It’s important to make your building as accessible as possible, both for ADA compliance and the comfort of those visiting your establishment.
If you don’t have the space for a standard elevator, there is another option. A limited use/limited application (LULA) elevator makes a building accessible to individuals in wheelchairs.
Read on to learn about LULA elevator dimensions and how one can fit inside your building.
Standard LU/LA elevator dimensions
With a capacity of 1400 pounds, LULA elevators are designed for a single rider or several people at a time. As such, they are not as large as the standard elevators found in many high-rise buildings with weight capacities of several thousand pounds. A typical LULA interior dimension is 48” x 54,” which is 18 square feet of space inside the car.
When it comes to shaft dimensions of LULA elevators, there is no standard set of measurements. This is because many factors influence the size and placement of the elevator. Let’s examine some of them below.
If the building is already constructed, the LULA elevator must fit in the available space. This means that the contractor will have to work within the building’s confines to create a shaft that fits.
Additionally, there must be adequate space at each elevator landing so that a wheelchair can easily maneuver in and out of the elevator. LULA elevators allow for multiple stops and up to 25 feet of vertical travel.
How much room do you need to fit a LULA elevator?
Before delving into space requirements, there is one important topic to address. If at all possible, involve the elevator company in your design process before construction begins in order to avoid costly re-work and delays.
Enlist a skilled elevator installation company to coordinate shaft structural requirements, dimensions, electrical requirements, and more with the general contractor. Keep in mind that the LULA design and installation process involves a good deal of on-site coordination. Getting the experts involved early on decreases the likelihood of mistakes that can increase costs and hold back projects from completion.
Now onto the question of space requirements. An advantage of LULA elevators over standard elevators is the space-saving component. LULA elevators have a more compact width and length, as noted in the dimensions above. This makes them perfect for small to medium-sized buildings.
Additionally, the LULA elevator shaft is smaller because it requires less space above the top floor (“overhead”) and below the bottom floor (“pit”) than larger elevators.
Overhead refers to the measurement from the floor to the ceiling on the top floor. The overhead space required for LULA elevators varies and can be as little as 9 feet in existing buildings. For new construction, the overhead required is usually around 11 feet.
The pit of a LULA elevator also requires less space. Unlike full-size passenger elevators that require a deep pit, a LULA elevator requires a pit that is only about 14 inches deep.
Since LULA elevators require less space and are less complex to install, these elevators often take less time than installing a full-size passenger elevator. Plus, LULA elevators generally require maintenance every three months instead of monthly maintenance that larger elevators require. This results in significant long-term savings for the building owner.
Let the LULA experts install your ideal elevator
As you can see, LULA elevators are compact and useful for adding accessibility to your building. If you’re considering having a LULA elevator installed, it’s vital to work with an experienced company to avoid costly mistakes.
Ensure the installation process goes smoothly with a team of experts at your side. At Arrow Lift, we put our 35 years of experience and commitment to excellence into every project. That means you can have peace of mind knowing that knowledgeable professionals are getting the job done. Contact us today to learn more about our LULA offerings.
