The elevator shaft is the tall space that runs from the elevator pit at the bottom of the building to the control room at the top. The shaft, which is part of the physical facility, houses the rest of the elevator components. It is rather like a large, square chimney within the building unfortunately can act like a chimney, increasing the danger from fire.
Within the shaft, running vertically along the two opposite walls, are guide rails. These guide the elevator car, which is equipped with wheels that run on rails, and prevent it from swaying from side to side. The rails also guide counter weight, which counterbalances the car.
These counterweights are responsible for the fact that elevators do not use a great deal of energy. Without a counter weight, pulling up an elevator would be like pushing down on one end of a see saw when someone is sitting on the other end- considerable energy would be needed to raise that person off the ground.
With a counterweight, the movement of the elevator car is analogous to moving one end of a seesaw up or down with people sitting on both ends if the people are of approximately equal weight, very little efforts (energy) is needed.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Both the counterweight and car are hold by elevator cables. These cables suspend the car far above the ground so it is crucial that they are adequate. More than one cable holds each car and its counterweight, and each cable should be capable of supporting the weight by itself.
Cables require careful design in that collection areas must be directly above reception areas. The use of such simple transportation devices may, however, increase employee productivity substantially. Elevators are required for handicapped person & freight movement.