How does an Elevator Work?

by | Dec 17, 2014 | Construction and Maintenance

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In the action movies, you often cringe as you watch an elevator plummet 150 stories to the bottom of a building. While that isn’t apt to happen to you, it is still a super scary thought. Many people don’t realize that there is more than one type of elevator in the huge buildings they see. Elevators have been around for over 150 years and have steadily become more and more efficient.

There are two different types of elevators to choose from. These are the Hydraulic Elevators in Arlington VA and cable elevators. Below you will find out a bit about both of them and how elevators work.

Hydraulic Elevators

In today’s modern society where skyscrapers are being built left and right, just to accommodate the growing need for living and working space, the elevator has become extremely important. A hydraulic elevator is often said not to be cost effective and that it needs too much energy to make it work.

However, the process of running the Hydraulic Elevators in Arlington VA is quite simple. The elevator sits on a piston and is run by a tank full of fluid, usually oil. There is also a pump that pushes the fluid up the shaft and allows the elevator to go up when it needs too. When the elevator needs to go back downstairs, a valve opens up and lets the fluid fall back into the tank, making for a seamless decline and a smooth ride. This type of elevator is a great system to have if the building is only a few stories high.

Cable Elevators

The most common elevator that you will find is the cable elevator. This elevator doesn’t cost as much when it comes to energy and you don’t have to have an intense amount of drilling to have it installed in your building. There are four to eight steel cables installed instead and then an elevator car is attached to those cables. A computer system then keeps track of where the elevator needs to go.

These are the two types of elevators you have to choose from, when searching for one for your building. They both have their pros and cons, so the choice is really up to you. You can Visit Elevator Technologies Inc. for more information on both today.

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