The shaft is the foundation of every lift. A shaft built even a little out of plumb or a little too small can delay installation, cost money to correct, or limit the lift you can fit. Builders and contractors in Bangalore can avoid this by following a clear checklist. Here it is.
Before construction: get the drawing
- Ask the lift company for the shaft drawing for the chosen lift: internal size, pit depth, overhead height, door openings and loads.
- Share it with the architect and structural engineer, and mark the shaft on every floor plan.
- Do not start the shaft on assumed dimensions.
During construction: the checklist
- Internal size. Width and depth match the drawing, clear of plaster and projections.
- Plumb. The shaft is vertical from pit to top. Check with a plumb line at several levels.
- Pit depth. As per drawing, level, dry and waterproofed, with no steps or drains in the wrong place.
- Overhead height. The clear height above the top landing matches the drawing.
- Door openings. Correct width, height and position on every floor, aligned vertically.
- Wall strength. Walls can hold the guide-rail brackets as specified, with embedded plates or fixing points where required.
- Machine room or MRL arrangement. As per the design, with access, ventilation and lighting.
- Ventilation and drainage. Provision as advised by the lift company.
- Power supply and earthing. A dedicated supply and earthing point close to the shaft or machine room.
- Safe access. Barricades at openings and a clear route for materials.
Before handing the shaft to the lift company
- Ask the lift company to inspect and confirm the shaft in writing.
- Correct any deviation before installation starts.
- Clean the shaft and pit of debris and water.
- Agree who provides temporary lighting and power during installation.
Common problems on site
| Problem | Result |
|---|---|
| Shaft out of plumb | Guide rails cannot be aligned; corrections delay the project |
| Pit too shallow | Limits the lift model, or needs breaking the slab |
| Openings misaligned | Doors will not line up on every floor |
| No power ready | Installation and testing cannot proceed |
| Water in the pit | Damage to equipment and safety risk |
Related reading
See how much space a home lift needs, the lift installation process and planning lifts for apartment buildings.
Lifts in Bangalore and elevators in Bangalore: one team for everything
Builders and contractors can send us the plans for a shaft drawing and review. Whether you need a lift in Bangalore or an elevator in Bangalore, one team can survey, supply, install, service and maintain it for you. Read about our lifts and elevators in Bangalore, see the areas we serve, learn about lift service and AMC, or contact our team for a site visit and quotation.
Key takeaways
- Build the shaft from the lift company's drawing, not assumptions.
- Check size, plumb, pit, overhead, openings, wall strength, power and access.
- Get the shaft confirmed in writing before installation starts.
