Westinghouse Selectomatic was an automatic programmed elevator system introduced by Westinghouse in the early 1950's. The original system lasted from 1950-1956. The Selectomatic system went through most likely redesigns, the first being Westinghouse Selectomatic Mark II?, the second being Westinghouse Selectomatic Mark III, The third being Selectomatic Mark IV, in which elevators parked on a middle floor, lasting from 1963-1973, and then the Selectomatic Mark V, which existed in 1979.
Overview
Westinghouse Selectomatic elevators were similar to Otis Autotronic, considering traffic patterns and peak times. These elevators were large, fast, and could adjust their schedules to suit traffic demands. They were also capable of launching themselves to wherever they were needed, based on time of day and anticipated traffic patterns.
Fixtures
- Further information: Westinghouse Elevator Fixtures Guide
Early Selectomatic elevators used pop-out black buttons. Then, they used the version with a number next to the button that lights up. Later installations have the version with the white button that lights up. Finally, they used the AE fixtures. It often says Westinghouse Selectomatic on the panel.
Notable installations
United States of America
- Macy's, San Francisco CA (Installed by Spencer, now Epco)
- Flood Building, San Fransisco, CA
- Metro Tower, Lubbock, TX (Modernized by Schindler in 2013)
- Kanawha Valley Building, Charleston, WV
- Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (modernized into Otis CompassPlus in 2014)
- Macy's (Formerly Kaufmann's), Pittsburgh, PA
- Gulf Tower, Pittsburgh, PA
- The Sheraton Hotel, Clayton, MO
- Wells Fargo Building, Duluth, MN (Modernized by Schindler in 2014)
- Lyric Opera Building, Chicago, IL
- Doubletree by Hilton Metropolitan Hotel, New York, NY
- Bulkley Building, Cleveland, OH
- Rockefeller Building, Cleveland, OH
- Halle Building, Cleveland, OH
- Holiday Inn, Cleveland, OH
- Eaton Center, Cleveland, OH
- 55 Public Square, Cleveland, OH
- Standard Building, Cleveland, OH
Trivia
- There are three similar elevator systems to Westinghouse Selectomatic; Autotronic (Otis), DMR Control (Express Lift), Aconic (Schlieren), and Computamatic (Dover).
- However, Westinghouse share its patent to General Electric Company (GEC) in England for The Express Lift Company which produced DMR Control.
Gallery
Video
Awesome 1955 Westinghouse Selectomatic elevator @ Metro Tower Lubbock TX
Westinghouse Selectomatic elevators in Metro Tower, Lubbock, TX, installed in 1955 (video: Dieselducy).
Westinghouse Selectomatic Traction Elevators - Wells Fargo Building - Duluth, MN
Westinghouse Selectomatic Mark II? traction elevators at Wells Fargo Building in Duluth, MN
