Elevator Buffer

Overview

Elevator buffers are the energy-absorbing devices in the pit that stop the car or counterweight safely if it overruns the lowest or highest landing. They are the last line of defence in the shaft, so their rating has to match the installation exactly. One Elevator supplies replacement spring buffers, polyurethane buffers and hydraulic buffers with the certification the inspection authority requires.

Applications

They are installed in passenger lifts, freight elevators, hospital beds lifts and service lifts in residential blocks, office towers, hotels, hospitals and industrial sites, and fit OTIS, KONE, Schindler, Mitsubishi, ThyssenKrupp and Fujitec installations. Buffers are replaced after an impact, and whenever a pit inspection finds corrosion or oil leakage. A hydraulic buffer that has been tripped must be reset and re-certified before the lift returns to service. Pit drainage is the usual cause of buffer corrosion, so we recommend dealing with the water before fitting the replacement.

Types and Range

• Spring buffers for rated speeds up to 1.0 m/s
• Polyurethane and elastomer buffer stacks
• Hydraulic buffers with oil level sight glass and switch
• Counterweight buffers and compensating rope buffers
• Buffer foundations, base plates and fixing anchors
• Buffer safety switches and verification certificates

Each buffer is supplied with a type-test certificate and rated speed label.

Selection Guide

Order by confirming three things: the rated speed and the maximum impact mass, the buffer stroke, and the mounting base dimensions. Check the pit depth as well — the buffer and its fully compressed stroke must fit the available clearance. Never fit a buffer rated below the installation speed, regardless of how similar the mounting looks. Buffers are produced to EN 81-20 requirements and every hydraulic unit is pressure-tested before dispatch.

Ordering and Lead Time

Stock sizes dispatch in 10-15 working days; certified hydraulic buffers take 3-4 weeks. Send your rated speed, car mass and pit depth and we will confirm fitment before you order.

Frequently asked questions

How do I select a buffer?

Give us the rated speed, the car or counterweight mass and the pit depth. Buffers are matched to rated speed, not to rated load.

When do buffers need replacing?

Oil buffers are checked for oil level and return to position. A buffer that does not reset, or shows impact damage, must be replaced.

Are your buffers certified?

They are produced to the relevant type-examination requirements. Certified hydraulic buffers take 3-4 weeks because of the test paperwork.