Understanding EN 81-20 and EN 81-50: Essential Elevator Safety Standards in Europe

What Are EN 81-20 and EN 81-50?

• EN 81-20:2014 is a European Standard that specifies safety rules for the construction and installation of passenger and goods lifts. It focuses on the overall design, structural integrity, and safety features of elevators, ensuring that they are safe for passengers and maintenance personnel alike.


• EN 81-50:2014 complements EN 81-20 by providing guidelines for the testing, examination, and certification of safety components used in lifts. It ensures that critical components like safety gears, overspeed governors, and buffers meet the necessary safety standards through rigorous testing.

Key Provisions of EN 81-20

1. Structural Integrity and Strength Requirements
   
   • Cabin and Shaft Construction: EN 81-20 sets strict guidelines for the materials and construction methods used for elevator cabins and shafts, ensuring they can withstand various stresses and potential impacts during operation.
   
   
   • Load Capacity and Testing: The standard mandates rigorous testing of load-bearing components such as the platform, car frame, and guide rails. These components must support the maximum rated load under both normal and emergency conditions without deformation or failure.
   
   
2. Fire Safety
   
   • Fire-Resistant Materials: EN 81-20 requires that elevator cabins and shafts are constructed with fire-resistant materials to prevent the spread of fire through the building via the elevator shaft.
   
   
   • Emergency Operation in Fire Conditions: The standard includes provisions for how elevators should behave in the event of a fire, such as recalling elevators to a designated floor and taking them out of service to prevent their use during a fire.
   
   
3. Electrical Safety and Control Systems
   
   • Protection Against Electrical Hazards: EN 81-20 outlines safety requirements for electrical installations within elevators, including protection against short circuits and ensuring the safe routing of electrical cables.
   
   
   • Control System Redundancies: The standard mandates the inclusion of redundant safety systems in the elevator’s control circuitry to prevent unsafe operation if one system fails.
   
   
4. Safety of Passengers and Maintenance Personnel
   
   • Door Safety and Sensors: EN 81-20 requires sensors on elevator doors to detect obstructions and prevent the doors from closing if an object or person is detected.
   
   
   • Emergency Communication Systems: The standard mandates that elevators are equipped with emergency communication systems, allowing passengers to contact rescue services at any time during an emergency.
   
   
5. Accessibility and Inclusivity
   
   • Dimensions and Layout: EN 81-20 specifies minimum dimensions for elevator cabins, doors, and control panels to ensure accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.
   
   
   • Visual and Audible Signals: The standard requires the installation of visual and audible signals to assist users with hearing or visual impairments.
   
   

Key Provisions of EN 81-50

1. Testing of Safety Components
   
   • Safety Gears: EN 81-50 provides detailed guidelines for testing the safety gears used in elevators. These gears are crucial for stopping the elevator car in case of overspeed or freefall, and they must pass rigorous testing to ensure their reliability.
   
   
   • Overspeed Governors: The standard outlines the testing procedures for overspeed governors, which are designed to trigger the safety gears if the elevator exceeds a safe speed. EN 81-50 ensures that these components are tested under various conditions to verify their performance.
   
   
   • Buffers: Buffers are designed to absorb the impact if an elevator car or counterweight reaches the end of its travel. EN 81-50 mandates specific testing procedures for these components to ensure they can handle the forces involved without failure.
   
   
2. Examination and Certification
   
   • Component Certification: EN 81-50 requires that all critical safety components undergo a thorough examination and certification process. This process includes both type tests and routine tests to verify that each component meets the necessary safety standards.
   
   
   • Type Testing: Type tests involve subjecting components to conditions that simulate their intended use, as well as extreme conditions, to ensure they will perform reliably under all circumstances.
   
   
   • Routine Testing: Routine tests are conducted on individual components during production to ensure that every unit meets the same high standards.
   
   
3. Documentation and Traceability
   
   • Technical Documentation: EN 81-50 mandates that manufacturers provide detailed technical documentation for all safety components. This documentation includes the results of all tests, as well as specifications and instructions for installation and maintenance.
   
   
   • Traceability: The standard requires that all safety components be fully traceable from production to installation. This ensures that in the event of a safety issue, the origin and history of each component can be quickly identified.
   
   

Why EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 Were Developed

EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 were developed to address the growing complexity of modern elevators and the need for comprehensive safety standards that reflect the latest technological advancements. The previous standards, while effective, did not fully account for the wide range of elevator designs and components now in use. These new standards provide a more detailed and unified approach to elevator safety, ensuring that all aspects of elevator design, construction, and maintenance are covered.

The Importance of Compliance

1. Legal Requirements
   
   • Mandatory Compliance: In the European Union, compliance with EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 is mandatory for all new elevators. Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties, including fines and the suspension of elevator operations.
   
   
   • Certification and Approvals: Elevators must be tested and certified to comply with these standards in order to obtain the necessary approvals for operation. This process often involves third-party inspections and audits.
   
   
2. Enhancing Safety and Reliability
   
   • Preventing Accidents: Compliance with these standards significantly reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring that all safety components are tested and certified to perform reliably under all conditions.
   
   
   • Improving User Confidence: Elevators that meet EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 provide a safer and more reliable experience for users, which can enhance the reputation of the building and its management.
   
   
3. Supporting Sustainability and Efficiency
   
   • Energy Efficiency: These standards support the efficient operation of elevators by encouraging the use of energy-efficient components and systems. This not only improves safety but also reduces the environmental impact of elevator systems.
   
   
   • Long-Term Durability: By specifying high-quality materials and rigorous testing procedures, these standards help extend the lifespan of elevators, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to the sustainability of the building.
   
   

How BRONZE LIFT Ensures Compliance with EN 81-20 and EN 81-50

At BRONZE LIFT, we are dedicated to designing, installing, and maintaining elevators that fully comply with EN 81-20 and EN 81-50. Our team of experts ensures that every aspect of our elevator systems—from structural integrity to the testing of safety components—meets these essential standards. We conduct rigorous testing and quality control procedures to guarantee that your elevators provide the highest levels of safety, reliability, and performance.

Conclusion

EN 81-20 and EN 81-50 are essential standards for ensuring the safety and reliability of elevators across Europe. By understanding and complying with their provisions, building owners and managers can protect their occupants, reduce liability risks, and contribute to a safer built environment. Contact BRONZE LIFT today to learn more about how we can help you meet and maintain compliance with these critical safety standards in your building’s elevator systems.