What Is A
Glass Platform Lift
A glass platform lift is a mobility solution for mobility impaired users. Typically, they are designed to be compact and travel at slower speeds. Platform lifts can placed in a variety of environments but are best suited low rise buildings. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular not only in private homes, but also in commercial buildings as part of an all-inclusive society.
Glass Platform Lift - Elevator
- Capacity: 400kg/Wheelchair Friendly
- Number of Stops: 2 – 6
- Dimension: Platform Size of 1100mm (W) x 1400mm (D) *meets BCA requirement for wheelchair access*
- Door: Aluminium Door with Large Tempered Glass
- Door Configuration: Single Entry / Open Through or Adjacent
- Power Requirement: 220Vac, Single-Phase
- Country of Origin: Sweden
Types of
Platform Lifts
Enclosed Glass Platform Lifts
Platform lifts, or otherwise referred to as vertical lifting platforms, cater to smaller sized passenger group sizes traveling shorter distances. Their speed is restricted to 0.15 m/s, making them better matched for vertical transportation in a low rise building. On average, the traveling time for on a platform lift is 22 secs to the next level.
An advantage that platform lifts offer over passenger lifts lies in their setup. A much smaller footprint is required, therefore enabling their installation in the majority of buildings.
Because of their efficiency qualities, platform lifts have found favour as a mobility platform for wheelchair users. Typically, they are able to carry 1 wheelchair individual and additional 1 or 2 person depending on the size of platform lift they choose.
Screw Driven Platform Lifts
This type of elevator is the most often used in residential situations. With a Screw and Nut driven elevator, a long screw shaft and drive nut are used to raise and lower the platform. Between the guide rails, the platform has an electric motor that is connected to the drive unit by belts. As the motor rotates, the drive unit and platform are moved up or down along the shaft.
FAQ
- Hydraulic Platform Lifts
The hydraulic elevator can be installed in newer homes but are a poor fit for existing homes. This is due to the amount of space and infrastructure that needs to be installed in order to accommodate it. Furthermore, hydraulic platform lifts require a machine room which would likely take up too much space in a residential environment.
Other disadvantages of hydraulic lifts include:
- Having a separate motor pump and tank that takes up even more space
- Levelling issues due to the fact that it is on oil pressure
- The possibility of having an oil leak and thus oil smells in the area
- Traction Platform Lifts
In contrast to hydraulic platform lifts, traction platform lifts use a rack with a counterweight to slide up and down, hence it does not require a machine room. However, in return, it does require a space above the elevator to accommodate the extra equipment. As such, again the large space necessitated make it unsuitable for most residences.
Other disadvantages of traction lifts include:
- Most Traction lifts does not come with a built-in enclosure and thus will need to be provided at a high cost from the builder
- 1200mm lift pit and high Overhead needed in order to install
- Relatively smaller lift and bigger footprint needed
- Why Screw Driven Platform Lifts are Preferred
Having a residential elevator allows you to retain your independence, privacy, and autonomy. And for most people, the obvious choice is the screw driven elevator. But there are some things you’ll need to consider in terms of safety.
- Are Enclosed Platform Lifts Safe?
Platform lifts are safe for both adults and children provided that they have actually been installed by a qualified professional. Aside from appropriate setup, your contractor would certainly advise you on the safety and security standards, procedure and also weight constraints of the platform lift. It is necessary that you are familiar with these. Additionally, platform lifts do call for upkeep every quarterly as required by local authorities.
Right out of the gate, you’ll want to look for these important safety features:
- Backup lighting system to illuminate the platform if there is a power outage
- Automatic Lowering device to bring the user to a lower floor in case of a power failure
- Doors and gates controlled with electro-mechanical locks
- Automatic doors (optional)
- Alarm button
- Handrail
- Telephone