The basic cab door configurations include Straight Through, 90 Degree (enter on one side, exit from door either to right or left), and Enter/Exit Same Side. Although there are pros and cons to each configuration, the 90 Degree Elevator Cab Configuration has proved most challenging. Resource: http://www.countryhomeelevator.com/blog/2014/10/13/why-elevator-companies-dont-like-90-degree-cabs/

1. Why Elevator Companies Don't Like
90 Degree Cabs
The main goal of successful architects and designers is to create homes with
style and flow to best meet the future homeowners needs. When
incorporating a home elevator to their designs, it can be a very challenging
task. They have to configure each door entry to properly mesh with each
floor. Luckily, elevator manufactures and installers offer a wide range of cab
configurations to meet many existing and new construction design elements.
The basic cab door configurations include Straight Through (enter on one
side, exit on the opposite), 90 Degree (enter on one side, exit from door either
to right or left), and Enter/Exit Same Side (only one door). Although there are
pros and cons to each configuration, the 90 Degree Elevator Cab
Configuration has proved most challenging.
Here is the short list on the challenges with designing a 90 Degree Elevator
Cab Configuration:
1. Cab size is naturally required to be larger to accommodate the extra
door opposite the drive rail.
2. The depth in one direction will limit the user’s ability to fully pull straight
into the cab and require additional maneuvering.
3. The perfection required to build and fit a 90 Degree Elevator Cab
Configuration has limited adjust ability. Let's say your hoistway is not
exactly square over 40 feet of hoistway height. Trying to align all door

2. entrances WILL require at least one floor line to NOT be parallel with
the cab.
4. Added cab doors reduce cab structural strength and require more
backing and support in the cab walls to maintain a good solid ride
without the cab wiggling as it travels.
5. With three sides occupied by a Doorway or Rail structure that only
leaves one side for Trailing cable to hang from. This can create issues if
the hoistway was not built to the CORRECT finished size because of a
missed measurement not being from sheet rock to sheet rock.
6. Automatic operators can be more difficult if the cab size is smaller.
7. If doorway center lines are not laid out exactly and the gate stacks
positioned on the correct sides, the gate may block too much of the
door opening to properly clear.
8. A 42" door is recommended for the wide side entry door. This allows a
better maneuvering space entering into the shallowest depth.
9. The more doors and operators you have on a cab, the more long term
service and maintenance will be required.
Guidelines for a 90 Degree Elevator Cab Configuration have to be perfectly
followed to ensure the best usage and satisfaction of homeowners. In any
application, a simple phone call to the local elevator company who will likely
be installing the lift will save prevent many hiccups in the future.
For assistance with layout and design within Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma,
and Kansas, feel free to call us at 800-898-5090.