DIN EN 81-20:2020-06

Planning and implementing lifts for passenger and goods transport safely

DIN EN 81-20 specifies the safety rules for the construction and installation of passenger and goods passenger lifts. It describes requirements for the planning, construction, installation, testing and operation of lifts used for passenger and goods transport. The standard serves as a key basis for implementing the requirements of the EU Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU and supports the safe use, maintenance and inspection of lift installations.

What is DIN EN 81-20 about?

The standard defines safety requirements for passenger and goods passenger lifts and describes technical protective devices as well as safety-related requirements for construction, installation and testing. The focus is on cars, doors, suspension means, safety gears, overspeed protection, and electrical safety and control systems. In addition, the standard includes provisions for lift wells, refuge spaces, emergency release, quality evidence and maintenance requirements.

Topics covered

• Safety rules for passenger and goods passenger lifts
• Lift wells, cars and pits
• Landing and car doors, including locking devices
• Suspension means, counterweights and guide rails
• Safety gears, overspeed governors and buffers
• Protection against falls, overspeed and unintended car movements
• Electrical safety devices and control systems
• Emergency alarm systems, emergency release and maintenance
• Tests, evidence and technical documentation
• Requirements for conformity with the EU Lifts Directive

Practical relevance

Lifts are among the safety-critical installations in buildings. DIN EN 81-20 provides a uniform basis for the safe construction, installation and testing of lifts. It helps manufacturers, planners and operators systematically implement safety requirements and minimize risks for users, maintenance personnel and rescue personnel.

The standard is particularly relevant for companies that plan, manufacture, install or inspect passenger and goods passenger lifts. It establishes clear requirements for safety concepts, testing processes and technical evidence and supports the demonstration of conformity with the EU Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU.

Changes compared with DIN EN 81-20:2014-11

The 2020 edition replaces the previous 2014 edition. No technical changes were made. The most important adjustments include:

• Dating of all externally referenced standards
• Introduction of the new Annex ZA on the relationship with the EU Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU
• Adjustments resulting from the European Commission’s standardization request M/549
• Editorial revision of the standard

Target audience

• Lift manufacturers
• Lift planners and specialist planners
• Operators of lift installations
• Inspection engineers and experts
• Maintenance and service companies
• Building owners and facility managers
• Authorities and certification bodies
• Professionals in lift and building technology

Conclusion

DIN EN 81-20 is the key basis for the safe planning, construction and installation of passenger and goods passenger lifts. It supports the standards-compliant implementation of the requirements of the EU Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU and helps ensure a high level of safety throughout the entire life cycle of a lift installation.

This document replaces DIN EN 81-20:2014-11 .