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Feb 26

Service vs. Freight Elevators: Understanding the Key Differences

Service vs. Freight Elevators: Understanding the Key DifferencesWhat’s the difference between service, passenger, and freight elevators? While the differences may not be obvious to most, understanding them is crucial when evaluating elevator needs for a project—whether modernizing an existing space or starting from scratch with new construction.

Understanding Elevator ClassifIt’sion

It’s essential to note that ASME 17.1-2019, the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, recognizes only two types of elevators: passenger and freight. Despite their name, service elevators are classified as passenger elevators. They have been enlarged and stripped of all high-end finishes. These elevators must meet all the standard code requirements for passenger elevators and any additional codes specific to their freight-loading capabilities.

Service Elevators: Designed for Dual Use

Service elevators are often mistaken for freight elevators but are in no way the same. Service elevators are primarily designed to transport employees, light-duty carts, and dollies throughout a building rather than heavy goods. They have horizontally opening doors, similar to traditional passenger elevators. Still, their interiors are built for durability rather than aesthetics, featuring extra bumper rails, rugged finishes, and simpler designs compared to passenger elevators. While standard passenger elevators are slightly wider than they are deep, service elevators are much deeper to accommodate hospital beds and stretchers. Despite these modifications, service elevators have limitations when it comes to large, heavy freight. Their door sizes are restricted and must stay within the limitations of standard passenger-type entrances, which limits the size of items that can be loaded. They are also limited in capacity, typically maxing out at 5,000 lbs.

Freight Elevators: Built for Heavy-Duty Transport

On the other hand, freight elevators are specifically engineered to haul freight—and lots of it. Unlike service elevators, which focus on transporting people along with light-duty loads, freight elevators are designed to carry extremely heavy cargo, often with load capacities reaching up to 100,000 lbs. A defining characteristic of freight elevators is their door system. Instead of traditional side-opening doors, most freight elevators have vertically opening doors, allowing the entrance width to span the entire car. This full-width opening makes it possible to easily load and unload large freight, whether pallet jacks, forklifts, automobiles, or even entire trucks and trailers. Freight elevator interiors prioritize function over form. Their walls are constructed from heavy-duty steel to minimize damage and downtime, their floors are non-skid and built to withstand high traffic, and their doors are reinforced for durability.

Which Elevator Is Right for Your Needs

If you’re a casual elevator rider in a business, residential, or medical building, chances are you’re using a passenger or service elevator. If you work in an industrial or manufacturing, you’re more likely to encounter a freight elevator.
Still unsure which type of elevator is right for your project? If you are looking for an efficient service elevator or a high-capacity freight elevator, industry experts can help guide you through the decision-making process. Investing in the right elevator ensures optimal performance, safety, and durability for years to come.

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