Inserts & Brackets

Rail brackets are used to secure the rails to the wall. They attach the rails with bolts and forged clips. There are numerous ways to attach the rail brackets to the hoistway wall. The rail brackets transfer the loads imposed by the elevator to the building structural support system. Inserts in Masonry are embedded in the wall at the time the block or poured concrete is being erected. Inserts may be used for cars with capacities under 10,000 pounds. If a framed wall with sheet rock is being used for the hoistway wall, a solid header must be provided at each bracket location. This will be the fastening surface. Steel beams are provided on heavy duty freight cars with capacities of 10,000 pound or higher. In these cases, the rail brackets are either drilled and bolted directly to the beam or welded into place. Both the “header” and steel beam application will have sufficient strength to transfer the elevator loads to the building structural support system. The elevator contractor dictates the location of the Inserts. Rail bracket location is an engineered function governed by the national elevator code. The general contractor for the building installs the wall inserts as the hoistway is being built. In the real world, most hoistways are not constructed perfectly plumb. However, the rails must be plumb to ensure a smooth ride. To help achieve this, rail brackets may be manufactured with slotted holes incorporated into the design. These slotted holes give the rail bracket a certain range of motion at installation.