Ease of installation, appealing aesthetics, but... Know about unknown danger lurking around vaccum elevators

KOCHI: Vacuum elevators installed in homes and institutions rarely comply with the safety standards, nor do they have a licence. The elevators operate on air pressure. If the seals in the cylinder are damaged or there is an air leak, the pressure will suddenly decrease, and the cabin will fall down. Since there is no BIS standard, there is no license. Insurance coverage will not be available in case of accidents. Most of the people who install elevators are unaware of the technical aspects, safety and regulatory issues.

Vacuum lifts are becoming widespread due to their appearance and ease of installation. Companies from other states that install the elevators deceive the customers, convincing them that there is no need for a license. Marketing is done through social media.

The Electrical Inspectorate is raising awareness by pointing out the lack of safety.

Ordinary lifts are cheap and safe. However, the strict licensing conditions, delays in installation, and poor aesthetics are making people shift to vacuum elevators instead.

• Vacuum lifts cost 10 - 15 lakhs

• Ordinary traction lifts cost 8 -10 lakhs

• No machine room, pit or cables are required for installation.

• Only a space of about one meter in diameter is required.

• Beautiful aesthetics since 360-degree glass tubes are used

• Can be easily relocated.

Security concerns

1. Approvals of the Bureau of Indian Standards or the Electrical Inspectorate are not met.

2. Danger if the 'mechanical safety locks' which prevent the lift from falling in case of loss of air pressure are not working.