Residential Vertical Platform Lift

Vertical Platform Lift

Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lifts or VPL’s are acceptable for use in both residential and commercial applications. They are designed to rise just a few inches up to a maximum lifting height of 14 feet with a max capacity of 750 pounds. VPL’s consist of a guarded platform, lifting tower and landing doors or gates with safety interlocks. Common drive systems used are “Ball Screw” (generally used for residential low rise applications) or “2:1 cable/chain hydraulic” which can be used for any application, but is most often used in taller commercial applications because it is typically faster and quieter than the screw drive.

There are three basic types of the Vertical Platform Lift:

  1. “Enclosure” = includes a prefabricated enclosure system provided by the lift manufacturer.
  2. “Hoistway” = Construction of the lift hoistway by the general contractor
  3. “Unenclosed” This application is only suitable for residential applications because there is no protective structure around the lift. This sometimes called a “Residential Porch Lift”.

Enclosure VPL

These lifts consist of a platform, lifting tower and interlocked landing doors and gates integrated into a self-contained smooth runway system provided by the lift manufacturer to “enclose” the lift.  The enclosure typically consists of a steel or aluminum frame with steel, aluminum or Plexiglas filler panels. Enclosure VPL’s are permitted to provide access between non-fire-rated separated levels only.  With the addition of the proper equipment package, the Enclosure system can be used outdoors as well.

Hoistway VPL

These lifts consist of a guarded platform, lifting tower and interlocked landing doors or gates that are installed into a smooth hoistway provided by others. The hoistway is typically constructed of standard framing and drywall by the general contractor.  Hoistway VPL’s are permitted to provide access between both non-fire-separated levels and fire-separated levels.  Specific fire separation requirements are generally established by local building officials and most often require a properly fire rated hoistway that is equipped with interlocked 1.5 hour (B-label) fire doors.

Residential Porch Lift

As the name indicates, these lifts are designed only for residential lifting applications in open areas.  A typical Porch Lift VPL is used for short rise, opposite entry situations where an enclosure may not be required.  They have an automatic folding ramp that acts as a safety barrier on the lower landing side of the platform, safety sensors under the platform and two 42″ high side-guards on the non-exit sides.  An interlocked gate on the downward loading side of the platform is also available.  The upper landing is guarded by an interlocked landing gate that will only open when the lift is at the top level. Additionally, the lift will only operate if the landing gate is closed and locked. These lifts are perfect for use in attached garages or up to a deck or porch.

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