Nowadays, it is almost impossible to imagine a multi-storey building without a lift. Whether in a residential building, a shopping centre, a hospital or an office, electric lifts have become an essential part of our everyday life. They use electric motors to move cabins between different levels of a building. Furthermore, the characteristics of electric lifts make this type of lift a safe and profitable investment compared to other lifting systems.
But what is the difference between a hydraulic and an electric lift? How safe are electric lifts? And how do you choose the right lift for your building? Below we will answer all these questions and more, keep reading!
How does an Electric Lift work?
The main feature of electric lifts is that they operate with a very sophisticated pulley system. The heart of this system is an electric motor that provides the force needed to move the cabin. This is connected to a large pulley, which in turn is attached to very strong steel cables. These cables are wound on and off the pulley, causing the cabin to move up or down.
But how do you make the cabin move in a smooth and controlled manner? This is where the counterweight comes into play. It is a heavy box that moves in the opposite direction to the cabin. Thanks to the counterweight, the electric motor does not have to lift the entire weight of the cabin, which reduces energy consumption and makes the movement smoother.
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- Up: When you press the up button, the electric motor turns on and starts turning the pulley. The cables wind around the pulley, pulling the cabin up while the counterweight lowers.
- Lowering: To lower the vehicle, the process is reversed. The electric motor changes direction and begins to unwind the cables. The cabin lowers while the counterweight rises.
What are the Features of Electric Lifts?
The electric lifts have become the industry standard for a number of reasons. Unlike their hydraulic counterparts, electric lifts offer a unique combination of features that make them an ideal choice for different contexts. These are:
Speed and energy efficiency
The main feature of electric lifts is that thanks to high-power electric motors, they can reach significantly higher speeds than hydraulic lifts, which reduces waiting times for users.
In addition, modern electric motors are highly efficient. This results in lower energy consumption and therefore lower operating costs.
Installation and maintenance costs
Installing an electric lift may require a higher initial investment compared to a hydraulic lift, due to the complexity of the components and control systems.
However, in the long run, maintenance costs for electric lifts are usually lower. Electric motors have fewer moving parts and are less prone to oil leaks, which reduces the frequency of repairs.
In addition, advances in control technology allow for remote diagnosis of possible faults, which speeds up the maintenance process.
Load capacity and safety
A feature of electric lifts is that they can be adapted to a wide range of load capacities, from small residential applications to large loads in commercial buildings.
In addition, the safety systems of electric lifts are highly sophisticated and meet the most stringent industry standards. These systems include redundant safety devices such as emergency brakes, speed limiters and obstacle detection systems.
In addition, regenerative braking technologies allow part of the energy to be recovered during descent, further increasing the efficiency of the system.
Adaptability to different structures
Due to their modular design, a feature of electric lifts is that they can be adapted to a wide variety of buildings, from existing structures to new construction.
The flexibility in the location of the machinery and the possibility of customizing the cabin and finishes make electric lifts an ideal solution for any project.
In addition, these lifts can be installed in small spaces, making them suitable for buildings with architectural limitations.
Which is better, a hydraulic or electric lift?
Both types of lifts have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on the characteristics of the building, the needs of the users and the available budget. So, before making the choice, you should evaluate the following aspects:
Type of building
While hydraulic lifts are generally more suitable for low-rise and infrequently used buildings, electric lifts are ideal for tall buildings.
Energy consumption
Among the most notable characteristics of electric lifts is that they are more energy efficient than hydraulic ones, especially the most modern models with energy recovery systems.
Space required
Hydraulic lifts require a larger machine room to house the hydraulic unit, unlike electric lifts which have more compact components and can be adapted to different configurations.
Maintenance
Hydraulic lifts require more frequent maintenance, as the hydraulic oil must be replaced periodically and seals can leak. Electric lifts, having fewer moving parts, usually require less frequent maintenance.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lifts
As you can see, choosing between electric and hydraulic lift features is not a simple decision and depends on multiple factors. Each type of lift has its own advantages and disadvantages, and what works best for one building may not be the best option for another.
If you still have doubts about which is the ideal lift for your project, do not hesitate to contact us. At Eleva Balear, specialists in lifts in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands, we have a team of experts who will advise you personally to find the solution that best suits your needs and budget.
We will help you evaluate all the relevant factors to ensure you choose the right lift. Contact us today and find out how we can help make your vision a reality!
