7Dec, 2022
3 Easy Ways To Make The Indian Standard CODE FOR RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS Faster

For home lifts, recommended Indian Standard are IS 14665 and IS 15259. If it is a machine room-less elevator then Indian standard is IS 15785, similarly IS 14671 if it is a hydraulic lift.

The Indian Standard Recommendations for lifts

For home lifts, recommended Indian Standards are IS 14665 and IS 15259. If it is a machine room-less elevator then IS 15785, similarly IS 14671 if it is a hydraulic lift. As per IS 15259:2002 Clause #5, a home lift shall have a load capacity of not less than 204 kg (three passengers) and not more than 272 kg (four passengers), and car speed not exceeding 0.2 mps. A two persons lift is not recommended for various technical reasons.

It is recommended to use IS-compliant lifts and escalators for the safety of equipment and the passengers in States where a Lift Act is not defined.

The ASME ANSI A17.1/CSA B44 – Section 5.3 is the industry standard set forth for private residence elevators. This standard has been adopted by most states to become the local code. It is important to note all states have not adopted the same year of the A17.1 standard and some states have not adopted any version.

The most current version of the residential elevator code is A17.1 -2016. The code provides for an important update reducing the space permitted between the elevator cab door and hoist-way landing door to less than 4 inches.

Residential elevators built to the A17.1 standard must be certified by an accredited third party. When buying an elevator it is extremely important to make sure the manufacturer is selling equipment. That built to the A17.1 standard and third party certification. All elevators install to the latest standard whether or not it required from a local jurisdiction.

Elevator Industry Associations

What are the elevator safety rules?

Stand next to the elevator wall. Hold the handrail, if available. Pay attention to the floor indications. If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the DOOR OPEN button.

What is the procedure to procure a lift permit for an existing building?

Lift licenses, as of today, are required only in ten States. Which include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. Every State’s Lift Act defines the procedures, fee structure. And also timelines for obtaining various permissions for lifts and escalators within that State.

There are guidelines given for obtaining licenses for existing buildings as well. One has to refer to specific State’s Lift Act/rules for the exact procedure.

Mirrors inside the elevator car, or is it optional?

The code of practice prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards is required to be followed for lifts and its installations. As per IS 14665 Part 4 / Section 3 clause #5.8, mirrors can be used inside the elevator car. However, it is recommended that they are splinter proof and should not cause injury to passengers in case they are broken due to any abnormalities.

Is there any mandate regarding the number or size of lifts required for a particular number of floors?

No regulations specify any mandatory requirements as far as the number of lifts is concerned. IS 14665 Part 2, Section 1, as well as the National Building Code (NBC) of India 2016, offers guidelines for traffic analysis calculations, which determine the handling capacity and response time. Basis this analysis, there are different recommendations for different types of buildings.

For buildings higher than 15 meters, there is a need for an eight-passenger fire lift (with automatic doors and speed sufficient to reach the top floor in 60 seconds), and other requirements as per the Fire Prevention Act and rules of each State. The NBC 2016 highlights that there is a need for a stretcher lift in buildings having a height of more than 30 meters. These requirements vary from State to State, and one must consult a technical expert for specific cases.