What is the elevator pit depth? Common pit sizes

The elevator pit depth (tạm dịch: chiều sâu hố pit thang máy) not only directly affects the load and cabin size, but also determines the stable operation of the entire home elevator system. With such importance, understanding and choosing the right pit size from the beginning is indispensable if you want to own a durable, safe, and efficient elevator. So, what is the common depth of a home elevator pit? Let's explore with Thuan Phat in the article below!

Why does the pit depth affect the load and size of the elevator?

First, Thuan Phat must affirm that: The pit depth of the home elevator directly affects the load of the elevator. Here are some reasons related to technical factors:

Space for equipment and safety mechanisms

With family elevators with large cabin sizes and large loads, the inertia of the cabin and counterweight will also be larger. This requires a sufficiently deep overrun space. This is part of the reason why when the elevator has a large load, the pit depth needs to be large enough for the elevator cabin to stop safely, without dangerous collisions.

In addition, when the elevator has a large load, it will need a shock absorber with a large capacity. Therefore, to install shock absorbers to ensure safety, the pit depth must also meet the correct standards.

Balance and load distribution

The elevator counterweight helps balance the cabin load and reduce the load on the motor. To optimize this efficiency, the pit must be designed to suit the position and travel of the counterweight. As the cabin load increases, the counterweight needs to be heavier, so the pit must be deep enough to ensure smooth and safe movement. Proper design helps to minimize risks and ensure stable elevator operation.

Design of cable and pulley systems

With large loads, the cable and pulley systems must have sufficient strength and load-bearing capacity to ensure safety when lifting the cabin. The pit must be designed deep enough to contain and protect these parts, preventing the cable from sagging or the pulley from being misaligned, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents.

Safety standards and regulations

To ensure safety and efficiency when using elevators, building standards always require the pit to have a minimum depth depending on the elevator load. If these standards are not followed, the elevator will not only face great safety risks but also operate inefficiently, and may not even be licensed to operate.

What is the common elevator pit depth?

With the development of technology, elevator pits can be designed more and more flexibly to suit each type of construction. For home elevators, the pit depth usually ranges from 0.35m to 1.4m depending on the load and other technical requirements. For families with small spaces, elevators with shallow pits are becoming a more popular choice than ever.

Deep depth of popular pit types:

Each type of elevator has different pit depth requirements, depending on technology, load, and travel speed. Below are some pit depths of different types of elevators, you can refer to:

Hydraulic elevators: This type of elevator uses hydraulic oil to lift and lower the cabin. Pit depth usually ranges from 0.1m to 0.2mm.

Screw elevators: Known for their very shallow pit depth, usually only about 0.06m.

Machine room-less elevators: This is an advanced type of elevator that does not require a separate machine room. The pit depth usually requires a minimum of 0.05m.

Traditional passenger elevators: Pit depth usually ranges from 1.2m to 1.5m, requiring a large space and a strong safety braking system.

In addition, the pit is often built with reinforced concrete to ensure durability, moisture resistance and crack resistance. Reinforced concrete also helps to withstand force better, especially when the elevator stops suddenly or has an accident.

Consulting on suitable elevator pit depth from Thuan Phat

When installing an elevator in the house, the design of the pit is an extremely important factor, directly affecting the performance and safety of the elevator. Each house, with different areas, structures and purposes, needs a separate pit design, suitable for specific requirements. Below are 5 typical situations that Thuan Phat customers often encounter:

Case 1: Newly built house, spacious area

For newly built houses, the space is often flexibly designed, allowing homeowners to choose elevators with large sizes and loads. However, for the elevator to operate stably and durably, the correct pit design is indispensable. In this situation, the pit needs to be 0.35m to 0.5m deep, ensuring enough space for the elevator's technical components.

Case 2: Old house, need to renovate to install elevator

Many old houses, after a period of use, begin to have the need to install elevators for convenient movement, especially for the elderly. However, the structure of these houses is often old and cannot be changed much, especially the foundation. Digging the pit too deep can affect the durability of the house foundation. Therefore, the reasonable solution is to design a shallow pit, from 0.08m. Thuan Phat will advise customers to use machine room-less elevators or hydraulic elevators, with the advantage of requiring a shallower pit, but still ensuring safety and efficiency of use.

Case 3: Townhouse, narrow area

Townhouses in urban areas often have small areas, limited ceiling height, making elevator installation a challenge. In these houses, the space for the pit is often very limited, requiring a compact design while still ensuring safety and aesthetics. The solution that Thuan Phat offers is to design a pit with a depth of 0.35m to 0.5m. Joint venture or machine room-less elevators will be the optimal choice in this case, helping to save space while still ensuring comfort and safety for the family.

Case 4: House with basement, requiring shallow pit

When building an elevator for a house with a basement, prioritizing shallow pits is a smart solution, helping to maximize the usable area without having to dig deep. The depth of the elevator pit for houses with basements is only 0.08m or more, helping to protect the foundation structure of the house, avoiding affecting the drainage system or damaging the waterproofing layer of the basement. On the contrary, if the pit is dug too deep, it will not only increase the construction cost but also pose a risk of land subsidence, damage the structure of the building or even affect neighboring buildings.

Case 5: Villas, requiring luxury elevators

For villas, homeowners often have high requirements for aesthetics and luxury when installing elevators. Not only a means of transportation, the elevator in these houses is also part of the interior, contributing to the classy beauty of the living space. Therefore, the pit needs to be designed deep and wide enough to install high-end elevators, usually with a load capacity of 750kg or more. The ideal pit depth is from 0.35m to 0.5m, the pit area can be wider depending on the specific design of the elevator. This helps ensure that the elevator operates smoothly, while enhancing the beauty of the villa.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate elevator pit depth is not only a technical decision but also an important factor to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the elevator use process. Ignoring or misjudging the pit depth can lead to unnecessary risks, negatively affecting the entire elevator system. Therefore, before installation, a thorough survey and consultation from experts are indispensable. This will help you have a stable, safe and optimal elevator system for your project. Hopefully, Thuan Phat's article is helpful to you!