Elevator guide rails are one of the critical components for the smooth and safe operation of an elevator. These rails ensure the correct alignment of the elevator car and counterweights, thus helping the elevator move stably. In both newly constructed buildings and existing structures, elevator guide rails must be correctly selected and installed to ensure durability and safety.

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What are the Functions of Elevator Guide Rails?

Elevator guide rails are essential parts of the elevator system that guide and limit the vertical movement of the elevator car and counterweight. They prevent the car from swaying or skidding, ensuring a safe and smooth journey.

How could the elevator car move without rails? It would probably swing from side to side, or even get out of control and fall! Fortunately, thanks to the guide rails, we do not face such a danger.

The main functions of guide rails are:

Steering the car: The elevator car moves along guide rails. The rails prevent unwanted movements by ensuring that the car moves in a vertical line.
Balancing: Guide rails working together with the counterweight maintain the balance of the elevator system. In this way, the cabin moves smoothly and in a controlled manner.
Safety: The brake system, which is activated in emergency situations such as excessive speed, acts on the guide rails. The rails help the brakes to stop the cabin safely.
Noise and vibration reduction: Guide rails absorb vibrations caused by the movement of the cabin and reduce noise, providing a quieter and more comfortable elevator experience

In short, elevator guide rails are essential for a safe, comfortable and efficient elevator ride. Without them, elevators would not be as reliable and widespread as they are today.

Materials Used in the Construction of Elevator Guide Rails

Elevator guide rails are made of different materials depending on the elevator’s carrying capacity, speed and working environment. The most commonly used materials are:

Steel: Due to its high strength and durability, steel is the most preferred material for elevator guide rails. It is especially used in elevators in high-rise buildings and those with heavy traffic.
Cold-drawn steel: Cold-drawn steel increases the hardness and durability of steel. Guide rails produced by this method have a smoother surface and produce less vibration.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is used to resist corrosion in humid environments or outdoor elevators.
Aluminum: Aluminum can be preferred in guide rails due to its lightness and resistance to corrosion. However, since it has lower strength than steel, it is generally preferred in low-capacity elevators.

The choice of material is determined by the purpose of use and operating conditions of the elevator. For example, stainless steel rails may be used in an elevator in a building by the sea, while steel rails may be sufficient in an indoor elevator.

Elevator Guide Rail Types

Elevator guide rails are produced in different types and sizes. The most common types are:

T-type rails: These rails, which have a T-shaped cross-section, are the most commonly used type of guide rail.
Round rails: Round rails, used in older elevator systems, are less common today.
Specially designed rails: In some special elevator systems, it may be necessary to use specially designed rails instead of standard rails.

The selection of rail type is made according to the design, speed and carrying capacity of the elevator.

Which Type of Rails Are Used in Which Situations?

Elevator guide rails are selected by considering the purpose of use of the elevator, its carrying capacity, speed and the structural characteristics of the building. For example, T-type rails are preferred for a high-speed elevator in a high-rise building, while round rails may be sufficient for a low-speed elevator in a low-rise building.

Rail selection is critical to the safety and performance of the elevator. Using the wrong type of rail can lead to inefficient elevator operation and even accidents.

Installation and Importance of Elevator Guide Rails

Correct installation of elevator guide rails plays a critical role in both safety and performance. Correct alignment and fastening of the rails ensures smooth movement of the car and reduces vibrations.

The installation process must be carried out by expert teams and the necessary checks must be carried out meticulously. Incorrect installation can lead to unstable operation of the elevator, noise and even accidents.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Elevator Guide Rail

When choosing an elevator guide rail, it is important to pay attention to the following factors:

Material quality: Make sure that the rails are made of high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity.
Carrying capacity: Make sure that the rails are suitable for the carrying capacity of the elevator.
Rail type: Select the rail type appropriate to the design and speed of the elevator.
Ease of installation: Choose rails that can be installed easily and quickly.
Maintenance and spare parts: The rails must be easy to maintain and spare parts must be easily available.

Choosing the right guide rail is critical to the safety, performance and life of the elevator.

Elevator Guide Rail Prices

Elevator guide rail prices vary depending on many factors. Factors such as material quality, rail type, dimensions, manufacturer and installation costs are among the factors that affect the price.

Generally, rails made from high-quality materials and custom designs are more expensive, but in the long run they can be a more economical option as they will require less maintenance and last longer.

Standards and Certificates Used in Elevator Guide Rails

Since elevator guide rails are critical safety components used in human transportation, they must be manufactured and assembled in accordance with specific standards and certifications. These standards aim to guarantee the quality, durability and safety of the rails.

Here are the main standards and certifications used in elevator guide rails:

TS EN 81-20/50

TS EN 81-20/50, the European standard for the construction and installation of elevators, also includes detailed requirements for guide rails. This standard specifies the dimensions, tolerances, material properties and test methods of the rails.

ISO 7465

ISO 7465, an international standard for elevator guide rails, covers the design, manufacture and testing of rails. This standard specifies minimum requirements to ensure the safety and performance of rails.

CE işareti

The CE marking, which is mandatory for placing elevator guide rails on the market in the European Union, indicates that the product complies with the relevant European standards. The CE marking is an indication that the product meets the requirements for safety, health and environmental protection.

TSE belgesi

The TSE certificate issued by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) for elevator guide rails in Turkey indicates that the product complies with Turkish standards. The TSE certificate guarantees the quality and reliability of the product.

When choosing an elevator guide rail, choosing products that comply with these standards and certificates is important for the safety and performance of the elevator.

Maintenance and Repair of Elevator Guide Rails

Elevator guide rails can wear, deform or become damaged over time, so regular maintenance and repairs are critical to the safe and efficient operation of the elevator.

Maintenance operations typically include:

Cleaning: Cleaning the materials such as dust, dirt and oil accumulated on the rails ensures the smooth operation of the rails and reduces wear.
Lubrication: Lubrication should be done regularly to reduce friction between the rails and guide shoes and prevent wear.
Control: The surface of the rails should be checked regularly for damage such as cracks, breaks or deformation.
Adjustment: The alignment and straightness of the rails should be checked and adjusted if necessary.

Repair operations generally include:

Replacing damaged rails: Cracked, broken or excessively worn rails should be replaced.
Deforme olmuş rayların düzeltilmesi: Hafif deformasyonlar, özel ekipmanlar kullanılarak düzeltilebilir.
Check and tighten mounting elements: Loose or damaged mounting elements must be tightened or replaced.

The maintenance and repair of elevator guide rails should be done by expert technicians. Regular maintenance and repair will extend the life of the elevator, increase its safety and reduce the risk of failure.

Elevator Guide Rails and Technological Developments

Elevator technology is constantly evolving and this is reflected in the guide rails. New materials, production methods and design approaches enable the production of more durable, more efficient and safer guide rails.

For example, coatings produced using nanotechnology increase the wear resistance and life of rails. In addition, rails with improved vibration damping properties offer a quieter and more comfortable elevator experience.

In the future, with the widespread use of intelligent elevator systems, sensors and other electronic components can also be used in guide rails. This allows real-time monitoring of the condition of the rails and early detection of possible failures.

Elevator Guide Rails and Environment

The production and use of elevator guide rails also brings environmental impacts. Therefore, sustainable practices such as the use of environmentally friendly materials and recycling are gaining importance.

Guide rails made from recyclable materials help reduce environmental impact. Additionally, energy-efficient elevator systems contribute to the environment by reducing wear and tear on guide rails and extending their lifespan.

Expert Opinion on Elevator Guide Rail Selection

Elevator guide rail selection is a critical decision for the performance and safety of the elevator. Therefore, it is important to get support from an expert elevator company or consultant. Our experts can help you determine the most suitable guide rail type and material for the elevator’s intended use, carrying capacity, speed and building structure.

Additionally, experts can provide information on current standards and certifications for elevator guide rails and help you make the right product selection.

Elevator Guide Rails and Building Types

Elevator guide rails can also vary depending on the type of building they are used in. Each type of building has different load capacity, speed and traffic density requirements. Therefore, choosing the right guide rails for the building type is important to optimize the performance and safety of the elevator.

Residential buildings

Residential buildings generally use elevators with low speed and low traffic density. Therefore, A-type or cold-drawn guide rails can be preferred. These rails are lighter and more economical, but still durable enough to meet the needs of residential buildings.

Commercial buildings

Commercial buildings such as office buildings, shopping malls and hotels use elevators with higher speeds and higher traffic density. Therefore, B-type or machined guide rails are preferred. These rails can carry heavier loads and operate at higher speeds.

High rise buildings

In skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, factors such as high speed and high traffic density, as well as high wind loads and seismic activity, must be taken into account. Therefore, specially designed guide rails made of high-strength materials are used.

Industrial facilities

Factories, warehouses and other industrial facilities require guide rails that can carry heavy loads and operate in harsh conditions. In these facilities, rails that are specially designed and made of high-strength steel are usually used.

Special purpose buildings

In special purpose buildings such as hospitals, schools and airports, elevators may require special guide rails depending on their intended use. For example, elevators with wider cabins are used in hospitals for stretcher transport and these elevators require specially designed guide rails.

Choosing the right guide rails for your building type is important to optimize the elevator’s performance, safety and lifespan.

References

https://www.mmo.org.tr/sites/default/files/users/izmir/asansorkitap2021.pdf