PVE-52 (Pneumatic Vacuum Residential Elevator)

PVE52 Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator in coastal home

The Wheelchair-Friendly Three-Passenger Residential Vacuum Elevator

The PVE52 is the largest pneumatic vacuum elevator available, with a 52 11/16-inch (1,339 mm) external cylinder diameter. This three-passenger model supports a rated load of 525 lbs (238 kg) and travels at 35 feet per minute. No pit, hoistway, or machine room is needed. The elevator rests directly on the existing ground floor, which must be 100% level.

Homeowners along Florida’s Panhandle coast select the PVE52 for spacious multi-level access in larger homes, elevated beach properties, and waterfront residences. It comfortably fits three adults or two people with one in a standard wheelchair (along with an attendant). Coastline Lift, based in Panama City Beach, handles every phase: site evaluation, permitting, installation, and ongoing support. Most projects finish in 2–3 days.

Enjoy a quiet, smooth ride powered solely by air. The panoramic polycarbonate cabin provides a complete 360-degree view.

Ready to explore the PVE52 for your home?

Why Coastal Florida Homeowners Choose the PVE52

  • Space for three or wheelchair access. Easily carries three passengers or accommodates a standard wheelchair with room for an attendant.
  • Largest panoramic design. 52 11/16-inch diameter with flexible same-side or opposite-side door configurations.
  • Minimal structural work. Just a 54 11/16-inch finished through-floor hole.
  • Fast, clean installation. Typically 2–3 days with full protection of floors and walls.
  • Built for salt air and humidity. Aluminum and polycarbonate construction resists corrosion. Hurricane-rated brackets available.
  • Energy efficient. Electricity required only for ascent; descent needs no power.
  • Full panoramic cabin. Transparent walls bring in natural light and unobstructed views.
  • Boosts accessibility and resale value. Perfect for multi-generational families or future-proofing your Emerald Coast property.
  • Trusted local expertise. Coastline Lift knows Panhandle wind-load codes, elevated foundations, and waterfront requirements.

Home Elevators PVE 52 Key Features

  • Rated load: 525 lbs (238 kg), three passengers or wheelchair accessible
  • Speed: 35 fpm
  • External cylinder diameter: 52 11/16″ (1,339 mm)
  • Internal cabin height: 79″ (2007 mm)
  • Entrance width: 32″ (813 mm)
  • Internal cabin diameter: 44″ (1,118 mm)
  • Automatic LED lighting and ventilation fan
  • 24-volt controls located entirely in the cabin
  • Push-button call stations with precise leveling at each landing
  • Door openings: same-side (in-line) or opposite-side (pass-through / 180°)
  • Doors hinged top left with swing to the left from inside the cabin
  • One door per landing
  • Pure pneumatic drive, no cables, pistons, or hydraulics
PVE52 Installation Requirements Diagram

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator PVE52 Technical Specifications

CategoryDetails
ModelPVE-52 Three Passengers / Wheelchair Accessible
Rated Load525 lbs (238 kg)
Speed35 fpm
External Cylinder Diameter52 11/16″ (1,339 mm)
Internal Cabin Diameter44″ (1,118 mm)
Cabin Height79″ (2007 mm)
Entrance Width32″ (813 mm)
Door Height77 ¾″ standard. 79 ½″ to top of door closer
Door ConfigurationSame-side (in-line) or opposite-side (pass-through / 180°). Top-left hinge. Left swing from inside. One door per landing
Maximum TravelUp to 50 feet (typically 2–5 stops)
Minimum Overhead ClearanceStandard unit: 107″ (2719 mm)
Split unit: 97″ (2464 mm)
Floor Penetration Required54 11/16″ (1,389 mm) finished hole
Power Supply220-240 VAC, 60/50 Hz, single phase, 40 AMP
Drive System6 turbine motors in pump box. Total 7 kW. Pneumatic vacuum

Electrical Requirements
The PVE52 requires a dedicated 220 VAC (exact, no exceptions), single-phase, 40-amp circuit (L1, L2, Ground) using AWG #10 (6 mm²) conductors and an exclusive thermo-magnetic switch.

• 210 VAC or 230 VAC is not acceptable. Voltage fluctuations are not covered under warranty.
• A Buck Boost transformer or voltage stabilizer is strongly recommended.
• Primary disconnect and female receptacle provided by homeowner at top center of elevator (or remote head for split units).
• Supplied 4-foot power cord with angled plug (Pass & Seymour 3869 or equivalent: 30/50 A, 250 V, black).
• Matching flush receptacle: Pass & Seymour 3801 or equivalent (rated for 30–50 A).
• Telephone jack (if added) must be isolated near power supply.

Coastline Lift coordinates with your electrician for full Florida code compliance. We recommend they contact us before starting.

Installation Requirements

Standard Model

  • Minimum height at ground floor: 92″ (2.34 m)
  • Minimum height at upper floor(s): 107″ (2.70 m)
  • Finished through-floor hole diameter: 54 11/16″ (1.39 m), all holes perfectly aligned for 3+ stops
  • Ceiling perforation at least 2″ (5 cm) from walls for tripod access
  • Access opening for cylinders: 54 11/16″ wide x 92″ long (via door or window)
  • Ceiling hook rated for 3,200 lbs to lift cylinders during install (if no hook possible, upper floor height must be at least 109″ / 2.77 m)
  • Noise note: Larger rooms reduce turbine sound; avoid very small enclosed spaces

Split Unit Model (Remote Turbine Location)

  • All standard requirements apply except:
  • Minimum upper floor height: 97″ (2.47 m)
  • Remote head unit space needed: 34″ L x 24″ W x 24″ H (0.86 m x 0.61 m x 0.61 m)
  • Maximum distance from elevator: 30 linear feet (10 m)
  • Two 4″ (10 cm) PVC pipes required between cylinder split plate and remote head
  • Air intake must come from interior of home (proper housing with minimum 6″ clearance on all sides)
  • Electrical supply directly to remote head location

Coastline Lift performs full site assessment to confirm your home meets these requirements and handles all permitting and code compliance.

How the PVE52 Operates

Six turbine motors create vacuum above the cabin for ascent. Descent occurs by controlled pressure release, no electricity required to go down. The straightforward pneumatic system has minimal moving parts, resulting in exceptional reliability and very low maintenance.

Safety Features

  • Automatic descent to ground level at reduced safety speed during power failure
  • Mechanical emergency brakes engage within two inches of freefall (vacuum loss or failure)
  • Electromechanical interlocks on every landing door
  • 24-volt low-voltage cabin controls
  • Alarm system and in-cabin telephone

All units meet or exceed ASME A17.7 safety standards.

Available Options & Customizations

  • Cylinder colors: Anodized Silver, Black, White, Light Gray, Dark Gray, Taupe
  • Split-unit configuration for lower overhead
  • Folding cabin seat
  • In-cabin telephone (standard) and alarm
  • Keyed controls
  • Remote control or homing feature
  • Solar power package
  • Hurricane-rated anchoring brackets (recommended for coastal Florida)
  • Earthquake brackets

Cylinder Colors

Anodized Silver
Black
White
Light Gray
Dark Gray
Taupe

Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PVE52 fully wheelchair accessible?

It comfortably fits a standard wheelchair with an attendant (or three standing passengers), but it is not ADA-compliant. Contact us for a site evaluation to confirm fit for your specific wheelchair.

What maintenance is needed?

Annual inspections recommended. Major seal replacement typically every 5 years or 15,000 rides.

Will it work in power outages or storms?

Yes. It safely descends to ground level and remains secure until power returns.

How much power does it use?

Comparable to heavy household appliances, only during ascent.

Full-Service Support from Coastline Lift

We provide complete turnkey service across the Florida Panhandle: consultation, permitting, installation, warranty, maintenance plans, and 24/7 emergency response.
Serving Panama City Beach, Destin, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Mexico Beach, and surrounding areas.

Contact us today for a free home evaluation and quote.
Email: sales@coastlinelift.com

Download Official PVE52 Manufacturer PDFs

Click the buttons below to download the full original technical documents directly from Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators.

These are the official manufacturer documents. Coastline Lift recommends reviewing them with your architect, builder, and electrician during planning.

Areas We Serve

Mexico Beach

Saint George Island

Jacksonville

Alys Beach

Miramar

Navarre

Gulf Breeze

Cape San Blas

Pensacola

Get In Touch

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to elevate your home with our innovative elevator solutions or have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re here to help!