Elevator with machine room
What is an elevator with a machine room?
An elevator with a machine room is a system in which the traction assembly—comprising the traction motor, gearbox, and control cabinet—is housed in a dedicated technical room, typically located above the elevator shaft or in an adjacent space. Predating MRL (Machine Room-Less) technology, this system remains common in many French buildings and continues to be deployed for specific applications requiring high power output or easy access to the equipment.
OCTÉ Lift and SECA design and modernize elevators with machine rooms for all types of buildings, whether for new installations or the replacement of existing systems.
Technical specifications of the elevator with a machine room
Drive System
The AC electric motor with a variable frequency drive is the standard drive system for modern elevators with a machine room. Whether coupled with a reduction gear (geared solution) or in a gearless configuration for high speeds, it offers a rated speed ranging from 0.63 m/s to 3 m/s, depending on travel height and traffic volume.
Hydraulic traction elevators with a machine room located at the pit level offer an alternative for short travel distances (up to 20 meters) and heavy loads.
Control cabinet
The control cabinet, installed in the machine room, is accessible to technicians without requiring entry into the elevator shaft. This configuration facilitates maintenance, diagnostics, and technology upgrades. OCTÉ Lift’s VERSO cabinet integrates the variable frequency drive, intelligent call management, and VERSO Connect connectivity.
Machine room: sizing
The machine room must comply with the requirements of the EN 81-20 standard: a minimum clear height of 2,100 mm for the working area and 1,800 mm for circulation paths, permanent lighting, ventilation suited to the motor’s heat dissipation, and secure access reserved for authorized technicians. The floor area is calculated based on the installed power and the amount of equipment.
Advantages of elevators with a machine room
- Equipment accessibility: the motor and control cabinet are located outside the shaft, facilitating maintenance without prolonged equipment downtime.
- High-power adaptability: ideal for high-speed elevators or those with high load capacities (exceeding 2,500 kg).
Acoustic comfort: sound insulation in the technical room reduces the transmission of motor noise to building occupants. - Easy upgrades: the motor or control cabinet can be replaced without structural work inside the shaft.
- High-rise compatibility: a standard solution for buildings with up to 30 levels.
Typical applications
Elevators with a machine room are suitable for buildings requiring high motor power or permanent access to equipment: hospitals and healthcare facilities, high-traffic shopping centers, large-capacity hotels, industrial buildings with freight elevators, and any existing building with a rooftop machine room that needs to be retained during replacement.
Regulations and compliance
Elevators with a machine room installed in France are subject to the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU and harmonized standards EN 81-20 (safety of electric lifts) and EN 81-50 (testing). For existing installations, the requirements of the Decree of September 9, 2004, and its implementing orders apply regarding five-year technical inspections and bringing safety devices into compliance. OCTÉ Lift ensures full regulatory compliance for every installation or modernization project.
Modernization
A large number of elevators with machine rooms are currently in service in France. Modernizing these installations—by replacing the control cabinet, motor, or doors—improves energy performance and reliability without requiring a complete replacement. OCTÉ Lift offers modernization solutions tailored to existing shafts and machine rooms, incorporating the VERSO control cabinet and the VERSO Connect remote maintenance system.
For an audit of your existing installation or a new project assessment, OCTÉ Lift provides a free feasibility analysis and a proposed solution.
