An Introduction to Sabbath Lifts

Whilst the request for a Shabbat lift tends to be a few, and far between, this post provides an overview of them.

[edit] What is a Shabbat lift?

Religiously observant Orthodox Jews may not use electrical devices on the Sabbath, and included in this, is the use of a lift. However, they may use a 'Sabbath lift' (or 'Shabbos lift'), a passenger lift that has been configured to stop on every floor automatically, and as such, the buttons need not be pressed, enabling them to use the lift without operating any electrical equipment.

Whilst not common in the UK, Shabbat lifts can be found in synagogues or areas with a large Jewish population, most often in buildings with multiple floors.

Some basic identifiers of a Shabbat lift are:

• Signage - A lift may be marked with a sign configured for Shabbat observance.
• Travel patterns - there are several ways the operation can work (going up and down); stopping at every floor, stopping at alternate floors, or rising to the top floor and stopping while going down or at specific preset floors.
• Delayed open/close doors - typically configured with an extended door opening time to enable plenty of time for safe exit and entry without the risk of the doors automatically closing. Additionally, some may sound a warning buzzer before the doors close.
• Buttons - if the lift is only intended for use on the Sabbath, then there may not be floor buttons, or the floor button exists but does not function.
• Timer - a timer to schedule automatic operation of Shabbos mode.
• Levelling - taking care of the weighing mechanisms and enabling proper operation of re-levelling.
• Landing signals - turning off unnecessary signal lights and taking care of floor indicator lights.

[edit] What types of lifts can be configured in shabbos mode?

Passenger lifts can be adapted for Shabbat (automatic mode). Traditional platform lifts are unsuitable due to the constant pressure operation and door configurations.

The type of configuration required will always vary by building and operation required, so it is important to work with the customer to establish the exact requirements for their Shabbat-compliant lift.

[edit] Can an existing lift be configured to a Sabbath mode?

There are no additional servicing requirements for a lift configured in Sabbath mode, and an existing lift could be changed to Shabbat control, though this would involve electrical control panel modifications and would therefore involve some cost.