hissi

Hissi is the Finnish term for an elevator or lift, a device that moves people or goods between floors in a building. It comprises a car (cab) within a hoistway, guided by rails and driven by a hoisting system, typically using steel ropes with a counterweight or a hydraulic cylinder. Controls, doors, safety devices, and an emergency communication system complete the installation.

A typical elevator system includes the car, hoist mechanism, drive system, braking and safety devices, door operators, and a control cabinet. Modern elevators use variable frequency drives to control speed and smooth operation. Safety features include an overspeed governor, door interlocks, emergency braking, redundant cables, and interlocks that prevent operation if doors are not properly closed.

Types of elevators range from traction elevators, which use a motor-driven pulley system with counterweights, to hydraulic elevators, which lift the car using a piston and fluid pressure, the latter often suited to low-rise buildings. Machine-room-less (MRL) designs integrate machinery within the hoistway or under the car. Pneumatic vacuum elevators exist but are uncommon in typical urban construction.

Safety and standards are governed by national and regional codes. In Europe, EN 81 series covers lift safety, while in North America, ASME A17.1 is commonly used. Regular inspections, maintenance, and modernization are required to ensure reliability, safety, and energy efficiency. Modern upgrades may include energy recovery systems, LED lighting, improved accessibility, and advanced control technologies to reduce waiting times and service interruptions.

History and usage: The modern elevator evolved from 19th-century innovations, most notably Elisha Otis’s safety elevator of 1853. Elevators enabled the construction of high-rise buildings and continue to evolve with assistive technologies and smart building integrations.