Limited Use / Limited Access (LULA) Elevators

Limited Use / Limited Access (LULA) elevators are specifically intended for installation in existing public buildings where no vertical transportation currently exists. NJ Law states that LULAs may not be installed in new construction projects. Installation of a LULA can make a basement or second floor much more rentable. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires professional offices (attorneys, accountants, doctors, etc.) to have vertical transportation if there is no first floor facility. LULA's can improve access to houses of worship, restaurants and stores; virtually any public facility without existing vertical transportation is a candidate for a LULA installation.

The majority of LULA's are holeless hydraulic elevators. Essentially, LULA's are small commercial elevators; they are typically provided with power door operation, Fire Emergency Phase I & II operation and illuminated call buttons. They are limited to 18 square feet of inside platform area and a rated load (capacity) of 1400 pounds.

LULA's are more cost effective than commercial elevators for existing structures. LULA elevator equipment is less expensive than commercial elevator equipment and the associated building requirements are reduced as well. For example, commercial elevators will typically require a filled masonry block hoistway wall construction; LULA's can use 2x6 stud framing with Type "X" sheetrock. Commercial elevators require a minimum of a 4 foot deep pit, LULA's standard is 3 foot with the ability to accommodate an 18 inch pit.

LULA's are governed by their own section of the Elevator Safety Code. This section governs their rated load, speed and minimum clearances. Because LULA's are intended for installation in existing buildings, there are many allowances made. The minimum clear overhead, for example, is specified as 12 feet; however, installation of a refuge space device allows the clear overhead to be drastically reduced. The Elevator Safety Code has many of these "allowances" which permit the installation of  LULA's in existing buildings.