ascensors

An ascensor, or elevator, is a mechanical device that transports people or goods between floors in a building. It typically consists of a car operating in a vertical shaft (hoistway), guided by steel rails, and propelled by a drive system that uses hoisting ropes and a counterweight, or a hydraulic cylinder. A control system, doors on each floor, safety devices, and an emergency system are integrated to manage movement and access.

Most current ascensors are either traction elevators, which use a drive motor and a sheave with counterweights to balance the car, or hydraulic elevators, which raise the car via a fluid-powered piston. Traction systems are common in mid to high-rise buildings; hydraulic systems are often used in low-rise installations. Other designs, such as machine-room-less (MRL) elevators, place major equipment in the hoistway or within the car. Freight versions exist with larger capacities.

Historically, early lifts were powered by humans or animals. The development of a safe, reliable elevator in the 19th century, notably through Elisha Otis’s safety mechanism, enabled taller buildings and modern urban architecture.

Operation involves floor call buttons, a control panel, and door interlocks. Advanced systems may use destination dispatch, which assigns passengers to a car based on destination floors to optimize travel time. Safety features include governors and brakes to prevent overspeed, buffers for impact protection, door interlocks, overload sensors, and emergency communication.

Standards and regulation: International and national codes govern design, installation, testing, and maintenance. In Europe, EN 81; in North America, ASME A17.1/CSA B44; other regions have equivalents. Regular inspections and maintenance are required in many jurisdictions.

Recent trends focus on energy efficiency (regenerative drives, variable-frequency drives), accessibility improvements, and connected monitoring for predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics.