Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor Lift

Factors to Consider If you’re Planning To Install A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) Lift

Vertical parts lifts enhance the productivity of any automobile dealership, parts facility, or warehouse that has multiple levels of storage. The lifts can be installed in a pit or can be surface mounted utilizing a ramp for access, providing access through mezzanines or any floor in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, parts departments, or self-storage facilities. They can be engineered to hold up to 6,000 lbs., single or double-wide, cantilevered or double-mast, and to reach virtually any heights or multiple floors.

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor – a reciprocating power or gravity actuated unit (not designed to carry passengers or an operator) that receives objects on a carrier and transmits these objects vertically from one elevation to another.

The Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) is governed by ANSI B20.1 code.

NOTES:

• There are some variations from state to state in regards to installer and permit requirements.
• The VRC must have the complete perimeter guarded by a minimum of 7′ high enclosure on all sides and include a landing gate or door that is both electrically and mechanically locked.
• The need for fire rated shaftway or a partially fire rated shaft enclosure should be determined by consulting your local building inspector.
• You may need a fire rated shaft with fire rated landing doors at both levels.
• You may need a fire rated shaft with a fire rated door at only one level and use a heavy expanded metal gate at one level.
• You may not need a fire rated shaft.

To download the VRC Application Guidelines, Click Here

Applications:

Application: Material only – no personnel

1. Drive: Electric hydraulic
2. Rated capacity: ____________
3. Platform size: _____ out x ______ wide
4. Non-access sides shall be guarded with a minimum of a 42″ high guardrail with mid rail manufactured from 1″ schedule 40 pipe and include an 11 gauge solid sheet kickplate; a minimum of two zinc plated safety chains with snap hooks shall be supplied on access sides (consult manufacturer/distributor for the cab option that best suits your application)

1. Raised height: _____
2. Lowered height: _______
3. Travel _____
4. Surface mounted with approach ramp (or) mounted in a shallow pit – depth of which is to be determined by the manufacturer

1. Lift speed: ______ FPM
2. TEFC motor ______ HP
3. Number of levels served: _________
4. Primary power: _______volt ________phase _______cycle (to be field verified)
5. Secondary control voltage: 110 vac or 24 vac
6. Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor design data (A-M) All final

Pit or Ramp

• Overhead space: cantilevered platform lifts do not need any additional overhead space above the cab to support a pulley mechanism

Safety

• Location in Facility: Install adjacent to a stairway to next level. Must improve work flow, not hinder it.
• Going through an existing or new floor?
• Load/unload direction

Speed, Capacity, Type of floor:

• Installation.  Shall be professionally performed by an installer approved by the

manufacturer having not less than 5 years of experience installing Vertical

Reciprocating Conveyor’s and similar equipment. Installer shall have visited the job

site prior to commencing work to check job conditions. Installer shall follow the

manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation of the equipment and safety

enclosures and shall verify that the equipment is properly installed and guarded per

ANSI/ASME B20.1 code to ensure safe efficient operation. Installer shall functionally

test the operation of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor and gate interlocks upon

completion.

• Training.  Only trained personnel shall be permitted to operate the conveyor. Installer shall

provide one brief, but comprehensive training session for the owner and/or the owners

representatives. It is the responsibility of the owner to provide similar training to any

potential operators of the equipment.

• Maintenance. It is the responsibility of the owner to put in place an established maintenance program to ensure safe operation of the equipment and the protection of personnel. All maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel. Maintenance safety check list is to be supplied by a qualified installer at the time of completed installation.

You will want to consider a VRC manufacturer that makes all of its parts in house, and one that does not outsource motors, electrical safety stops, pulleys, or other parts that can hinder your operation in the event of downtime. You also want to consider a lift that is hardwired and make sure the lift controls or safety devices do not need to be hardwired by an electrician. You should simply be able to have your electrician bring power directly to the circuit breaker box mounted to the lift control panel.