Frequently Asked Questions — Elevator Cars / Cabin Structures
What is the difference between the car structure and the cabin interior?
The car structure (or car frame and car floor platform) is the load-bearing steel assembly that connects to the guide shoes, safety gear, and suspension ropes. It must be designed to withstand the rated load plus the car's own weight, safety gear engagement forces, and buffer impact loads as defined in EN 81-20. The cabin interior — wall panels, ceiling, flooring, and handrails — is a non-structural finish layer mounted within or onto the car structure. For modernization, the two are often separated: the car structure is retained and only the interior is renovated.
How is the rated load of an elevator car determined?
EN 81-20 Annex C defines the relationship between the minimum car floor area and the rated load — for example, a car with a usable floor area of 1.66 m² has a rated load of at least 1000 kg (13 persons). The rated load must also consider the maximum load that could be placed on the car based on the actual floor area, even if the nominal rating is lower. Car manufacturers provide structural calculations demonstrating compliance with these requirements for each car design.
What guide shoe configurations are available for elevator cars?
Sliding guide shoes (with oil-lubricated nylon or PTFE pads) are standard for speeds up to approximately 2–2.5 m/s. Roller guide shoes are required at higher speeds to reduce noise and vibration, and are also used at lower speeds in installations with high ride quality requirements. Each guide shoe type requires a specific guide rail surface finish. Turkish suppliers on elevator.tr offer car structures pre-drilled for both configurations.
Can a replacement car structure be installed without replacing the entire shaft equipment?
Yes — car structure replacement is a common modernization option when the existing car is structurally deficient, oversized for the current use, or incompatible with new guide rail or door operator specifications. The replacement structure must be compatible with the existing pit depth, overhead clearance, guide rail spacing, and door opening dimensions. A qualified elevator engineer should verify dimensional compatibility before ordering the replacement structure.