One of the common misconceptions when it comes to elevators is that all of them have the same purpose. When it comes to lift installations, it’s important to know the difference and which lift will best suit you. And, as an elevator company in Hull, we’re the perfect people to help you.
Both passenger lifts and platform lifts are used to transfer people from one floor to another, but which is best for your building?
Passenger lifts are the most common type of lifts found in buildings and are able to carry multiple people inside, they can come in multiple sizes with different maximum weights — typically accommodating around 8 or 12 passengers at a time. Passenger lifts are typically faster and allow for simple and relatively rapid movement of passengers between floors.
Despite being the faster choice when it comes to elevators, passenger lifts are often more difficult to install. The installation process requires a lift shaft to be built to house the car and mechanisms, a lift pit is also needed to allow the car to stop level with the lowest floor. Because of this, passenger lifts are typically preferred in new buildings where the lift shaft is easier to construct or in buildings where a lift shaft is already present.
Platform lifts are used when a passenger is only required to travel one floor and are best suited for smaller passenger numbers, i.e. one wheelchair or a few people. Passenger lifts provide the best solution for when a user is unable to walk up a flight of stairs and when providing a ramp is not possible.
One of the best things about platform lifts is that they do not require as much space and work as a passenger lift does, they are also quicker to install. There is a possibility of a 75mm pit being dug for your platform lift compared to the 1.2m pit needed for a passenger lift. Platform lifts can be used both indoors and outdoors and provide the perfect solution for when space is limited and a ramp is not possible.
There are a number of platform lifts available, these include:
Deciding on the best lift depends on your situation and requirements. If you’re needing a larger lift to transport passengers between multiple floors in a relatively quick manner, then a passenger lift will be your go-to.
Platform lifts are most favoured in low-rise buildings where the majority of people will be able to use the stairs, buildings where fitting a passenger lift is not possible or buildings where there is a disabled access issue. Platform lifts are less costly, easier and quicker to install and can ultimately help your building and business comply with The Equality Act of 2010.
Here at Paragon Elevators, we strive to give the best possible service to each of our customers. We’re an independent lift company with a dedicated team of installation, repair and maintenance specialists — boasting over 75 years in the elevator industry.
Due to our expansive coverage of the UK, we’re proud to offer our services nationally. From the removal of outdated lifts to full installation of all makes and models, including DDA platform lifts — we have the capabilities to match and exceed your requirements. Get in touch with us today!
