What Dimensions Are Important When Designing an Elevator?
When designing an elevator, the dimensions of the car, the shaft, and the doors are critical. These core parameters directly determine the elevator’s load capacity, accessibility, and how well it fits within the building’s space.
- Elevator car dimensions include width, depth, and height.
- Door dimensions include both car door opening size and landing door opening size.
- Elevator shaft dimensions include width and depth.
- Installation dimensions include pit depth, top floor height, and machine room requirements.
Example: Dimensions of a 1000 kg Passenger Elevator
- Car size (mm): 1600(W) × 1500(D) × 2300(H)
- Shaft size (mm): 2350(W) × 2150(D)
- Door opening size: 1100(W) × 2100(H)
- Overhead height: 3800 mm
- Pit: 1500 mm
Standard Elevator Dimensions
Standard elevators include commercial passenger, freight, stretcher, and residential elevators.
Standard Passenger Elevator Dimensions
The most common type of elevator is the passenger elevator, found in shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, and hospitals. Some of the factors that affect the size include building occupancy, traffic patterns, and accessibility considerations.
The following is an overview of standard passenger elevator dimensions:
| Passenger Elevator Type | Capacity | Car size (Width x Depth) | Door width |
| Small-sized | 630 kg – 800 kg | 1400 mm × 1100 mm to 1400 mm × 1350 mm | 800 mm |
| Medium-sized | 1000 kg – 1350 kg | 1600 mm × 1400 mm to 2000 mm × 1500mm | 900 mm – 1100 mm |
| Large-sized | 1600 kg | 2000 mm × 1700 mm | 1100 mm |
| Accessible Elevator | 800 kg – 1000 kg | 1600 mm × 1400 mm | 800 mm |
Standard Freight Elevator Dimensions
Freight elevators are designed to be bigger since they are designed for transporting goods, pallets, equipment, etc. The large-weight capacities of these elevators guarantee effective freight transit within buildings.
The following are the dimensions and load capacities of a typical freight elevator:
| Freight Elevator Type | Capacity | Car size (Width x Depth) | Door width |
| Small | 1000 kg | 1400 mm × 1600 mm | 1400 mm |
| Medium | 3000 kg- 4000 kg | 2000 mm × 3600 mm | 2000 mm |
| Large | 5000 kg | 2600 mm × 3400 mm | 2400 mm |
| Heavy Duty | Up to 5000 kg | 4000 mm × 7000 mm | 2200 mm |
Standard Residential Elevator Dimensions
Residential elevators are often made to individual specifications. This is due to a varied list of reasons, from the purpose of installation, such as a solution for post-operative mobility, to a larger-than-normal home or the architectural design.
The following are the dimensions and load capacities of a typical residential elevator:
| Rated Load | Passengers | Shaft Dimension | Car Dimension |
| 250 kg | 1-2 | 900 mm × 1000 mm | 800 mm × 900 mm |
| 320 kg | 3-4 | 1300 mm × 1400 mm | 850 mm × 1100 mm |
| 400 kg | 4-5 | 1500 mm × 1600 mm | 1000 mm × 1200 mm |
Standard Stretcher Elevator Dimensions
To meet emergency medical needs, Hospitals require elevators capable of transporting stretchers. Their key feature is a greater car depth. Stretcher elevators come with specific load capacities and dimensions.
| Standard Capacity | Car size (Width x Depth) | Door width |
| 1600 kg | 1400 mm × 2400 mm | 1200 mm |
Standard Elevator Shaft Dimensions
The elevator shaft is a vertical space through which the cabin travels. Accurate and standardized shaft dimensions are crucial to the elevator system’s smooth operation, structural integrity, and safety.
The size of the cabin typically determines the shaft proportions in standard passenger elevators. The typical shaft size ranges from 1800 mm × 1700 mm to 2500 mm × 2350 mm (depending on capacity and elevator type).
Because freight elevators transport larger and heavier loads, they require larger shafts. The standard dimensions for freight elevator shafts range from 2500 mm × 2070 mm to 4000 mm × 4170 mm.
Residential elevator shaft sizes, on the other hand, are customized to meet the individual needs of the home. The typical dimensions range from 900 mm × 1000 mm to 1500 mm × 1400mm.
How to Choose the Right Elevator Size
The Key factors affecting elevator dimensions include load capacity and rated passenger capacity, building structure and shaft space, as well as usage scenarios and regulatory standards.
Usage Requirements
Whether the elevator is intended to carry passengers or cargo, whether accessibility features are required, and the expected passenger volume—these factors determine the initial sizing of the elevator.
Building Conditions
The maximum size of the elevator depends on the space allocated for the shaft. For example, if the shaft is only about one meter wide, it cannot accommodate a high load capacity.
Elevator Type
Traction elevators require a counterweight, which occupies part of the shaft space; hydraulic elevators are powered by a hydraulic pump station located outside the shaft and do not require a counterweight system. Consequently, within the same shaft area, the cabin can have a larger interior space.
Compliance Requirements
EN 81-20 and EN 81-70 include requirements related to elevator dimensions, accessibility, and safety. EN 81-50 specifies design rules and calculations for elevator components.
Selecting the correct elevator size requires consideration of multiple factors. Dazen Elevator will provide customized elevator solutions based on your available shaft dimensions and building requirements.
FAQ
How much overhead space is required for the elevator?
The typical overhead height for machine-room elevators is around 4300 mm, while the machine room clear height is usually no less than 2200 mm.
For machine-room-less (MRL) elevators, the overhead height can range from 2700 mm to 3800 mm (depending on the elevator’s operating speed and load capacity).
What are the minimum dimensions for an accessible elevator compliant with the EN81-70 standard?
According to EN81-70 Type 1 accessibility requirements, the minimum car dimensions for an accessible elevator are 1100 mm × 1400 mm, with a minimum door opening width of 900 mm. This configuration accommodates one wheelchair user and one accompanying person.
What is the difference between car dimensions and shaft dimensions?
The elevator shaft must accommodate the car as well as the necessary components and structural elements required for the elevator’s operation; therefore, the shaft space is larger than the car space.
Conclusion
Choosing the right elevator for a project requires careful consideration of cabin dimensions, door width, shaft size, and installation requirements.
You also want an elevator system that is compliant with regulations and meets all the necessary criteria. This is what Dazen Elevators offers you.
Reach out to us today, and you’ll be partnering with a company that has a track record and is capable of delivering a comprehensive range of elevators, available in various types and sizes, along with personalized customization services.