Elevator Anatomy Case Components

There are many different types of elevator configurations, but the majority of passenger elevators fall into one of two categories; hydraulic or traction. The primary difference is Having an expert involved in your case as soon as possible will assist in
that a hydraulic elevator uses a hydraulic piston to raise and lower the elevator car, while a traction elevator uses a geared or gearless hoist machine along with a counterweight ensuring you obtain the records / documentation you are entitled to.
to control the travel of the car. In this section we have provided a generalized schematic of each, which may be helpful in discussing the specific components in your case. Understanding elevator and escalator industry terminology and how
companies structure their operations is key. Simply asking for the “main-
Control System tenance” records for the equipment in question is not enough. Knowing
Geared Traction Hoist what additional information may be useful to your case is another reason
Machine why retaining an expert early is important.
Motor As with any accident, many different factors may play a part in identifying
Hoist Machine Governor
causation. Having an expert with the technical expertise to help you un-
Beams derstand the complexities of elevator ownership, maintenance and certi-
Elevator Machine Room fication requirements is critical to the development of your case.
Door Operator
Car Doors Identify the Owner
Hoist Ropes Cab Roller Guides
Elevator Cab (connect cab to It will be necessary to identify the property owner or owner’s prop-
counterweights) Elevator Guiderail erty management firm. One of these parties will have contracted with
Car Sill (guiderail brackets anchored the elevator maintenance service provider. Each is obligated to exercise
Landing System
Guiderail Brackets to wall inserts) reasonable care in maintaining the premises. Having an expert retained
Toe Guard early in your case will assist you in identifying the role of the owner of
Car Sill
owner’s management firm as it relates to your case.
Car Safety Device
Piston Hydraulic Pump, Tank, Toe Guard Site Inspection
and Valve Unit
No matter the timeframe from accident to your being retained as either
Travelling Cables Counterweight Roller
plaintiff or defendants counsel, it is important that you retain an expert
Guides
Controller (may be tank early and arrange for your expert to make an inspection of the equipment
or wall mounted) and site conditions as soon as possible. This will enable your expert to have
Counterweight a better understanding of the physical conditions that may factor in when
determining causation. Having an expert with the experience to identify
Hoistway and understand the operating characteristics of most elevator and escala-
Counterweight Guiderail
Doors tor manufacturer’s (major and independent) equipment and applications
(guiderail brackets anchored
to wall inserts) will help you better understand the technical aspects of your case.

Hoistway Doors Applicable Codes

Car Buffers Compensation Ropes/Chain
While location of the equipment will determine the Authority Hav-
ing Jurisdiction (AHJ), the applicable Code is determined by the date
Hydraulic Oil Supply
Line of installation or last modernization of the equipment. Knowing the
Governor Tension Sheave
applicable elevator Code(s) as they relate to your case is not enough.
Car Buffer You will need an expert with extensive knowledge of the appropriate
In-ground Cylinder w/ Counterweight Buffer related building, fire, electrical and life safety Codes as applicable to
PVC Liner
the building and equipment involved.
Contact an Elevator Expert Today:
Shawn E. Johnson, C.E.I. - [email protected]
Hydraulic Elevators - a configuration where a hydraulic cylinder(s) are used to raise Traction Elevators - a motor driven configuration where cables are attached to the Dennis W. Olson - [email protected]
and lower the car. Hydraulic systems are typically limited to buildings that are three car and looped over a drive sheave to a counterweight. The counterweight is located
stories tall or shorter. in the hoistway and rides a separate rail system.

Robson Forensic, Inc | 800.813.6736 | www.robsonforensic.com