Flat Cable Elevator

Flat Cable Elevators: The Optimal Space-Saving Solution for Vietnamese Townhouses

In a 3x10m townhouse, the staircase occupies nearly half the space on each floor, making it inconvenient for elderly parents to climb to the third floor. This is the reality for millions of Vietnamese households. The flat cable elevator was created precisely to solve this problem, as traditional elevators require too much space, have excessively deep pits, and have high operating costs.

If you're considering flat cable elevators but are unsure how they differ from traditional round cable elevators, and whether they're truly suitable for your home, this article will answer all your questions. Before delving deeper, check out Hoang Sa Viet's mini elevator catalog for an overview of the compact models currently popular on the market.

What are flat cable elevators? Why are they different?

Flat belt elevators are a type of elevator that uses flat-crossing cables instead of traditional round cables.

Flat cables are constructed from a high-strength carbon steel core, wrapped in a synthetic polyurethane coating, forming a thin, flat strip that is extremely durable.

Quick comparison of flat cable vs. round cable:

The key difference lies in the pulley size. Because flat cables have a much smaller bending radius than round cables, guide pulleys only need a diameter of 80-120mm instead of 400-640mm.

This resulted in the entire tractor assembly being downsized, completely eliminating the engine room on the roof, and reducing the pit depth to a minimum.

This is also the technology that allows Hoang Sa Viet to develop pitless elevator solutions for renovated buildings where excavation is not feasible.

Why Are Flat Cable Elevators Becoming the Main Trend?

Solving the "space problem" for narrow townhouses.

For areas ranging from 3x10m to 4x12m, installing a traditional elevator is almost impossible because:

• The machine room on the roof occupies an additional technical floor.
• The pit, 1.2-1.5m deep, was dug into the house foundation, affecting the foundation structure.
• Large minimum elevator shaft size

Flat cable elevators completely solve the above problems: no machine room required (machine room-less), pit depth of only 50-100mm (even 0mm for some models), and minimum shaft size of only 900x900mm.

Operates smoothly, almost silently.

Flat polyurethane cables have no metal-to-metal friction like round steel cables. Combined with small pulleys that rotate with minimal vibration, operating noise is only about 45-50 dB.

To put it into perspective, this level is equivalent to a low-pitched conversation in the living room, completely unaffected even if the bedroom is next to the elevator shaft. This is a point that the elderly and young children particularly appreciate compared to traditional cable-driven home elevators .

Significant energy savings

Flat cables are 50-60% lighter than round cables, meaning the traction motor requires less power. Combined with a VVVF inverter system and permanent magnet oscillator (PMSM) motor, flat cable elevators consume only 60-70% of the electricity compared to round cable elevators with the same load capacity. With an average usage of 20-30 trips per day in a household, the electricity cost is only about 100,000-150,000 VND per month.

Long lifespan, simple maintenance.

Flat polyurethane cables do not require periodic lubrication like round steel cables. There is no oil or grease leakage onto the cabin roof, and no dust accumulation causing wear and tear. Flat cables have a lifespan of 15-20 years under normal use conditions, double that of round cables. Annual maintenance costs are reduced by 30-40% compared to traditional elevators.

Detailed Structure of the Flat Cable Elevator System

Understanding the structure will help you accurately assess quality when choosing a supplier.

Flat Belt Cable

Three-layer structure:

• Reinforcement core: Multiple parallel high-strength carbon steel strands, capable of withstanding tensile forces of 3,000-5,000 N/mm².

• Polyurethane coating: Protects the steel core, provides optimal friction with the pulley, and prevents corrosion.

• Outer layer: Abrasion resistant, heat resistant, UV resistant

Tractor (Traction Machine)

Permanent magnet motor (PMSM) combined with VVVF inverter:

• Power output: 0.75-3.7 kW depending on load
• Efficiency: 85-92%
• Gearless design reduces noise and increases lifespan.

Safety system

Modern flat cable elevators incorporate a full range of safety features:

• Double electromagnetic brake
• The safety gear activates when the cabin is in free fall.
• Buffer at the bottom of the pit
• Overload sensor, door sensor
• Automatic Emergency Response (ARD) system in case of power failure.
• Mechanical and electronic floor door locks

Who Should Choose a Flat Cable Elevator? Who Shouldn't?

Best suited for:

• Narrow townhouses (3-5m frontage): Minimum elevator shaft size, no machine room required.
• For homes with elderly people and young children: Smooth operation, precise floor stopping, automatic doors.
• Villas and townhouses: Property value increases by 8-12%.
• Mini office buildings (5-7 floors): Energy efficient, low maintenance.

Consider this if:

• For buildings over 15 stories with a load capacity exceeding 1,600kg (a cable-driven industrial elevator is recommended).
• Harsh environment: temperatures above 60°C, highly corrosive chemicals.

For 2-3 story houses where you only need to lift people and light items, you can consider flat cable platform elevators – a solution that saves 30-40% compared to standard flat cable elevators.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Flat Cable Elevators

Many families end up spending tens of millions of extra because they are unaware of the following:

Mistake 1: Only looking at the price, ignoring operating costs.

A flat cable elevator system is 20-30 million VND cheaper than a reputable brand, but the lower-quality motor consumes twice as much electricity, and the low-quality flat cables need replacing after 5-7 years instead of 15-20 years. The total cost of ownership over 10 years could be 50-80 million VND higher.

Mistake 2: Not checking the elevator shaft dimensions beforehand.

Each manufacturer has different elevator shaft size requirements. If you pour the concrete for the elevator shaft first and then choose a manufacturer, it's very easy to encounter situations where it won't fit or you'll have to spend a lot of money on demolition.

The correct principle is: choose the elevator manufacturer first, obtain the technical drawings, and only then proceed with the elevator shaft construction.

Mistake 3: Neglecting warranty and maintenance services.

Buying an elevator isn't a simple matter of just buying it. It needs to be inspected:

• Warranty period (minimum 18-24 months)
• Scheduled maintenance frequency
• Commitment to problem resolution time (under 2 hours is ideal)
• Are spare parts readily available in stock, or do they need to be ordered from overseas?

Flat Cable Elevator Solutions from Hoang Sa Viet

Hoang Sa Viet is a pioneer in developing optimal flat cable elevator solutions for Vietnamese housing conditions, with over 10 years of experience and thousands of installed projects nationwide.

The distinguishing features of Hoang Sa Viet flat cable elevators:

Pitless Solution (0mm Pit Depth):
While most manufacturers still require a 50-100mm pit, Hoang Sa Viet has developed a pitless installation solution. This is especially suitable for pre-built houses where you don't want to break up the ground floor foundation.

Minimum elevator shaft size: 900x900mm.
Designed specifically for Vietnamese townhouses, a cabin comfortably accommodates 2-3 people with an elevator shaft size of just 900x900mm.

Genuine Kinetec motors (a sub-brand of Nidec Japan)
utilize Nidec permanent magnet motors, offering high efficiency, quiet operation at 45 dB, and over 30% energy savings compared to conventional motors.

24-month warranty, 2-hour incident response.
Our nationwide technical team is committed to being on-site to resolve issues within 2 hours. Genuine spare parts are always in stock, no waiting time for import.

Reference price list for flat cable elevators from Hoang Sa Viet:

The price above does not include the cost of constructing the elevator shaft. If the house requires a slightly higher load capacity, the 250kg flat cable elevator is also a worthwhile option for a family of 5-6 people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Cable Elevators

Are flat cable elevators safe?

Completely safe. Flat cable elevators use the same safety standards as round cable elevators (EN 81-20, TCVN 6396). In fact, flat cables are even safer because they have many independent steel strands; if 1-2 strands break, the remaining strands are still sufficient to withstand the load. The design safety factor is usually 8-12 times the rated load.

How many floors can a flat cable elevator travel?

Flat cable elevators operate optimally in buildings from 2 to 10 stories. Major brands like Kone and Otis have applied flat cables to high-rise buildings up to 30+ stories, but the most popular segment in Vietnam is townhouses and villas with 3-7 stories.

What are the maintenance costs for flat cable elevators?

The cost of routine maintenance for flat cable elevators is approximately 200,000-400,000 VND per service, with a frequency of 1-2 times every 3 months. This is 30-40% lower than for round cable elevators because there is no need for cable lubrication or machine room maintenance.

Is it possible to install a flat cable elevator in an already-built house?

Yes. This is the biggest advantage of flat cable elevators. With a pitless solution and small shaft size, renovating old houses to install elevators becomes feasible without requiring significant structural changes.

Do flat cable elevators require a machine room?

No. Flat cable elevators are of the machine room-less (MRL) type; the entire traction unit is mounted compactly at the top of the elevator shaft, eliminating the need for a separate machine room on the roof.

Next Step

Are you looking for advice on the right flat cable elevator solution for your home? Hoang Sa Viet offers free on-site surveys, detailed technical consultations, and quotes within 24 hours.

We don't force you to buy a specific model – after a site survey, if your home is better suited to a traditional round cable elevator or a hydraulic one, we will advise you directly. The ultimate goal is to find the right elevator for your needs, not the most expensive or the cheapest.

Special Offer: This month, Hoang Sa Viet is offering a free upgrade package for its Bronze Drum Patterned Cabin (worth 10,000,000 VND) to the first 10 customers who finalize their contract , or receive 5,000,000 VND in cash for each successful referral of a relative or friend to have an elevator installed at Hoang Sa Viet.

HEADQUARTERS - FACTORY

• HCMC: 184/20A Le Dinh Can Street, Tan Tao Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi: TN3-28 Thien Nga Street, Vinhome Co Loa, Hanoi
• Da Nang: No. 4 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Block 4, Dien Ban Ward
• Aluminum Factory: Nguyen Huu Tri - Ben Luc, Long An
• Factory: E5/13 The Lu Street, Le Minh Xuan Ward, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi Warehouse: No. 229, Van Tri Street, Van Noi Ward, Dong Anh District

LIST OF BRANCHES

• Da Nang: No. 4 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Block 4, Dien Ban Ward
• Hung Yen: Vinhomes Ocean Park 2, Nghia Tru, Van Giang
• Hai Phong: 1A/580 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Hai An Ward, Hai Phong City
• Phu Quoc: DT45, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
• Gia Lai: 41D Mac Thi Buoi Street - Pleiku
• Kontum: 95 Huynh Dang Tho Street - Kon Tum City
• Daklak-Phu Yen: No. 10 E Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, Buon Ma Thuot Ward

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Hotline: 0707.025.789
• Email: hungpham@hoangsaviet.com

Price List for Mini Elevators at Hoang Sa Viet

REFERENCE PRICE	ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Backpack Elevator (200kg) Reference price: 250,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Asia, Ymelift, GHT, Hoang Sa Viet)	Advantages: Inexpensive, quick installation, and portable. Suitable for micro-houses or renovated homes where conventional elevators cannot be installed. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 0.8m² (800 x 1000mm) Disadvantages: No elevator shaft. Does not fully meet the criteria of an elevator according to Vietnamese standard TCVN. Advice from Hoang Sa Viet: Customers should only build a maximum of 2 floors for this product line. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Home Elevator with Platform Lift Reference price: 341,000,000 VND Representative suppliers: (Cibes, Kalea, Hoang Sa Viet, Huy Hoang)	Advantages: Space-saving, aesthetically pleasing, and bright. Suitable for small houses or renovated houses where traditional elevators cannot be installed. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 0.85m² (850 x 1000mm) Disadvantages: High price, slow speed: 15m/minute. Serves a maximum of 5 floors. No cabin or cabin door. Has not met inspection standards (has an inspection sticker).
Elevator with Manual Door Opening Reference price: 338,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Huy Hoang, Hoang Sa Viet, TPec, Gamalift, GHT)	Advantages: Low cost, more competition from multiple providers. Suitable for small houses or house renovations. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 0.9m² (900 x 1000mm) Disadvantage: Manually operated landing doors don't look modern.
Automatic Door Elevator Reference price: 380,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Huy Hoang, Hoang Sa Viet, TPec, Gamalift, GHT)	Advantages: Optimized space. Suitable for small houses or renovated houses. Optimized cabin space for hinged doors. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 1.2m² (1000 x 1200mm). Automatic, luxurious and high-class door. Disadvantage: Takes up a lot of space in the elevator hallway.
200kg Hydraulic Elevator Reference price: 375,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Kalea, Hoang Sa Viet, Funas)	Advantages: Hydraulic technology saves installation space. The lifting platform occupies up to 85% of the elevator shaft area. This product is suitable for families with small living spaces that lack the room for traditional elevators. Disadvantages: Hydraulic elevators are 50% slower than cable-driven elevators. They have limited capacity to transport large numbers of passengers. The maximum height of a hydraulic elevator is 13m (4 floors).
200kg Screw Machine Reference price: 650,000,000 VND Representative suppliers (Cibes, Kalea, Hoang Sa, Funas)	Advantages: Luxurious, classy, ​​unique. No pit required (or a shallow pit of 10cm). Minimum installation area: 1.44m² (1200 x 1200mm) Disadvantages: High price, not widely available, high cost of replacement parts.

Note: This price list applies to smaller elevator models. Larger models will have higher prices. Depending on the size of the elevator, choosing the appropriate elevator type and door opening style will help save costs...