Lift & Elevators FAQ’s or Questions and Answers (Q&A), about Lifts and Elevators are listed below. These are commonly asked questions we have come across; if your question is not listed below please do not hesitate to contact us.
The cost of a Car elevator is dependent on a number of factors: size, capacity, number of stops and the travel distance (among other things). In order to determine the price, you can send us a quote request with the details of the above so that can we provide you with a free quotation.
The National code for Car Elevators throughout USA and Canada is ASME A17.1/CSA B-44. The ASME A17.1 is a US standard which is harmonized with the Canadian CSA B-44.
Under the National code, Car Elevators are classified as Class B Loading.
An Automobile Elevator & a Freight Elevator are one and the same thing. An Automobile Elevator is a category of the Freight Elevator with a specific loading class (Class B Loading).
Car Elevators typically travel at a slower speed as compared to full Passenger Elevators. The speed can range from anywhere between 15 fpm to 120 fpm. There is no restriction by code as to how fast or how slow a Car Elevator should go. We can match the requirement of the customer with respect to the speed.
Car Elevators can be as big as the customer requires. The minimum requirement of size is 30 lbs per sq. ft.
Yes, a Vehicle Elevator can help to save space. The use of a ramp can take up valuable real estate in buildings where space is at a premium, whereas a Vehicle Elevator only takes up vertical space.
The cost of a Dumbwaiter is dependent on a number of factors: size, capacity, number of stops and travel distance (among other things). In order to determine the price, you can send us a quote request with the details of the above so that can we provide you with a free quotation.
Yes, our dumbwaiters come with floor loading as well as counter loading options.
Yes, a Dumbwaiter can be installed without civil construction. We offer a free standing, self-supporting hoistway/shaftway structure as an option for our customers.
Yes, a hoistway structure / shaft can be provided with a dumbwaiter. CITI provides the following two models:
Yes, a dumbwaiter can be provided for a restaurant. Our restaurant models are provided with stainless steel walls, ceilings and landing doors for easy cleaning & food safety reasons.
Yes, a dumbwaiter can be provided for labs. Our dumbwaiters for labs are specially designed with optional stainless steel walls, ceilings and hoistway doors, plus NEMA 4 push buttons, if needed.
Yes, we have an option for both door styles; fire rated and non-fire rated.
The cost of a freight elevator is dependent on a number of factors: size, capacity, number of stops and the travel distance (among other things). In order to determine the price, you can send us a quote request with the details of the above so that can we provide you with a free quotation.
North American Freight Elevators are governed by ASME A17.1 in USA and CSA B-44 in Canada. Currently ASME A17.1 and CSA-B44 are harmonized.
A Freight Elevator is available in the following loading classes:
General Freight Loading. The load is distributed; the weight of any single piece is not more than 1/4 the capacity of the elevator and the load is moved on and off the car platform manually or by means of hand trucks.
Motor Vehicle Loading. The freight elevator is used solely to carry automobile trucks or passenger automobiles up to the rated capacity of the elevator.
Industrial Truck Loading. A four-wheeled vehicle may be used to load and unload the elevator. The combined weight of the vehicle and the load cannot exceed the rated capacity and may be rolled onto the platform as a single unit
Industrial Truck Loading. During loading and unloading, the maximum load on the platform may be up to 150% of the rated capacity. This enables you to use a forklift to load a car with freight weighing up to the rated capacity
Other forms of Industrial Truck Loading. During the loading and unloading process, the rated capacity must never be exceeded.
Yes, we can provide you with explosion proof and dust proof wash down Freight elevators
A Freight Elevator and a Service Elevator differ in their applications. Service Elevators have a dual purpose and are intended for general public use as well as for freight. Service Elevators are commonly installed at Airports, Convention centers and Hospitals whereas Freight Elevators are intended primarily for carrying goods, cargo etc.
To the layman, a Freight Elevator and a Freight Lift (known as Material Lift as per the National Elevator code) may seem like one and the same thing. They both fall under the same Elevator Code (albeit under different sections), are built for the transportation of heavy cargo, are finished to withstand tough working conditions and both allow an attendant to travel on the elevator with the cargo.
However, that is where the similarities end. A Freight Elevator and a Freight Lift differ from each other in several ways, as outlined below:
Is an Attendant allowed onboard?
Yes, a Freight Lift (ML) and a Freight Elevator both allow an attendant to ride onboard with the cargo.
What is the National Elevator Code for these types of Elevators?
A Freight Lift falls under A17.1/B-44, Section 7.4. The Freight Elevator also falls under A17.1/B-44, however the Section differs from that of the Freight Lift. The Freight Elevator falls under Section 2 of the National Elevator Code.. .
Is the construction of a Pit required?
A Freight Lift (ML) can be provided with a pitless option; however, a Freight Elevator requires the construction of a pit that is 60” minimum.
Is an Overhead required?
A Freight Elevator requires an overhead of 45” as refuge space above the cab. A Freight lift, on the other hand, does not require an Overhead.
What is the difference in the Operation of these two systems?
A Freight Lift is operated via constant pressure, whereas a Freight Elevator has an automatic operating system.
Is a Car Gate required for both?
A car gate is needed in the case of a Freight Elevator; however, a Freight Lift does not need a car gate.
Is a Ceiling required for both?
A full ceiling is required for a Freight Elevator while a Freight Lift does not require a ceiling.
What is the maximum size limit?
For both of these systems, there are no limits on the size. It can be as large or as small as the project requires.
What is the maximum travel speed?
There is no maximum travel speed for a Freight Elevator; the speed is only limited by technological developments. In the case of a Freight Lift, the maximum travel speed is 30 fpm.
What travel height is required?
For a Freight Lift, the maximum travel height is 5m, however, some states/provinces in North America do allow for more. A Freight Elevator does not have travel height limit.
How many floors can be serviced?
A Freight Lift can service up to 4 floors, or as approved by local authorities, whereas a Freight Elevator can service as many floors the required by the project.
What is the maximum weight capacity?
The weight capacity depends upon the project and its requirements for both of these systems.
Hydraulic freight elevators
These types of elevators use a liquid (vegetable based or oil based) that is pumped into a cylinder through a valve. (Used in low rise applications)
Traction Freight Elevator (MRL):
A geared or gearless (sometimes called MRL Freight Elevator) traction elevator is designed in a way that makes it possible to be lifted by ropes. These ropes pass over a wheel that is attached to an electric motor that is located above the elevator shaft. The power from the motor is transmitted to a drive sheave through a reduction gear. Geared traction elevators are designed for freight and are available with power or manually operated vertical or horizontal opening doors (These are generally used in mid to high rise buildings).
Rack and Pinion Freight Elevators (MRL):
These elevators are comprised of a pair of gears that convert rotational motion into linear motion. A circular gear called “the pinion” engages teeth on a linear “gear” bar, called “the rack”. Rotational motion applied to the pinion causes the rack to move relative to the pinion, thereby translating the rotational motion of the pinion into linear motion (These may be used in extreme high travel & weight capacities).
Material lifts are governed by the same code as the National Elevator code ASME A17.1/ CSA B44. Therefore, you can have an attendant operate it from inside the cabin while riding in the lift.
VRCs and Freight lifts are governed by two different codes and are intended for two different applications. VRC is a vertical conveyor governed by the ASME B-20 Code; hence Riders are NOT permitted to ride on the conveyor. On the other hand, a Material lift (type B) is governed by ASME A17.1 code, which permits an attendant to operate the lift from the inside.
No, our free standing, modular shaftway structures are available for material lifts so there is no need for civil construction.
No, our pitless Material lift’s model designs are available for projects that cannot provide a pit, due to building constraints or any other reason.
No, as per the code, material lifts have to be Constant Pressure Operation (have to press and hold the buttons as the lift travels up & down).
The cost of a Material Lift is dependent on a number of factors: size, capacity, number of stops and the travel distance, among other things. In order to determine the price, you can send us a quote request with the details of the above so that can we provide you with a free quotation.
Yes, a Material Lift can be operated from inside the cabin. Material lifts are governed by the Elevator code ASME A 17./ CSA B-44 section 7.4, hence making it possible for a control panel to be placed inside the cabin that allows for safe operation from within.
Yes, CITI can provide explosion proof designs for material lifts.
Yes, CITI can provide a dust proof material lift.
Yes, CITI can provide a wash down Freight Platform lift feature with NEMA 4 rated control panels, call-stations & drain plugs.
The cost of a Residential elevator is dependent on a number of factors: size, capacity, number of stops and the travel distance (among other things). In order to determine the price, you can send us a quote request with the details of the above so that can we provide you with a free quotation.
Yes, a Home Elevator can increase the value of your home. As people are aging in place, there is an increased demand for accessible homes. Residential Elevators provide the perfect solution for accessibility to multiple levels of your home, making it convenient & cost effective to continue to live in your own home for years to come.
Yes, you can install a Home elevator in your existing home. CITI can provide you with multiple options for installing a Residential elevator in your home with or without hoistway, with or without pit etc.
Once the drawings for a Home Elevator are approved, it normally takes the elevator manufacturer 3-4 weeks to manufacture the elevator. Installers will take between 2-3 weeks for installing the product.
There is maximum weight capacity for a Residential Elevator. However, the standard weight capacities range from between 500 lbs to 1500 lbs. The size can be as small as 9 sq. feet to as big as the customer wants.
Yes, a Home Elevator is very safe. It is governed by the same codes and regulations as the National Elevator code, making it an extremely safe solution for your home.
There are currently five major drive systems available in the market. They are:
Yes, most units designed for the North American market are designed with wood construction in mind.
The most common power requirement for Residential Elevators is 240 V-1 pH. This voltage is commonly used in most North American homes.
There is no speed limit on Home Elevators. However, it must be kept in mind that power is a requirement of speed. For a higher speed capacity, you will require a higher voltage, deeper pit and overhead (ceiling height at the upper level).
No, a VRC is a vertical conveyor; it cannot be adapted to have a rider.
A VRC is governed by the ASME B-20 “Safety standard for conveyors and related equipment”. It must be noted, however, this can only be used in USA and cannot be used in Canada.
VRCs and Material lifts are governed by two different codes and are intended for two different applications. VRC is a vertical conveyor governed by the ASME B-20 Code; hence Riders are NOT permitted to ride on the conveyor. On the other hand, a Material lift (type B) is governed by ASME A17.1 code, which permits an attendant to operate the lift from the inside.
No, our free standing modular shaftway structures are available VRCs so there is no need for civil construction
No, our pitless VRC unit designs are available for projects that cannot provide a pit due to building constraints or any other reason.
Yes, the ASME B-20 code allows for automatic operation of this unit.
The cost of a VRC is dependent on a number of factors: size, capacity, number of stops and the travel distance, among other things. In order to determine the price, you can send us a quote request with the details of the above so that can we provide you with a free quotation.
No, a VRC cannot be operated from inside the cabin as riders are not permitted to ride along on the conveyor (as per code ASME B-20)
Yes, CITI can provide explosion proof designs for VRCs.
Yes, CITI can provide a dust proof VRC.
Yes, CITI can provide a wash down VRC.