electric dumbwaiter to deliver the material down to the Circulation Desk. The dumbwaiter, though, had the more appropriate term of booklift.

In 1959, Popular Mechanics reported on the return of dumbwaiters, noting that the most popular models installed in new homes at the time had electric motors. The article notes such innovative features of electrically driven dumbwaiters as brakes that only release when power flows to the solenoids. This operation prevents the dumbwaiter from falling in case of a power outage since, without power, the car will not move. Another key safety feature is the safety slack cable. This rope pulls taut to hold the car in case of failure of the main line or cable. While these changes in dumbwaiters seemed futuristic in the 1950s, they are common safety features in dumbwaiters used today.

Dumbwaiters Today

While the overall operation of dumbwaiters today mimics their predecessors, they offer many more features for safety, speed and convenience that older models lacked.

For instance, today, you can have a modern dumbwaiter installed in your home that runs on a standard 120-volt current. That low amount of power still can move up to 120 pounds and 35 feet vertically with four stops. You also don’t need to worry about the orientation of your rooms. Modern designs can accommodate openings on up to three sides.

For commercial use in restaurants, hotels and similar places, you can find dumbwaiters that handle up to 500 pounds. These more powerful options require 220 volts for operation, though. With proper installation and use, dumbwaiters can protect restaurant workers in a multi-story dining area from tripping with trays full of food while climbing stairs. By moving the food and empty dishes in dumbwaiters, the servers have their hands free to hold onto a handrail on the stairs. Preventing accidents on the stairs protects both the customers and servers in restaurants, which explains these devices’ popularity in larger dining facilities.

Bring a Modern Iteration of This Old-Fashioned Lift Into Your Home

If you don’t want to lug groceries or meals upstairs, bring a modern version of the dumbwaiter into your home. With extra safety features and push-button ease of use, anyone can benefit from having a dumbwaiter installed. Whether you want to free yourself from moving bulky goods between floors or need a way to help you stay in your home, a dumbwaiter can help.

To get started, find your local Inclinator dealer today.

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More Dumbwaiter Info:

• How to Use a Dumbwaiter Safely
• Elevators vs. Dumbwaiters
• Do Dumbwaiters Require Maintenance?

Dumbwaiters are small elevators that are designed to transport items rather than people. Dumbwaiters have a valuable purpose, both commercially and residentially. They essentially function as a service elevator for items like laundry, tools, food and more. Residential dumbwaiters can be extremely helpful for people who would have trouble carrying items up and down stairs. A dumbwaiter can make a home a more accessible place. They are also extremely convenient, even if you don’t have any mobility limitations.

While dumbwaiters offer a lot of benefits, you may wonder whether these devices are safe. We are going to answer that question and look at 10 ways you can practice dumbwaiter safety and get the most out of your dumbwaiter.

Are Dumbwaiters Safe?

The answer to this question is yes, dumbwaiters are safe to use. Note, however, that older dumbwaiters found in historic homes, hotels and restaurants are more likely to be hazardous than modern dumbwaiters. If you have an old dumbwaiter you still use, you should have it inspected so you can determine whether you need to upgrade it to comply with current standards or potentially replace it entirely with a new system.

Dumbwaiters aren’t only safe to use — they can also make your home or workplace safer. This is because using a dumbwaiter to transport items can prevent hazards like falls on the stairs and overstrain.

Modern dumbwaiters have important safety features and reliable functionality that makes them safe for employees and homeowners to use. While dumbwaiters are safe overall, there are ways you can enhance the safety of your dumbwaiter and exercise caution at the appropriate times so that you have a positive experience using your dumbwaiter every time and enjoy it for years to come.

1. Installing a Dumbwaiter With Interlocks

Dumbwaiters have been around for centuries, so some older homes and commercial buildings in the U.S. have antique dumbwaiters. These dumbwaiters may still be functional in some cases, but they aren’t likely to be as safe as modern dumbwaiters. One safety feature, in particular, you should expect to see on a modern dumbwaiter is interlocks. Interlocks greatly enhance the safety of a dumbwaiter, which is why the American Society of Mechanical Engineers requires them.

The purpose of interlocks is to prevent you from opening up any access doors to the dumbwaiter while it is moving or stationed at a different landing. In other words, with interlocks in place, you can only access your dumbwaiter when it is safely stationed at the correct landing. This prevents the hazards that could occur if you opened your access door to an empty shaft or encountered a moving dumbwaiter. These hazards could be especially dangerous if you have small children in your home.

Modern interlocks are typically electromechanical. This means the dumbwaiter access doors remain locked by default but unlock when the dumbwaiter comes into contact with the access door, completing an electrical circuit. Make sure your dumbwaiter is equipped with interlocks so you can enjoy safe operation at all times.

2. Have Your Dumbwaiter Installed by a Certified Professional

If you’re planning on installing a dumbwaiter, make sure you have an experienced professional handle the installation. A certified professional, preferably one from your dumbwaiter’s manufacturer or distributor, will have the expertise needed to install your dumbwaiter correctly. They will also know how to maintain safety during the dumbwaiter installation process.

Some homeowners may feel they can take on a DIY installation project. While you may be able to figure out the process on your own, you’ll likely run into some challenges that could end up prompting you to call in the professionals anyway.

The only way to be sure your dumbwaiter is installed correctly is to leave the job to an experienced dumbwaiter installer. A poorly installed dumbwaiter can be unsafe and inefficient. Conversely, a dumbwaiter that has been accurately and securely installed is one you can count on to perform well and maintain a high level of safety.

3. Read Your Manual and Keep It On Hand

Your dumbwaiter should come with a manual that specifies its specifications and capabilities. Make sure you read the manual in its entirety so you understand the ins and outs of how to use your dumbwaiter properly.

Your manual may provide information on important aspects of your dumbwaiter, such as safety procedures, weight limits, maintenance tasks, and more. You want to make sure you follow all of these guidelines, even if they are posed as recommendations rather than requirements.

Note that, in some cases, you can void your warranty by ignoring instructions in the manual. Since you aren’t likely to memorize what you read in your manual, keep it handy so you can reference it whenever needed.

4. Observe the Weight Limit

One of the things your manual should note is the maximum weight capacity your dumbwaiter is designed to handle. This is one of the most important specifications to be aware of since exceeding the weight limit could damage your dumbwaiter. Residential dumbwaiters from Inclinator have a maximum capacity of 120 lb. (54 kg). Our commercial dumbwaiters have maximum capacities of 200 lb. (90 kg), 300 lb. (136 kg) or 500 lb. (226 kg).

Whatever the weight limit is on your dumbwaiter, be careful to stay under the limit so you don’t put unnecessary strain on your dumbwaiter. Especially when you’re first getting used to using your dumbwaiter, you should weigh items before placing them on the dumbwaiter so you can begin to develop a sense of how much your dumbwaiter can hold at once.

Aside from weight, you may be limited in the amount of space your dumbwaiter affords for items. Be careful not to cram too much in. Your dumbwaiter should be able to close easily and move from floor to floor with ease. Observing your dumbwaiter’s maximum capacity will help you avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.

5. Allow Time Between Trips

Another way you can lessen the strain on your dumbwaiter and avoid any mechanical issues is by allowing the dumbwaiter to rest a bit in between trips. In other words, you’re typically better off spacing out your loads just a bit rather than constantly sending your dumbwaiter back and forth.

An overworked dumbwaiter could become overheated, leading to some problems or even total failure. Your dumbwaiter’s manual may speak to what level of use is normal and what would be considered overuse. When in doubt, just give your dumbwaiter a minute or two before sending another load.

Also note that this primarily applies to residential dumbwaiters, which are not as heavy-duty as commercial ones. A commercial dumbwaiter in a restaurant or hotel, for example, may be capable of handling frequent trips up and down to send many loads within a short period.

6. Keep Children From Playing With the Dumbwaiter

Whenever you’re considering the safety of something in your home, it’s important to think beyond the adults in the home. If there are any hazards present, they can tend to be a more significant issue for children. When it comes to dumbwaiters, features like interlocks should keep children safe. However, it’s still important that children use the dumbwaiter properly.

Depending on the size of your dumbwaiter, it may be large enough for a child to climb inside. Children are inquisitive and may see the dumbwaiter as an opportunity to take a fun ride. However, this is not a safe use of a dumbwaiter. Even if children are under the dumbwaiter’s maximum weight limit, that doesn’t mean the dumbwaiter is designed to carry them.

Make sure your children, grandchildren or any other kids who frequent your home know that the dumbwaiter is not a toy and is not the perfect child- or pet-sized elevator. If children want to operate the dumbwaiter, make sure they do so with adult supervision and guidance and only use the dumbwaiter for its intended purpose.

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7. Do Not Use Your Dumbwaiter During a Power Outage

For automatic dumbwaiters that run on electric power, your dumbwaiter will not be functional during a power outage, unless you have backup generator power. If a power outage occurs while you are using your dumbwaiter, it will become stuck in place until your power comes back on. Therefore, you should refrain from using your dumbwaiter when you expect a power outage may occur, such as during a storm.

Sometimes, power outages are entirely unexpected, so you can’t always plan for these events. If you’re using your dumbwaiter and the power goes out, you should only experience an inconvenience, not a safety hazard. Still, it’s best to avoid using your dumbwaiter if you anticipate you may lose power in your home.

Note that home elevators—which are similar to dumbwaiters with the key difference that they are intended for transporting people—will not become stuck during a power outage. Home elevators from Inclinator have backup battery power that will kick in if the main power source goes out and will safely lower the elevator to the bottom level of the home.

8. Be Careful When Transporting Hot Items

If you use your dumbwaiter to transport items that are hot, such as food or dishes, make sure you exercise caution to maintain everyone’s safety. Especially in a commercial setting, when plates are coming out of a high-temperature dishwasher that heats the dishes to at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit,  you must be extra careful to avoid being burned. Even when dishes are not piping hot, hot food and drinks can also cause burns if not handled with caution.

Make sure whoever is receiving the hot plates or hot food above or below you is aware that whatever arrives at their landing will be hot and should be handled carefully. Depending on how you pack items into the dumbwaiter, they could shift around during transport, so be sure to cover hot food so that it cannot slosh out.

Whenever opening a dumbwaiter containing hot items, be careful and wear heat-resistant gloves or some other form of protection for your hands when pulling out hot items. In commercial settings, you should already have precautionary procedures in place for handling hot items, but when using a dumbwaiter, the key is to communicate between floors so employees receiving hot items in the dumbwaiter know what to expect. An intercom system can be a great way to stay in communication.

9. Clean Your Dumbwaiter As Needed

To properly maintain your dumbwaiter, you’ll want to clean it as needed. Cleaning should be a more common task if you use your dumbwaiter to transport food. If something spills inside or leaves a residue, you’ll want to clean it up quickly so your dumbwaiter is ready for its next trip and won’t get any items dirty or cause them to slide around inside.

Don’t use just any cleaning product you have on hand to clean your dumbwaiter. Some cleaning products may be too harsh to use. Check your manual for approved cleaning agents. A safe option for any dumbwaiter is a damp cloth. Gently wipe out the dumbwaiter with the damp cloth and then wipe it dry or allow it to air dry.

You may also want to have your dumbwaiter professionally cleaned occasionally, especially if you regularly use it to transport food or other items that can leave behind a mess.

10. Have Your Dumbwaiter Inspected Annually

If you ever suspect your dumbwaiter is not functioning as it should, call a professional dumbwaiter repair service right away to inspect your dumbwaiter and diagnose the issue. One of the best ways to avoid issues in the first place is to practice proactive dumbwaiter maintenance. You can do this by scheduling annual inspections for your dumbwaiter.

A service professional will check to see if your dumbwaiter is in good working order and if it needs any repairs to continue functioning properly and safely. They may perform some maintenance tasks to keep your dumbwaiter in good shape, even if you’re not having any issues. For example, they may lubricate the cable system that moves the dumbwaiter.

Make sure you leave inspections to an experienced professional. While you may be able to look inside the car of your dumbwaiter, it is not safe for you to step inside the shaft to look for mechanical or electrical issues. To stay safe, let a professional handle this task. Talk to your installer about how to plan for annual inspections.

Dumbwaiters From Inclinator

If you want to install a dumbwaiter or have one serviced, you can depend on Inclinator. Our commercial dumbwaiters are designed to enhance your efficiency and safety at your restaurant, hotel, lab, medical facility, office building or any other commercial setting where you need to move items from floor to floor. Our residential dumbwaiters are perfect for seniors or people with physical disabilities who want to make their homes more convenient for them. Consider installing a home elevator from Inclinator as well to make your home a fully accessible place.

Our dumbwaiters and home elevators aren’t just practical — they are also customizable and elegant, so you can be sure your dumbwaiters will fit perfectly in your home. Find a dealer near you today to begin the process of planning your Inclinator dumbwaiter installation.

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Home elevators have been around for a long time, but in recent years, they’ve become an increasingly common and convenient way for people to enjoy mobility in their homes. If you’re considering installing a home elevator, you may be wondering about elevator safety. Perhaps you’ve heard from friends or family members that home elevators can be dangerous, or you just aren’t sure whether there are any hazards involved with operating an elevator in your home.

We’re going to explore this question and give you the answers you need to be informed on this issue and feel confident in your decision to equip your home with an elevator that is attractive, convenient and ⁠— most importantly ⁠— safe.

What Safety Codes Apply to Home Elevators?

Some standards and codes are meant to ensure all home elevators adhere to certain safety protocols. For example, elevator codes dictate the safe weight limit, speed, travel distance and safety features home elevator manufacturers should factor into their designs. You may be wondering who sets these standards.

Two standard-setting bodies collaborate to create many of the codes that govern the engineering of all sorts of products, including home elevators. These standard-setting bodies are the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standard that applies to elevators is ASME ANSI A17.1/CSA B44-2016 National Safety Code for Elevators. Section 5.3 of this code applies specifically to private residence elevators.

As engineering experts become more aware of potential dangers and innovate new ways to make elevators even safer, the standards can be updated to require new safety features and design elements. The most recent update to the National Safety Code for Elevators came in 2016. This update was aimed at making elevators safer for small children by minimizing the space between the hoistway door and the elevator car door. The update also created a requirement that doors be able to withstand 75 pounds of force without warping or displacement to prevent small children from getting stuck between the doors.

In addition to the national safety codes that apply to all home elevators in the U.S., individual states may have their building codes that speak to the requirements for elevators. These codes may enforce more stringent requirements about the safety features a home elevator should include. So, if you’re building a home and including an elevator in it, you’ll need to make sure your elevator is up to code for your area.

Note that national and state standards for elevators apply to elevators that are being manufactured or installed. This means that older elevators in older homes likely won’t offer the same level of safety as newly manufactured home elevators. As we’ll see, the safety issues that have arisen from some home elevators would not be an issue for modern elevators that are equipped with all the required safety features.

At Inclinator, we ensure our products adhere to or exceed elevator safety codes. We stay on top of the latest industry trends and features to ensure our elevators are as reliable and safe as they come. Elevator safety will always be a top priority for us at Inclinator.

Why Do Some People Think Home Elevators Are Unsafe?

You may be wondering, if home elevators are manufactured according to carefully created safety standards, then why do some people believe they are dangerous? On the whole, home elevators have been very safe for a long time. However, one design flaw that some elevators contained up until recently caused a significant degree of concern, particularly for parents of small children.

The problem was the gap between the two doors used to access the elevator — the door at the landing and the door or gate on the elevator itself. This gap was hardly noticeable to adults, but for a small child, it was enough space to become trapped if they stepped into the space and the elevator was called to another floor and started to move. This problem sadly resulted in some injuries and even fatalities, which caused organizations like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and advocacy groups like the Safety Institute to point out the problem.

Though the most recent update to the National Safety Code for Elevators was focused on addressing this issue, many homes still contain elevators that were manufactured before 2016 and, therefore, may contain large enough gaps to be problematic for small children. The CPSC urges homeowners with residential elevators to have their elevators inspected by a professional who can recommend solutions to bring the elevator up to the current safety standards.

In summary, safety issues associated with home elevators have been largely limited to one design flaw that is present in older elevators. Modern elevators, such as the ones available from Inclinator, are safe for every member of your family, including children. If you have an older elevator, you may want to update it or replace it with a new home elevator that will offer all the modern safety features you need, along with design elements you’ll love.

Elevator Safety Features

Are home elevators safe? Our modern elevators are equipped with a variety of safety features, including gates, interlocks, and backup power systems, making them incredibly safe for everyday use.

Let’s look at some of the features that enhance the safety of modern elevators. All of these features are meant to head off any potential problems that could occur while someone is operating an elevator, such as a power outage, for example. As you’ll see, modern safety features help prevent the hazards involving small children as well.

With the following features built into your home elevator, you can be confident that your elevator is more than just convenient or attractive — it’s also safe. All of these elevator safety features are available with Inclinator home elevators.

1. Gates

One feature that all home elevators should have to maintain safety is a gate. These gates are attached to the elevator cab, meaning they travel with the cab wherever it goes. To enter your home elevator, you would open the door to the hoistway and then open the gate to access the elevator cab. Commercial elevators have a similar setup, but instead of a door and a gate, they have two sets of doors, one that opens into the hoistway and one that opens directly into the cab.

You may wonder, why not just enter the elevator directly through one door and leave out the gate? The reality is that gates are a necessary elevator door safety feature. Gates aren’t just there for looks. Your elevator can tell when a gate is open and closed, which keeps it from moving when someone is only partway into the cab. Your elevator will only operate if the gate is completely free of any obstruction and has been closed. This keeps elevator passengers safe

While gates are primarily there for safety and not looks, they can still add charm to your home elevator. Gates come in a couple of different styles. One traditional style is the accordion gate, which can be finished with a variety of materials. Another option is a collapsible scissor gate, which comes in various metal finishes.

2. Interlocks

Interlocks are another important way modern home elevators maintain safety. To understand what interlocks are, it’s helpful to look at the dangerous scenarios they prevent. Imagine someone were to open a door to their elevator on the ground floor, not realizing that the elevator is already in motion, descending from the second floor. Or, what if you open the door, and the elevator is stationed at a different landing in your house? In this case, you’d be opening the door to an empty elevator shaft.

Either of these situations could be dangerous, but you never have to worry about them occurring when your elevators are equipped with interlocks. Interlocks keep you from opening a door to your elevator when the elevator isn’t stationed securely at that landing. In other words, your elevator doors will remain locked whenever the elevator is in motion or at a different landing. This keeps you from opening the door and encountering a dangerous situation.

How do the locks know whether the elevator is present or not? Interlocks are comprised of two components, a lock and a keeper bracket, which need to be connected for the door to open. If they are disconnected, the door will remain closed. These components connect mechanically, electrically or both.

3. Lighting and Indicators

Home elevators must have sufficient lighting so that you can see where you’re going at all times. This lighting can help prevent trips, slips and falls that could cause injury. At Inclinator, all of our home elevators have two bright, low-temperature LED ceiling lights that turn whenever the door opens or the elevator is running. We also offer upgrades to our standard lighting setup.

Our elevators also feature operating panels with illuminated floor indicators. There is a panel in the cab and one at each landing near the elevator door. On the panel in the cab, there is an overrun switch that you can use to turn off your elevator if needed.

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4. Backup Power

A power outage could prove dangerous without the proper safety features. Since home elevators operate using electricity, a sudden loss of power when you’re riding in an elevator could mean getting stuck in the elevator cab, which is a situation no one wants to experience. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about this scenario with modern home elevators.

That’s because of an important safety feature — backup battery power. In the event of an electrical outage, your backup battery power will kick in and safely move the elevator to the lowest landing. If you lose power because of a storm, this is a helpful feature since you’ll typically want to seek shelter in the lowest level of your home.

You also won’t have to worry about suddenly finding yourself in the dark in your elevator if the power goes out. Another safety feature intended for outages is emergency lighting.

5. Handrails

One safety feature that doesn’t need to be high-tech is a handrail. Handrails may be simple features, but they play an important role in making home elevators safe.

Handrails give you something to grip if you ever feel unsteady and need some assistance to maintain or regain your stability. This feature can be especially helpful for senior citizens or anyone with balance or mobility challenges. Home elevators from Inclinator come complete with either flat wooden handrails finished to match the color of the cab walls or round handrails in a sleek, sophisticated metal finish.

6. Emergency Bells and Phones

If an emergency, such as a health crisis, injury or other problem, occurs while you’re in your elevator, you may need a way to call for help. Emergency bells and in-elevator telephones can provide this vital capability.

An emergency bell can help family or emergency personnel locate you if you’re ever in the midst of an emergency and are in or near your elevator. This alarm must be easy to find and use.

An optional feature you can add to your home elevator is a telephone. Elevator phones are also considered a safety feature since they provide a way for you to call for help in an emergency. This phone features a flush-mounted speakerphone, an easy-to-operate manual dialer and two-way conversation.  If your home is equipped with an analog telephone line, then including a phone in your elevator is simple. If you don’t carry a cell phone with you and prefer to have a landline telephone placed conveniently in your elevator, these phones are a great option.

The Final Verdict

So, considering what we’ve learned, are home elevators safe? The answer is yes, modern home elevators are very safe. With national safety codes, local building codes and extra safety measures, home elevators today are designed to ensure a high level of safety.

Older elevators may require updating or replacing so you can take advantage of the many safety features that have been developed to ensure safety in your elevator in every situation. Even if you have small children or grandchildren, you can rest easy knowing your home elevator will never put them in danger.

Safe Home Elevators From Inclinator Company of America

For nearly a century, Inclinator has been a pioneer in the world of home elevators and has embraced advances in technology, particularly regarding safety. Our elevators adhere to all safety codes and standards. In addition to being safe, our home elevators are sophisticated, convenient and customizable. If you’ve been considering installing a residential elevator in your home, you can now move forward with confidence in your decision, knowing that your home elevator will enhance your mobility without posing any safety issues.

To get started, find an Inclinator dealer near you. Our dealers can answer your questions and help you determine the best home elevator style, system and features for you and your home.

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A residential elevator provides convenient mobility between floors so you can get where you need to go safely. However, like any piece of mechanical equipment, home elevators experience wear and tear through years of consistent use. If this wear and tear isn’t monitored closely enough, it can result in needing system or structural repairs.

As more and more people choose to enjoy the convenience of an elevator at home, the question “Do I really need maintenance?” is becoming more common. In short, the answer is yes. Scheduling regular residential elevator maintenance at least annually is the best way to ensure the continued safety and effective operation of the machinery.

We’ve put together a guide to help you understand the benefits of regular home elevator service and general elevator maintenance requirements.

Problems That Can Occur In Home Elevators

Many issues can cause a residential elevator to malfunction, most of which can be chalked up to skipping basic maintenance. The following are common issues you might see with your home elevator over time.

1. Misaligned Motor Drives

One of the problems that occurs most frequently in home elevators is motor drives shifting out of alignment. A misaligned shaft is a hazard and can cause severe, uneven wear on the elevator that may require premature replacement of components. Elevator repair services use laser measuring equipment to check that your motor drives are aligned and that the motor bearings are in good condition.

2. Contaminated Elevator Oil

Like a lot of machinery, your home elevator uses oil to lubricate components to enable smooth movement. Problems like misalignment can cause small pieces of metal to contaminate your elevator’s oil, hindering proper movement and locking the elevator in a cycle of increased wear and tear. Maintenance companies can analyze the oil in your elevator to detect contaminants that can point to different problems with the elevator.

3. Power Failures

When the power to a home elevator fails, it’s not usually a dangerous situation because all Inclinator elevators have a backup that slowly lowers the cab so you can exit during an outage. However, not being able to use a critical part of your home mobility system can cause frustration and derail your plans for the day, so having the power to your elevator examined regularly can keep your life running smoothly. Elevator maintenance technicians can conduct a power quality survey to uncover any electrical faults that may affect your elevator in the near future.

4. Worn Sheaves

Sheaves are part of the cable system of an elevator. They grip the ropes, and when they rotate, the ropes move to bring the elevator up or down. For an elevator to work safely, sheaves must be inspected with regularity. If your home elevator maintenance service sees that the sheaves are wearing down, they will either replace them altogether or re-groove them to prevent damage to the hoist ropes and keep them in good shape for longer.

Regular maintenance can help prevent all of these common issues. It’s best to leave the job to the professionals unless you have extensive experience with how to fix an elevator.

How Elevator Maintenance and Inspection Works

When you purchased your elevator and completed the process of installation, your elevator company should have recommended a maintenance schedule of service every six months to one year. This is a standard service interval that economically preserves the function of your home elevator.

During a maintenance visit, a technician will come to your home to perform a thorough inspection of all the elevator’s critical components. The technician will have a checklist to work through, but inspection appointments are an excellent time to point out any special concerns you have about the elevator or service. The typical points of inspection include:

• Elevator gate
• Hoistway door sensors
• Car operation controls
• Buttons in the hall station
• Emergency systems

The systems above are checked to ensure continued functionality. The following systems and components should be checked to evaluate wear:

• Rail system
• Travel cables
• Fastening anchors
• Drive system

If small fixes like adding more lubrication are necessary, the technician may be able to complete these preventative repairs on the spot. If components need replacement, you will receive a quote for the parts and service required and set an appointment to make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions about the function of your elevator or how to best use it, this is the perfect time to ask. Don’t hesitate to bring up your questions. Quality elevator maintenance companies like Inclinator will go the extra mile to ensure you understand how to keep your elevator in tip-top shape.

How Often Do I Need Home Elevator Maintenance?

Most reputable elevator maintenance companies strongly suggest that homeowners do not go more than a year without home elevator maintenance, and the more frequent your service, the better. A lot can happen in a year, and something that starts as a minor problem can quickly escalate ⁠— causing damage to your elevator and making it more costly to repair. There are a variety of factors that affect how often you need service. These are three of the most important.

1. Model and Type of Elevator

You likely chose your home elevator model and type based on a combination of features and cost. Depending on the type of elevator, you may be dealing with more moving parts that need more frequent attention than other models. As part of your pre-installation consultations, your elevator company should communicate any extra maintenance needs associated with your elevator model.

2. Existing Service Contract

Your elevator may have come with a service contract that has a certain number of inspections per year attached, for a certain number of years. If you do have a contract, not taking advantage of it is a big mistake. Pre-scheduled service appointments mean you have one less thing to keep track of in your busy life.

3. Local Regulations

When you were researching elevator installation and maintenance, you may have come across local laws that affect how often you need to have your elevator serviced. These regulations may seem unduly strict in some areas, but the rules are put in place to help homeowners minimize risks associated with improper elevator care.

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Benefits of Regular Home Elevator Maintenance

Still unsure about the importance of regular maintenance for your home elevator? Think of it as a way to protect your investment. Giving your home elevator the attention and service it needs up front has significant benefits in the long run. These are just some of the reasons to commit to consistent maintenance.

1. Save Money on Repairs

If you’ve ever owned a vehicle for more than a few years, you know how important maintenance is for preventing costly repairs. Machinery like a home elevator can continue working when it has one small issue, but once you have more than one of these issues at a time, the risk of a more complex problem continues to increase. In the end, an issue that could have been fixed if spotted early ends up becoming a repair that can cost hundreds of dollars or more. Prevention truly is the best medicine, and catching problems early makes them easier on your wallet.

2. Stay Safe

Trying to DIY elevator service can be dangerous. When you’re handling electrical systems and other complex systems, making a mistake can endanger your life directly and make the elevator less safe for you and your family’s use. Professional home elevator service allows you to eliminate the risk of injury or accidentally damaging the elevator. Leave the hard work to the professionals.

3. Increase Your Peace of Mind

No one wants to spend precious time and energy worrying about one of the key fixtures in their home. If you’re hearing a strange sound or the motion of your elevator doesn’t feel quite right, don’t waste time worrying about what the problem could be. Regular maintenance is the key to feeling confident about the function and longevity of your investment.

3 Steps to Keep Your Elevator in Top Shape

Although you shouldn’t attempt to repair or service your elevator yourself, there are things you can do during daily operations to keep the elevator in good condition between service appointments.

1. Keep Track of the Elevator’s Operation

In terms of diagnosing potential problems in your home elevator, keeping a basic log of operations is extremely helpful. You don’t have to keep a tally of every time you go up and down, but having a general schedule that estimates the number of uses on a typical day can be beneficial. If you notice any issues, jot down some details like what time of day the problem occurs and whether it is more pronounced on upward or downward trips. These details can help you and your service company spot patterns, making diagnosis and repair easier.

2. Do Not Use Industrial Cleaners

You might assume that a piece of machinery like an elevator is something that needs industrial cleaners to look its best. However, industrial cleaners are so harsh that they can corrode your elevator’s internal components, especially if you’re using a spray bottle that may distribute cleaner into nooks and crannies. Be sure to contact your elevator maintenance company before using anything more powerful than basic household cleaners.

3. Be Aware of the Weight Limits

Home elevators can typically handle hundreds of pounds, but knowing the exact weight limit of your model is crucial to proper long-term use. A rule of thumb is not to overload the elevator with more than a quarter of its max capacity. Depending on the size and primary use of the elevator, you may need to give the weight limit more consideration. For example, an elevator that is used to transport one or two people at a time may not have the weight capacity to handle someone on a heavy electric scooter.

Even a one-time abuse of your home elevator’s weight capacity can lead to issues. For example, an elevator designed for individual use should not be loaded up with a bed, couch and dresser while moving in or out of the home.

Choosing the Right Elevator Maintenance Company

While maximizing your elevator’s function and lifespan through maintenance is essential, it’s important to remember that not all elevator maintenance companies are created equal. The technicians who service your elevator are responsible for ensuring its continued functioning, so it’s imperative to know that they are up to the task. Look for these three qualities in your elevator service company.

1. Customer Service

A company’s service should extend beyond elevator maintenance and repair to make sure you feel comfortable. Do they pick up the phone promptly? Are they willing and able to answer your questions surrounding the service you’re paying for? Do they show up on time for appointments and treat your home with respect? If the answer to any of these is no, you may want to consider choosing a more reputable company.

2. Quality of Field Service

If you are at home when your home elevator service occurs, you have the opportunity to observe the way the technician works. Does the tech look like he or she is just racing through the inspection checklist so they can move on to their next appointment? Maintenance technicians should give every part of the checklist its due attention, carefully inspecting each component to make sure nothing slips under the radar.

3. Safe and Compliant Practices

Unfortunately, some elevator companies engage in dubious or even illegal corner-cutting practices such as back-dating inspections. Before selecting a company, check their reviews on various sources to ensure there’s no evidence of shady practices. The longer the history of reviews, the more accurately you will be able to gauge whether the company does everything safely and by the book.

Get Started With Home Elevator Maintenance

Your home elevator should serve you for years to come, and preventive maintenance is the surest way to make that happen. Scheduling regular maintenance can help give you peace of mind that your elevator will continue to operate safely and reliably. It can also help prevent more expensive, complicated repairs in the future.

To properly maintain your elevator, you need to find qualified professionals you can trust. To get started, find your local authorized Inclinator dealer here and contact them about maintenance and repair services.

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Home Elevator Maintenance Tips:

• Home Elevator Maintenance Checklist
• Do I Need Annual Home Elevator Maintenance?

You can improve the accessibility of your home with minor modifications. Many updates do not require drastic changes to your home’s appearance. Make sure you cover all the areas that need modification with this wheelchair accessibility through this checklist.

Steps to Make a Home Wheelchair Friendly

A wheelchair-friendly home allows a person in a wheelchair to go through their daily routine as efficiently as possible. You can hire someone to make these changes or take a DIY approach, depending on your level of home improvement skills.

Applying universal design principles to your home will ensure everyone, including wheelchair users, can use the home for years to come. As the name suggests, universal design principles create spaces for everyone, regardless of height, ability or age. Universal design can help people to remain in their homes even as they age.

The major areas that need changes include doorways, corridors, stairs, kitchens and bathrooms. Focusing on these places maximizes the mobility around the home for the wheelchair user and others. For all these areas, always measure the alterations to ensure they meet the recommended guidelines for accessibility.

Making your home more accessible increases safety and livability. Just a few changes to the design will be valuable investments in yourself and your home.

How to Make Doorways Wheelchair Friendly

Making your doorways more accessible may require you to expand the space. Doorways need to be wide enough to ensure ample space for a wheelchair to maneuver through openings. The width of a wheelchair typically ranges between 25 to 36 inches. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires doorways to have a minimum of 32 inches of width with the door open. Always check with your local building regulations before beginning any remodeling projects.

Standard doorway widths may not fulfill minimum accessibility requirements. For example, while the International Residential Code mandates a 36-inch-wide by 80-inch-tall opening for the main entry door, these measurements do not apply to the back or side doors. Commonly found exterior doors measure anywhere between 28 inches and 32 inches. You may need to widen the back or side door of your home.

Inside the home, standard doors for hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms measure 34 inches wide. However, half-bath doors generally are much narrower, with a distance between 25 and 30 inches wide. Small doorways will need widening because their existing width is too small for a wheelchair to maneuver through them.

If you need to resize the door openings, you will have to remove the existing frame as well as the door. When cutting a new doorway, add two inches to the door width you want to add to account for the size of the frame. For example, if you need to install 32-inch-wide doors, cut the opening to 34 inches wide.

When widening doorways, also look at the new doors you will install and their hardware. The ADA outlines requirements to make businesses and public places fully accessible to all. Included in these guidelines are instructions for doors and doorways. Doors should not have hardware that requires twisting or firm gripping. Replace doorknobs with handles that a person can open single-handedly. For example, lever handles are easier to open than knobs.

Thresholds across doorways need to have a rounded surface to allow a wheelchair to smoothly pass over them. Do not build thresholds higher than 1/2-inch to adhere to ADA regulations. The exception to this rule is for sliding glass doors leading to the outside, which may have a maximum height of 3/4-inch for the threshold.

Widening doorways makes your home more accessible, but you will need to make additional modifications throughout the rest of the home, especially for multi-story buildings that may require wheelchair access to upper-floor bedrooms and other spaces.

How to Make the Whole Home Wheelchair Friendly

To make the rest of the home accessible, you must examine hallway widths and how you will get people and goods to the second floor. Check the lighting levels throughout the home in all rooms. Do not allow light to cast shadows along corridors or in the moving spaces of rooms. Exchange incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. These lights will last longer and offer more light while using less electricity, so you can choose higher wattage for increased brightness in darker areas.

Universal design principles recommend corridors measure at least 36 inches wide. Keep the floor clear of obstacles and do not allow any furnishings to impede movement. This means tables and bookcases must still allow for at least three feet of maneuverable space on the floor along the entire length of every corridor or hallway.

To facilitate the movement of wheelchair wheels over the flooring, replace all carpeting and throw rugs that could bunch and catch wheels with smoother options. Hardwood floors, ceramic tile, laminate flooring or vinyl can make using a wheelchair easier throughout the home. Reassess the flooring throughout the home, not just in the hallways. Bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and corridors all need smooth flooring.

In addition to moving throughout each floor of the home, you also must consider means to move between levels. Home elevators fit into almost any home design and provide a safe, convenient way to move in a wheelchair to another level. Dumbwaiters raise items between floors, making daily chores easier.

1. Home Elevators for Wheelchairs

Home elevators offer several benefits over other means of changing floors. Unlike stair lifts, elevators can fit inside an easily hidden closet. They also have numerous customization options, while you cannot alter the appearance of stair lifts. Because anyone can use an elevator, adding one increases the value of the home; however, a stair lift does not raise your home’s value. Stairlifts also impede progress up the stairway for those who choose to walk.

You have three choices for the drive system of your elevator, depending on the availability of space. All three systems — cable drum, hydraulic and MRL overhead cable drum — offer similar safety features such as an overrun switch, emergency battery lowering and a self-diagnostic processor.

The differences between these drive systems include the amount of space the motor requires and how far the elevator can move. Cable drum systems take up the least amount of space and operate the quietest. MRL overhead cable drums have the smallest space between floors, making them ideal for split-level homes or those with half-stories. Hydraulic systems from Inclinator use much less fluid than competitors. All three elevator types have similar speeds of 40 feet per minute and reach up to six stories.

To customize the elevator, you choose from five cab styles and 18 cab configurations, including the gate type and the number of openings. These gates are safety features, holding the occupant securely inside until the elevator reaches the desired floor.

A home elevator enhances mobility for those who use wheelchairs as well as everyone else in the home. Unlike stair lifts, home elevators provide a more universal accessibility option for all people.

2. Dumbwaiters

Carrying food, laundry or other goods throughout the home becomes easier with dumbwaiters. Our residential models from Inclinator support up to 120 pounds and make as many as four stops. A dumbwaiter runs off your home’s electricity using a standard 120-volt power source, and you can choose the style of the exterior door to match the decor of the home.

Dumbwaiters have a fascinating history that highlights these appliances’ usefulness. These devices originated as hand-powered lifts to move merchandise, ore and similar goods from basements and mines to upper levels. Later, these lifts migrated to the homes of the wealthy where they moved food from the kitchen to dining areas. They served the same purpose in restaurants where they silently brought food to the level of patrons, giving them their outdated names of dumbwaiters.

Though many have forgotten the origin of the name, the dumbwaiter still performs the same task in homes today. Instead of using manual power, though, electricity automatically moves the loads between floors. While older versions had weight limits based on what the user could hoist, today’s dumbwaiters can carry up to 120 pounds in homes, and even more for commercial models.

Install a dumbwaiter between the basement and kitchen to bring groceries up. You can use it to move dirty clothes from an upper-floor bathroom down to the laundry room. Once washed, dried and folded, you can move the cleaned towels and clothes back upstairs via the dumbwaiter.

A dumbwaiter allows a person in a wheelchair to move items between floors without needing to worry about trying to balance them on their lap. These devices also make moving things between floors safer for those who use the stairs. Children and others will have less chance of tripping if they have both hands free to hold the stair rail instead of carrying things in their arms.

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How to Make Home Entrances Wheelchair Accessible

You must do more than just make the exterior door accessible when it comes to making the front wheelchair friendly. You need to have a way to get from the driveway to the front, side and back doors either walking, from a wheelchair or using any type of mobility aid.

Ensure footpaths are flat and smooth to the entire extent and have a width to accommodate wheelchairs. Replace gravel or paving stone walkways with smooth concrete or continuous outdoor tiles. You will also need a way to reach the door since most homes have a door built higher than the front lawn.

While you can build a ramp, you must use the lowest slope possible and make it at least 36 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair. Depending on the rise the ramp needs to make, it could be extremely long. A more space-saving option is adding a wheelchair lift.

Select a wheelchair lift based on the vertical distance it needs to cover. Lifts often have an emergency stop that includes an alarm to alert others that the user needs assistance. Additionally, the ramps often fold up automatically to hold the user safely inside. Some premium models automatically detect objects under the lift and stop the device from descending.

How to Make Bathrooms and Kitchens Wheelchair Friendly

The hardest working places in the home are the kitchen and bathroom. Making these rooms wheelchair friendly may cost the least and be the easiest because accessories to adapt to these spaces are not expensive and are readily available.

Inside the bathroom, install grab bars for the tub, shower and toilet. The bars will likely require you to reinforce the walls because they must hold at least 250 pounds, regardless of the weight of the user. Though bathrooms, especially half baths, are small rooms, ensure at least a 30-by-48-inch clear space on the floor for a wheelchair to move around in.

Depending on the wheelchair user’s level of mobility, consider a roll-in shower that allows the user to get inside the shower stall from their chair. A handheld shower head makes it easier to bathe when seated.

Raise the toilet seat and lower the sink to improve accessibility. If the sink uses knobs, replace them with easy-to-use handles that do not require gripping strength to turn. Don’t forget to make similar changes to the kitchen sink. While focusing on plumbing, lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature saves energy while preventing scald burns, especially in children or those who cannot quickly move away from the water stream.

In the kitchen, allow for multiple users by lowering several work surfaces to allow for those in a wheelchair to use them, but leave other working areas for standing users. Have at least one sink in the kitchen at a working height for someone in a wheelchair. Consider a side-by-side refrigerator-freezer unit to allow for access to both sides while seated. Choose a stovetop with controls on the front for easier use.

Making a home wheelchair accessible also makes it easier for everyone to move through it. With additions such as home elevators and dumbwaiters, you will also increase the home’s value. Greater value for a home that adapts to everyone’s needs is a combination that benefits all those in the home.

Find the Components You Need to Improve Mobility at Home

Specialty components, such as elevators and dumbwaiters, require finding knowledgeable dealers who stock quality brands. If you want to incorporate an Inclinator elevator or dumbwaiter into your home, find a dealer near you. For a multi-story home, safe and reliable lift systems that help with the mobility of people and items should be priorities for making your home wheelchair friendly.

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Once you decide to buy an elevator for residential use, you can choose from several options for styles, locations and features. Making the right selections for your lifestyle and home will give you the best return on your investment while giving your living space a safe, secure means of transportation between floors.

How to Choose a Home Elevator: Step-By-Step Guide

The steps to choosing a home elevator include examining your home, lifestyle and needs. You must make several decisions about features and operations. Fortunately, you are not alone in this process. When you go to a dealer for a home elevator, you can learn about how various technical components work and make a better choice on which of these suits your home and available space.

1. Choose a Location in the Home

Where you install the elevator in your home will be a critical choice. You need it to be convenient for use while allowing for space to hide the drive equipment. If possible, try to install the device near the stairs in your home to allow for two people going to another floor to meet near each other, even if one takes the elevator and the other takes the stairs.

Areas near the stairs often are ideal for installing home elevators, anyway, thanks to the reinforced structure around the stairs and additional free space available. You may need an adjacent room next to the elevator to house the lifting equipment, depending on the model you select.

Where you enter and exit the elevator are also important factors when thinking about the site. Because you can choose where you locate the gates, you can pick a place where you enter and exit the elevator from opposite sides or even at 90-degree angles.

Good locations for elevators in the home include from the garage to the living area, from the living area to an upper hall near a bedroom or inside lower level halls to upper levels. The layout of your home and where you most often travel through it will help you find a location that provides the most convenient means of moving between floors.

Once you know where you will install the elevator, your work continues with customizing the cab and operating system. Not all brands offer you the same choices for tailoring the design to your tastes.

2. Choose a Cab Style

With five different cab styles, Inclinator elevators give you multiple interior options to match your home’s decor and your personal preferences. You won’t get these same options from other companies. Talk to your local Inclinator dealer about your cab style choices.

The 100 cab comes standard on Inclinator elevators. These cabs can be up to 15 square feet or larger depending on local building codes. The plain white walls of this cab give you the chance to paint or adorn them as desired. A commercial-grade laminate floor with a neutral-colored wood grain finish ensures a good grip for wheelchair wheels and a flat surface. A white ceiling helps this cab model to feel brighter by aiding light reflection from the fixtures you choose for the top of the space.

If you would like to upgrade the interior of the cab to a luxurious hardwood interior on the walls and ceiling, choose the 200 cab model. You will still enjoy the simple coloring of the same laminate flooring used in the 100 model, but the walls and ceilings have real wood. We have many kinds of wood available for the wall finish options. You will choose the wood type during the customization step for the cab.

Just like the 200 cab, the 300 model includes hardwood walls and ceiling. The difference between the two is the addition of decorative molding on the 300. Inside the 300 cab, you will find picture frame molding in the bottom half, chair railing around the middle, baseboard on the bottom and crown molding at the top. These trim additions enhance the appearance of the wood walls with texture.

With the 400 cab, you have various panel options to have in the wood walls and ceiling. Unlike the 100 and 200 cars, which use standard commercial laminate flooring, the cabs with model numbers 300, 400 and 500 give you the option to choose an unfinished base that allows you to use the same floor covering in your home at the bottom of the elevator. You can also replace some of the wall panels with acrylic, allowing you to see out of the elevator.

The most luxurious model, the 500 cab, features a modern aesthetic with its aluminum frame and acrylic ceiling. You have options for the frame color, including white, black and silver. Clear panels on all sides allow for the greatest amount of visibility from inside this elevator cab.

While the cab options give you customization for the interior, all offer similar standard safety features — handrails, ceiling lights, gates compliant with 2016 ASME code, interlocks to prevent access to the well while the elevator moves and emergency battery backup to lower the elevator to the lowest level in power outages. You also have the option to include a phone in the cab or automatic door opening.

3. Customize the Cab

You can customize several features in the interior of the cab — handrail, flooring, ceiling, walls, light fixtures and control panels. Adapting these to your preferences will improve how well the cab fits into your home’s style.

First, choose whether you want the standard or a custom handrail. The basic design is a flat wooden handle. We include a bar inside the elevator for safety, but you can choose a more appealing design if the flat wood does not appeal to you. Other options include rounded handrails made of metal. You have three choices for finishes — stainless, bronze and brass. Texturing ensures each of these is easy to grip.

Next, choose the flooring. Our standard floor is laminate with a faux wood finish. You can choose the wood the floor resembles. Options include walnut, cherry, oak and maple. For some cab models, you can also get unfinished oak wood or choose to leave the floor unfinished to have your home’s flooring extend into the elevator.

The ceiling options depend on the type of cab you pick. For the 100 cab, the ceiling has a white color that comes standard. Other cabs, 200, 300 and 400, provide you the option of choosing to leave the top white or have it match the finish of the walls. The 500 can have a clear dome of acrylic on the ceiling for improved lighting and view.

The wall finishes also depend on your cab selection. Models 200, 300 and 400 give you a choice of various woods for the walls inside the cab:

• Alder
• Cherry
• Dark Oak
• Medium oak
• Red Oak
• Mahogany
• Maple
• Walnut

If you have a 400 model, you must also find the configuration of the panels you prefer. Choose between raised or recessed panels. Also, for the walls, you have two main options — one panel over a second or a pair over two others of the same width. Both choices have crown molding. For the ceiling, you can select one, two or four panels.

In addition to the style of the cab’s interior, you can also choose the colors of the lights and panel, which are among the electrical component decisions you will need to make.

4. Choose the Electrical Components

While you have a pair of LED lights as standard inside the elevator, you may have as many as four lights. The finishes for the lights include white in the center and on the circular frame or white in the middle with a bronze exterior.

You can select electrical panel styles that include color and whether you want a flush or raised panel. The color options are brushed brass, stainless and oil-rubbed bronze. You have these same choices for the hall stations.

If desired, you can incorporate an automatic gate or door opener into the elevator. For those who experience difficulty opening the gate on their own, automated operation will make using the elevator more accessible. The automatic door feature also benefits those who prefer the added convenience of not needing to have a free hand when getting into or off the elevator after opening the gate.

Another electrical option you have is a telephone incorporated into the wall of the elevator. You would use this to call in an emergency while inside. It does require an analog phone line to function.

5. Choose Elevator Gates and Operators

You get the choice of accordion or scissor gates for the elevator and manual or automatic operation.

The accordion gates have panels that completely cover the interior of the elevator. You can choose clear or bronze acrylic panels if you prefer to see through the door. Other panel options are vinyl or hardwood in a variety of colors and designs. You may also select the finish of the aluminum frame — silver, gold or bronze. This gate style is the only one that has automation as an option.

Scissor gates have a classic appearance and open manually. You may choose silver aluminum or oil-rubbed bronze for the finish of these openings. The design of these gates showcases the distinctive scissor-looking hinges that allow the gate to fold to one side.

If you select an accordion gate, you may also choose to install an automatic gate operator. We also will install automatic door openers for the doors that cover the entrances to the elevator shaft at each level. These move the gate or door open automatically when needed, making the elevator easier to use and more convenient.

6. Choose a Drive System

The drive system is one of the most technical choices you will need to make for your home elevator. Your local Inclinator dealer can help you decide which is best for your home. You want to make certain you have enough space to operate the drive system. Carefully measure the available space to be sure you have the correct measurements to reference when making your choice.

Also, determine the maximum amount of travel distance you need. While all three drive systems can accommodate six separate landings, the machine-roomless (MRL) cable drum system has a travel distance of 40 feet, while cable drum and hydraulic systems can move 50 feet up.

The machine-roomless cable drum system has the mechanism installed at the top of the shaft. You do not need a separate room for the drive system. If you have more height available, you may prefer this option. It also has the smallest required distance between floors, so you can install this to reach half-floors or loft areas of your split-level home.

If you don’t have as much space for the elevator shaft but do have a separate room for the lift equipment, consider hydraulic or cable drum elevators. Inclinator’s hydraulic home elevator requires less fluid for the system than other brands do. The cable drum system offers the versatility for a smaller 500-pound capacity elevator with 12 square feet of cab space. This smaller space requires 6 inches of pit depth compared to 10 inches for 1,000-pound capacity elevators.

Regardless of the drive system you choose, you will get a microprocessor that reliably tells you if anything is wrong with the system as well as what is wrong. Additionally, these three drive mechanisms offer redundant safety features to keep the operation going even in an emergency. Emergency lighting and a separate battery to lower the elevator to the ground slowly both activate in a power loss. The hoisting mechanism uses a robust monorail system that lifts the supporting base under the lift.

Inclinator elevators offer these safety features to keep anyone who uses the elevator protected in emergencies that cause power outages.

7. Find an Authorized Dealer of the Manufacturer

Once you’ve made your choices, contact an authorized Inclinator dealer. You can readily find one near you with our dealer locator. When you find a dealer near you, you will also find people who can help you make the best choices for your home elevator and get it in your home for greater mobility.

Common FAQs on Home Elevators

If you aren’t sure whether a home elevator is for you, you probably still have some questions. Getting answers to these will help you make an informed decision. Researching information about home elevators puts you in an excellent position to also make quality choices when customizing your device. Here are some common concerns people have about home elevator systems.

1. How Much Do Home Elevators Cost?

The average cost for home elevator installation in the United States is $40,000. This amount depends heavily on where you live, local installation costs, taxes, type of drive system, size of the elevator, extra work for retrofitting and custom options.

While the costs may increase as you choose more custom options, this home elevator will likely be the only one you want for your home. It could also increase your home’s value, giving you a return on what you spend to install the elevator. Make the most of your investment by selecting choices that make it as comfortable and useful as possible.

2. What Safety Features Do Home Elevators Have?

Not all home elevators adhere to safety standards outlined in the ASME A17.1-2016 code. This code remains voluntary in many parts of the country, but the guidelines ensure the safe construction of home elevators. At Inclinator, we regularly review our safety features and design to ensure we stay in compliance with these standards for the security of anyone who uses our products.

Home elevators have many safety features inside to protect the rider. Inclinator installs emergency features such as lighting and battery-powered lowering. To prevent doors at landings from opening if the elevator is on another floor, we install interlocks on the doors, which block access to the empty well to protect others in the home while someone uses the elevator.

Our elevators have a switch inside that prevents the system from moving if you have the gate open. This action reduces the chances of someone getting caught by a moving cab. Additionally, if the power shuts off, the elevator does not stop between floors. A backup battery lowers it to the ground and emergency lights come on.

For those who stand while riding the elevator, we install a handrail in all our cabs. This railing helps to keep the rider steady throughout the ride.

Always ask about the safety features of an elevator before deciding on a brand for your home because not all manufacturers offer the same safety options for their products.

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3. How Much Space Do I Need for a Home Elevator?

The amount of space you need for your home elevator depends on the drive system. For example, cable drum systems require space in the shaft as well as another room for the equipment. The same is true of hydraulic elevators. MRL elevators do not need a separate room, but they require extra space at the top of the shaft.

Our cabs have a standard 15 square foot size, but you can also opt for a smaller 12 square foot cab if you choose a cable drum system. Because elevators will need space for the pit, cab and machinery, talk to a dealer for information about specifics for the model and drive system you want.

4. How Many Floors Can a Home Elevator Travel?

The number of floors a home elevator can reach depends significantly on the brand. Inclinator models can access six levels, but not all brands can. If you have a tall home, ask about the total travel distance the elevator can reach.

5. Does a Home Elevator Add Resale Value to My House?

With a population that continues to grow older, the United States is the perfect place to build a home elevator as an investment. If you plan to sell your home in the future, having a home elevator adds to its value, especially since homebuyers may have aging family members, want to grow old in the home or have a personal need for extra accessibility.

While stair lifts generally do nothing for your home’s value, a home elevator can increase your home’s resale value by 10%, making this decision a valuable investment in your future.

Take the Next Step in Choosing a Home Elevator

You can continue to live in your home, regardless of your mobility level, by adding accessibility features, such as an elevator. A home elevator is safe and reliable and can raise your home’s value while improving your ability to move throughout the house. Now you know how to choose a home elevator, you need to find out where to get one.

Whether you know exactly what you want or need some help choosing, an Inclinator dealer can help you get the elevator that will fit your home and needs. Find your nearest Inclinator dealer to start the process of getting an elevator in your home.

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Home Elevator Tips

• 5 Must-Have Qualities for a New Residential Elevator
• Comparing Drive System Options for Your Home Elevator
• How to Prepare Your Home for an Elevator
• Popular Home Elevator Designs
• Home Elevator vs. Stair Lift
• Does My House Have Enough Room for an Elevator?
• How Long Will It Take to Build My Home Elevator?

Many homes have more than one level, and most of them require climbing up and down the stairs to access those levels. Unfortunately, not everyone can manage this movement. Whether your home includes someone in a wheelchair or you have an aging parent who has difficulty navigating stairs on their own, you need an alternative to assist your loved one with moving from floor to floor.

The good news is, you have options. Home elevators and stair lifts both provide vital assistance to people who cannot climb stairs. Which one offers a better fit for your household? Let’s explore the possibilities.

What is a Home Elevator?

A home elevator is a convenient transportation method that allows individuals to navigate between floors in their homes. They are particularly helpful for people who struggle with going up and down stairs. Available in many styles and sizes, home elevators can be customized to fit the architectural design of your house. Integrating a residential elevator helps increase comfort and convenience within your living space.

Benefits of Installing a Home Elevator

• Flexible installation locations throughout your home
• Complete configuration and design customization
• Safest and most improved home mobility
• Increase in home value

Home elevators offer many benefits. They prove a convenient way for residents who use wheelchairs or experience difficulty walking to move between the floors of their home and are intuitive to operate. Our home elevators can accommodate up to six levels, making the journey to the attic or basement much faster for those with limited mobility.

Here are some of the biggest advantages of choosing a home elevator over a stair lift.

1. Flexible Installation Locations

You can put your home elevator practically anywhere in the house — you’re not limited to a single area. Imagine the possibilities. You could have the elevator in the back of your home, where guests can’t see it, or make it the focal point of the entryway. You may decide to place it near the bedroom of the person who most needs its services. Stairlifts, by contrast, can only be placed in one area of the home — on the stairs.

2. Customizable Configuration and Design

Stair lifts can be difficult to disguise within a home’s aesthetic and often draw unwarranted attention. You can customize the design of your elevator to meet your decor preferences. Do you love modern? Traditional? Even something with a little country flair is fair game when you get to pick the design. You’ll even have options for the configuration that powers your system, such as:

• Cable drum
• MRL overhead cable drum
• Hydraulic

3. Safe and Improved Home Mobility

Elevators give those with limited mobility a chance to do things independently. They can get into and out of the elevator by themselves, unlike with a stair lift, where they may require assistance. Elevators are safe spaces, too. Handrails give people something to lean on. They don’t have to balance in a moving chair that could stop or start unexpectedly. With an elevator, they can take control of their movement — which many people appreciate.

4. Increases Home Resale Value

Home improvements often increase the resale value of a home. An elevator is an especially valuable addition because it makes the house accessible to more people. When you pay for an elevator in your home, you’re investing in the future. Not only will the resale value of your home rise, but you’ll also attract more people interested in your house because of that versatility.

5. Safety and Reliability

Today’s home elevators include a variety of safety features, helping you move around your home with ease and peace of mind. Additional safety features like space guards can ensure safety, especially for children who may use a home elevator. A phone inside the elevator, an emergency stop, lights and more help keep everyone safe. By riding an elevator, guests and family members can avoid falls on a staircase and access your home safely.

What is a Stair Lift?

A stair lift is designed to help individuals navigate stairs, usually within a home. Stair lifts offer a simple solution for people who struggle to go up or down stairs independently. However, many challenges can arise when owning a stair lift.

Common Challenges With Stair Lifts

• Difficult to conceal and sticks out in your home’s design
• Limited to no customization to match your home
• Does not add to the home resale value
• Bulky equipment that takes up staircase space

Stair lifts provide another option for those with limited mobility to get around the house. However, unlike elevators, stair lifts come with several drawbacks. Their limited range and single-rider design are a few of the more apparent efficiencies of stair lifts. Here are some of the other cons of installing a stair lift.

Difficult to Conceal

Everyone can see stair elevator chairs and they are often not the most attractive addition. There’s no cover or drape that you can put over it. Visitors and guests will instantly see the bulky lift — there are few options on the market for disguising stair lifts.

Few Design Options

With an elevator, you can choose the cab style, the design and the types of materials used. Stair lifts are far less easy to customize. Essentially all chair lifts have the same design. You may not even have a choice of color, depending on where you get your lift.

Does Not Increase Home Resale Value

Stair lifts are not a highly desirable feature in a home, so they won’t raise the resale price of your house. You won’t get back the money you put into installing the stair lift. You may even limit the number of potential buyers. If someone doesn’t want a stair lift in their home, they’ll have to pay to have it removed, which is a high initial cost. They’ll likely look at other houses instead.

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Takes up Stair Space

Many homes have relatively narrow stairways. Some also have steep stairways. Just getting up and down these stairwells under normal circumstances can feel challenging. When you add a stair lift, you narrow the existing space even more. The addition of a stair lift can make residents and guests feel like they have to squeeze themselves around the lift just to get up and down the stairs.

That lack of space can also make it more difficult to do everyday tasks such as bringing in groceries or moving something from one floor to the other. The chair on the stair lift will get in the way. If the staircase is narrow enough, lifts can potentially create safety hazards if people must dramatically maneuver around them.

Shop Home Elevators

If you’re trying to decide between a stair lift and a home elevator, the answer is probably clear to you now. You can receive more value, enjoy more versatility and get more return from a home elevator. And with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that fits your house perfectly.

Are you ready to begin shopping? We have a selection of home elevators to suit your unique needs. Our dedicated team can discuss the best options for your home based on size, style and budget. Get in touch with us today by calling 800-343-9007 or contact your local dealer to get started. We look forward to helping you.

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