Common Residential Elevator Terminology
Auto Car Light
Light(s) can be wired to turn on when elevator is called and operating, and turn off by a timer.
Automatic Gate Opener
Also referred to as Automatic Gate Operator, is the electromechanical device that automatically opens and closes the car gate. Also called Winding Drum, is a geared drive machine on which suspension cables are fastened and wind on a rotating drum.
Call Station
Also called Remote Station, this is the button on each landing people use to “call” the elevator to a landing.
Car
Also called cab, is the portion of the elevator in which people ride.
Car Code
The configuration location of the elevator gate stacking position.
Car Gate
Gate that is connected to the car and travels with the elevator. Inclinator elevators can have gate or door openings on 1, 2 or 3 sides.
Controller
The controller houses the electrical control circuits for the elevator. Inclinator’s two Machine Roomless elevator drive systems include a microprocessor-based controller, which is used for programming, operating, self-diagnosing and servicing the elevator.
C.O.P.
Car Operating Panel (COP) is the control panel inside the elevator that includes the buttons and switches for operating the elevator.
Dome
Elevator car’s ceiling.
Drive System
The mechanism that lifts and lowers the elevator car and its passengers.
Duranotic
The name used for the dark brown (almost black) metal finish.
Emergency Battery Lowering (EBL)
An emergency power source (during power outages) for lowering the elevator to a landing and energizing the interlock … allowing the occupant(s) to exit the car.
Hoistway
Also called shaft, is the multi-floor opening created through which an elevator passes. Note: Not all Inclinator elevators require a shaft.
Hoistway Door
Door opening to hoistway at a landing. A landing can be any floor that the elevator accesses.
Home Elevator
A home (or residential) elevator is – by code – designed for the needs of private residences such as single homes, townhomes and condominiums serving one family.
Homing Device
This sends the elevator to a predetermined landing when it is not in use.
Hydraulic
Also called Hydro, this drive system utilizes a hydraulic jack and wire cables to raise and lower the car. Inclinator’s patented system is called HydraRide®.
Landing
Each floor on which the elevator will open.
Machine Room (MR)
A closet-sized room usually constructed near the elevator hoistway (located at any level) to accommodate the drive system and electrical control box. Note: Not all Inclinator elevators require a machine room.
Machine Roomless (MRL)
MRL elevators have the drive system housed entirely in the hoistway, thereby eliminating the need for a machine room.
Overhead
Clearance needed to accommodate the components on top of the elevator car. It is measured from the top landing’s finished floor to the lowest obstruction at the top of the hoistway.
Pit
The pit provides clearance for the support components that are below the floor of the elevator car allowing the elevator floor to level with the lowest landing floor.
Rail
The metal track that guides the elevator in a vertical path.
Rail Jaw
A pulley located at the top of the rail to divert the cables back down the hoistway.
Remote Station
Also called Call Station, this is the button on each landing/floor people use to “call” the elevator to a landing.
Residential Elevator
A residential (or home) elevator is – by code – designed for the needs of private residences and multi-family housing such as townhomes and condominiums serving one family.
Shaft
Also called hoistway, is the multi-floor opening created through which an elevator passes. Note: Not all Inclinator elevators require a shaft.
Sheave
The elevator’s pulley.
Stabilizer
An additional support rail used on the Cable Drum and Hydraulic drive systems.
Traveling Cable
Also referred to as multi conductor wiring harness, is used to get power and car functions from the controller to the car as it rises from bottom floor to the top floor. This will provide power if necessary, send calls to the controller and provide safety circuit connections back to the controller.
Weight Capacity
The total amount of weight (people and items) that can be added to the elevator for safe operation.
Winding Drum
Also called Cable Drum, is a geared drive machine on which suspension cables are fastened and wind on a rotating drum