The technology for lifting is constantly changing, and this is certainly true for lifts and elevators in commercial buildings. Making spaces accessible for everyone is something many commercial building owners are making a priority in both old and new public and commercial spaces.
The commercial segment of the elevator market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.3% from 2020 to 2027.
The use of commercial lifts is primarily seen in larger and higher structures, like hotels, malls, offices, and so on. Because of the lift’s robust construction and weighing capability, it can move numerous floors at once.
In this guide, we’ll run through what commercial lifts are and why they are so important in public and commercial environments.
What is a commercial lift?
A commercial lift must be present in any structure that has more than just a single-family residence. Apartment buildings, office buildings, retail establishments and industrial buildings are a few examples of the types of structures that require commercial lifts.
Commercial lifts are often larger than residential lifts since they are required to service more people at once, in addition to needing to meet minimum size and weight criteria.
Compared to residential lifts, commercial lifts are more expensive to construct and maintain. Steel frame structure is a prominent feature of commercial lifts, which makes them more dependable and long-lasting but also more expensive to install.
Types of commercial lift
Here are the most common types of lifts you may find in a commercial building:
Traction passenger lifts
The inclusion of cutting-edge parts and components to the line-up has been strategically built into the traction lifts to boost dependability and longevity. Traction lifts are more efficient than hydraulic lifts and can maintain high speeds.
These lifts can load up to 250-3000 kg, or 20 people, at once, thus they may be customised based on usage and requirements. With their distinctive shapes and ability to be used safely for extended periods of time, these traction lifts guarantee maximum versatility and a smoother, more balanced ride without any background noise.
Platform lifts
In the modern world, a commercial platform lift is essential. By providing wheelchair users with alternative routes inside commercial buildings, they act as unsung heroes who improve accessibility.
Commercial platform lifts are necessary for building access improvements and commercial property renovations. These lifts are specifically made to satisfy the requirements of commercial usage.
According to data, they are now a common element in many public buildings because the Equality Act UK encourages accessibility for individuals with disabilities in all public settings and buildings.
The majority of commercial platform lifts require little upkeep, are inexpensive, and use little energy. They are suitable for constructions when significant structural adjustments are impractical because of these platform lift design qualities.
Goods lifts
These goods lifts are frequently used by manufacturing companies and production facilities to carry things more easily. The risk of worker injuries is eliminated with the installation of high-quality lifts that enable simultaneous lifting of heavy loads.
For flexible business operations, it is cost-effective to install many elevators because they are made to consume less power. These elevators’ various features make installation in commercial buildings simple.
Freight elevators
Installing goods lifts is mostly done to transport cargo, not people. These lifts are built with more power and performance than other lifts because of their design, which allows them to move large volumes of cargo. The freight lifts’ robust construction shields them from damage and makes it simple to load and unload goods.
Low pit passenger lifts
The only difference between this type of lift and a conventional passenger lift is that it has one-contact controls and sliding entryways. They are well known because they can be used in a variety of settings, such as public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and retail spaces.
This type of lift has only one speed restriction, which is typically 0.15 metres per second.
Benefits of commercial lift installation
Installing a commercial lift in a public building is now a necessity, nevertheless here are some benefits of having and maintaining reliable lifts in your building:
Reduces stairwell traffic
By providing an alternate means of access to the building floors in addition to the stairs, lifts can help reduce the amount of foot traffic in your building. By directing everyone to the stairs, you raise the risk of an accident when large groups of people are using them simultaneously.
When just a small number of people may use a lift at once, a safer and more organised form of transportation is offered, ensuring that there is never a backlog of traffic.
Having two or three lifts in separate parts of your business would be a sensible investment if your building is considerably larger to prevent lines of people waiting for one lift from blocking walkways or fire exits.
Access for everyone
You automatically exclude a number of people by failing to give appropriate access in your building if you don’t have a lift built. Aside from those who require wheelchair access due to mobility issues, there may also be others who have heart diseases or are physically unable to climb stairs.
Space requirements
Commercial lifts also significantly reduce the need for space. Multiple stairwells can take up a lot of space in buildings, however lifts are small and can be tailored to meet the aesthetic of your area. Elevator shafts take up very little space in the framework of a building, and using them is faster and more effective.
Looking for expert commercial lift installation and maintenance?
Installing a lift in commercial buildings and public sector building projects will ensure you are complying to the latest building regulations and the Equality Act.
Platform lifts and passenger lifts are great accessibility solutions for commercial buildings and can be fully modified to fit your needs and budget.
We are experts in lift installation, maintenance, and modernisation for all types of commercial and residential facilities throughout the United Kingdom.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our modern commercial lift services or to request a free, no-obligation quote!
Commercial lifts FAQs
Are hydraulic elevators better?
While waiting and practically completely powerless while lowering the cab, hydraulic lifts utilise less energy. As a result, hydraulic lifts may consume less energy than traction lifts in low-usage, low-rise situations.
Do I need a lift in a 4 storey building?
Multi-story buildings should have at least one lift, and the design should be wheelchair-accessible in terms of scale.
Can a lift be installed in an existing building?
In an old building, a new lift can be installed. To make it possible, special considerations will need to be taken. To ensure safety, appropriate placement, and long-term viability, an engineer will need to be included in the planning phase, but it is possible if that is what you want for your building.