shaftway lift in church

Shaftway lift

Primarily utilized to provide an accessibility solution when a shaftway is already in place.

A shaftway vertical platform lift is designed for enclosed shaftway applications in public and private facilities at travel heights up to 168″. 

Made in the U.S.A.

Indoor or outdoor use

For commercial or residential settings

shaftway lift showing door open

Commercial applications

Where the travel is greater than 60 inches, the lift must be enclosed. If a contractor has built a shaft for the lift to operate within, it is a Shaftway Lift.

The entrance doors to the lift can be provided by others or ordered with the lift.

The hoistway must be designed to allow for the lift, running clearances, and structural requirements.

*Keep in mind that VPL hoistway doors are required to be flush to the interior of the hoistway to prevent shear/pinch points.

shaftway lift with Fire-rated door with overhead operator

Accessible and visually discreet

A shaftway model is installed in an enclosure that is integral to the building. The benefit of a shaftway lift is that the lift enclosure can be made to blend into the environment, removing visual distractions.

Options and customizations

Cibes Symmetry offers a range of design options that provide convenient access where you need it and seamlessly blend into the aesthetic of your building. 

With a variety of custom paint colors to choose from, you can ensure that your shaftway lift will perfectly complement any architectural design.

Symmetry VPL customizations

Convenient access to all levels

Entry/exit configurations

Entrance/exit configurations include straight-through, 90 degrees, same side, and three openings.

Hold-to-run controls

The control button must be pressed and held for the elevator to work.

symmetry vpl fire rated door

Fire-rated shaft

The Symmetry Shaftway lift can be installed in a fire-rated shaft.

When penetrating a floor or from a garage to a living space, the shaft should be fire-rated

shaftway lift interior in ivory with phone by others

Several drive options

The Shaftway VPL has several drive options:

  • Acme Screw Drive: 10 fpm, 1.5 HP, 115 VAC
  • Accelerated Acme Screw Drive: 20 fpm, 1.5 HP, 115 VAC
  • Chain Hydraulic Drive: 17-20 fpm, 3 HP, 115 VAC
shaftway lift in church
The perfect lift for

Places of worship

The Symmetry Shaftway lift provides access to those with mobility challenges. An excellent lift solution for places of worship, offering a secure and convenient way to go between floors.

Get inspiration
Close up of disabled man riding in wheelchair. Cropped shot of handicapped male holding hand on wheel of wheelchair indoors. Office worker in wheelchair in business center

ADA Compliant

The Symmetry vertical lift Model VPL-SL is designed in compliance with ICC A117.1, ASME A18.1, and NFPA 70. The entire Symmetry VPL product line is designed around ADA 4.11 compliance and public and private accessibility.

Code of compliance
shaftway lift interior showing handrails

Safety features

The Shaftway lift is safe to use, providing unassisted entry and exit from buildings, service, or recreational facilities.

  • Grab rails 
  • Non-skid platform surface 
  • Alarm and emergency stop switch 
  • Landing interlocks keep doors closed/locked when the platform is at another landing
  • Can I use a vertical platform lift like an elevator in my home?

    Yes, but vertical platform lifts do operate very differently. A vertical platform lift uses a constant pressure system, which means you will need to press and hold the control button in order for the lift to operate. There are applications that may make sense for the vertical platform lift over an elevator, but it is advised to have an authorized Cibes Symmetry dealer evaluate your specific uses and needs to determine the best lift type and product for you.

  • How fast can a vertical platform lift travel?

    The speed of a vertical platform lift is dependent on the drive type used. Symmetry Vertical Platform Lifts have drives available with speeds from ten (10) feet per minute to twenty (20) feet per minute.

  • What is the difference between a wheelchair lift and a vertical platform lift?

    A vertical platform lift is a specific type of wheelchair lift. Vertical platform lifts have a platform which travels straight up and down, as opposed to an incline such as a staircase. The vertical platform lifts from Cibes Symmetry are available for residential or commercial use. Commercial vertical platform lifts are approved in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines as a means to provide unassisted entry and exit from buildings, service or recreational facilities.

  • What is the lifting height on wheelchair lifts?

    The lifting height is 168 inches or 14 feet. You will need to verify with your local elevator inspector and local code jurisdiction for compliance. Contact your local dealer for assistance.

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Specifications and model details

Technical information

  • Installation:Indoor/Outdoor
  • Rated load:750 lbs
  • Power supply:115 VAC/25A/1 PH, 230VAC/15A/1 PH (not available for Hydraulic)
  • Speed:10 FPM (20 FPM for Accelerated Acme and Hydraulic)
  • Min headroom:80"
  • Lift pit:3" pit or 0" with Access Ramp
  • Drive system:Standard Acme Screw, Accelerated Acme Screw, or Chain Hydraulic
  • Max travel:168"
  • Max number of stops:4
  • Lift controls:Constant Pressure (Hold to Run)
  • Motor Power:1 1/2 HP (3 HP for Hydraulic)
  • Machine room:Self Contained
  • Door configuration:Same side, Straight Through, 90 Degree, 3 Opening
  • Directives and standards:ASME A18.1

Complete specifications and lift sizes

Check out the full Complete specifications and model details of Symmetry Shaftway.

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