Types of Elevators: Commercial vs. Residential Elevators

Most of the time, if you use an elevator, it is in a public space. This might be at an airport, a stadium, an office building, or an apartment building. In these spaces commercial elevators are used. But, there are also residential elevators that you might have experience with. Residential elevators are elevators installed in homes. Whether you have a residential elevator in your home, or you visit someone’s home and use an elevator in their home, there are some things that you should know about this type of elevator. In some ways, they differ from commercial elevators. Accidents and injuries can therefore differ between a commercial elevator and a residential elevator. You can learn more about these differences on this page.

Similarities and Differences

Residential and commercial elevators both serve the same basic purpose – to transport people or things from one level of a building to another. While commercial elevators are more popular, many of the types of commercial elevators are available for residential use. Residential elevators are generally available in the same types and with the same features as commercial elevators. For example, both types of elevator are available in hydraulic, traction drive, and winding drum models, as well as others.

However, residential elevators don’t have the same weight and size requirements as commercial elevators. For example, all commercial elevators must adhere to the Americans with Disability Act as well as Elevator Code ANSI A17.1. These regulations outline the minimum weight and size requirements for commercial elevators depending on the number of floors that they serve.

For example, hotel, hospital, and office building elevators need to be able to transport 3,500 pounds and must be at least 6’8’’ wide and 5’5’’ deep. Service elevators must be able to carry 4,500 pounds and must be 6’8’’ wide by 4’3’’ deep. There are weight and height requirements for all commercial elevators. Residential elevators don’t have these requirements and regulations. They are usually much smaller than commercial elevators and carry less weight.

Maintenance and Injuries

Residential elevators tend to be privately owned. If you have one in your home, it is your job to make sure that it works properly and that it is used properly. If you visit a friend and they have an elevator in their home, it is their responsibility to keep up with it. So, if you get injured in a residential elevator, consider who owns the building and, by extension, the elevator.

If you own the elevator and you or someone else is injured, they could find you at fault. In order to protect yourself against a lawsuit, you can contact my office. If, on the other hand, you are injured in someone else’s private elevator, contact our office. We understand that this can be a difficult situation, because you likely know the person who owns the elevator. But, if you were injured, you still need compensation for your injuries. We can help you get the compensation that you deserve. We are happy to help you through whatever situation you are in.