Understanding EN 81-73: Elevator Behavior in the Event of Fire

What is EN 81-73?

EN 81-73:2016 is a European Standard that defines the procedures elevators must follow when a fire is detected in a building. The primary objective of this standard is to ensure that elevators do not pose additional risks during a fire by automatically moving to a safe floor and being taken out of service. This helps prevent the use of elevators during an evacuation, reduces the risk of entrapment, and allows emergency responders to focus on other critical tasks.

Key Provisions of EN 81-73

1. Automatic Recall to a Designated Floor
   
   • Fire Alarm Integration:EN 81-73 requires that elevators be integrated with the building’s fire alarm system. When a fire alarm is triggered, the elevator must immediately respond by stopping at the nearest floor, recalling to a designated floor, and opening its doors to allow passengers to exit safely.
   
   
   • Designated Safe Floor:The standard specifies that the designated floor should be a location that is easily accessible and safe from fire, such as the main entrance level. This floor must be predetermined and programmed into the elevator’s control system.
   
   
2. Deactivation of Normal Operations
   
   • Out-of-Service Mode:After reaching the designated floor and allowing passengers to exit, the elevator must go into an out-of-service mode, preventing any further calls from being registered. This is critical for ensuring that no one attempts to use the elevator during a fire, as elevators can become dangerous traps in such scenarios.
   
   
   • Override for Firefighters:While the elevator must go out of service for normal use, EN 81-73 allows for an override by emergency personnel, such as firefighters. This ensures that the elevator can still be used under controlled conditions for firefighting and rescue operations, if necessary.
   
   
3. Behavior of Elevators Serving Multiple Floors
   
   • Sequential Recall:For elevators that serve multiple floors, EN 81-73 requires that the elevator system be capable of recalling all elevators sequentially to the designated floor. This ensures that all elevators are cleared of passengers and taken out of service in an orderly manner, minimizing the risk of entrapment.
   
   
   • Handling of Grouped Elevators:In buildings with grouped elevator systems, where multiple elevators are controlled by a single group controller, EN 81-73 specifies that all elevators in the group must follow the same fire response procedure. This coordination is essential for ensuring that all passengers are evacuated efficiently and safely.
   
   
4. Passenger Communication and Safety
   
   • Audible and Visual Signals:EN 81-73 mandates that elevators provide clear audible and visual signals to inform passengers of the elevator’s behavior during a fire. For example, a recorded message or visual display might indicate that the elevator is moving to a safe floor and will be taken out of service. This helps reduce panic and ensures that passengers are aware of the situation.
   
   
   • Emergency Lighting:The standard also requires that emergency lighting be activated within the elevator cabin during a fire alarm. This ensures that passengers can see clearly and navigate their way out of the elevator safely once it reaches the designated floor.
   
   
5. System Reliability and Redundancy
   
   • Backup Power Supply:To ensure that the elevator can perform the required fire response even during a power outage, EN 81-73 requires that the elevator be equipped with a backup power supply. This backup system must be capable of powering the elevator long enough to reach the designated floor and allow passengers to exit safely.
   
   
   • Regular Testing and Maintenance:The standard emphasizes the importance of regular testing and maintenance of the elevator’s fire response system. This includes periodic tests to ensure that the elevator correctly responds to fire alarms and that all safety features, such as backup power and communication systems, are functioning properly.
   
   

Why EN 81-73 Was Developed

EN 81-73 was developed in response to the critical need for standardized procedures governing the behavior of elevators during a fire. Historically, elevators have posed significant risks during fires, with the potential for passengers to become trapped or for the elevator to inadvertently move into dangerous areas. Before EN 81-73, there were no consistent guidelines for how elevators should respond to fire alarms, leading to variations in safety practices across different buildings. This standard provides a unified approach, ensuring that all elevators in Europe follow the same safety procedures in the event of a fire.

The Importance of Compliance

1. Enhancing Occupant Safety
   
   • Preventing Entrapment:Compliance with EN 81-73 significantly reduces the risk of entrapment by ensuring that elevators automatically move to a safe floor and go out of service when a fire alarm is triggered. This prevents passengers from unknowingly using the elevator during a fire, which could be life-threatening.
   
   
   • Supporting Safe Evacuation:By ensuring that elevators are out of service and cannot be called, EN 81-73 supports the safe evacuation of building occupants via stairwells, which are the safest means of egress during a fire.
   
   
2. Supporting Firefighting Efforts
   
   • Preventing Elevator Malfunctions:EN 81-73 helps prevent elevator malfunctions during a fire, such as the elevator moving to a floor that is already engulfed in flames. This allows firefighters to focus on other critical tasks without worrying about the potential hazards posed by elevators.
   
   
   • Providing Safe Access for Firefighters:The standard’s provisions for overriding the elevator’s out-of-service mode ensure that firefighters can still use the elevator under controlled conditions if necessary, providing safe access to upper floors during a fire.
   
   
3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
   
   • Mandatory in the EU:Compliance with EN 81-73 is mandatory for all new elevator installations in the European Union. Failure to comply can result in legal penalties, including fines and restrictions on building occupancy.
   
   
   • Certification and Building Approvals:Elevators must be certified as meeting EN 81-73 requirements to obtain the necessary building approvals. This certification ensures that the elevator is capable of responding appropriately during a fire, enhancing overall building safety.
   
   

How BRONZE LIFT Ensures Compliance with EN 81-73

At BRONZE LIFT, we prioritize safety by designing and installing elevators that fully comply with EN 81-73. Our elevators are equipped with advanced fire response systems that automatically recall the elevator to a safe floor and deactivate normal operations during a fire. We work closely with building designers and fire safety experts to ensure that our elevators enhance the overall fire safety strategy of the building. Additionally, we offer regular testing and maintenance services to ensure that all fire response systems remain in top condition, ready to perform when needed.

Conclusion

EN 81-73 is a critical standard for ensuring that elevators behave safely and predictably during a fire, preventing additional risks to building occupants and supporting effective firefighting efforts. By understanding and complying with its provisions, building owners and managers can enhance the safety of their properties and protect the lives of occupants. Contact BRONZE LIFT today to learn more about how we can help you meet and maintain compliance with EN 81-73 in your building’s elevator systems.