Where does the equipment go?
A machine-room (MR) elevator has a dedicated room for the traction machine and control equipment, typically above the shaft. In a machine-room-less (MRL) elevator, the traction machine is housed in the shaft, often near the top. The controller location varies by model and may be in a cabinet near a landing.
Machine-room elevators: advantages
A separate room can give technicians more working space and direct access to major equipment. It also provides space to plan ventilation and a route for replacing large components. Include MR options when evaluating higher speeds, heavier loads or sustained peak traffic. Ask the supplier about local spare parts, service coverage and documentation for the offered model.
Machine-room elevators: trade-offs and applications
Budget for the machine room, structural support, access and ventilation. Check roof height restrictions and acoustic isolation if the room is near bedrooms or guest rooms. MR is worth evaluating for high-rise offices, hotels, major commercial buildings and tall residential projects when the building can accommodate the equipment room.
Machine-room-less elevators: advantages
Removing the dedicated room frees roof space and can reduce building work. It can also avoid a visible rooftop projection. Start by evaluating MRL for low- and mid-rise residential buildings, smaller offices and retrofits where a separate room is difficult to add.
Machine-room-less elevators: trade-offs
Ask how technicians reach the machine, where the controller can be serviced, and how major components are removed. Check shaft ventilation and acoustic isolation if occupied rooms adjoin the shaft. Request the power-failure rescue procedure, access points and any backup equipment included in the quote. Available speed, load and duty cycle depend on the model.
What should I send for comparable quotes?
Provide shaft width and depth, pit depth, overhead clearance, travel, number of stops and door positions. Give each supplier the same peak traffic, capacity and speed targets. Compare civil works, installation, maintenance terms, parts availability and rescue provisions on the same scope.
Quick selection guide
| Project condition | What to evaluate first |
|---|---|
| More than 12 floors, a target speed of 2.0 m/s or more, or heavy peak traffic | Include MR in the first comparison. Use a traffic study and the offered models to confirm speed, capacity and group size. |
| Roof space is restricted, or an existing building needs a retrofit | Evaluate MRL first. Check shaft dimensions, pit, overhead and service access. |
| Civil works budget is tight | Price MRL first, then compare total installed and maintenance costs on the same scope. |