The Function of a Hydraulic Elevator Power Unit

In simple terms, the power unit provides the force that lifts and lowers the elevator car. It consists of four primary components:

1. Tank (Reservoir): Holds the hydraulic oil that drives the system.
2. Pump: Typically a screw pump, it pushes oil into the cylinder to raise the elevator.
3. Motor: The submersible motor powers the pump, converting electrical energy into mechanical pressure.
4. Valve: The valve controls oil flow, ensuring smooth starts, stops, and leveling accuracy.

When the elevator is called to a higher floor, the pump forces hydraulic oil into the cylinder, raising the piston and car. When descending, the Maxton valve precisely releases oil back into the tank, allowing for controlled lowering.

This balance of power, flow, and control is what gives hydraulic elevators their signature smooth ride.

Why Quiet Operation Matters

While all hydraulic elevator power units produce some noise, CED Elevator & Electrical’s units are engineered to run quieter thanks to their construction. The reduced noise doesn’t come from the pump, motor, or valve alone — it comes from the way the entire unit is built.

Each tank incorporates welded Unistrut across the full width of the front and back to increase rigidity and reduce vibration. The ½-inch thick motor mounts are isolated and anchored to the Unistrut, minimizing vibration transfer through the frame. The thick-gauge steel tank features a flat bottom that holds more oil, improving sound dampening and temperature stability. Even the lid is engineered to avoid metal-to-metal contact, reducing resonance during operation.

These structural features significantly reduce noise and vibration. It’s one more reason installers and building owners appreciate the quality behind a CED Elevator & Electrical hydraulic power unit.

Reliability and Ease of Maintenance

Each component in a CED power unit is chosen for long-term reliability and easy serviceability. The steel tank design includes a hinged and shocked lid for one-hand opening, and a cutout for quick and easy access to the valve, while optional features like oil coolers, scavenger pumps, and pressure gauges make it adaptable to a variety of installation needs.

Replacement parts and support are available through CED Elevator & Electrical’s nationwide branch network, minimizing downtime and keeping maintenance simple.

Trusted Brands, Proven Components

Our units are built with components from some of the most trusted names in the elevator industry:

• Seim Pumps — known for precision, quiet operation, and long life.
• Imperial Electric Motors — delivering consistent performance and efficiency.
• Maxton Valves — the industry standard for reliability and fine control.

Together, they form a power unit that installers and technicians can depend on for years of service.

CED Elevator & Electrical: Your Source for Quality Power Units

As a leading supplier of elevator components, CED Elevator & Electrical provides complete hydraulic elevator power units designed for performance, quieter operation, and compatibility with a wide range of systems.

To explore our configurations and standard or optional features, visit our product page:
CED Hydraulic Elevator Power Unit

Whether you’re modernizing an existing system or planning a new installation, CED offers high-quality solutions built with trusted components and supported by our dedicated team.