Standard Shaft Dimensions for Residential/Villa Elevators

National Standard Specifications

In accordance with China standards GB/T 21739-2008 & GB/T 7025.1: For residential elevators rated ≤400kg for private villas:

• Minimum clear hoistway size: 800mm × 800mm
• Maximum clear car area: ≤1.6 ㎡
• Recommended clear door opening width: ≥700mm; common comfortable size: 800–900mm

Note: 800×800mm is the theoretical minimum limit with cramped cabin space and difficult maintenance; practical installation is not recommended below 1000mm×1000mm.

Standard Clear Hoistway Sizes by Drive Type (Width × Depth, mm)

1. Traction Elevator (Most popular, stable & low noise)

• Side-mounted counterweight type (space-saving width):

• 250kg (2–3 passengers): 1200×1400
• 320kg (4 passengers): 1300×1500
  • Full-frame with rear counterweight (smoother operation):
• 320–400kg: 1400×1500 ~ 1600×1600
  • Wheelchair-accessible specification: ≥1600×1600, car inner size ≥1100×1400

2. Hydraulic Elevator (Cost-effective, ideal for old villa renovation)

• 300–400kg: 1200×1500 ~ 1600×1800
• Requires deeper pit; unsuitable for projects with ultra-shallow pit condition

3. Screw-driven Elevator (Shallow or pit-free, prefabricated steel hoistway available)

• Minimum compact size complying with EN 81-41: 900×800
• Regular specification: 1000×900 ~ 1300×1200
• Feature: No conventional concrete hoistway required; most units come with self-contained steel shaft for easy civil construction.

4. Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE)

• No dedicated hoistway or pit required; outer cylinder diameter normally Φ900~1200mm, installable against wall corners.

Required Overhead Clearance & Pit Depth

Overhead Clearance (finished top-floor vertical height inside hoistway)

• Traction / Hydraulic: ≥2800–3000mm
• Screw / Pneumatic Vacuum: ≥2500–2700mm; certain brands down to 2400mm

Pit Depth (excavation below ground floor landing)

• Traction elevator: 400–600mm
• Hydraulic elevator: 300–500mm
• Screw elevator: 0–150mm (pit-free optional)
• Pneumatic vacuum elevator: 0mm, no pit needed

Civil Construction Tolerance for Hoistway

• For hoistway height ≤30m: verticality deviation ≤25mm
• Landing doorway dimension: +100~200mm wider and +50~100mm higher than actual car door size

Recommended Practical Hoistway Sizes

• Compact small model (2–3 persons): 1100×1200mm
• Standard household (4–5 persons, 320–400kg, preferred option):1400×1500mm

Spacious / Wheelchair-friendly:1600×1600mm