How to Decide Specification of Passenger Elevator?

Choosing the wrong elevator specification costs building owners thousands in wasted energy, slow traffic flow, and expensive retrofits. Whether you are planning a new building or replacing an existing lift, getting the specs right from day one saves money and headaches.

Four key factors drive every elevator specification decision. Each one shapes the type, speed, capacity, and features your building needs.

• Requirement of Lift Code / Rules and Regulation / Law
• Type of Building and Occupancy
• Height of the Building
• What Specification do you get to decide?

Let's break down each factor so you can make confident, code-compliant decisions.

Requirement by the Lift Code / Rules and Regulation / Law

Lift codes are non-negotiable. They dictate the elevator type, minimum specifications, and sometimes the minimum number of elevators a building must have.

Most countries require lift certification before the elevator enters service. Buildings also need occupancy certification, and the lift certificate is a mandatory part of that approval. Ignoring these rules is not an option.

Codes typically set minimum requirements based on building height and use. Buildings beyond a certain height may require two lifts. Some must include a fire evacuation lift. Codes may also specify a minimum passenger count and a maximum travel time from the lowest floor to the top.

Most elevator manufacturers update their products to meet local codes. However, some do not update every product line. Always verify that the lift and building codes are fully met before you finalize any specification.

Once you satisfy regulatory requirements, the next step is matching the elevator to your building's actual usage.

Type of Building and Occupancy

Building type and occupancy determine smooth traffic flow. They shape not just elevator specs but also backup power needs, floor-level access control, and more.

Commercial skyscrapers face traffic peaks every morning and evening as office workers arrive and leave. This demands multiple high-speed elevators with larger carrying capacity. Destination dispatch technology routes passengers to the right elevator based on their destination floor. These elevators also support up-peak and down-peak modes — during up-peak, they automatically return to the lobby to carry more passengers upward.

Residential skyscrapers with one unit per floor generate far less traffic than commercial buildings. A smaller carrying capacity with group control often suffices. Group control sends the nearest elevator when a passenger presses the call button. These distinctions matter because specifications directly determine cost.

Some elevator companies provide detailed traffic analyses based on owner inputs. These reports reveal traffic flow patterns and help you select the right product for your building.

Building type sets the baseline. Height refines it further.

Height of the Building

Building height directly influences elevator speed and carrying capacity. The speed must prevent long queues without leaving the elevator nearly empty each trip. Ideally, the speed fills about half the elevator's capacity during peak hours in the peak direction. This reduces total trips and cuts power consumption.

Carrying capacity needs the same balance. Oversized capacity wastes power every time the lift moves, even when barely occupied. Undersized capacity creates bottlenecks and delays.

For mid-rise and high-rise buildings, target a 35-to-45-second travel time from the lowest floor to the top. Use 35 seconds for medium and high occupancy buildings. Use 45 seconds for low and medium occupancy buildings. For low-rise buildings with low traffic, 30 seconds works well. Regardless of building type, use a minimum speed of 1.00 m/s — except for home or villa elevators.

With code requirements, building type, and height covered, you are ready to choose your specific features.

What Specifications Do You Really Get to Decide?

Most building owners hire a third-party consultant to define elevator specifications. In practice, elevator manufacturers present a solution package based on project needs. Owners then choose within — and sometimes beyond — that package.

Choices typically include cabin interiors, door type, speed range within the selected model, and optional non-mandatory features. Below is a checklist of specifications every buyer should present to manufacturers for a fair comparison:

• Speed of the Lift
• Carrying Capacity
• Door Opening Width – at least enough width to move a wheelchair and if possible stretcher or hospital bed
• Control Type – Closed Loop or Open Loop (Closed Loop is preferable)
• Fire Switch, Fireman's Switch and Fire Modes – preferable to be included
• Load Weighing Device – preferable to be included, prevents overloading
• Simplex or Duplex or Group Control in case of two or more lifts – Duplex or Group control is preferable with separate call buttons for each lift
• Door with Fire Rating or No Fire Rating – preferred to have fire rating
• Auto Rescue Device – preferred and sometimes required by lift codes for safe evacuation in case of power outage
• Interiors of the Cabin – walls, flooring, ceiling, door type – choose based on budget
• Motor Type – Geared Machine or Gearless Machine (Gearless Machine is preferred)
• Access Control – generally offered in premium residential buildings, ensure full availability during emergencies without the access cards
• Earthquake / Seismic Sensors / Detectors – preferred to be included
• CCTV Camera System – preferred to be included
• Telephone / Intercom System – preferred with separate battery in case of power failure

Making the Right Decision

Elevator specifications are not one-size-fits-all. Start with local lift codes, match the elevator to your building's type and occupancy, size it for the building's height, and then select features that balance safety, performance, and budget.

A well-specified elevator runs efficiently for decades. A poorly specified one drains energy, frustrates occupants, and costs far more to fix later. Take the time to get it right — or consult an expert who will.