Types of elevators explained: hydraulic, traction, and machine room-less (MRL) systems, how each one works, when to use them, and what architects need to know for the ARE exam.

Whether you're designing a 3-story office building or a 25-story residential tower, choosing the wrong elevator type can blow your budget, violate code, and create accessibility problems. Hydraulic elevators top out around 65 feet. Geared traction systems reach up to 300 feet. Gearless traction systems have no height limit. MRL systems split the difference for mid-rise projects where space efficiency matters. Each system has a different structural impact, energy profile, and maintenance story.

This episode breaks down all three main elevator systems with specs, height limits, selection criteria, ADA requirements, and fire safety code references. Elevator knowledge shows up across PA for early programming decisions, PPD for systems integration and selection, and PDD for technical coordination and code compliance.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Hydraulic vs traction vs MRL elevator systems

• Elevator hoistway, pit, and machine room requirements

• Geared vs gearless traction elevators

• ADA accessibility requirements for elevator cabs

• Five-step fire emergency protocol

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:27) Elevator Types and Classification

(4:46) Elevator Components: Hoistway, Pit, and Machine Room

(7:53) Hydraulic Elevator: The Low-Rise Workhorse

(10:51) Traction Elevator Systems: Geared and Gearless

(13:35) Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevator

(15:43) Code Compliance and ADA Requirements

(18:22) Elevator Design Mistakes to Avoid

(20:50) Emerging Elevator Technologies

(22:37) ARE Exam Tips: Hydraulic, Traction, and MRL

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📝 Download the FREE Elevator Systems study notes

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📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101