FAQ for New Construction
New Construction
What thickness of floor material can be installed in an elevator?
How much overhead is required in the machine room?
How long does it take to install an elevator?
What is "non-proprietary" elevator equipment?
What are elevator loading requirements?
What security systems provision does my elevator need to have?
What is the difference between Firefighters Emergency Operation (FEO) and Firefighters Elevators?
Does my building need a handicapped lift, a LULA, or a full elevator?
How important are drawings and approvals?
Can changes be made to your standard products?
Is Firefighters Emergency Operation (FEO) required for a LULA elevator?
Is a hoist beam required for an accessibility lift or for a LULA elevator?
Can I use my elevator for construction?
What thickness of floor material can be installed in an elevator?
On a standard elevator, the flooring can be up to 5/8” in thickness, which means 1/2” tile can be accommodated.
How much overhead is required in the machine room?
The B-44 Elevator Code Clause 2.7.4.1 requires 2,130 mm of clear overhead in the machine room, while the Ontario Electrical Code requires only 2,000 mm. No lighting or other ceiling mounted devices are permitted to hang below the 2,130 mm mark.
How long does it take to install an elevator?
Basic installation times range from about 2 weeks for a handicapped lift, 4 weeks for a hydraulic elevator, and 6 weeks for a traction elevator. This represents the actual on-site time for the installation crews - the actual time line to do the installation is typically at least double due to tasks that are the responsibility of other trades.
What is "non-proprietary" elevator equipment?
Elevators and elevator components range in their proprietary nature. Prior to making a purchase decision for a new elevator or controller, it is important to understand how an installation will be affected by the proprietary components of the product under consideration.
Delta controllers are available with or without a diagnostic tool. Tools can also be purchased as an after market item. Delta stands behind its product 100% and supports its elevators regardless of who is maintaining them.
Click on the image to access Delta's worksheet for additional information on this critical issue.
What are "elevator loading" requirements?
All elevating devices have a loading classification set by the B-44 Elevator Code pertaining to the capacity of the elevating device and to the nature of the loading method.
It is important that the loading classification matches the elevating device's intended use. Early determination of this issue ensures the design and the classification result in safe operation of the elevating device.
Click on the image to review Delta's information document for a description of the loading classifications permitted under the B-44 Elevator Code and that are available from Delta Elevator Co Ltd.
What security system provision does my elevator need to have?
Security systems are becoming common features in elevators for both new construction and for modernizations. It is important to ensure the provisions in the elevator are capable of accommodating the system that is eventually put in place. This should take place as early as possible, preferably during the design phase.
Please contact Delta to discuss the specific needs of your building, as there are no industry standards for security system provisions in elevators.
What is the difference between Firefighters’ Emergency Operation (FEO) and Elevators for Use by Firefighters?
Both the Building Code and the B-44 Elevator Code include references elevators emergency situations: The Building Code governs Elevators for Use by Firefighters, while the Elevator Code governs Firefighters' Emergency Operation.
Unfortunately, the requirements and purpose of each code’s rules and regulations are sometimes confused in tender documents. This can lead to extra costs on the job site in order to pass the final inspection.
Click on the image to read Delta’s clarifying statement regarding this issue.
Does my building need a handicapped lift, a LULA, or a full elevator?
Delta believes that accessibility considerations are important aspects of building design, and that these considerations should take the long term into account.
For HLs in particular, the trade-off between cost and features changes depending on the time frame considered during the decision making process. In some cases, slight modifications to a handicapped lift installation can provide for a future to a LULA or to a full elevator.
Click on the image to read more about making the right decision for accessibility design.
How important are drawings and approvals?
Drawings and approvals are extremely important for a smooth installation process. All the required information for the General Contractor is provided on these documents. Once they are accepted, the elevator equipment is custom built to those specifications. It is the General Contractor's responsibility to ensure the hoistway, the machine room, and the related feeds meet the approved design.
Can changes be made to your standard products?
It is usually most economical to use a supplier's standard product. However, when this is not possible, the flexibility to meet your specific needs is one of Delta's strengths. Delta designs and manufactures its own product, so custom applications can be accommodated, usually at a reasonable cost, when accurate information and reasonable lead time are available.
Is Firefighters Emergency Operation (FEO) required for a LULA elevator?
No, FEO is not required for a LULA elevator.
Is a hoist beam required for an accessibility lift or for a LULA elevator?
No, hoist beams are not required for either of these Delta products.
Can I use my elevator during construction?
During the construction of larger buildings there is often a need to move a significant amount of material from floor to floor during the finishing stages and the commissioning of the project. In the right circumstances, using an elevator for this purpose can be a cost effective and efficient solution for General Contractors.
However, construction elevators must be inspected by the TSSA first, put on a maintenance contract during use, and returned to like-new condition by the elevator contractor afterward. It is important to plan for these additional costs and requirements early in the design process.
Click on the image to learn more about construction elevators.