An article published on January 22, 2015 on the website www.eldia.com.ar once again brings to light that, of all the complications that a power outage can cause, one of the worst is getting trapped in an elevator.
Hydraulic elevator is safer in case of earthquake
Any incident of this type, whether it is a power outage, earthquake or fire, can be much less traumatic if the elevator we are in is a hydraulic elevator. Since, in emergency situations, the evacuation maneuver is much simpler than in an electric one.
Benefits of having a hydraulic elevator in case of earthquake
In a hydraulic elevator, passengers are released without the need for external help thanks to an emergency system integrated into the central unit, through which the elevator descends to the nearest level by the force of gravity with the help of a small 12v emergency battery that works in the event of a power supply failure.
In case of cabin blockage, the manual pump is used. This manoeuvre can be carried out even by non-specialised personnel. It is very safe due to the slow speed of the manual hydraulic lift system, accessible from the ground floor and easy to repair.
In an electric elevator, external assistance is essential to free the passengers, using a great deal of energy and maneuvers. Due to the difficulty and difficult access to the upper machinery, it is necessary for the personnel who carry out these maneuvers to be specialized.
In earthquake-risk areas, the hydraulic lift is also the safest option, since:
- Does not work with oscillating counterweights
- The machinery is located at the base of the pit or machine room.
Disadvantages of having an electric elevator during an earthquake:
- It works with oscillating counterweights (in the event of a collision with the cabin, they endanger the passenger's safety).
- The machinery is located at the top of the elevator shaft. (Danger of uncontrolled fall onto the cabin)
- It is particularly vulnerable in a building subject to tremors compared to the hydraulic elevator, since the latter is installed practically in the foundations of the building, which gives it much greater security.
| Hydraulic lift | Electric elevator | |
| Earthquake | Little or no damage to hydraulic machinery. No additional hazards. | Uncertain rescue actions due to damage to the upper machinery and counterweight, with the risk of uncontrolled falls onto the cabin, endangering the safety of the passenger. |
From a construction point of view, at the time of installation, repair or maintenance, the hydraulic elevator gains in safety since the assembly is at a low height and maintenance is generally carried out at ground level.
The opposite occurs with the electric one, since the assembly with heavy elements (counterweight) is carried out at height (motor at the top of the hole).
For all these reasons, the hydraulic elevator is considered the safest elevator on the market, both for passengers and for the operators who install and maintain it.
