Elevator layout guide

Machine-room-less elevators: understand the layout before choosing

An MRL lift is an elevator layout without a separate machine room. The drive and controls still need space and technical access. Their positions depend on the chosen design. To assess a machine-room-less elevator, bring the current model layout together with the requirements and constraints of the building.

Terms used in a layout discussion

Machine room: A separate room allocated to technical equipment, with its contents and arrangement shown in the project.
MRL / machine-room-less: An arrangement without a separate machine room; other equipment space and access still require assessment.
Drive system: The motor and associated mechanism that provide movement, described separately from the room arrangement.
Controller cabinet: The enclosure for control equipment, with its position and access identified in the model layout.

Separate the room arrangement from the drive type

A machine-room installation includes a separate room in its layout. A machine-room-less installation assigns equipment space according to its design. MRL alone does not identify the motor, transmission or controller position. Ask for the room arrangement and drive system to be described separately in the proposed solution.

Locate the equipment and the access it needs

Removing a separate room does not remove the need to locate the drive and controls. Ask where the controller will be, how the technical team will reach it and what surrounding space is required. Show these details on the layout. The MRL label does not establish reduced shaft, pit or overhead requirements.

Describe the building before selecting the arrangement

For a new building, identify the technical spaces available in the design. For an existing building, record the shaft, any machine room and known constraints. Plans and sections should separate landing levels, travel, pit and overhead. Have the responsible specialists assess electrical conditions and technical access rather than inferring suitability from the existing room alone.

Compare proposals on the same project basis

Keep the transport task, load requirement, stops and entrances consistent when comparing arrangements. For each proposal, request the model, variant, equipment locations and drawing revision. Omitting a room does not establish a particular reduction in total space or running cost. Compare the actual project layouts rather than treating MRL as a performance rating.

A documented model example: HM800

These statements come from the published HM800 document. They do not classify other home lifts or AKE ranges. Confirm the current model revision, controller location and maintenance access on the drawing for the proposed project.

HM800 separate machine room: The document states that no additional machine room is required — PDF page 1.
HM800 drive and location: Rope drum and braked geared motor in the cabin roof area — PDF page 2.
HM800 load: Maximum 150 kg — PDF page 2; not a general MRL capacity.

Prepare the information for a room-layout decision

State whether this is a new or existing building and describe its use.
Provide the transport task, stops and landing levels.
Include a dimensioned section showing shaft, pit and overhead.
Mark any existing machine room and available technical spaces.
Describe known electrical and technical-access constraints.
Request the model, variant and current project-layout revision.

Questions about MRL elevators

Where are the motor and controls in an MRL elevator?

Their locations depend on the design. The drive and controller need not share a location; both should be identified on the current model layout. The cabin-roof arrangement described for HM800 should not be applied to other models.

Does machine-room-less mean shaftless or pitless?

No. The absence of a separate machine room does not determine shaft or pit requirements. The shaft, lower recess and space above the top landing must be assessed separately for the chosen model and project.

Does MRL mean a gearless traction elevator?

MRL describes the room arrangement, not a complete drive specification. Do not infer a gearless or traction system from the term alone. Check the offered model’s drive description alongside its equipment layout.

Can every AKE model be treated as machine-room-less?

Confirm the arrangement for the exact model and variant. The HM800 document provides an example for HM800 only. It does not establish one machine-room-less classification for all passenger elevators or home lift ranges.

Discuss the room arrangement for your project

Share the building plans, intended use and known technical constraints with AKE. Ask for the proposed model’s room arrangement, equipment locations and current project drawing.

Share my project requirements