How Many Elevators Do You Need for Your Project? – Practical Tips for Developers
Choosing an elevator is not just a matter of technical specifications or visual design – it’s a functional decision that directly impacts residents’ comfort, building operation, and the final reputation of the project.
For developers, selecting the correct number, capacity, and speed of elevators is based on several key parameters:
Globally, several standard methodologies are used when selecting elevators:
Traffic Flow
- During peak hours, calculate the number of residents using the elevator.
- Monday mornings and the end of the workday are the busiest times.
- General rule: at least 10–15% of a building’s residents should be able to use the elevator simultaneously during peak hours.
Number of Apartments per Floor
- 4–6 apartments per floor – low traffic, a standard capacity elevator (630–800 kg) is sufficient.
- 8–12 apartments per floor – high-capacity elevators (1000–1600 kg) or an additional elevator are recommended.
Elevator Capacity
Standard for residential complexes:
- 630 kg — 8 people
- 800 kg — 10 people
- 1000 kg — 13 people
- 1600 kg — 21 people (for premium projects or high traffic)
Mandatory Parameters to Consider:
- Average person weight: 75 kg
- Average floor area occupied by a passenger in the elevator: 0.21 m²
| Capacity (kg) | Number of Passengers | Building Type | Recommended Waiting Time (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 kg | 6 passengers | Small business centers | 25 – 35 sec |
| 630 kg | 8 passengers | Residential buildings | 20 – 30 sec |
| 800 kg | 10 passengers | Premium residences | 15 – 25 sec |
| 1000 kg | 13 passengers | Apartments, offices | 15 – 20 sec |
| 1600 kg | 21 passengers | Shopping centers, high traffic areas | 10 – 15 sec |