How Do Shaftless Home Elevators Work?

Shaftless home elevators offer much of the same convenience you’ll enjoy with a traditional home elevator but with a smaller footprint. Unlike most conventional home elevators, a shaftless home elevator moves up and down through the floor without an enclosed elevator shaftway. It also does not need a pit beneath it to operate.

Thanks to its compact structure, a shaftless home elevator will fit in most homes with fewer construction requirements. However, keep in mind that although a shaftless home elevator takes up less space than a traditional one, it will still require professional installation. 

Fortunately, when you work with Arrow Lift, our Elevator Technicians have extensive experience with shaftless home elevator installation and will also guide you on the proper operating procedures. For now, let’s break down how shaftless home elevators work, including how to use them and the components that enable their safe operation.

How Do You Use a Shaftless Home Elevator?

Shaftless home elevators, also known as home lifts and through-the-floor elevators, are user-friendly. Follow this three-step process to operate a shaftless home elevator:

1. Enter the home lift.

Shaftless home elevators have a hinged door that opens with the grasp of a handle built into the door frame. A shallow ramp (often less than 1-inch high) allows for easy entrance.

2. Use controls to travel safely between levels.

Once inside, close the door and use the elevator’s built-in controls to move the home lift by pressing either the up or down arrow and holding it in place during travel.

3. Exit the home lift.

Once inside, close the door and use the elevator’s built-in controls to move the home lift by pressing either the up or down arrow and holding it in place during travel.

If you have questions about shaftless home elevators, we encourage visiting a local Arrow Lift Showroom, where you can speak with an experienced Arrow Lift Home Elevator Expert.

Frequently Asked Shaftless Home Elevator Questions

Shaftless home elevators have become increasingly popular in recent years. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions we’ve received about how these home lifts work:

 

Shaftless Home Elevator Components

To understand how a shaftless home elevator achieves its compact operation, let’s take a look at its components.

Cabin

The cabin of a shaftless home elevator includes the following components:

• Platform. This is the area where passengers stand or sit.
• Cabin enclosure/walls. The platform is enclosed by glass or plexiglas walls that provide a view on each side. 
• Door. Shaftless home elevators often have a single door for entry and exit, although some models offer an opposite opening door configuration, meaning pass-through doors allow you to enter and exit from different sides of the cab.
• Lights. Low-voltage LED overhead lights ensure clear visibility any time of day.
• Phone. A telephone is required and is mounted to the cabin wall in case of emergencies.
• Controls. Push-and-hold buttons enable the cabin to move up and down. Emergency stop, alarm, and light switches are also located within the cabin.
• Handrails. Handrails provide added stability for entering, exiting, and when the cabin is in motion.

Rail or Track

The rail or track is the structural component that allows a shaftless home elevator to move between floors. Mounted floor to ceiling, it is typically installed close to a wall, but can be mounted nearly anywhere in the home on some home lift models. The structural parts of a stair lift include:

Drive System

The drive system is run by a motor that enables the through-the-floor elevator to move, typically 14 to 20 feet per minute (fpm). A winding drum drive for a shaftless home elevator uses ropes wound around a drum driven by the motor.

Battery Backup

Normally powered through standard electrical power, emergency battery backup power will allow the elevator to operate during a power outage. 

Safety Components

Shaftless home elevators come equipped with multiple safety components that ensure a secure ride. For example, the elevator will only move if its doors are closed and secured. Additionally, the rider has complete control over the cabin’s movement, thanks to the push-and-hold control button design.

As noted, an emergency backup battery will activate in the event of a power outage. It also includes an emergency telephone if the user needs assistance while inside the through-the-floor elevator. 

An alarm and a home lift deactivation system provide further support. Shaftless home elevators also often include a self-check safety system, weight limit and out-of-balance sensors, and a service-due indicator light.

Optional Features

As a centerpiece of the home, shaftless home elevators can be customized to fit individual needs and preferences. Features vary by model. Some of the optional features you’ll find include:

• A seat. Tip-up or fold-down seating that stores out of the way when not needed.
• Custom color finishes. From the color of the lift to the type of flooring inside, shaftless home elevators offer many customization options.
• Custom colored lighting. Optional remote-controlled color-changing LED lighting means users don’t have to stick with standard white lighting.
• Powered door operation. This option allows for automatic cabin door opening and closing.
• Auto emergency phone dialer. Automatically dial a pre-programmed number if needed.

Where to Buy a Shaftless Home Elevator

Efficiently designed and highly versatile, shaftless home elevators can be an ideal solution for many homes — especially those with small available space. 

If you’re interested in installing a shaftless home elevator, working with a trusted lift company like Arrow Lift means you’ll have access to industry experts with a Better Business Bureau Accredited A+ Rating. Our family-owned business has installed numerous home lifts since our inception in 1985. We welcome the opportunity to help you meet your in-home mobility needs!