Home Elevator Terminology

Hoistway: an opening through a building for the vertical travel of elevators. May also be referred to as the shaft-way

Pit: a depression at the bottom of the hoistway that allows the elevator to sit flush with the lowest landing

Over Head: The distance measured from the upper landing floor to the top of the elevator hoistway

Travel:  This is the distance measured from the bottom landing to the top landing.

Rails: These are the metal tracks that guide the elevator up the hoistway. Look for elevators using solid steel T-rails, as these will give the smoothest ride.

Jack: this is the hydraulic piston that provides the force to move the elevator up and down  

Sling: The heavy Duty metal support frame that carries the elevator car.

Car: The finished portion of the elevator that people ride in.

Car Gate: Door or gate that is attached to the elevator car and travels with the car.

Hoisway Door: Door that guards the opening in the hoist way at each landing.

Electromechanical interlock: Electrically wired lock  attached to the hoistway door that prevents the door from opening when the elevator is not stopped at the landing. The elevator will not move unless all doors are closed and locked. 

Machine space: This is the area that houses the elevator machinery and electronic controls.