Elevators play a crucial role in our day-to-day life, whether it’s installed in a residential location or commercial one. One of the most common questions which is being asked by the contractors, business owners, and architects while planning to install the commercial elevator is ‘How long will it take?’ The timeline for the elevator installation can vary because of several factors, but the time period will be clear after understanding some key stages of the installation process. In this article, we will discuss some essential points which will provide an insight into how long it actually takes to install a commercial elevator, including all the factors in mind.
Pre-Installation
Significant design and planning work needs to be done before any physical installation begins. Installing a commercial lift is no small task and this initial phase can take between 4 to 6 weeks. This timing also depends on the complexity of the project. This is the time when engineers and architects assess the building lift machine, building’s layout, specific needs like load capacity, and space requirements. Along with this, the period also requires approval for safety standards, building permits, and compliance with local regulations. In short, it can be said that the pre-installation period needs building blueprint adjustments, structural & electrical integration, and space allocation for elevator shafts.
Choosing the Elevator System
After the pre-installation process, it’s time to select the right elevator system for longevity and efficiency. The process of selecting the right commercial building lift, whether it’s traction elevator, MRL elevator, or hydraulic one, can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. This selection also depends on the number of floors, building size, number of passengers using it on a regular basis, and overall load capacity. This is the stage where the elevator’s specific features like safety, speed, style, and other things are finalized.
Elevator Delivery and Equipment Assembly
After the elevator system is chosen and the design is finalized, the elevator equipment itself will be delivered and manufactured. This process can take 3 to 5 weeks as it totally depends upon the components and complexity of the system. The elevator equipment includes control panels, doors, cards, hoistway, motor, and other building lift machines. All these parts need to be of high-quality and should be carefully assembled and transported to the job site.
Site Preparation and Shaft Construction
This step can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks as it involves preparing the site for installation, which includes the construction of the pit and elevator shaft. The team only needs to have some modifications, if the building has an existing structure. The proper construction time depends on some conditions like whether the elevator needs to be installed in an existing shaft or the team needs to construct a new one. For the site preparations, you need to keep a few things in mind which includes foundation work for the elevator pit, installation of mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and structural reinforcement.
Mechanical and Electrical System Setup
Now the elevator shaft is all set and the hoistway system is installed. This stage might require 2 to 3 weeks to complete. After this, it’s time for the installation of the elevator’s electrical and mechanical systems. This step takes about 3 to 5 weeks. This includes the installation of gearbox, drive system, motor, and electrical wiring. In addition to this, the installation of safety systems and control panels also takes place during this phase. During mechanical and electrical system setup some major tasks that are crucial include wiring for control panels, mounting the motor & drive system, safety system, and lighting.
Elevator Car and Door Installation
This process might take 2 to 4 weeks as it’s time to install elevator doors and cars. The time period also depends on the elevator’s design. Installing cars in the lift machine involves proper positioning in the hoistway. It is important to secure it in place and align it with the rails and doors. In addition, if the elevator features customized interiors, the installation may take longer then expected. Some other tasks that are not counted but plays a major role here are finalizing the finishes, including lighting, panels, and flooring.
System Testing and Calibration
After the physical installation is done, the elevator undergoes calibration and rigorous testing. This test ensures that the installed elevator is safe and functioning correctly. This whole process might take 2 to 4 weeks as the elevator will be tested for speed, load capacity, smoothness, and other safety features. Calibration is important here as this will ensure that the elevator car stops accurately at each floor and the door is closing and opening seamlessly. This also makes sure that the safety and emergency systems are fully operational.
Inspection and Certification
Before the elevator comes into use for common passengers, it must pass local building and safety checks. This inspection process will review the installation to make sure it goes with the building safety standards, codes, and regulations. This whole process can take about 1 to 2 weeks. A certificate of occupancy or similar approval is issued if the installation meets all the important requirements, which will allow the elevator to be put into service.
Final Adjustments and Owner Handover
Final finishing touches and adjustments are made once the elevator passes the inspection and is certified safe for use. This process can also take around 1 to 2 weeks and this totally depends on the complexity of the system and the building. Some adjustments that will be done here might include smoothness, fine-turning speed, and noise levels. It can also include completing any cosmetic touches like polishing, cleaning, and looking for minor repairs.
After going through the pointers mentioned above, the installation of a commercial elevator typically takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months. This also depends on the complexity of the project, type of elevator being installed, and size of the building. This elevator timeline includes everything from planning to testing, trying, and handovering. However, this timeline can also fluctuate because of several factors. Understand each phase and its associated timeline as this will help the business owners in planning more effectively, ensure that the elevator installation process runs smoothly, and anticipate potential delays. If you are looking for elevators for your commercial building, check out Lui Elevators.
