commercial elevator

LULA Elevators: What are they?

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Although gaining popularity, the limited use, limited application (LU/LA) elevator is still unknown to many who might benefit from having one in their home or building. LULAs are ADA compliant and cost significantly less than a full commercial elevator.

 

Acceptable Uses for a LULA Elevator

There are several applications that can contain a LU/LA Elevator. The limited use part refers to building occupancy and rate load. Unlike a fully rated commercial capacity elevator, the LU/LA elevator’s rate load is 1400 lbs. The application part refers to the amount of rise the elevator is allowed to travel.

 

Can LULA Elevators be used in homes?

Yes they can! LULA elevators can be customized in different sizes, making them small enough to fit inside of a home.

 

Planning for a LULA Elevator

If you’re thinking about putting a LULA elevator in your project, here is a list of things you’ll need to know:

-13″ pit depth*

-106″ overhead*

-maximum rise 25 ft

-maintenance significantly lower than that of a commercial elevator

 

To get more information about LULA Elevators, please contact us today by phone at 203-757-5000 or email.

 

 

*differs by manufacturer

Residential Elevators in CT/RI Flood Zones

Elevators in Flood Zones

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According the NAHB market survey, 67% of homeowners say they would like to have a home elevator, or view it as a necessity. Some areas in the country, including Connecticut’s shoreline, are located inside flood zones. For homeowners living within the flood zones that would like an elevator have many options.

FEMA regulations for home elevators

If you are a homeowner in a flood zone and would like to have a conventional residential elevator, you’re in luck. FEMA allows residential elevators in flood plains.

International Building Code requirements for home elevators

The codes & standards that apply to wheelchair lifts are:

ADA regulations
ADAAG regulations
ICC/ANSI A117.1 – Accessible & Usable Building & Facility
ASME A17.1 – Elevator and Escalator safety code for safety lock
ASME A18.1 – Safety standards for platform lifts and stairway chairs lifts
NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code

(Verify what year and version of the code your state or local jurisdiction has adopted)

UL or ETL are required and acceptable standards for testing certifications

Residential elevators are addressed in Part 5.3 of the ASME A17.1 code.
5.3.1 Private Residence Electric Elevators
5.3.2 Private Residence Hydraulic Elevators

Elevator Options for flood zones

Inline Geared Drive Elevator System

Also known as the “machine room-less” (MRL) elevator, the inline geared drive system is set up in a way that the power supply is mounted to the top of the rail brackets. Having this system eliminates the need for a machine room*

Hydraulic Elevator

A hydraulic elevator system is acceptable in a flood zone so long as the machine room is located on the 2nd floor of the dwelling.

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators (PVE) are ideal for flood zones. The PVE does not require a pit, nor does it have a machine room. The Elevator is powered entirely by air, using suction and gravity to operate.

*Inline geared drive elevator system also available in Machine Room option