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FAQ

  • What is a MRL?
    MRL (Machine-Room-Less) elevators are installed with the machine in the hoistway and the control equipment usually located on the side and inside the elevator shaft. MRL elevators are much less expensive than a normal traction elevator, however they are more expensive than the typical hydraulic elevator. Also, many of the MRL elevators available today are proprietary equipment. As with any product, there are benefits and draw backs to the MRL elevator’s design.
  • What is a LU/LA?
    LU/LA stands for Limited Use/Limited Application. It is essentially a small elevator that requires less space, less power, and is not required to have the fire recall function of a full sized elevator. The application is limited to 25 feet of travel, 1400 lbs. capacity, and a speed of 30 feet per minute.
  • Are LU/LA's less expensive than standard commercial elevators?
    Limited Use/Limited Application (LULA) elevators are less expensive, typically this type of equipment is installed to save building space, reduce power consumption, or to greatly reduce the pit depth or the overhead clearances required.
  • Do you install proprietary equipment?
    No. Unlike most elevator companies, Shenandoah Elevator's products are completely non- proprietary. That means that the equipment we install may be serviced by any trained elevator technician. Installing non- proprietary equipment allows parts, information and technical support be available to anyone if they need to work on the equipment. We feel that our customers would be best suited if they continue to use Shenandoah Elevator as the service provider.
  • What size Residential Elevators do you sell?
    Each manufacturer will custom build an elevator to suit your needs accommodating up to 15 square feet of usable floor space which is the largest allowed by elevator code. Contact us to help design an elevator to fit your specific needs.
  • Am I required to have a service contract on my equipment?
    Yes. The ASME A17.1 does require elevators to be maintained by elevator personnel. If your jurisdiction is enforcing the 2010 version of the code or later, you are also responsible to have a Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) for your equipment.
  • What is a Maintenance control plan?
    This is a program that is outlined in Section 8 of the ASME A17.1 code that stipulates some basic general requirements for elevator maintenance and record keeping. An MCP is required to be kept onsite and accessible to elevator personnel. It should include all information necessary to maintain, service and repair the elevator equipment on site.
  • Why am I required to have two companies for an inspection?
    Shenandoah Elevator is required to perform functions and operate the equipment while a third party state inspector witnesses the inspection.
  • What is a 5-Year Full Load Test? What equipment requires it?
    A 5 year full load test is when the elevator company brings out test weights equal to the full capacity of the elevator then the elevator company and inspector conduct the safety testing with weights. Any conveying equipment that is suspended by steel cables with safeties on the car or counterweight will be required to have a 5 year full load test.
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