Elevator Terminology Explained | Complete Elevator Glossary – Altivex

Elevator language has an enormous impact on how well your vertical transportation is planned, specified, and maintained. Knowing some basic terminology will allow architects, owners of buildings or facilities managers, or anyone curious about how elevators function,to be able to communicate clearly and make the best decision for their needs. Altivex Elevator LLC has compiled this guide to help you better understand elevator vocabulary, including the components, configuration, and standards, for you to better navigate the elevator world.

AC (Alternating Current) – Electrical current that periodically reverses direction & is commonly used to power motors & systems.

Accessibility Lift – A lifting device designed to provide safe vertical transportation for persons with reduced mobility.

Access Control – A system that restricts elevator usage to authorized persons or designated floors.

Access Device – A special tool used by authorized personnel to unlock landing doors from outside the hoistway.

Access Door – A locked door providing access to elevator machine rooms or overhead spaces. 

Accordion Gate – A folding interior gate that closes and travels with the elevator car.

Adjacent Opening – A cab door configuration with doors located on two adjacent sides of the car.

Advance Door Opening – A system that allows elevator doors to begin opening before the car reaches a complete stop.

Advanced Modular Door – An automatic elevator door system constructed from interchangeable modular components.

AECO (Accredited Elevator/Escalator Certification Organization) – An organization accredited to certify elevator and escalator safety compliance.

Airborne Noise – Noise transmitted through the air due to the vibration of elevator components.

Alarm Bell – An audible emergency signaling device is located inside the elevator car.

Alarm Button – A button used to activate the alarm bell and emergency communication system.

Anchor Bolt – A fastener used to secure elevator equipment to concrete or structural elements.

Anti-Drum Element – A vibration-damping component used to reduce structural noise.

Architect’s Drawing – Technical drawings showing building structure and elevator installation details.

ASME – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is responsible for elevator safety standards.

Asynchronous Motor – An electric motor operating at a speed slightly different from the supply frequency.

Attendant Service – An operating mode in which an elevator is controlled by a designated operator.

Automatic Door Reopening Device – A safety device that reopens doors when an obstruction is detected.

Automatic Elevator – An elevator that operates without an attendant.

Automatic Gate Opener – A device that automatically opens and closes an elevator gate.

Automatic Leveling Device – A system maintaining precise floor leveling under varying load conditions.

Automatic Rescue Device (ARD) – A system that moves the elevator to the nearest landing during power failure.

Auxiliary Power Supply – A backup power source supporting control or rescue functions.

Balancing Ratio – The ratio between elevator car mass and counterweight mass.

Balustrade – The side structure of an escalator or moving walk, including panels and handrails.

Battery Backup – An emergency power source enabling a safe landing during power outages.

Bevel – An angled surface not formed at a right angle.

Biparting Doors – Doors that open away from the center of the opening.

Blocking Device – Structural support used to secure or align elevator components.

Bottom Clearance – The minimum vertical distance required beneath the car at its lowest position.
Brake – An electromechanical device that stops or holds the elevator in position.

Brake Coil – An electromagnetic component that releases the elevator brake.

Brake Magnet – An electromagnetic device that applies or releases braking force.

Buffer – A shock-absorbing device is installed in the pit to stop overtravel.

Buffer Springs – Heavy-duty springs are designed to absorb impact energy.

Buffer Switch – A safety switch is activated when buffers are compressed.

Bushing – A replaceable sleeve acting as a bearing or protective lining.

Cab (Car) – The enclosed compartment is used to transport passengers or goods.

Cab Configuration – The arrangement of doors on the elevator cab.

Cable – An insulated conductor or group of conductors transmitting power or signals.

Call Button – A device used to request elevator service.

Capacity – The maximum permissible load of an elevator.

Car Buffer – A buffer is installed beneath the elevator car.

Car Door – The movable door is attached to the elevator car.

Car Frame – The steel structure supporting the elevator cab.

Car Operating Panel (COP) – The control panel inside the elevator car.

Car Position Indicator – A display showing the current floor position.

Car Sling – The structural framework supporting the cab and platform.

Car Top Inspection Station – A control panel is located on top of the car for maintenance.

Compensating Chain / Rope – A device balancing rope weight in high-rise elevators.

Controller – The system governing elevator motion, doors, and safety.

Counterweight – A mass is balancing the elevator car.

Counterweight Frame – The structural frame holding counterweight blocks.

DC (Direct Current) – Electrical current flows in one direction.

Destination Dispatch System – A system grouping passengers by destination floors.

Door Closer – A mechanism assisting controlled door closing.

Door Lock / Interlock – A safety device that prevents the door from opening unless the car is properly positioned.

Door Operator – A motorized mechanism opens and closes doors.

Door Restrictor – A safety device limits the door opening when the car is not at a stop.

Drive System – The mechanical system powering elevator movement.

Dumbwaiter – A small service lift is used to transport goods.

Earthquake Operation – A safety mode is activated during seismic events.

Emergency Alarm – A passenger-activated alert system.

Emergency Exit – An opening on top of the car for rescue access.

Emergency Lighting – Battery-powered lighting activates during power loss.

Emergency Power Operation (EPO) – Elevator operation using emergency generators.

Emergency Stop Switch – A switch that immediately stops elevator operation.

Emergency Telephone / HELP Button – A communication device for emergency assistance.

Encoder – A device providing speed or position feedback.

Position Encoder – A sensor determining the precise car position in the hoistway.

Escalator – A moving stairway for vertical transportation.

Escutcheon – A plate or opening used to unlock doors.

False Car / Construction Elevator – A temporary elevator is used during building construction.

Final Limit Switch – A safety switch cuts power if travel limits are exceeded.

Fire Fighters Emergency Operation – Special elevator modes for firefighting use.

Fixtures – Interior elevator hardware and fittings.

Flexible Traveling Cable – A cable supplying power and signals to the moving car.

Floor Selector – A control component determining stopping positions.

FPM (Feet Per Minute) – A unit measuring elevator speed.

Freight Elevator – An elevator designed to transport goods.

Gate – An interior protective barrier moves with the car. 

Gearless Traction Machine – A traction system with direct motor-to-sheave drive.

Geared Traction Machine – A traction system using gears to transmit power.

Goods Elevator – An elevator intended for material transport.

Governor – A safety device monitors elevator speed.

Guide Rails – Steel rails guide the car and counterweight.

Guide Shoe – A device maintaining alignment on guide rails.

Guide Shoe (Roller / Sliding) – A guide shoe design reducing friction and vibration.

Hall Lantern – An indicator showing the direction of travel.

Hall Station – A call button panel at the landing.

Handrail – A support rail inside the cab.

Headroom – The overhead space above the car.

Hoist Motor – The main motor drives elevator movement.

Hoist Rope – Steel wire ropes are suspending the car.

Suspension Ropes – Ropes supporting the car and counterweight.

Hoistway (Shaft) – The vertical enclosure for elevator travel.

Hydraulic Elevator – An elevator powered by hydraulic fluid.

Independent Service – An operating mode allowing exclusive car control.

Inspection Mode – A maintenance mode for manual operation.

Interlock – A mechanical safety device prevents unsafe door operation.

Inverter Drive (VFD) – A drive controlling motor speed by varying frequency.

VVVF Drive – A variable voltage variable frequency motor control system.

Jerk Rate – The rate of change of acceleration.

Landing – A floor level served by the elevator.

Landing Door – A door preventing access to the hoistway.

Landing Indicator – A display showing floor position.

Leveling – Automatic alignment of the car with the landing.

Lift Capacity – The rated maximum safe load.

Load Weighing Device – A system preventing overload conditions.

LULA Elevator – A Limited Use Limited Access elevator.

Machine Beams – Structural beams supporting machinery.

Machine Controller – The unit managing the elevator system logic.

Machine Guarding – Protective covers for moving parts.

Machine Room – A space housing motors and controllers.

Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevator – An elevator without a separate machine room.

Motor Controller – An electrical unit controlling motor operation.

Moving Walk – A horizontal or inclined passenger conveyor.

Normal Power Operation – Operation under the main electrical supply.

Obstruction Sensors – Devices detecting objects in the door path.

Overload Device – A system preventing operation when the load is excessive.

Overload Indicator – A signal indicating an overload condition.

Overspeed Governor – A device activating braking during excessive speed.

Passenger Elevator – An elevator designed for passenger transport.

Phase Failure Protection – Protection against electrical phase loss.

Pit – The space below the lowest landing.

Pit Ladder – A fixed ladder providing pit access.

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE) – An elevator is operated by air pressure.

Power Door Operator – A motorized door operating system.

Rail Bracket – A support securing guide rails.

Rated Load – The maximum design lifting load.

Rated Speed – The designed operating speed.

Regenerative Drive – A drive returning braking energy to the building.

Ride Quality – A measure of smoothness and comfort.

Roping (1:1, 2:1) – The arrangement of suspension ropes.

Rope Gripper – A device that clamps ropes during emergencies.

Safety Brake – A mechanical emergency braking system.

Safety Circuit – An electrical circuit ensures safe operation.

Safety Gear – A device stopping and holds the car.

Scissor Gate – A collapsible metal car gate.

Seismic Switch – A device detecting earthquakes.

Service Elevator – An elevator for staff or service use.

Sheave – A grooved wheel guiding ropes.

Slack Rope Switch – A switch stopping operation if the rope tension is lost.

Soft Start Drive – A drive reducing mechanical stress at startup.

Soft Start / Soft Stop – Controlled acceleration and deceleration.

Top of Car Clearance – Required safety space above the car.

Traction Elevator – An elevator using ropes and a drive sheave.

Travel (Rise) – The vertical distance between the lowest and the highest landings.

Traveling Cable – A flexible cable carrying power and signals.

UPS Backup System – An uninterruptible power supply for emergency operation.

Vertical Platform Lift – A short-travel accessibility lift.

Vertical Transportation – Movement between floors using elevators or escalators.

Winding Drum Elevator – An elevator using cables wound on a rotating drum.

Zone Locking – A control logic restricting unsafe door operation.