New standards for lifts

EN 81-20 and EN 81-50

By Gillian Fletcher MCIAT

The standards EN 81-1 and EN 81-2 that were introduced in 1998 have been replaced by two new European standards - EN 81-20 and EN 81-50. These new standards apply to all lifts taken into use from 1 September 2017.

Both of the new standards are regulated by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and the new standards aim to improve accessibility, safety and comfort for lift passengers and those required to service installations.

Some of the key technical changes are categorised below as follows:

• Machine room lighting - Minimum 200 lux at floor at work spaces, Minimum 50 lux for other spaces.
• Safety Cube on Car Roof - Increased safety space for maintenance work.
• Balustrade - Improved strength and increased height of balustrade on car roof.
• Car Lighting - Minimum 100 lux at 1m above floor.
• Car - New requirements on strength of car walls.
• Doors - Increased requirements on strength of car and landing doors.
• Shaft Lighting - Minimum 50 lux in working areas.
• Inspection Control in Hoistway - Permanent inspection control station in pit.
• Safety Cube in Hoistway - Increased safety space for maintenance work.

For further details on the EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 click here.