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Today, elevators are a fundamental part of any building’s infrastructure. From large skyscrapers to the most modern apartment buildings, they have elevators, vertical transport systems that guarantee comfort but, especially, accessibility for people. That’s why this time we want to tell you everything you need to know about elevator installation.
Installing an elevator is not a trivial thing. The selection of the device and the installation company are aspects that can have a substantial impact on the performance, efficiency and safety of the elevator in the long term. If the elevator is well installed and well maintained, this improves the quality of life of the occupants, while contributing to the valuation and competitiveness of the building in the real estate market.
Considerations Prior to Installing an Elevator
To begin with, we want to focus on the preliminary considerations that must be taken into account for the installation of a home elevator, an outdoor elevator, or one in any type of building. The most important are the following:
- Needs: Before starting any elevator installation project, it is key to assess the specific needs of the building and its occupants. Aspects such as how many people will use the elevator daily, what capacity it should have to meet such demand, among other things, must be considered. In addition, it is important to assess whether there are any special accessibility requirements for people with reduced mobility.
- Budget: It’s crucial to set a clear budget. This should include not only the initial cost of the installation, but also the cost of long-term maintenance.
- Available space: another aspect that will have an impact on the design and configuration of the elevator is the layout of the space in the buildingsuch as whether or not it has a stairwell. Also the type of building or place of installation of the elevator. Some factors to consider will be the optimal location of the elevator, as well as the space requirements related to the support structures and machinery required, for example, in the case of an elevator with a reduced pit. In this sense, at Aszende, we have considered it essential to equip our equipment with technology that allows us to maximise the size of the cabin, reducing the free space of the space, and thus make the most of the space.
- Regulations: when installing lifts, it is necessary to comply with both national and local regulations that seek to ensure the safety of projects. In Spain, the Technical Building Code and the specific regulations related to elevators must be considered, which must be respected throughout the process and also in their maintenance. In addition, it is advisable to find out about the aid that exists for its installation.
- Supplier selection: To conclude, it is essential to carefully choose the company that will carry out the installation and maintenance of elevators. It is recommended to look for suppliers who have extensive experience and a solid reputation in relation to their previous projects. Specify time and deadlines, i.e., how long it will take to install an elevator. It is also crucial to inquire into their after-sales service to be sure of having the necessary long-term accompaniment.
- Price: The cost of installing an elevator depends on several factors such as the height or the motor. For example, installing an elevator for three floors will not cost the same as for four floors.
Sustainability and energy efficiency criteria: how they influence the choice of a lift
We are going through a historic moment in which sustainability and energy efficiency are priorities worldwide. There is no doubt that it is something to consider in various projects, including elevator installation. In countries such as Spain, environmental awareness has increased substantially, leading to a greater demand for solutions capable of optimising energy consumption and reducing environmental impact.
How does this influence the installation of elevators? Here’s how:
In the selection of sustainable and efficient products
When choosing an efficient elevator, it is recommended to opt for devices that incorporate sustainable technologies and materials. This includes traction systems that reduce energy consumption and the implementation of designs that minimize resource waste both during construction and installation, among other factors.
State-of-the-art elevators incorporate innovative features in this regard, such as new forms of lighting and air conditioning, energy regeneration systems that take advantage of braking to power other components, and intelligent control technologies.
In the Installation Process
Another way to bet on sustainability is during the elevator installation process itself. More and more companies are opting for practices capable of reducing environmental impact. This can include key factors such as careful planning of transport routes in order to control carbon emissions or the reuse of surplus materials.
It is also important to pay attention to the installation of water- and energy-saving devices in ancillary facilities, such as engine rooms.
Considerations for promoting sustainability in this area
In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the work guidelines that elevator installation companies should keep in mind today are:
- Reducing pollution through elevator modernization and technology upgrades, using LED lighting systems, intelligent lighting control, the ARM system, among others.
- Promote the circular economy, which consists of reducing, reusing and recycling.
- Use sustainable resources by choosing recycling systems, efficient lights, and waste reduction initiatives.
Importance of Accessibility in Elevator Installation
Accessibility in elevators is a key aspect in the design, manufacturing, and installation of elevators. This ensures that all people can use vertical mobility devices regardless of their physical abilities safely and comfortably.
When we talk about accessibility, we are not only referring to regulatory compliance, but also to a principle that focuses on equity and inclusion. Today, buildings must provide access to elevators to all people, including those with reduced mobility, sensory disabilities or any other condition that could make it difficult to use them, which is why it is mandatory to install an elevator in certain cases. For example, if there are elderly people in the building, it is mandatory to install an elevator in older buildings
Minimum measurements established for elevators
For elevator cabins in existing buildings
If the goal is to install an accessible elevator in an existing building, it is important to include a cabin, whenever possible, measuring 1,000 x 1,300 mm with a capacity of 450 kg. It is also crucial that it has automatic doors with an opening of at least 800 mm to allow a person in a wheelchair to travel comfortably.
For elevator cabins located in newly constructed buildings
If the building is of new construction, the minimum dimensions established for the elevator car are the same, 1,100 x 1,400 mm. The recommended capacity is 630 kg, while the recommended width of the automatic doors is at least 900 mm. This is because these cabins are designed to allow a wheelchair user to travel accompanied by another person.
For elevator cabins located in public areas
If you want to install an elevator in a public building, the recommended measurements are 1,100 x 2,100 mm. The capacity should be up to 1,000 kg. As far as the minimum opening of the doors is concerned, this is going to be 900 mm, as in the previous case. It is an alternative that optimises the use of lifts, allowing both a person in a wheelchair and one or more passengers to travel.
Aspects to consider in elevator installation
Importance of Regular Inspections
Hand in hand with the above, periodic inspections, carried out by specialized technicians, are key to verifying compliance with the operating and safety standards of the devices. Depending on local or national regulations, such inspections may be mandatory. Its objective is to identify in advance possible deficiencies or non-compliances that may compromise elevator users.
It is important to note that the maintenance technician does not have an excessive workload, since they are usually assigned areas with more than 120 devices to maintain per month. In our case, as a company, our technicians don’t have a high volume of facilities to maintain. With an average of 120 per month, we are below the industry average.
New regulations on elevator maintenance
According to the Spanish Elevator Business Federation, Spain is the country in the world with the highest number of elevators per 1,000 inhabitants. In view of this scenario, the Ministry of Industry approved in April 2024 the new Complementary Technical Instruction AEM 1 “Elevators”. It is an update that brings modifications for elevators in private homes, single-family homes and public buildings, with the aim of improving the safety of elevator users and updating maintenance and inspection measures.
In addition to technical regulations, the case law regarding the installation of an elevator in a community of property owners must be reviewed to ensure legal compliance and avoid potential litigation.
In relation to the maintenance of lifts, this regulation establishes new minimum checks that must be carried out to guarantee the safety of people. For example, all visits must be recorded, indicating the exact date and time of the start and end of the intervention. The obligations of conservation companies are also extended, including, for example, the obligation to have civil liability insurance of 600,000 euros per claim. It is also established to guarantee for a period of two years the correction of deficiencies that can be attributed to poor execution of operations.
We would also like to highlight new frequencies for mandatory periodic inspections that are incorporated into this proposed amendment. From 3 April, when the new ITC came into force, inspections must be carried out with the following minimum deadlines:
In elevators installed in buildings with more than 20 dwellings or serving more than 4 floors: every 4 years.
In elevators installed in buildings used for industrial purposes or widely frequented by the public: every 2 years.
In elevators not included in these cases: every 6 years.
Innovation and cutting-edge technology in the elevator sector
In the elevator manufacturing and installation sector, innovation and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology play a key role in enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of vertical mobility devices. Two prominent examples of this are Aszende’s ARM system and solar-powered elevators.
Aszende's ARM Predictive Maintenance System
Aszende’s ARM predictive maintenance system allows you to obtain data from the elevator to predict breakdowns and study them thoroughly. It provides detailed knowledge without the need to travel to the facility.
It uses advanced data analysis algorithms to predict potential equipment failures. By being able to anticipate maintenance needs, the company can minimize unplanned downtime, while increasing the life of assets.
Solar Elevators
On the other hand, solar elevators use, as the name suggests, solar energy in order to power the elevators, reducing the dependence that they may have on conventional energy sources and thus reducing their environmental footprint. These are alternatives that contribute to energy efficiency and the reduction of operating costs.
Such examples are able to illustrate how innovation and cutting-edge technology can and are transforming the industry, improving the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of elevators, while ensuring accessibility for people.
Aszende, a key company in the installation and maintenance of elevators
Aszende is a manufacturer of vertical mobility devices with more than 45 years of experience. It is dedicated to the design, manufacturing, and installation of elevators for both Spain and European markets. In addition, it provides you with the plans of all its lifts.
The company has technicians specialized in elevator installation and maintenance that allow it to offer customers the best service. Likewise, Aszende has obtained the following certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Quality Assurance for Elevator Installation and Quality Assurance for Elevator Modification. . It also has 17 delegations throughout Spain.
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