Step-by-Step Procedure in Installing an Elevator: What’s Trending and Why Safety Matters

Introduction

Elevators have become more than just a convenience; they are a necessity for residential, commercial, and luxury buildings. With global urbanization rising, the demand for modern, energy-efficient, and safe elevators is at an all-time high. According to Elevator World’s 2025 report, elevator installations are expected to grow by 7% annually in Africa, with Nigeria projected as one of the fastest-growing markets.

At the center of this growth is safety. Recent industry news highlights cases of poorly installed elevators leading to accidents. That is why companies like StratoLift place emphasis on following globally accepted procedures and using only the best engineers to ensure flawless installation.

Step-by-Step Procedure of Installing an Elevator

1. Pre-Installation Planning & Site Assessment

• What happens: Engineers assess the building design, intended load, shaft dimensions, and compliance with local regulations.
• Why it matters: A miscalculation at this stage can compromise the entire installation.
• Trending insight: A recent NIMechE safety briefing stressed that more than 40% of elevator faults trace back to poor shaft planning.

2. Structural Preparation of the Shaft

• What happens: Civil contractors prepare the hoistway or shaft where the elevator will operate. Reinforcement, alignment, and proper spacing are checked.
• Why it matters: A misaligned shaft leads to uneven operation and frequent breakdowns.
• Trending insight: With the rise of vacuum elevators in luxury homes, proper shaft sealing is now a top factor for efficiency and noise reduction.

3. Delivery and Staging of Elevator Components

• What happens: The lift machine, rails, cabin, counterweights, and control system arrive on-site. These are staged and inspected.
• Why it matters: Missing or damaged components delay installation and compromise safety.
• Trending insight: Supply chain delays in 2024–2025 have pushed companies to prioritize local sourcing of elevator components where possible.

4. Installation of Rails and Machine Equipment

• What happens: Guide rails are installed inside the shaft. Motors, pulleys, or pneumatic vacuum systems are positioned.
• Why it matters: Rails define the smoothness of the ride. Motor placement ensures performance and energy efficiency.
• Trending insight: Energy-efficient gearless traction machines are trending in 2025, cutting power consumption by 30%.

5. Cabin and Counterweight Assembly

• What happens: The elevator cabin is assembled, attached to suspension systems, and balanced with counterweights.
• Why it matters: Correct balance is crucial for safe stopping, smooth acceleration, and energy savings.
• Trending insight: Designers are increasingly using lightweight composite materials for cabins, reducing total system load.

6. Electrical & Control System Integration

• What happens: Wiring, control panels, call stations, and safety sensors are installed.
• Why it matters: Faulty wiring or outdated controllers are leading causes of elevator stoppages.
• Trending insight: Smart elevator systems with IoT sensors are on the rise, enabling remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

7. Safety Testing & Certification

• What happens: Engineers conduct emergency stop tests, door safety checks, weight load simulations, and rescue drills. Regulatory authorities certify the installation.
• Why it matters: Without certification, elevators pose legal and operational risks.
• Trending insight: 2025 industry standards highlight mandatory evacuation drills before commissioning commercial elevators.

8. Final Commissioning & Handover

• What happens: The elevator is formally handed over to the client with training on usage and maintenance schedules.
• Why it matters: Even the best installation fails without proper maintenance knowledge.
• Trending insight: Companies like StratoLift now bundle 13-month free maintenance packages, ensuring reliability from day one.

Important Factors to Consider

• Safety First: Never compromise on certified engineers.
• Energy Efficiency: Gearless traction & vacuum lifts reduce energy use.
• Smart Technology: IoT-enabled elevators offer predictive maintenance.
• Sustainability: Lightweight materials and eco-friendly lifts align with green building trends.
• Compliance: Always follow NIMechE, ISO, and local building codes.

Conclusion

Installing an elevator is not just about placing a cabin in a shaft — it is a delicate process that blends engineering precision, safety, and modern technology. As the elevator community continues to evolve with smarter, greener solutions, building owners and developers in Nigeria have an opportunity to lead the way.

👉 At StratoLift, we provide end-to-end installation with certified engineers who guarantee safe, stylish, and sustainable elevators for residential and commercial use.

Contact StratoLift today and elevate your project with confidence.