SINGAPORE STANDARD

SS 550 : 2009
(ICS 91.140.90)

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR

Installation, operation and
maintenance of electric
passenger and goods lifts
(Formerly CP 2)

Published by
SPRING Singapore
2 Bukit Merah Central
Singapore 159835
SPRING Singapore Website: www.spring.gov.sg
Standards Website: www.standards.org.sg
SINGAPORE STANDARD
SS 550 : 2009
(ICS 91.140.90)

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR

Installation, operation and
maintenance of electric
passenger and goods lifts
(Formerly CP 2)

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this Singapore

Standard may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilming, without
permission in writing from SPRING Singapore at the address below:

Head
Standardisation Department
SPRING Singapore
2 Bukit Merah Central
Singapore 159835
Telephone: 62786666 Telefax: 62786667
Email: stn@spring.gov.sg

ISBN 978-981-4278-39-3
SS 550 : 2009

This Singapore Standard was approved by the Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee on
behalf of the Standards Council of Singapore on 6 October 2009.

First published as CP 2, 1971

First revision, 1974
Second revision, 1979
Third revision, 2000
Fourth revision and renumbered as SS 550, 2009

The Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee appointed by the Standards Council consists of
the following members:

Name Capacity
Chairman : Mr Renny Yeo Ah Kiang Member, Standards Council
Deputy
Chairman : Er Peter Leong Weng Kwai Member, Standards Council
Secretary : Mr Lee Toon Huat SPRING Singapore
Members : Prof Choi San Shing Nanyang Technological University
Mr Chong Weng Hoe TUV SUD PSB Pte Ltd
Er. Adeline Koh Lian Suan Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore
Er. Prof Liew Ah Choy National University of Singapore
Mr Kwek Chin Hin National University of Singapore
Er. Lim Ah Hee Housing & Development Board
Er.Lim Say Leong Singapore Business Federation
Er. Kenneth Liu Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore
Mr Mazard Khan Jeaudeen Singapore International Chamber of Commerce
Er. Ng Eng Kiong Individual capacity
Er. Ng Kim Leong Institution of Engineers Singapore
Mr Ng Kin Ming Singapore Electrical Contractors and Licensed
Electrical Workers Association
Mr Michael Ong SPRING Singapore
Er. Ong Ser Huan Institution of Engineers Singapore
Mr K Seshadri Individual Capacity
Mr Sim Wee Meng Land Transport Authority
Mr Tan Boon Chong Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation
Er. Tan Hak Khoon Energy Market Authority
Er. Andrew Tan Lee Ann SP PowerGrid Ltd
Dr Wong Woon Kwong Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Mr Jimi Wong Yick Chee Singapore Electrical Trades Association
Prof Yeo Tat Soon National University of Singapore

2

The Technical Committee on Lifts, Escalators and Passenger Conveyors appointed by the Electrical
and Electronic Standards Committee and responsible for the preparation of this standard consists of
representatives from the following organisations:
Name
Chairman : Er. Adeline Koh
Deputy
Chairman : Mr Song Yew Kee
Secretary : Mr Lee Toon Huat
Members : Mr Cheah Sek Cheong
Er. Goh Mun Choon
Mr Thomas Goh
Mr James Lee Lee Thiam
Er. Stephen Lee Soon On*
Mr Lee Wee Keong
Mr Leong Shee Kok
Mr Peter Leong Weng Kwai
Er. Lum Chong Chuen
Mr Phuah Cheng Kok
Mr Tan Chek Sim
Mr Wan Tai Gan
* served till Sep 08
3
SS 550 : 2009
Capacity
Member, Electrical and Electronic Standards
Committee
Singapore Institute of Architects
SPRING Singapore
Land Transport Authority
Housing & Development Board
Building and Construction Authority
Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation
Institution of Engineers Singapore
Singapore Civil Defence Force
Singapore Lift and Escalator Contractors and
Manufacturers Association
Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore
Institution of Engineers Singapore
Individual Capacity
Housing & Development Board
Jurong Town Corporation
SS 550 : 2009

(blank page)

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 SS 550 : 2009

Contents
Page

Foreword 7

CLAUSES

1 General 9
2 Definitions and terminology 10
3 Lift well 16
4 Machine and pulley spaces 22
5 Landing doors 26
6 Cars 27
7 Counterweights 32
8 Suspension, compensation and overspeed protection 32
9 Guide rails, buffers and final limit switches 37
10 Clearances and runbys 41
11 Lift machine 43
12 Electric installations and appliances 44
13 Emergency operations for lifts 45
14 Energy conservation 52
15 Interferences 52
16 Type test requirements 52

ANNEXES

A Rules and regulations 53

B Exchange of information 54
C Inspection and tests of lifts 56
D Periodic maintenance and examination 61
E General illustrations 64
F Measurement of car platform areas 68
G Energy efficiency of lifts 69
H Special requirements for hydraulic lifts 72

TABLES

1 Rated loading capacity 31

2 Maximum and minimum stopping distances for progressive guide clamp type of
safety gear 35
3 Minimum energy dissipation type buffer stroke 39

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SS 550 : 2009

Page

FIGURES

1 Partially enclosed well 20

2 Partially enclosed well – Distances 20
3 Fire fighters’ service operation flowchart A 50
4 Fire fighters’ service operation flowchart B 51
5 Illustration of a typical lift installation with machine room 64
6 Illustration of a typical lift installation without machine room 65
7 Typical example of lift switchboard in lift machine room 66
8 Typical example of lift distribution board in lift machine room 67
9 Measurement of car platform areas 68
10 Example of a roped hydraulic lift system 78

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 SS 550 : 2009

Foreword

This Singapore Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Lifts, Escalators and
Passenger Conveyors under the purview of the Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee. It is a
revision of the code of practice, CP 2 which was first prepared in 1971. CP 2 has been re-numbered as
SS 550. This Singapore Standard was revised to keep up with the latest changes in technology, local
practices and developments in lift standardisation internationally.

The main changes made in this revision are as follows:

a) For clause 3 on lift well, new subclauses have been added for partially and totally enclosed
well. In addition, new requirements have been added for access to lift well and installation of
wired and wireless devices in lift well.

b) For clause 4 on machine and pulley spaces, a new subclause 4.4 is added for machinery
inside the lift well to include the special requirements for machine room-less lifts.

c) For clause 5 on landing doors, information on mechanical strength and materials including the
use of glass panels are added.

d) For clause 6 on car rated loading capacity, Table 1 is revised to provide better understanding
and allow flexibility in practice.

e) For clause 8 on suspension, compensation and overspeed protection, information on special

requirement of counterweight safety gear and ascending car overspeed protection is included.

f) For clause 9 on guiderails, buffers and final limit switches, a new subclause is added for
general provisions concerning guide rails and the minimum buffer stroke in Table 3 is revised
for clearer understanding and alignment with international / regional standards.

g) For clause 12 on electrical installations and appliances, changes have been made to require
communication devices to be installed in every lift and to the capacity of EBOPS.

h) For clause 13 on emergency operations for lifts, requirements for automatic rescue devices
(ARD) are included.

i) For Annex D, periodic maintenance and examination, the contents are expanded and a new
subclause for lift maintenance scope of work, examinations and tests after a major
modification is included

j) A new annex on energy efficiency of lifts (Annex G) is included.

Annexes A, B, C, D, E, G & H are informative and Annex F is referred to under 6.4 rated loading
capacity.

In preparing this revision, reference was made to the following publications:

1. EN 81 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts

Part 1 : 1998 Electric lifts
2. ISO/TR 11071 Comparison of worldwide lift safety standards
Part 1: 1990 Electric lifts (elevators)
3. HK Guidelines on Energy Efficiency of Lifts and Escalators Installations, 2000.
(Annex G, energy efficiency of lifts)

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SS 550 : 2009

The following materials were reproduced from EN 81-1 : 1998 - "Safety rules for the construction and
installation of lifts, Part 1 : 1998 Electric lifts" with permission from CEN, Rue de Stassart 36, B-1050
Brussels for incorporation into this Singapore Standard:

1. Definitions for buffer, guide rails, unlocking zone, lift machine, overspeed governor and safety
gears;

2. Figures for partially enclosed well and distances;

3. Clauses on protection of any spaces located below the car, counterweight or balancing
weight, emergency unlocking of landing doors, car lighting, ascending car overspeed
protection means and general provisions concerning guide rails.

Tables 1, 2 and 3 and Subclause 8.2.4 were extracted from ASME A17.1 – 1996 “Safety code for
elevators and escalators” by permission of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (All rights
reserved).

Diagrams in Annex E are provided by courtesy of Toshiba Elevator.

Acknowledgement is made to the above organisations for the use of their materials.

NOTE

1. Singapore Standards are subject to periodic review to keep abreast of technological changes and new
technical developments. The revisions of Singapore Standards are announced through the issue of
either amendments or revised editions.

2. Compliance with a Singapore Standard does not exempt users from legal obligations.

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 SS 550 : 2009

Code of practice for installation, operation and maintenance of

electric passenger and goods lifts

1 General

1.1 Scope

This Code shall apply to the design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, operation and
maintenance of permanently installed new electric lifts, with traction or hydraulic drive, serving defined
landing levels, having a car designed for the transportation of persons or persons and goods,
suspended by ropes and moving between guide rails inclined not more than 15o to the vertical.

It does not apply to :

a) Lifts used solely for erecting, demolishing, altering or repairing buildings;

b) Orchestral and stage lifts;

c) Stacking machines and similar portable appliances;

d) Conveyors used for the handling of materials and goods, such as swing tray lifts, bucket
conveyors and similar appliances;

e) Skip-hoists;

f) Wharf ramps;

g) Amusement devices;

h) Mine lifts;

i) Inclined lifts;

j) Paternosters;

k) Dumbwaiters (see 2.38)

l) Vehicle lifts, home lifts and stair lifts;

However, this standard may be taken as a basis.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this Code is to establish uniformity in lift engineering practice in the Republic of
Singapore. The Code is framed in such a manner as to safeguard persons and objects against the
risk of accidents associated with the usage, maintenance and emergency operation of lifts.

1.3 Normative references

BS 476 : - Fire tests on building materials and structures

Part 4 : 1970 – Non-combustibility test for materials
Part 7 : 1997 – Method of test to determine the classification of the surface
spread of flame of products

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SS 550 : 2009

BS 952 : - Glass for glazing

Part 1 : 1995 – Classification
EN 12015 : 2004 Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard for lifts, escalators and
passenger conveyors – Emission
EN 12016 : 2004 Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard for lifts, escalators and
passenger conveyors – Immunity
EN 50214 : 2006 Flat polyvinyl chloride sheathed flexible cables
IEC 60085 : 2007 Electrical insulation -Thermal evaluation and designation
IEC60227 Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including
450/750V
Part 6 : 2001 – Lift cables and cables for flexible connections
IEC 60331 : - Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – Circuit integrity
Part 11 : 1999 – Apparatus – Fire alone at a flame temperature of at least 750oC
Part 21 : 1999 – Procedures and requirements – Cables of rated voltage up to
and including 0.6/1.0 kV
IEC/TR2 60332 : - Tests on electric cables under fire conditions
Part 3 : 1992 – Test on bunched wires or cables
SS CP 5 : 1998 Code of practice for electrical installations
SS 209 : 1996 Battery-operated emergency power supply for lighting and ventilation of
passenger lifts
SS 341 : 2001 Safety glazing materials for use in buildings (human impact consideration) glass
SS 535 : 2007 Code of practice for the installation, operation, maintenance, performance and
constructional requirements of mains failure standby generating systems

Guidelines on energy efficiency of lifts and escalators installations, 2000 Hong Kong

2 Definitions and terminology

For the purpose of this Singapore Standard, the following definitions apply:

2.1 Alteration

Any modification or addition to the equipment other than repairs or replacements.

2.2 Apron

Smooth vertical part extending downwards from the sill of the landing or car entrance.

2.3 Automatic rescue device (ARD)

A battery-operated device which will bring the lift to the nearest landing and open both the lift landing
and car doors in the event of power failure.

2.4 Brake, electro-mechanical

A brake, consisting of a friction shoe or shoes applied to a brake drum or disc, by means of springs
and electrically released.

2.5 Buffer

Resilient stop at the end of travel, and comprising a means of braking using fluids or springs (or other
similar means). Generally, there are two types of buffer, namely, energy accumulation type (e.g.
using springs) and energy dissipation type (e.g. using fluids).

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 SS 550 : 2009

2.6 Car

The load-carrying unit including its platform, car frame, enclosure and car door or gate.

2.7 Car enclosure

The top and the walls of the car resting on and attached to the car platform.

2.8 Car frame, sling

The supporting frame or sling to which the car platform, upper and lower sets of guide shoes, car
safety and the hoisting ropes or hoisting rope sheaves are attached.

2.8.1 Car sling, over slung

A car sling to which the hoisting rope fastenings or hoisting rope sheaves are attached to the
crosshead or top member of the car frame.

2.8.2 Car sling, under slung

A car sling to which the hoisting rope fastenings or hoisting rope sheaves are attached at or below the
car platform.

2.9 Car platform

The structure which forms the floor of the car on which the load is supported.

2.10 Clearance, car bottom

The clear vertical distance from the lift well pit floor to the lowest part beneath the car platform when
the car rests on its fully compressed buffer(s). Guide shoes, safety jaw assemblies, platform aprons
or guards shall be ignored.

2.11 Clearance, car top

The shortest vertical distance between the car crosshead and the nearest part of the overhead
structure or any other obstruction when the car is level with the top terminal landing.

2.12 Clearance, counterweight top

The shortest vertical distance between any part of the counterweight structure and the nearest part of
the overhead structure or any other obstruction when the car is level with the bottom terminal landing.

2.13 Compensating chains

The chains attached to the bottom of the car platform and to the counterweight frame for the purpose
of counteracting the out of balance weight of the hoisting ropes.

2.14 Compensating ropes

The wire ropes attached to the bottom of the car platform and to the counterweight frame via a
compensating rope sheave in the lift well pit for the purpose of counteracting the out of balance weight
of the hoisting ropes.

2.14.1 Compensating rope sheave switch

A device which will automatically cut off the electric power to the lift motor and brake when the
compensating rope sheave reaches its upper or lower limit of travel.

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SS 550 : 2009

2.15 Controller

A device or group of devices which serves to control in some pre-determined manner the apparatus to
which it is connected.

2.16 Counterweight

A weight or series of weights to counter-balance the weight of the lift car and part of the rated load.

2.17 Designated floor

A floor that has minimum fire hazard and pre-selected for the homing of lifts, and where people can
escape to safety.

2.18 Door, car or landing

The movable portion(s) of the car or lift well entrance which close the opening, providing access to the
car or landing. It consists of one or more panels, which may be equipped with a vision panel.

2.18.1 Centre-opening door

A horizontally sliding door consisting of two or more panels so arranged that the panels open away
from each other simultaneously.

2.18.2 Multiple panel side-opening door

A horizontally sliding door consisting of two or more panels so arranged that the panels open all to
one side with different speeds such that all panels reach the fully-open position simultaneously.

2.18.3 Single panel side-opening door

A horizontally sliding door consisting of a single door panel which moves to one side.

2.18.4 Vertical bi-parting door

A vertically sliding door consisting of two or more panels so arranged that the panels or groups of
panels open away from each other simultaneously.

2.18.5 Vertical up sliding door

A vertically sliding door which opens upwards. The door panel is usually counter-balanced.

2.18.6 Emergency access door

An access door provided in the lift well for emergency or maintenance purposes.

2.19 Door closer

A device which closes a landing door by means of a spring or by gravity.

2.20 Door operator

A power-operated device for opening and closing doors.

2.21 Door contact, electric

An electrical switch or contact operated by the movement of the door.

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 SS 550 : 2009

2.22 Electro-mechanical door interlock

A device which combines in one unit an electric door contact and a mechanical lock, the operation of
one is dependent on the other.

2.23 Geared machine

A lift machine in which the motive power is transmitted to the driving sheave from the motor via
reduction gearing.

2.24 Gearless machine

A lift machine in which the motive power is transmitted to the driving sheave from the motor without
intermediate reduction gearing and has the brake drum and driving sheave mounted directly on the
motor shaft.

2.25 Guide rails

Rigid components which provide guiding for the car and the counterweight.

2.26 Guide rail brackets

The part of a guide rail fixing which carries the rail clips and serves to secure the rails to the building
or structure.

2.27 Guide rail fixing

The complete assembly comprising the guide rail bracket, clips and serves to secure the rails to the
building or structure.

2.28 Guide shoes

An attachment to the car frame or counterweight frame for the purpose of guiding the movement of
the car or counterweight along the direction of the guide rails either in the form of tyred rollers or
sliding gibs.

2.29 Lift well (Hoist way)

The fixed structure consisting of a shaft way for the travel of one or more lifts.

2.30 Landing

The portion of the floor, balcony or platform of a building or structure used to receive and discharge
passengers or goods or both into and from a lift car.

2.31 Landing call button

A button fitted at a lift landing for calling the lift car.

2.32 Landing unlocking zone

Zone, extending above and below the stopping level, in which the car floor must be to enable the
corresponding landing door to be unlocked.

2.33 Levelling

Operation which improves the accuracy of stopping at landings.

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SS 550 : 2009

2.34 Lift machine

Unit including the motor which drives and stops the lift.

2.35 Lift, passenger

A lift primarily used to carry persons. This includes a hospital bed lift.

2.36 Lift, goods (Freight)

A lift, primarily used to carry goods, but in which only the persons required to load and unload the
goods are permitted to ride.

2.37 Lift, service

A passenger lift so designed, to be able also to carry goods

2.38 Dumbwaiter

Permanent lifting appliance serving defined landing levels, comprising a car, the interior of which is
inaccessible to persons on account of its dimensions and means of construction, running at least
partially between rigid guides which are vertical or whose inclination to the vertical is less than 15o.

To satisfy the condition of inaccessibility, the car dimensions do not exceed

a) floor area = 1 m2

b) depth = 1m

c) height = 1.2 m

A height greater than 1.2 m is permissible however, if the car comprises several permanent
compartments, each of which satisfies the above requirements.

2.39 Lift, fire

A lift designated and made available for the exclusive use of fire-fighters during emergency by the
operation of the fire lift switch.

2.40 (Reserved for future used)

2.41 Lift, observation

An observation lift is a passenger lift designed to permit exterior viewing by passengers, while the car
is travelling, through large transparent panels. Depending on architectural design, the lift may run in a
well that is mainly open or has a shroud incorporating correspondingly large transparent panels.
Observation lifts may be installed inside or outside a building.

2.42 Lift pit

The space in the lift well below the lowest landing served.

2.43 Machinery

Equipment traditionally placed in the machine room: control cabinet(s) and drive system, lift machine,
main switches, and means for emergency operations

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 SS 550 : 2009

2.44 Machinery space

Space(s) inside or outside of the well where the machinery as a whole or in parts is placed.

2.45 Machine room

Room in which machine or machines and/or the associated equipment are placed.

2.46 Operation

The mode or sequence in which the movement of a lift is controlled.

2.46.1 Single automatic operation

Automatic operation by means of one button in the car for each landing level served and one button at
each landing, so arranged that if any car or landing button has been actuated, the actuation of any
other car or landing operating button will have no effect on the operation of the car until the response
to the first button has been completed.

2.46.2 Selective collective automatic operation

Automatic operation by means of one button in the car for each landing level served and by up-and-
down buttons at the landings, wherein all stops registered by the momentary actuation of the car
buttons are made in the order in which the landings are reached in each direction of travel after the
buttons have been actuated. With this type of operation all "up" landing calls are answered when the
car is travelling in up direction and all "down" landing calls are answered when the car is travelling in
the down direction, except in the case of the uppermost or lowermost calls which are answered as
soon as they are reached irrespective of the direction of travel of the car.

2.46.3 Group supervisory automatic operation

Automatic operation of two or more non-attendant lifts equipped with power-operated car and landing
doors. The operation of the cars is co-ordinated by a supervisory control system including automatic
dispatching means whereby selected cars at designated floors automatically close their doors and
proceed on their trips in a regulated manner.

2.47 Overspeed governor

Device which, when the lift attains a predetermined speed, causes the lift to stop, and if necessary
causes the safety gear to be applied.

2.48 Public building

A building or part thereof used or constructed or adapted to be used as a shop, office, hospital or
place of public resort, not being a church, chapel, mosque, temple or other place where public
worship is or religious ceremonies are performed.

2.49 Rated load (Capacity)

The load for which the equipment has been built.

2.50 Rated speed

The speed of the car for which the equipment has been built.

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SS 550 : 2009

2.51 Rope, governor

Wire rope with at least one end fastened to the safety activating means or governor rope releasing
carrier, passing over and driving the governor sheave, and providing continuous information on the
speed and direction of the car or counterweight.

2.52 Rope, hoisting (Suspension)

Wire rope used to raise and lower a lift car or its counterweight or both.

2.53 Runby, bottom car

The vertical distance between the car buffer striker plate and the striking surface of the car buffer
when the car is level with the bottom landing.

2.54 Runby, bottom counterweight

The vertical distance between the counterweight buffer striker plate and the striking surface of the
counterweight buffer when the car floor is level with the top landing.

2.55 Safety gear

A mechanical device for stopping, and maintaining stationary on the guide rails, the lift car or
counterweight in case of overspeeding or breaking of the suspension.

2.56 Traction sheave

A rope wheel, the rim of which is grooved to receive the hoisting ropes but to which the ropes are not
rigidly attached and by means of which power is transmitted from the lift machine to the hoisting
ropes.

2.57 Terminal slow-down device

A device to slow down and stop the lift at terminal floors in the event the normal selector control fails to
operate. The operation of the terminal slow-down is independent of the normal terminal stopping device.

2.58 Terminal over-travel limit

A device to stop the lift when the car has passed a terminal landing if for any reason the terminal
slow-down device fails to function.

2.59 Travel
The distance between the bottom and top lift landings served.

3 Lift well

3.1 General

In general, the lift well shall be exclusively used for the lift. It shall not contain cables or devices, etc.,
other than for the lift. However, the following may be provided with care:

a) Telecommunication antennae installed in the lift well for the continuity of functioning of the cell
phone shall not violate the standards as provided in EN 12015 and EN 12016. Where the
signal strength, frequency or transmission power are outside the values provided, adequate
tests shall be conducted to ensure that such violations will not interfere with the lift equipment.
Such antennae shall not require maintenance nor have power supply switch/connection in the
lift well.

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 SS 550 : 2009

b) Security systems, emergency intercoms and media devices may be connected to the lift car
via the lift well using wired methods. Where wireless devices are deployed, it shall comply
with (a).

3.2 Emergency access

3.2.1 When the distance between consecutive landing doorsills exceeds 11 m, intermediate
emergency doors shall be provided, such that the distance between sills is not more than 11 m. The
emergency access shall conform to the following:

a) The access shall be at least 760 mm wide and 2 m high (clear opening).

b) The access shall be easily accessible and free from fixed obstructions.

c) The doors shall be either of the horizontally sliding or swinging single section type,
irrespective of the type of door installed at the other landings; they shall not open towards the
interior of the well.

d) The doors shall be self-closing and self-locking and shall be marked in letters not less than 25
mm high,

"DANGER, LIFT WELL"

e) The doors shall be provided with a landing door lock which can be unlocked only from the
landing side through the use of a key. The lock shall not be unlocked by any key which will
open any other lock or device used for any other purpose in the building. They shall be
capable of being opened from inside the well without a key even when locked.

The key shall be kept where it is accessible only to authorised persons (authorised by building
owner).

f) Each door shall be provided with an electrical contact, the opening of which will render the lift
inoperative.

3.2.2 Where lift landings are not directly accessible unless through private space, alternative
access to the lift well shall be provided similar to the provisions of 3.2.1 above. This is to facilitate
easy accessibility for the competent person in the execution of passenger rescue and lift recovery
works.

3.2.3 The distance between consecutive landings sills may be extended above the 11 m to a
maximum of 18 m provided 2 hooks are added to the upper landing. The hooks shall conform to the
following:

a) Each hook shall withstand a minimum pull-out force of 1000 kg;

b) The location of the 2 hooks shall be outside the lift well and about 100 mm from each side of
the landing/access door opening, not more than 1.0 m in front from the door sill and between
the height of 1.8 m to 3.0 m from floor level;

NOTE – The hooks can be installed in the soffit of the landing/access door or in the ceiling or extension from the
ceiling immediately outside the landing/access door or across the landing door jambs (without obstructing the
clear opening during normal use such that the ropes attached to it and extended into the lift well will not come
into contact with any part of the top or sides of the landing/access door.

c) The thickness of the hook shall not be larger than 14 mm diameter and the loop of the hook
shall allow a clear space of at least 50 mm diameter for hooking on;

d) A notice in permanent characters (e.g. ‘RESCUE HOOK’ in 25 mm height characters) shall be

displayed in a prominent position to show the location of the hooks.

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SS 550 : 2009

3.3 Internal surface

The internal surface of lifts walls, as far as is practicable, shall be kept flush and so designed to
minimise accumulation and circulation of dust. Any projections extending inwards from the general
surface of the enclosure at or near the openings or landings shall be bevelled to an angle not less
than 60o to the horizontal by means of cement rendering or other fire-resisting materials.

3.4 Construction materials

The material of construction shall be non-combustible and shall not be such that it might give off
harmful gases or fumes in case of fire.

3.5 Fire-resistance ratings

3.5.1 When the entrances, having access to the lift wells, have doors which automatically close, the
degree of fire resistance of the entrances shall be at least half that required for the enclosure of the lift
well.

Thus where the required fire resistance of the lift well enclosures is one hour or less, the required fire
resistance of the entrance shall be half an hour. Where the required fire resistance of the lift well
enclosure is greater than one hour but not more than two hours, the required fire resistance of the
entrance shall be one hour.

3.5.2 When the entrances, having access to the lift well, have doors which are manually closed, the
degree of fire resistance of the entrances shall not be less than that required for the enclosure.

Thus where the required fire resistance of the lift well enclosures is no longer than half an hour, the
required fire resistance of the entrance shall be half an hour. When the required fire resistance of the
lift well is greater than half an hour but not more than one hour, the required fire resistance of the
entrance shall be one hour.

3.6 Non-fire-resistance construction

3.6.1 Where lift well enclosures are outside the building proper or where permitted by the fire code,
fire-resistive construction may not be required.

3.6.2 When the entrances are installed in a non-fire-resistance lift well, fire resistance rating is not
required for the entrances.

3.7 Smoke tightness of lift well

The lift well shall be made as smoke-tight as possible. The gap between the sliding door and the lift
well enclosure and the gap between the two panels of centre opening lift doors shall be kept to a
minimum.

3.8 Vent openings in lift well

Lift wells shall be adequately ventilated at the top of the shaft to the external air by means of one or
more permanent openings having a total unobstructed area of at least 1 % of the horizontal section of
the well and not less than 0.1 m2 for each lift in the shaft.

3.9 Totally enclosed well

In sections of the building where the well is required to contribute against the spread of fire, the well
shall be totally enclosed by imperforate walls, floor and ceiling.

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 SS 550 : 2009

The only permissible openings are:

a) openings for landing doors;

b) openings for inspection and emergency doors to the well and inspection traps;

c) vent openings for escape of gases and smoke in the event of fire;

d) ventilation openings;

e) necessary openings for the functioning of the lift between the well and the machine or pulley
rooms;

f) openings in partition between lifts

3.10 Partially enclosed well

Where the well is not required to contribute against the spread of fire, e.g. observation lifts in
connection with galleries or atriums, tower buildings, etc., the well does not need to be totally
enclosed, provided:

a) the height of the enclosure at places normally accessible to persons shall be sufficient to
prevent such persons:

– being endangered by moving parts of the lift, and

– interfering with the safe operation of the lift by reaching lift equipment within the well
either directly or with hand-held objects

The height is assumed to be sufficient if it is in conformity with Figure 1 and Figure 2, that
means:

– minimum 3.50 m at a landing door side;

– minimum 2.50 m at other sides and with a minimum horizontal distance of 0.50 m to
moving parts of the lift.

If the distance to moving parts exceeds 0.50 m, the value of 2.50 m can be reduced
progressively to a minimum height of 1.10 m in a distance of 2.0 m;

b) the enclosure shall be imperforate;

c) the enclosure shall be located within 0.15 m maximum of the edges of floors, stairs or
platforms (see Figure 1);

d) provisions shall be taken to prevent the interference with the operation of the lift by other
equipment;

e) special precautions shall be taken for lifts exposed to weather, e.g. lifts installed against the
exterior walls of a building.

NOTE – Installation of lifts with partially enclosed well should take into full consideration of water, temperature
and wind pressure impacts due to varying weather conditions.

19
SS 550 : 2009

Figure 2 – Partially enclosed well – Distances

20
 SS 550 : 2009

3.11 Lighting of the well

The well shall be provided with permanently installed electric lighting, giving an intensity of illumination
of at least 15 lux, 1 m above the center of the car roof and the pit floor, even when the doors are
closed. For partially and glass enclosed wells, this lighting may not be necessary if the electric lights
in the neighbourhood of the well is sufficient

The means to switch the lift well lighting shall be from the lift machine room (or at the emergency and
inspection panel or at the highest access/landing in the case of machine roomless lift) and the lowest
lift access/landing.

3.12 Lift pit

3.12.1 Access to pit

Where the depth of a pit, measured from the lower terminal landing exceeds 1000 mm and where no
other means of access exists, a ladder shall be fixed permanently within reach of the lower terminal
landing door. The pit ladder or the handholds for the pit ladder shall extend up to 1500 mm above the
bottom terminal floor to enable safe descent into the pit. Where more than one lift is operating in the
same pit, pit ladder shall be installed for every lift.

Where access to a pit is by means of a door in the wall of the pit, a contact shall be fitted to the door
so that it operates to stop the lift adjacent to this access door. Provision shall be made to latch the
door securely before effecting final contact with the stop contact.

Access door shall be provided if the pit depth exceeds 2.50 m and if the layout of the building so
permits.

If there is no other access, a permanent means shall be provided inside the well, easily accessible
from the landing door, to permit competent persons to descend safely to the floor of the pit. This shall
not project into the clear running space of the lift equipment.

3.12.2 Lighting of pit

A permanent guarded light with a switch near the entrance shall be provided for each lift in the pit.

3.12.3 Dryness of pit

Pits shall be waterproofed before installation of the lift equipment by the use of tanking, membranes or
other positive means and where required, shall have a covered sump located therein. The sump
cover shall be a non-slip type and shall be not easily displaced. The sump shall not be connected to
any closed drainage system; but may be connected into an open-ended drain below the sump level so
that it cannot be flooded.

Where pumps are required, they shall be installed outside the lift well. Pump shall be effectively
partitioned from the lift well and separate access for maintenance. The level of any external sump
shall be such that water cannot flow back into the lift well. Drains shall not run into pits.

NOTE – Pumps should be of a type which does not rely on valves or priming of a suction line for effectiveness.

3.12.4 Pit floor

The floor of every pit shall be substantially level.

The pit floor of any lift well not extending to the ground shall be of fire-resistive construction having a
fire-resistance rating of at least equal to that required for the lift well enclosure.

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SS 550 : 2009

3.12.5 Minimum pit depth

The pit depth shall not be less than that required for the installation of the buffers, compensating
sheaves, if any, and all other lift equipment located therein and to provide the minimum bottom
clearance and runby as indicated in 10.1.

3.12.6 Adjacent lift pits

Where there is a difference in level between the adjacent lift pits, a non-load bearing wall or wire-
mesh screen not less than 1000 mm high and measured from the level of the higher pit floor, shall be
constructed to separate such pits.

3.12.7 Switched socket-outlet

There shall be a switched socket-outlet in the pit.

4 Machine and pulley spaces

4.1 General provisions

Lift machines, their associated equipment and pulleys shall be located in designated spaces. The
spaces and the associated working areas shall be accessible only to competent persons for
maintenance / inspection work and emergency operation.

4.2 Access

4.2.1 Access route to the machinery spaces shall be:

a) provided with a sheltered passageway of at least a clear width of 1m and a clear height of 2.0 m.
The access floor shall be so treated that it is not slippery. Safety railing shall be provided
along the passageway if it is less than 1.5 m away from the edge of the roof.

b) properly lit by a permanently installed electric light fixture(s).

c) adequately ventilated.

d) provided with a staircase where there is a difference in level between the floor and the final
machinery access, to use in complete safety in all circumstances, without necessitating entry
into private premises. In exceptional situation where a conventional staircase cannot be
provided, a ‘ship’s ladder’, which is a permanently installed can be provided. A ‘ship’s ladder’
shall be designed so that the angle of inclination to the horizontal is at maximum 60 degrees,
serves only a single platform or landing and has a maximum height of 4 m. It should have
non-slip treads of at least 430 mm wide, 130 mm deep, uniformly spaced at not more than
305 mm in rise. A ‘ship’s ladder’ should have a minimum design working load of 1.5
KiloNewtons (kN), and have handrails provided on both sides of the ladder at approximately
900 mm above the tread nosing.

4.2.2 Final access to the machinery space shall be possible only through a lift landing door or a
maintenance door (for machinery space inside the lift well) or a machine room door, at the access
floor.

For machine room door, entrance shall have a minimum opening of 1 m width and clear height of 2.0
m and shall be provided with lockable door. The design and shape of the door and its frame shall not
reduce this clear opening. The door shall be opened from outside only by the use of a key but shall
not require a key to open it from within the machine room. It shall not open towards the inside of the
room.

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 SS 550 : 2009

For maintenance door, the passageway shall not be obstructed by the opened maintenance door.
This maintenance door shall also be equipped with an electrical safety switch to prevent running of
the car when the door is opened. This door shall have a minimum opening of 1m width and clear
height of 2.0 m if the main access to the machinery space is not available through the lift landing door.

The following notice in permanent characters shall be displayed in a prominent position on the
maintenance door and machine room door and the size of the letters shall not be less than 25 mm
high:

DANGER
LIFT MACHINERY SPACE
NO UNAUTHORISED
PERSONS

NOTE – Access floor means the floor at the same or level nearest where the machinery is located.

4.3 Protection against weather

The machinery spaces and the associated working areas shall be suitably protected against all
weather.

4.4 Machinery in machine room

4.4.1 Limitations to the use of machine room

Machine rooms shall not be used for purposes other than those connected with the lift and shall not
be used as a means of gaining access to any other part of the building.

4.4.2 Construction of floors of machine room

Floors shall be of fire-resisting material of equivalent fire-ratings as the floors of the buildings.
Difference in levels of machine room and machinery space floors shall be avoided where it is
practical. Where there is a difference in level in such floors exceeding 380 mm, a standard railing at
least 1100 mm high shall be provided at the edge of the higher level where such change in level
occurs, and stairs or ladders shall be provided for access between levels.

4.4.3 Strength of floor of machine room

The floor shall be capable of sustaining a concentrated load of 135 kg on any 2500 mm2 area; where
it constitutes the floor of the main or secondary-level machinery space, it shall be designed for a live
load of not less than 6000 N/m2 in all open areas.

4.4.4 Protection of openings in machine room floor

Openings for ropes through machine room floors shall be as small as practicable and shall be fitted
with curb having a height not less than 50 mm.

4.4.5 Horizontal clearance

There shall be a minimum distance of 450 mm from the sides of its wall to the sides of the equipment
so as to permit free access to all parts of the machines and equipment located therein for the
purposes of inspection, maintenance and dismantling for repair (if access is required). However, the
floor space around the control panel should be 600 mm at the front and the back if access is required.
Where a secondary machine room is furnished, the same minimum distance of 450 mm will apply.

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SS 550 : 2009

4.4.6 Head room

There shall be a clear vertical distance of at least 0.5 m above the machine or apparatus in every
machine room to enable any portion of the machinery or apparatus to be raised clear for dismantling.
Where a larger machine is used, the clear vertical distance shall be higher. In no case shall the
headroom from the machine room floor be less than 2.1 m. Where a secondary machine room is
furnished, the minimum height is 1.5 m.

4.4.7 Lighting and switched socket-outlet

The machine room and secondary machine room shall be provided with permanent electric lighting on
the basis of at least 200 lux at floor level. One or more switched socket-outlets shall also be provided
in the machine and secondary machine room.

4.4.8 Ventilation

Every machine room shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation so as to ensure that the
temperature measured at any point within 1000 mm of the machinery and associated equipment shall
not exceed 38 oC. For natural ventilation, an opening of 20 % of the floor area is recommended to
achieve cross-flow. Where ambient temperature is more than 32 oC, the provision of mechanical
ventilation is recommended.

4.5 Machinery inside the lift well

4.5.1 Working areas inside the well

4.5.1.1 The dimensions of working areas shall be sufficient to permit easy and safe working on the
equipment. The areas shall be at least a clear height of 2.0 m (from the blocked position) and a clear
horizontal area of at least 0.5 m wide x 0.6 m deep for maintenance and inspection of moving parts as
well as control panels. The width should be extended to the full width of the panel whichever is
greater.

4.5.1.2 Maintenance works on the machinery when carried out from the inside the lift well can be
performed from inside the lift car, from the lift car roof, in the lift pit or on a platform and shall be
subjected to the following:

4.5.1.2.1 The platform shall be:

a) provided with an electrical safety device to check its retracted position;

b) able to support at any position the mass of two persons, each counting for 1000 N on an area
of 0.2 m x 0.2 m, without permanent deformation;

c) provided with safety railings;

d) provided with manually or electrically operated devices (which shall be located outside the
well or in the pit) for lowering or retracting the platform.

4.5.1.2.2 Maintenance works on a platform shall only be carried out, if:

a) the drive is stationary, i.e. by using a blocking device in conformity with 4.5.1.2.3; or

b) the travel path of the car is limited by blocks in such a way that the car is stopped below the
platform or above the platform to provide the working space as required in 4.5.1.1.

4.5.1.2.3 If there is a risk of uncontrolled lift car movement during maintenance works, the movement
of the lift car shall be mechanically prevented. If the mechanical device is in the operating position, an
electrical safety interlock is necessary.

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 SS 550 : 2009

4.5.1.2.4 When the lift car is in the blocked position, easy and safe exit of the working area must be
possible. The blocked car should not obstruct the escape route in the event of an emergency situation
e.g. power failure during a fire condition.

4.5.1.2.5 Maintenance doors (which shall not open into the lift well) in the lift car shall be provided with
a key operated lock, capable of being re-closed and re-locked without a key. An electrical safety
device shall check the closed position of the maintenance door.

4.5.2 Ventilation

The machinery spaces shall be ventilated so as to ensure that the temperature measured at any point
within 1.0 m of the machinery and associated equipment shall not exceed 38 oC. Where ambient
temperature is more than 32 oC, the provision of mechanical ventilation is recommended.

4.5.3 Lighting

4.5.3.1 The working area and machinery space shall be provided with permanently installed electric
lighting on the basis of at least 200 lux at the foot of the machine or control cabinet.

4.5.3.2 Where an emergency and inspection panel is provided outside the well, the panel and the
area in front of it shall be lit by a permanently installed electric lighting on the basis of at least 50 lux at
the floor level.

4.5.4 Batteries located in the lift well

All batteries shall be suitably housed in closed, ventilated cabinets. The sealed type of batteries shall
be used.

4.5.5 Emergency rescue operation and inspection of lift

4.5.5.1 The necessary devices for emergency rescue operation and inspection (that requires dynamic
tests of the lift) shall be provided so that such operations can be performed from outside the lift well.

4.5.5.2 The emergency and inspection (E & I) panel shall be provided with audio or visual devices, or
with an opening for a direct observation of the lift machine or other parts of the lift equipment, which
informs about the:

a) lift car reaching a door unlocking zone; and

b) speed of the lift, except if it is automatically limited to less than 0.75 m/s or the machine can
be directly observed.

4.5.5.3 For direct observation, the part of the lift equipment/machine shall be adequately lit under all
conditions and the E & I panel shall be provided with an inspection door, which:

a) does not open towards the inside of the well;

b) is provided with a key-operated lock, capable of being re-closed and re-locked without a key.

4.5.5.4 A sufficient free horizontal area of minimum 0.5 m x 0.6 m with a minimum height of 2.0 m in
front of the E & I panel shall be available for emergency and inspection operations. This working area
shall be protected from weather and provided with permanently installed lighting.

4.5.5.5 Location of E & I panel

The E&I panel shall be located at the access floor, within sight of the lift landing door or
access/maintenance door and easy reach for the competent person.

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SS 550 : 2009

5 Landing doors

5.1 General requirements

The openings in the well giving access to the lift car shall be provided with imperforate landing doors.
All landing doors (each lift entrance) shall be fitted with an electro-mechanical door interlock.
Emergency unlocking devices shall be provided for every landing door.

When closed, the clearance between panels, or between panels and uprights, lintels or sills, shall be
as small as possible. This condition is considered to be fulfilled when the operational clearances do
not exceed 6 mm. This value, due to wear, may reach 10 mm. These clearances are measured at
the back of recesses, if present.

All doors shall have clear height of at least 2.0 m.

In the case of landing doors driven by the car door, a device (either weight or spring) shall ensure the
automatic closing of the landing door if this door becomes open, for whatever reason, when the car is
outside the unlocking zone.

5.2 Mechanical Strength

Doors and their guides, shoes, tracks, and hangers shall be so designed, constructed and installed
that when the fully closed door is subjected to a force of 300 N, applied on an area of 5 cm² at right
angles to and approximately at the center of each and every door panel, it shall resist without
permanent deformation and an elastic deformation not greater than 15 mm. Also, it shall not cause
the safety function of the door to be affected during and after the force had been applied.

5.3 Materials

Doors and their frames shall be constructed in a way that they will not become deformed in the course
of time. To this effect, it is recommended that they are made of metal.

5.3.1 Where glass is used as or in part of the door panel, the glass shall be laminated safety glass,
wired, toughened or tempered safety glass complying with SS 341.

5.3.2 The glass used shall have a minimum thickness of 10 mm except where it covers only one
clear opening that will reject a ball of 150 mm diameter and a maximum area of 0.28 m², the thickness
shall not be less than 6.0 mm.

5.3.3 Framing of the glass shall be of non-combustible material, preferably metal, and the thickness
of the frames should not result in the recess of the glass surface to be more than 2.5 mm.

5.3.4 In addition to the mechanical strength required in 5.2 for the metal part of the door panel,
where each of the clear opening covered by glass will not reject a ball of 150 mm, the glass as
installed in the entire door panel with its ancillary fixings shall meet the Class A performance
requirements when subjected to impact test under SS 341.

5.3.5 Landing doors, being part of the lift well, shall be subjected to fire resistance requirements in
3.5. Where glass is used in a fire resistant landing door, the minimum thickness of the glass shall be
10 mm. This glass shall also have the property of automatically turning opaque when heated except
when the maximum clear opening covered by the glass is less than 0.06 m2 for each entrance.

NOTE – Where the landing door is exposed to weather elements, adequate measures will have to be taken in the
building design to avoid accumulation of rain water. Water drainage should be directed away from the door
opening and wind pressure should be directed away from the lift landings.

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 SS 550 : 2009

6 Cars

6.1 Car enclosures

6.1.1 General requirements

The deflections of car-frame and platform members with a safety factor of not less than 5 and based
on the static load imposed upon them shall not be more than the following:

a) For crosshead : 1/1000 of the span

b) For plank : 1/1000 of the span

c) For platform-frame members : 1/1000 of the span

Lift cars shall be permanently enclosed on all sides except the top and the sides used for entrance
and exit.

The enclosure shall be securely fastened to the car platform and so supported that it cannot become
loosened or become displaced in ordinary service or on the application of the car safety or on buffer
engagement. The enclosure walls shall be on such strength and so designed and supported that
when subjected to a force of 300 N applied on an area of 5 cm2 at right angles to any point on the
walls of the enclosure, the deflection will not be more than 15 mm and will not result in permanent
deformation

6.1.1.1 Top emergency exit

An emergency trap door shall be provided in the car roof to permit the rescue and evacuation of
passengers. It shall measure at least 350 mm by 500 mm. The exit cover shall open outwards and
shall be so hinged or otherwise attached to the car top that the cover can be opened from the top of
the car only.

The top exit and suspended ceiling openings, if any, shall be so located as to provide a clear
passageway, unobstructed by fixed equipment located in or on top of the car.

The movable portion (exit panel) of the suspended ceiling which is below the top exit opening shall be
restrained from falling. It may be hinged to open upwards or downwards provided that the exit will
permit a clear opening aligned with the top exit opening.

6.1.1.2 Car roofs

Car roof shall be so designed and installed as to be capable of sustaining a mass of two persons,
each counting for 1000 N on an area of 0.2 m by 0.2 m without permanent deformation. A safety
railing shall be provided at the car roof except where it is not practical, for example, observation lifts.

6.1.1.3 Light at car roof

A protected electric light shall be provided at the car roof.

6.1.2 Passenger-car enclosures

6.1.2.1 Materials for car enclosures shall be metal or non-combustible material in accordance with BS
476: Part 4. No plastic materials shall be used for car enclosures.

6.1.2.2 Where glass is used as the lift car enclosure, it shall be of the toughened type, laminated or
other construction which will meet the Class A performance requirements when subject to impact test
under SS 341.

27
SS 550 : 2009

The fixing of the glass shall ensure that the glass shall not slip out of the fixings, even when sinking.
The lowest edge of glass panels shall be installed at least 100 mm from the car floor.

Handrail shall be provided around the glass portion of the car. The mounting of the handrail shall be
independent of the glass.

6.1.2.3 Finishing materials for enclosures shall have a minimum surface flame spread rating of
Class 1 (refer to the ‘Code of practice for fire precautions in buildings’ for classification). Wall finishes
in the form of thin sheet of not more than 1.0 mm thickness mounted on a non-combustible substrate
will not be subject to the requirement of surface spread of flame provisions provided that this
exception shall not apply to the fire lift. No plastic materials shall be used for the finishing materials.

6.1.2.4 Glass panels including mirrors used as finishing to enclosures shall not splinter when broken
and shall also not break or dislodge on car safety application.

6.1.2.5 Ventilation

6.1.2.5.1 Cars shall be provided with ventilation fan. Cars may also be provided with ventilation
apertures in the upper and lower parts of the cars.

6.1.2.5.2 The effective area of ventilation apertures situated in the upper part of the car shall be at
least 1% of the nett car platform area, and the same also applies for the apertures in the lower part of
the car.

The gaps around the car doors may be taken into account in the calculation of the area of the
ventilation holes, up to 50% of the required effective area.

6.1.2.5.3 Ventilation apertures, where provided, shall be arranged in such a way that it is not possible
to pass a straight rigid rod 10 mm in diameter through the car walls from the inside.

6.1.2.5.4 The ventilation fan should preferably be of exhaust type to extract stale air from inside the
lift car

6.1.2.5.5 The air flow rate of the fan shall be such that the air volume equivalent of the lift car is
replaced 20 times per hour.

6.1.2.5.6 Where air conditioner is used, the air flow rate need not apply. However, suitable
arrangement shall have to be made to ensure that the air conditioner fan or a separate fan is powered
by Emergency Battery Operated Power Supply (EBOPS) during power failures.

6.1.3 Goods lift enclosures

Enclosures shall be of metal without perforations to a height of not less than 1.8 m above the platform
floor. Above 1.8 m, the enclosures may be perforated metal construction. Perforation of the
enclosures shall reject a ball 40 mm in diameter.

6.2 Car doors

6.2.1 General requirements

6.2.1.1 Car entrance

A door shall be provided at the entrance to the car.

6.2.1.2 Car-door electric contacts

Each door shall be equipped with an electric contact, so located as to be inaccessible from inside the
car. The opening of the electric contact shall render the lift inoperative.

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 SS 550 : 2009

6.2.1.3 Mechanical strength

Doors and their guides, shoes, tracks, and hangers shall be so designed, constructed and installed
that when the fully closed door is subjected to a force of 300 N, applied on an area of 5 cm² at right
angles to and approximately at the center of each and every door panel, it shall resist without
permanent deformation and a elastic deformation not greater than 15 mm. Also, it shall not cause the
safety function of the door to be affected during and after the force had been applied.

6.2.1.4 Materials

Doors and their frames shall be constructed in a way that they will not become deformed in the course
of time. To this effect, it is recommended that they are made of metal.

6.2.1.4.1 Where glass is used as or in part of the door panel, the glass shall be laminated safety
glass, wired, toughened or tempered safety glass complying with SS 341.

6.2.1.4.2 The glass used shall have a minimum thickness of 10 mm except where it covers only one
clear opening that will reject a ball of 150 mm and maximum visible area of 0.28 m², the thickness
shall not be less than 6.0 mm.

6.2.1.4.3 Framing of the glass shall be of non-combustible material, preferably metal, and the
thickness of the frames should not result in the recess of the glass surface to be more than 2.5 mm.

6.2.1.4.4 In addition to the mechanical strength required in 6.2.1.3 for the metal part of the door
panel, where each of the clear opening covered by glass will not reject a ball of 150 mm, the glass as
installed in the entire door panel with its ancillary fixings shall meet the Class A performance
requirements when subject to impact test under SS 341.

6.2.1.5 Door protective device

A protective device shall automatically initiate re-opening of the door in the event of a person being
struck (or about to be struck) by the door in crossing the entrance during the closing movement.
The protective device shall be arranged in such a way as to minimize risk of damage or injury due to
jamming of a part of a person or other objects.

6.2.1.6 Door force

Where power-operated horizontal sliding doors are used, the force necessary to prevent closing of the
doors shall not be more than 150 N. This force shall be measured at the middle of its travel.

6.2.2 Other requirements

6.2.2.1 There shall be not more than two entrances to each car.

6.2.2.2 Doors when in the fully closed position shall protect the full width and height of the car
entrance. An apron with minimum height of 750 mm covering the entire width of the door opening
shall be provided for all car entrances. The vertical section shall be extended downwards by a
chamfer whose angle with the horizontal plane shall be greater than 60 degree. The projection of this
chamfer of the horizontal plane shall be not less than 20 mm.

6.2.2.3 Car door height shall not be less than 2 m.

6.2.3 Special requirements for goods lift car doors

The width of the car doors shall cover the full width of the car entrance opening. The height of the car
doors shall be not less than 1.8 m above the car floor.

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SS 550 : 2009

6.3 Illumination of cars and lighting fixtures

6.3.1 A lift car shall be provided with electric lights. No less than two light fittings shall be provided.

6.3.2 Light bulbs or tubes used in light fittings shall be so protected as to prevent injury to
passengers from breakage of bulb or tube.

6.3.3 Light panels or tubes or bulbs installed within easy reach of passengers shall be so protected
to prevent access to live parts.

6.3.4 The car shall be provided with electrical lighting that is permanently installed ensuring a light
intensity of at least 50 lux at floor level and on the control devices.

6.4 Rated loading capacity

6.4.1 Passenger lifts

The requirements are:

a) To prevent an overloading of car by passengers, the available car platform area shall be
limited. To this effect, the maximum car platform area for the corresponding rated loading
capacity is given in Table 1. The number of passengers for the corresponding minimum car
platform area is also given in Table 1 to indicate the needed space for the passengers.

b) The car platform area shall be calculated according to Annex F.

c) Beyond 40 persons or 2720 kg load, add 0.115 m2 for each extra person or 0.16 m2 for each
extra 100 kg. For intermediate loads, the area is determined by linear interpolation.

6.4.2 Minimum rated load for goods lifts

The rated load of the lift shall be not less than 245 kg/m2 of inside nett platform area.

6.4.3 Capacity plate

Every lift shall be provided with a capacity plate located in a conspicuous place inside the car. The
capacity plate shall indicate the rated load in kilograms and in addition the maximum number of
passengers to be carried in the case of passenger lifts.

6.4.4 Overload weighing device

Overload weighing device shall be provided and it shall activate an alarm when the load in the car
exceeds the rated capacity.

6.4.5 Carrying of passengers in goods lifts

6.4.5.1 Goods lifts shall not be permitted to carry passenger except the attendant and the person
required to load and unload the goods.

6.4.5.2 In a goods lift, the following sign should be prominently displayed.

“For Goods Only, Passengers Are Not Allowed”

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 SS 550 : 2009

Table 1 – Rated loading capacity

clear Clear platform area in m2 clear

Number of Rated load
platform (Permissible tolerance = ± 0.05 platform
persons (kg)
area m2) area
1 shall not 0.205 shall not 70
2 lean 0.400 more 135
3 0.595 than 205
4 0.770 270
5 0.950 340
6 1.115 410
7 1.280 475
8 1.450 545
9 1.600 610
10 1.755 680
11 1.895 750
12 2.055 815
13 2.195 885
14 2.340 950
15 2.480 1020
16 2.620 1090
17 2.740 1155
Clear
18 Clear 2.835 1225
platform
19 platform 3.000 1290
area
20 area 3.130 1360
shall be
21 shall be 3.250 1430
not more
not less
22 3.370 than 1495
than
23 3.485 1565
24 3.605 1630
25 3.735 1700
26 3.835 1770
27 3.960 1835
28 4.070 1905
29 4.190 1970
30 4.290 2040
31 4.395 2110
32 4.505 2175
33 4.615 2245
34 4.720 2310
35 4.840 2380
36 4.950 2450
37 5.065 2515
38 5.175 2585
39 5.275 2650
40 5.360 2720

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SS 550 : 2009

7 Counterweights

7.1 Frames

Counterweight and sub-weights shall be mounted in structural or formed metal frames designed with
a safety factor of not less than 5 and a deflection of not more than 1/1000 of the span.

7.2 Tie rods

At least two tie rods shall be provided which shall pass through all sub-weights. The rods shall be
provided with lock-nuts and cotter pins at each end. Tie rods are not necessary where other means
are provided to retain weight sections in place, if they become broken.

7.3 Materials for sub-weights

The sub-weights shall be of cast iron, wrought iron, steel or lead. No other materials except for filling
purposes shall be used.

7.4 Counterweight frames

Counterweight frames shall be guided on each guide rail by upper and lower guiding members
attached to the frame.

7.5 Counterweight guard

A suitable guard shall be fixed in the lift pit around the path of the counterweight. Such guard shall
extend from a height of not more than 300 mm above the floor of the lift pit to a height of not less than
2000 mm.

Where compensating ropes or chains are fitted, a guard need not be provided on the side facing the
lift car to which the ropes or chains are attached.

8 Suspension, compensation and overspeed protection

8.1 Ropes, rope attachment and fittings

8.1.1 Suspension rope

All lift cars shall be suspended by steel wire ropes attached to the car frame or passing around
sheaves attached to the car frame.

8.1.1.1 Suspension rope materials

Steel wire ropes specially constructed for lift use shall be employed for the suspension of the cars and
counterweight.

NOTE – Ropes made of other materials are only permissible provided they have properties not inferior to that of
steel in terms of fire-resistant and ability to withstand cut or abrasion from sharp object.

8.1.1.2 Size of ropes

The minimum diameter of ropes shall be 8 mm.

8.1.1.3 Minimum number of ropes

The number of ropes for car and counterweight shall be not less than three.

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 SS 550 : 2009

8.1.1.4 Ratio of sheave diameter to rope diameter

Where round steel wire rope is used, the ratio of the diameter of any sheave or pulley to the diameter
of the rope wound on it shall not be less than 40 to 1 for the suspension ropes.

8.1.1.5 Exhibition of rope data

A plate giving the number, size and ultimate tensile strength of the ropes required shall be
permanently fixed to the cross-head.

8.1.1.6 Manufacturer's certificate

For each set of the suspension ropes, a manufacturer's certificate with the following data shall be
supplied:

a) The type of wire rope;

b) The diameter of the rope in millimetres;

c) The manufacturer's rated breaking strength of the rope;

d) The month and year the ropes were manufactured;

e) The manufacturer's name.

A new certificate or photo-copy of batch test certificate shall be supplied at each rope renewal.

8.1.1.7 Factor of safety

The factor of safety based on maximum static loads for car and counterweight ropes shall be not less
than 12 for all lifts. The factor of safety shall be calculated by the following formula:

S x N
f =
W

where:

S = Manufacturer's rated breaking strength of one rope;

N = Number of runs of rope under load;

W = Maximum static load imposed on all car ropes with the car and its rated load
at any position in the lift well.

for:

1: 1 roping, N = number of ropes used;

2: 1 roping, N = 2 x number of ropes used;

3: 1 roping, N = 3 x number of ropes used.

8.1.2 Anchorage of ropes to cars, counterweights and crossheads

The car and counterweight ends of car and counterweight wire ropes or the stationary hitch-ends
where multiple roping are used shall be fastened by individual tightening wedge type sockets or any
other system with equivalent safety.

The anchor for the compensating chains shall be designed with adequate strength for the purpose.

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SS 550 : 2009

8.1.3 Termination strength

The junction between the rope and rope termination shall be able to resist at least 80% of the
minimum breaking load of the rope.

8.1.4 Rope traction

Rope traction shall be such that the following conditions are fulfilled:

a) The car shall be maintained at the lowest level without slip when loaded to 125% of the rated
load;

b) It shall be ensured that any emergency braking causes the car, whether empty or with rated
load, to decelerate with a value not exceeding the setting of the buffer, including reduced
stroke buffer;

c) It shall not be possible to raise the empty car when the counterweight is resting on the
buffers, and the lift machine is rotated in the “Up” direction.

8.1.5 Overspeed governor ropes

The breaking load of the rope shall be related by a safety factor of at least 8 to the tensile force
produced in the rope of the overspeed governor when tripped. The breakage or slackening of the
governor rope shall cause the motor to stop by means of an electric safety device. The ratio of the
pitch diameter of the overspeed governor pulley and the nominal rope diameter shall be at least 30
where round steel wire rope is used. The minimum diameter for the governor rope shall be 6 mm.

8.2 Car and counterweight safety gear

8.2.1 General

The car shall be provided with a safety gear capable of operating only in the downward direction and
capable of stopping a car with rated load, at the tripping speed of the overspeed governor, even if the
suspension devices break, by gripping the guide rails and of holding the car there. A safety gear
operating in upward direction may be used in accordance with 8.3.

8.2.2 Function of safety gear

The safety gear shall be capable of stopping and sustaining the entire car with its rated load from
governor tripping speed.

8.2.3 Safety gear and switches

Car and counterweight safety gear, where provided, shall be actuated by a separate overspeed
governor. Car safety gear shall be provided with a safety switch operated by the safety gear to switch
off the electric motor driving the lift. The safety switch provided shall not be of auto resetting type.

8.2.4 Types of safety gear and limits of their use

8.2.4.1 Instantaneous safety gear

This type of safety gear develops a rapidly increasing pressure on the guide rails during the stopping
interval, the stopping distance being very short due to the inherent design of the safety gear, the
operating force is derived entirely from the mass and the motion of the car or the counterweight being
stopped. This type of safety gear applies pressure on the guide rails through eccentrics, rollers or
similar devices without any flexible medium purposely introduced to limit the retarding force and
increase the stopping distance.

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 SS 550 : 2009

8.2.4.2 Progressive guide clamp safety gear

This type of safety gear applies limited pressure on the guide rails during the stopping interval, and
provides stopping distances that are related to the mass being stopped and the speed at which the
application of the safety gear is initiated. Retarding forces are reasonably uniform after the safety
gear is fully applied. Continuous tension in the governor rope may or may not be required to operate
the safety gear during the entire stopping interval. Please refer to Table 2 for the maximum and
minimum stopping distances for progressive guide clamp type of safety gear.

Table 2 – Maximum and minimum stopping distances

for progressive guide clamp type of safety gear

Rated speed Maximum governor Stopping distances (m)

(m/s) trip speed (m/s) Min. Max.
0 To 0.65 0.90 0.03 0.38
0.75 1.07 0.05 0.41
0.90 1.25 0.08 0.48
1.00 1.40 0.10 0.56
1.15 1.56 0.13 0.61
1.25 1.71 0.15 0.69
1.50 2.00 0.20 0.84
1.75 2.30 0.25 1.02
2.00 2.60 0.33 1.22
2.25 2.89 0.43 1.47
2.50 3.18 0.51 1.73
3.00 3.76 0.71 2.31
3.50 4.34 0.97 3.00
4.00 4.93 1.24 3.81
4.50 5.51 1.55 4.65
5.00 6.10 1.91 5.64
5.50 6.71 2.29 6.81
6.00 7.32 2.72 8.03
6.50 7.93 3.29 9.42
7.00 8.54 3.71 10.85
7.50 9.15 4.27 12.45
8.00 9.76 4.85 14.10
8.50 10.37 5.46 15.90
9.00 10.98 6.12 17.78
9.50 11.59 6.83 19.78
10.00 12.20 7.57 21.90

8.2.4.3 Types of safety gear usage for different speed requirements

For speed up to 0.75 m/s, instantaneous safety gear may be used. For speed above 0.75 m/s, the
progressive guide clamp type shall be employed.

Exception: Safety gear of instantaneous type may be used for the counterweight in the case of lifts
with a rated speed of not greater than 1 m/s.

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SS 550 : 2009

8.2.4.4 Tripping speed of governor for counterweight safety gear

The tripping speed of an overspeed governor for a counterweight safety gear shall be higher than that
for the car safety gear, however not exceeding it by more than 10%.

8.2.5 Special requirement of counterweight safety gear

If accessible spaces do exist below the car or the counterweight, the base of the pit shall be designed
for an imposed load according to the impact load but subject to a minimum of 5,000 N/m2 and either:

a) there shall be installed below the counterweight buffer, a solid pier extending down to solid
ground; or

b) the counterweight shall be equipped with safety gear.

NOTE – Lift wells should preferably not be situated above a space accessible to persons.

8.2.6 The release of the car safety gear shall be achieved by lifting the car or counterweight only
and it shall be carried out by competent persons.

8.2.7 In the case of lifts installed without casing or shroud outside a building, bearings in safeties
and in the safety operating mechanisms shall be of corrosion-resistant construction with one or both
members of the bearing made of, or electroplated with a corrosion-resistant material.

8.3 Ascending car overspeed protection

A traction drive lift shall be provided with ascending car overspeed protection means conforming to
the following:

8.3.1 The means, comprising speed monitoring and speed reducing elements, shall detect
uncontrolled movement of the ascending car at a minimum 115 % of the rated speed, and shall cause
the car to stop, or at least reduce its speed to that for which the counterweight buffer is designed.

8.3.2 The means shall not allow a retardation of the empty car in excess of 1 g during the stopping
phase.

8.3.3 The means shall act:

a) to the car; or

b) to the counterweight; or

c) on the rope system (suspension or compensating); or

d) on the traction sheave (e.g. on the sheave directly or on the same shaft in the immediate
vicinity of the sheave).

8.3.4 The means shall operate an electric safety device to switch off the electric motor driving the
lift. The safety switch provided shall not be of auto resetting type.

8.3.5 The release of the means shall not require the access to the car or the counterweight.

8.3.6 After its release, the means shall be in a condition to operate.

8.3.7 If the means requires external energy to operate, the absence of energy shall cause the lift to
stop and keep it stopped. This does not apply for guided compressed springs.

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 SS 550 : 2009

9 Guide rails, buffers and final limit switches

9.1 Guide rails

9.1.1 General provisions concerning guide rails

The guide rails, their joints and attachments shall be sufficient to withstand the loads and forces
imposed on them in order to ensure a safe operation of the lift.

The aspects of safe operation of the lift concerning guide rails are:

a) Car and counterweight guidances shall be assured;

b) Deflections shall be limited to such an extent, that due to them:

i) unintended unlocking of the doors shall not occur;

ii) operation of the safety devices shall not be affected, and

iii) collision of moving parts with other parts shall not be possible.

9.1.2 Materials for guide rails

Car and counterweight guide rails shall be of steel.

9.1.3 Rail section

Guide rails shall be T-section with machined working surfaces. Other sections with mechanical
properties not inferior to the standard T-section will also be acceptable.

Hollow or formed guide rails of T-section with suitable mechanical properties may be used for
counterweights which are not fitted with safety gears. They shall be protected against corrosion.

9.1.4 Guide rail fixings

Guide rails of T-section shall be held to their fastenings by through bolts or by clips of such design
that any rotary movement of the clip will not release the guide.

To prevent guide shoes running off in case the top over-travel is exceeded, the guide rails shall
extend to the full extent of over-travel of the car and counterweight, but shall be clear of the over-head
structure.

9.1.5 Guide rail brackets

Guide rail brackets shall be of steel and fixed to RC walls or beams or building structure steelwork by
bolts, anchor bolts or welding.

The fixing of the guide rails to their brackets and to the building shall permit compensation, either
automatically or by simple adjustment, of effects due to normal settling of the building or shrinkage of
concrete.

9.1.6 Strength

Guide rails shall be sufficiently strong to withstand the loads due to the operation of the safety gear
when stopping a fully-loaded car or the counterweight.

9.1.7 Joints and finish of guide rails

All T-section guide rail joints shall be tongued and grooved, or doweled with suitable backing plate.

37
SS 550 : 2009

The working faces of the finished guide rail joints shall form a continuous smooth surface.

9.2 Car and counterweight buffers

Buffers or bumpers shall be located symmetrically with reference to the centre of gravity of the car
frame or the counterweight. They shall be designed and constructed to absorb within the limits of
their stroke, the whole of the kinetic energy of the car carrying its rated load, or of the counterweight,
when the speed of impact is the maximum governor trip speed.

Energy accumulation type of buffers shall be so designed that they will not take a permanent set upon
absorbing the energy of the fully loaded car at maximum governor trip speed.

9.2.1 Buffers of energy accumulation or dissipation type shall be installed under the cars and
counterweight of lifts having a rated speed exceeding 0.25 m/s.

9.2.2 For rated speed not exceeding 0.25 m/s, if energy accumulation or dissipation type buffers
are not used, solid bumpers shall be installed.

9.2.3 Energy accumulation type buffers or their equivalent may be used where the rated speed
does not exceed 1 m/s. Such buffers for cars shall be at or near the fully compressed state when
supporting a static load of between 2.5 and 4 times the sum of the rated load plus the weight of the
car.

Energy accumulation type buffers for counterweights shall be at or near the fully compressed state
when supporting a static load between 2 and 3 times the mass of the counterweight

9.2.4 Energy dissipation type buffers or their equivalent shall be used where the rated speed
exceeds 1 m/s.

9.2.5 The stroke of energy accumulation type buffers shall be equal to or greater than the following:

Rated speed (m/s) Stroke (mm)

up to 0.50 40
0.51 – 0.75 65
0.76 – 1.00 100

9.2.6 The minimum stroke of energy dissipation type buffers shall be based on the following:

a) The stroke shall be such that the car or the counterweight on striking the buffer at 115% of
rated speed shall be brought to rest with an average retardation of not more than 9.81 m/s2.

b) Where a special slow down device is installed which will limit the speed at which the car or
counterweight can strike its buffer, the buffer stroke shall be based on at least 115 % of such
reduced speed and on an average retardation not exceeding 9.81 m/s2. In no case shall the
stroke used be less than 50 % of the stroke required in 9.2.6(a) for speed of less than 4 m/s,
and 331/3% of the stroke required in 9.2.6(a) for speed of 4 m/s or more.

Please refer to Table 3 for the minimum energy dissipation type buffer stroke.

9.2.7 Peak retardation

Energy dissipation type buffer shall develop no peak retardation greater than 24.54 m/s2 (2.5 g) for
duration longer than 0.04 s with any load in the car.

9.2.8 Fluid level indication

Hydraulic buffers shall be provided with means for determining that the fluid level is within the
maximum and minimum allowable limits.

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 SS 550 : 2009

Table 3 – Minimum energy dissipation type buffer stroke

Minimum stroke** Minimum stroke**

115% of rated Minimum of oil
Rated speed (Max reduction to (Max reduction to
speed buffers
(m/s) 50 %) 33 %)
(m/s) (mm)*
(mm) (mm)
1.00 1.15 67 - -
1.15 1.32 89 - -
1.25 1.44 106 - -
1.50 1.73 153 - -
1.75 2.00 204 - -
2.00 2.30 270 - -
2.25 2.57 337 - -
2.50 2.88 423 420 -
3.00 3.45 607 420 -
3.50 4.03 828 423 -
4.00 4.60 1078 540
4.50 5.19 1373 540
5.00 5.75 1685 580
5.50 6.33 2042 703
6.00 6.90 2427 834
6.50 7.48 2852 978
7.00 8.05 3303 1139
7.50 8.63 3796 1304
8.00 9.20 4314 1484
8.50 9.78 4875 1674
9.00 10.35 5460 1877
9.50 10.93 6089 2091
10.00 11.50 6741 2318

NOTE − The reduced strokes are applicable to speed of 2.5 m/s and above.
* without dynamic slowdown
** with dynamic slowdown (terminal speed limiting)

9.3 Terminal slow-down, stopping and over-travel limit devices

9.3.1 Upper and lower terminal slow down and stopping devices shall be provided and arranged to
slow down and stop the car automatically, at or near the top and bottom terminal landings with any
load up to and including rated load in the car and from any speed attained in normal operation. Such
device shall function independently of the operation of the normal stopping means and of the terminal
over-travel limits. The device shall be so designed and installed that it will continue to function before
the terminal over-travel limits operate.

9.3.2 Separate terminal over-travel limits for up and down directions shall be provided and arranged
to cause the electric power to be removed automatically from the lift driving-machine and brake after
the car has passed a terminal landing. The device shall be set to function as close to the terminal
landing as practicable, so that under normal operating conditions it will not function when the car is
stopped by the terminal slow down device. The device shall function before the buffer is engaged.

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SS 550 : 2009

9.3.3 Terminal over-travel limit switches shall conform to the following:

a) They shall be of the enclosed type securely mounted on the car or in the lift well;

b) Operating cams shall be of metal;

c) The switch contacts shall be directly opened mechanically.

9.3.4 Electrical protective devices

The following electrical protective devices shall be provided where applicable:

a) Stop switch in pit. A switch accessible on opening the door to the pit to stop the lift and keep
it stopped.

b) Stop switch at top of car. A stop switch which, when activated, shall stop the lift and keep it
stopped.

c) Where there is a risk that the car may run in an uncontrolled manner due to failure of any one
phase or when the phase rotation is in the wrong direction, phase-reversal and failure
protection shall be provided for the lift motors.

d) Governor switch and safety gear switch. Terminal slow-down, travel limits, car door contact
and landing door inter-locks, emergency exit door contact.

e) A device shall be provided to cause the lift to stop and keep it stopped when:

i) a start is initiated and the lift machine does not rotate;

ii) the car (or counterweight) is stopped in downward movement by an obstacle which
causes the ropes to slip on the traction sheave.

f) Levelling and re-levelling with doors open is permitted on condition that the movement is
limited to the unlocking zone and the speed of levelling does not exceed 0.8 m/s and the
speed of re-levelling does not exceed 0.3 m/s.

9.3.5 Top-of-car operating device

Means shall be provided to operate the lift from the top of the car during adjustment, inspection,
maintenance and repair.

The operating means shall conform to the following:

a) It shall be of the continuous-pressure type.

b) It shall operate the car at a speed not exceeding 0.75 m/s.

c) It shall be so arranged and connected that when operative, the movement of the car shall be
solely under the control of this device, and power-door operating devices shall be inoperative.

d) The means for transferring the control of the lift to the top-of-car operating device shall be at
the car top and located between the car cross-head and the side of the car nearest the lift well
entrance normally used for access to the car top.

e) The device shall be used only for the purpose of adjustment, inspection, maintenance and
repair of the lift or lift well equipment.

f) Separate additional means may also be provided to make power-door operating devices and
automatic car-levelling devices operative from the top of the car for testing purposes.

g) A switched socket-outlet shall be provided at the top of the car.

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 SS 550 : 2009

10 Clearances and runbys

10.1 Clearances and runbys for cars and counterweights

10.1.1 Car bottom clearances

When the car rests on its fully compressed buffer, there shall be a vertical clearance of not less than
600 mm between the pit floor and the lowest structural or mechanical part, equipment or device
installed beneath the car platform, except guide shoes or rollers, safety-gear assemblies and platform
aprons, guards or other equipment. However, when the car rests on its fully compressed buffer, no
part of the car or any equipment attached thereto shall strike any part of the pit or any part of the
equipment located therein.

10.1.2 Car top clearance

The car top clearance shall be not less than the sum of the following:

a) The bottom counterweight runby;

b) The stroke of the counterweight buffer used;

c) 600 mm or the distance which any sheave or any other equipment mounted in or on the car
crosshead projects above the top of the car crosshead, whichever is greater;

d) Where no provision is made to prevent the jump of the car at counterweight buffer
engagement, add:

i) one-half the gravity stopping distance based on 115% of rated speed; or

ii) one-half the counterweight buffer stroke if a reduced stroke buffer conforming to 9.2.6
is used.

10.1.3 Counterweight bottom clearance

When the counterweight lands on its fully compressed buffer, no part or device of the counterweight
should strike any part of the pit or any part of the equipment other than the counterweight buffer
located in the pit.

10.1.4 Counterweight top clearance

The top counterweight clearance shall be not less than the sum of the following:

a) The car bottom runby;

b) The stroke of the car buffer used;

c) 150 mm;

d) Where no provision is made to prevent the jump of the counterweight at car buffer
engagement, add:

i) one-half of the gravity stopping distance based on 115% of rated speed; or

ii) one-half the car buffer stroke if a reduced stroke buffer conforming to 9.2.6 is used.

10.1.5 The following formula gives the value of the stopping distance based on gravity retardation
from any initial velocity.

S = 51V2

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SS 550 : 2009

where:

S = gravity stopping distance in mm

V = initial velocity in m/s

10.1.6 Car and counterweight bottom runby

The bottom runby of cars and counterweight shall be not less than the following:

a) Where energy dissipation type buffers are used, 150 mm;

b) Where energy accumulation type buffers are used, not less than the following:

Rated speed (m/s) Minimum runby (mm)

up to 0.50 50

above 0.5 and up to 1.00 100

10.1.7 Maximum bottom runby

In no case shall the maximum bottom runby exceed the following:

a) 600 mm for car;

b) 900 mm for counterweight.

10.2 Horizontal car and counterweight clearances

10.2.1 The clearance between the car and the lift well enclosure shall not be less than 20 mm except
on the side used for loading and unloading.

10.2.2 The clearance between the car and the counterweight shall not be less than 50 mm.

10.2.3 The clearance between counterweight and counterweight screen shall not be less than 20
mm.

10.2.4 The clearance between the counterweight and lift well enclosure shall be not less than 20
mm.

10.2.5 The running clearance between the cars and any equipment attached thereto of lifts operating
in a multiple lift well shall not be less than 50 mm.

10.2.6 The clearance between the car-platform sill and the lift well edge of any landing sill shall be
not less than 13 mm but shall be not more than 40 mm.

10.2.7 The horizontal distance between the inner surface of the lift well and the car sill shall not
exceed 125 mm.

The distance given above:

a) may be extended to 200 mm over a height not exceeding 500 mm;

b) may be extended to 200 mm throughout the travel on goods lifts in which the landing doors
are vertically sliding;

c) is not limited if the car is provided with a mechanically locked door which can only be opened
in the unlocking zone of a landing door.

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 SS 550 : 2009

10.2.8 An Apron with minimum height of 150 mm covering the entire width of the door opening shall
be provided for all landing entrances.

11 Lift machine

11.1 Electric driving motors – General requirements

All driving motors shall be designed for special duty cycles required for lift operations. They shall be
capable of being frequently started in either direction and stopped. They shall be a robust design with
high starting torque and low starting current. When operated under normal conditions, the maximum
temperature rise of the winding shall be in accordance with IEC 60085.

11.2 Braking systems

11.2.1 General requirements

11.2.1.1 The lift shall be provided with a braking system which operates automatically :

a) in the event of loss of the mains power supply;

b) in the event of the loss of the supply to control circuits.

11.2.1.2 The braking system shall have an electro-mechanical brake (friction type), but may, in
addition, have other braking means (eg. electric).

11.2.2 Electro-mechanical brake

11.2.2.1 This brake on its own shall be capable of stopping the machine when the car is travelling
downward at rated speed and with the rated load plus 25%. In these conditions, the retardation of the
car shall not exceed that resulting from operation of the safety gear or stopping on the buffer.

All the mechanical components of the brake which take part in the application of the braking action on
the drum or disk shall be installed in two sets. If one of the components is not working, a sufficient
braking effort to slow down the car, travelling downwards at rated speed and with rated load, shall
continue to be exercised.

Any solenoid plunger is considered to be a mechanical part, any solenoid coil is not.

11.2.2.2 The component on which the brake operates shall be coupled to the traction sheave by
direct and positive mechanical means.

11.2.2.3 To hold off the brake, in normal operation, shall require a continuous flow of current.

11.2.2.3.1 The interruption of this current shall be effected by at least two independent electric
devices, whether or not integral with those, which cause interruption of the current feeding the lift
machine.

If whilst the lift is stationary, one of the contactors has not opened the main contacts, further
movement of the car shall be prevented at the latest at the next change in the direction of motion.

11.2.2.3.2 When the motor of the lift is likely to function as a generator, it shall not be possible for the
electric device operating the brake to keep the brake opened when the power is cut off.

11.2.2.3.3 Braking shall become effective without supplementary delay after opening of the brake
release circuit.

NOTE – The use of a diode or capacitor connected directly to the terminals of the brake coil is not considered as
a means of delay.

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SS 550 : 2009

11.2.2.4 Any machine fitted with a manual emergency operating device shall be capable of having
the brake released by hand and require a constant effort to keep the brake open.

11.2.2.5 The brake shoe or pad pressure shall be exerted by guided compression springs or
weights.

11.2.2.6 Band brakes shall not be used.

11.2.2.7 Brake linings shall be incombustible.

12 Electrical installations and appliances

12.1 Electrical installations

12.1.1 General

All wiring shall comply with the requirements of SS CP 5 and The Electricity Act, Electricity (Electrical
Installations) Regulations 2002. The main power supply cable providing the electricity supply to a lift
installation shall be fire-resistant type and installed outside the lift well. It shall be in compliance with
IEC 60331-11 and IEC 60331-21.

For each lift, 3-phase and single-phase supplies shall be independently provided. This is to facilitate
maintenance and other related works with lighting and switched socket outlets while the lift is switched
off.

For machine room-less lift, the switches for both 3-phase and single phase supplies should preferably
be located inside the lift well at the access floor and shall be readily accessible. Cable entry shall be
at the access floor. These switches shall be clearly marked with the lift identification number and its
purpose. If the switches are located outside the lift well, they shall be within easy reach from the
access door and properly secured to prevent unauthorized operation of the switches.

12.1.2 Wiring in lift well

The requirements are:

a) Cables shall not be in a lift-well unless they form part of the lift installation.

b) Fixed electrical wiring located in lift wells shall be one of the following:

i) Fire resistant type;

ii) PVC wires encased in rigid metal conduits, or trunkings;

iii) Prefabricated PVC insulated PVC sheathed cables shall be of flame retardant type;

iv) Metallic flexible conduits or armoured cables not exceeding 1500 mm in length may
be used between junction boxes and limit switches, interlocks, push-buttons and
similar devices.

c) All live parts of electrical equipment in lift wells shall be enclosed for protection against direct
or indirect contact.

12.1.3 Travelling cables and its suspension

Flexible travelling cables, connecting the lift to the machine room or terminal box in the moisture-
resistant outer cover, shall comply with EN 50214 or equivalent. Where the freely suspended lengths
of travelling cables exceed 45 m, such cables shall be provided with strain bearing member (sbm) to
support the weight of the cable assembly. Suitable cable hangers shall be provided

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 SS 550 : 2009

12.1.4 Mechanical protection of travelling cables

Whenever the travelling cables in swinging may come in contact with projections or corners of the
building construction in the lift well, such as separator beams, ledges and the like, such irregular
surfaces shall be made smooth by covering with heavy gauge sheet metal or by other acceptable
means.

12.1.5 Car wiring

Controller cables and travelling cables on lift cars shall be run in rigid conduit or trunkings. Short runs
of flexible conduit may be used where they are securely fastened in place and not exposed to oil and
grease. Short runs of flexible cord may be used as flexible connections between fixed wirings on the
car and the switch on the car door provided that the cord is securely fastened in position and so
located as not to be subjected to mechanical damage.

12.2 Emergency signal devices

12.2.1 Every lift shall be provided with one or more electric alarm bell(s) located in the building,
audible outside the lift well (especially at the designated floor) and operable from inside the lift car.

12.2.2 A telephone, intercom system or other communication devices for communication with
someone outside the lift shall be installed in every lift.

NOTE – It is encouraged that in the case where the building is not manned 24 hours, the communication link may
be to someone outside the building

12.2.3 An emergency stop switch is not permitted on the car-operating panel inside the car except in
lockable attendant control panel.

12.3 Emergency power supply for lighting, ventilation and alarm systems for all
passenger lifts

Emergency supply from a separate rechargeable source shall be provided for all passenger lifts. This
emergency supply shall comply with SS209 and shall be of sufficient capacity to operate a light, fan
and alarm bell for 4 hrs. In the case where automatic mains supply standby generating system or an
automatic rescue device is provided for that lift, this duration may be reduced to half.

13 Emergency operations for lifts

13.1 Special emergency operations for lifts

Where required by the relevant authority, all lifts installed shall comply with the requirements in the
following subclauses.

13.1.1 Emergency operation of lift in the event of power failure

13.1.1.1 Power supply for special emergency operations

An automatic mains failure standby generating system of sufficient capacity complying with SS 535
shall be installed to cover the special emergency operations described in 13.1.1.2 to 13.1.3 and the
fire lift operation in 13.2 simultaneously. Therefore, the capacity of the standby generating system
shall be sufficient for the fire lift to operate at all time beside the emergency and rescue operation for
all other lifts.

For buildings which are not required by the relevant authority to have standby generating system,
automatic rescue device (ARD) shall be installed to cover the special emergency operation described
in 13.1.1.2

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The ARD shall have sufficient capacity to sustain a minimum of two consecutive emergency
operations and shall be fully recharged within six hours after the emergency operation.

13.1.1.2 Power failure emergency operation

In the event of power failure or power interruption, the supply to the lift shall be automatically switched
over to the emergency power supply from the standby generating system and the fire lift shall be
brought to the designated floor. Simultaneously, the remaining lifts including lifts having manually
operated lift doors shall be brought down to the designated floor commencing with the passenger lifts
followed by service and cargo lifts. All lifts shall park there with their doors remaining open until all the
lifts have been brought down to the designated floor except where a lift having manually operated lift
door is parked at any floor with its door open, it shall remain park there and automatically be rendered
inoperable. Thereafter, one or more lifts may resume operation depending on the capacity of the
emergency generating system, in addition to the fire lift. For buildings without emergency generating
system and lifts are installed with ARD, these lifts shall be brought to the nearest floor with doors
opened. Normal operation of the lift shall be automatically reset on the return of normal power supply.

13.1.2 Emergency operation of lift in the event of fire

In the event of fire when any one of the fire detection devices is activated, the lift shall be brought to
the designated floor and shall park there with the door remaining open. Where required by the
relevant authority, the lift will be brought to the alternate designated floor in the event there is fire in
the designated floor. The lift shall automatically be rendered inoperative after it has been brought to
the designated floor or where applicable, the alternate designated floor.

For buildings which are not required to have standby generating system, fire detection at lift lobbies is
required such that all lifts serving the same lobbies shall be brought to the designated floor or where
applicable the alternate designated floor, automatically under normal power.

Normal operation of the lift shall be manually reset after the deactivation of the fire detectors and the
resetting of the fire alarm panel by the operation of a key switch as described below.

A three-position key switch with the position marked “Automatic”, “Manual-alarm on” and “Manual-
alarm by-pass” shall be provided. Alternative equivalent means of performing the functions of this key
switch may be acceptable, subject to the approval of the relevant authority. The functions of this
switch are:

a) When in the “Automatic” position, the lift will operate normally and the emergency operation
as described in 13.1.2 and 13.1.3 when actuated will be effective.

b) When in the “Manual-alarm on” position, the emergency operation as described in 13.1.2 will
be manually actuated independent of the fire detection device.

c) When in the “Manual-alarm by-pass” position, the lift will be put back to normal operation by-
passing the fire detection devices.

The three-position key operated switch shall be constructed in such a way that the key cannot be
removed unless it is in the “Automatic” or “Manual-alarm on” position.

13.1.3 Emergency operation of lift(s) in the event of power failure and fire

In the event of power failure and fire, the operation of the lift shall be in accordance with 13.1.2 with
the power supply from the automatic mains failure standby generating system.

13.1.4 Passenger/Service lifts designated as fire lift

If any of the passenger/service lifts is designated as the fire lift, the operation of the fire lift switch shall
cause this lift to operate according to the fire-fighters service operation as described in 13.2.2
independent of the emergency operations described above.

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13.1.5 (Reserved for future use)

13.1.6 The following notice shall be prominently displayed at each lift landing, except for lifts that are
designated for evacuation purpose.

IN CASE OF FIRE
DO NOT USE LIFTS

13.1.7 (Reserved for future use)

13.2 Fire lift

13.2.1 Fire lift requirement

13.2.1.1 Where required by the relevant authority, at least one of the passenger lifts shall be
designated as fire lift for the exclusive use by fire-fighters in an emergency by providing at a
designated floor, a switch in a “breakable-fronted cover” box marked “FIRE LIFT SWITCH” to enable
the fire-fighters to gain control over the lift without interference from landing calls.

13.2.1.2 The fire lift shall have a platform area of not less than 1.45 m2 and be capable of carrying a
minimum load of 545 kg. It shall reach the topmost floor from the designated floor within one minute.
For all buildings having more than 40 storeys, the fire lift shall have a minimum clear platform size of
1.7m (depth) x 1.5m (width).

13.2.1.3 Position indicator displaying the position of lift shall be provided at the designated floor of fire
lift.

13.2.1.4 Fire lift doors and landing controls

The requirements are:

a) The lift shall be provided with automatic power operated horizontally sliding doors.

b) Failure of the landing call controls, such as short-circuiting, whilst the lift is in the emergency
fire-fighters service shall not affect operation of the fire lift.

c) The lift door re-opening device(s) shall be de-activated. The opening and the closing of the
doors shall be controlled by the “open” and “close” door buttons only.

13.2.1.5 Power supply

The requirements are:

a) In the case of public buildings or other buildings where standby generators are provided
under 13.1.1, the power supply to the fire lift shall be connected to a sub-main circuit
exclusive to the lift and independent of any other main or sub-main circuit. When a fire lift is
one of a group of lifts, the other lifts may be fed from the same supply, provided it is adequate
for this purpose, and that arrangements are such that a fault occurring in any other lift or the
group will not affect in any way the operation of the fire lift.

b) The power cables serving the lift installation shall be routed through an area of negligible fire
risk. Discrimination is important for the operation of the protective devices so as to ensure
continued supply to the fire lift.

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13.2.1.6 Fire lift switch

The fire lift switch shall be a toggle switch or a switch with two press buttons, clearly marked "ON" and
"OFF". The press buttons shall remain depressed when operated to indicate whether the switch is
turned on or off. A key switch is not permitted. The fire lift switch shall be situated on the designated
floor of the building, immediately adjacent to the lift opening where the top of the fire lift switch cover is
aligned with the lift door opening but not higher than 2.1 m.

a) Only one fire lift switch, as described above, shall be provided. A second switch (within the
lift), to be operated before the floor buttons can be used, is not permitted.

b) To enable fire-fighters to gain control over the fire lift, operation of the fire lift switch shall
override car calls registered inside the lift and return the lift to the designated floor as quickly
as possible. It is not required that the fire lift switch shall override the emergency switch
associated with the lift, installed for the use of competent persons.

c) The arrangements shall be such that turning the fire lift switch "on" will change the lift from
collective to non-collective control so as to avoid the possibility that a fire-fighter, after
operating the fire lift switch, may lose control of the lift through the continued operation of a
collective control. If the fire lift switch is turned back to the "off" position, the lift shall
automatically revert to the mode of operation under which the lift was running prior to the
activation of the fire lift switch. This feature is to enable the fire lift switch to be reset and
allow for its recall from any position to the designated floor for the (re)use of the fire-fighters.

d) Fire lifts are not reserved solely for the fire-fighters use but are normal passenger lifts
arranged for such use in the manner described in the foregoing paragraphs.

e) The operation of the fire lifts shall comply with 13.2.2. An acceptance test shall be made on
the completion of the installation.

13.2.2 Fire-fighters service operation

When the fire lift switch is turned on, the fire lift shall operate as follows:

a) It shall be disconnected from its attendant operation and/or group supervisory system. An
alternative would be for automatic lifts operated by an attendant to be given an audible and
visual signal for the attendant to close the doors and once closed, the lift shall proceed to the
designated floor without stopping for car or hall calls. The fire lift switch overrides all control
switches except emergency switch, maintenance switch or other safety circuits.

b) It shall not respond to any car or hall calls.

c) It shall, if going in the opposite direction of the designated floor, stop at the next available
landing and reverse without opening its doors and return to the designated floor without
stopping for car or hall calls.

d) It shall, if going in the direction of the designated floor, continue to go to the designated floor
without stopping for car or hall calls.

e) It shall, if stopped at floors other than the designated floor, close its doors and return to the
designated floor without stopping for car or hall calls.

f) It shall park at the designated floor with its door(s) open and automatically switch to
emergency fire-fighter’s service.

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g) Its emergency fire-fighter’s service shall operate as follows:

i) Power-operated doors shall be closed only by continuous pressure on the door close
or car call button. If the button is released prior to the doors reaching the fully closed
position, the doors shall automatically reopen and all registered car calls are
cancelled. Car calls may be registered again.

ii) In case of multiple car calls being registered, when the lift reaches the nearest floor of
the registered call in the travelling direction, all other calls are cancelled and the lift
waits with doors fully closed. Power-operated doors shall be opened by continuous
pressure on the door open button. If the button is released prior to the doors
reaching the fully open position, the doors shall automatically reclose. New car calls
may be registered again.

NOTE – Please refer to the flow chart (Figures 3 and 4) which is for the whole of 13.2.2.

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Figure 3 – Fire fighters’ service operation flowchart A

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Figure 4 – Fire fighters’ service operation flowchart B

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14 Energy conservation
When the lift has answered the last call and stopped at a landing and no further landing call is
registered, the car and landing door shall close. If there is no further landing call after a pre-
determined period, the light and fan inside the car shall both be automatically switched off.

15 Interferences
The electromagnetic compatibility of the lift installations shall comply with the requirements of EN
12015 and EN 12016.

16 Type test requirements

The following shall be type-tested:

a) Landing door locking device;

b) Safety gear;

c) Overspeed governor;

d) Buffer;

e) Safety circuit containing electronic components.

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Annex A

Rules and regulations

The installation shall be carried out in conformity with the following Rules, Regulations and By-laws:

a) Electricity Act, (Cap. 89A), and Regulations made thereafter;

b) Workplace Safety and Health Act;

c) Building Control Regulations made thereafter;

d) Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings published by the Fire Safety and Shelter
Department, Singapore Civil Defence Force.

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Annex B

Exchange of information

B.1 Preliminary discussion

A meeting of interested parties, namely client, architect, consulting engineer and/or lift manufacturer
should be held during the preliminary planning of the building to discuss the various aspects of the lift
installation. This enables the lift manufacturer to furnish the architect and/or consulting engineer with
a proposed layout giving particulars, such as dimensions, steel work requirements and loading
imposed on the building.

B.2 Information to be provided by the architect or the engineer

The following information is to be provided:

a) Size and position of lift well;

b) Particulars of lift well enclosure;

c) Size, position, number and type of landing doors;

d) Provision of ventilation and, if possible, natural lighting and where necessary artificial lighting
of the machine room;

e) Number of floors served by the lift;

f) Floor to floor height;

g) Total travel, speed and capacity of the lift required;

h) Number of car entrances;

i) Total top clearance;

j) Height of machine room;

k) Lift pit depth;

l) Position of lift machine room;

m) Size and position of any separator beams in the lift well;

n) Size and position of supporting steel work at roof level; and

o) Size and position of any footings, pile caps and foundations if there are adjacent to the lift pit.

B.3 Building work

The construction of a properly framed and enclosed lift well should be truly plumbed (within ± 25 mm)
with a suitable pit, and machine room and adequate clearances. This work shall include the
construction of the lift well structure including emergency door(s) in the blind portion of the lift well
required to withstand the forces and loads resulting from use of the lift; and supports for guide rail
fixings, machine beams, overhead sheaves, sill supports; and also all cutting of walls, floors or
partitions together with any repairs and making good, made necessary thereby. Suitable pit ladders
are to be provided.

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B.4 Lift layout drawings

Working drawings showing the layout of the lift details of building work, for example, holes in the walls
for guide rail fixing, holes in machine room floor for ropes and conduits, recesses for landing sills,
supports for lift machine and loads imposed on the building should be submitted to the architect or
structural engineer for written approval.

B.5 Electrical requirement

For information of the electrical engineer, the lift manufacturer should advise the architect of his
electrical requirements such as full load current, starting characteristics and voltage regulation
desired. This information should be available early in the planning stage so that the electrical supply
requirements for the lift(s) may be included in the electrical contractors' work (including the provision
of suitable cables and switchgear for the building).

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Annex C

Inspection and tests of lifts

C.1 Acceptance inspection and tests of new installations and alternations

To ensure the safe operation of new lifts, such devices shall, on their completion and before being
placed in service, be subjected to an acceptance inspection and tests in the field to determine that all
parts of the installation shall conform to the requirements of this Code. A similar inspection and test
shall also be carried out on an existing installation after a major alteration.

C.2 Inspection and test procedure

C.2.1 Machine room inspection

The requirements are:

a) Check cleanliness of machine room;

b) Check lighting and ventilation of machine room;

c) Check location and labelling of main switch or circuit breaker;

d) Check and ascertain the provision of lock to machine room door to prevent access by
unauthorised persons;

e) Check protection of floor openings in machine room;

f) Check machine room for protection against weather.

C.2.2 Machine room equipment inspection

The requirements are:

a) Power: "Off"

i) Traction machine

Record and check machine data plate;

Check foundation and anchor bolts;

Check oil gauge and oil level;

Check traction sheave and sheave diameter;

Check secondary sheave;

Check rescue tool.

ii) Hoisting ropes

Record type, number and diameter of hoisting ropes.

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iii) Speed governor

Record and check governor data plate;

Check general conditions of governor;

Check governor rope and diameter;

Check tripping mechanism and governor switch or switches.

iv) Brake

Check cleanliness of brake lining and brake drum;

Check lubrication of brake pins;

Check condition of brake electric contacts.

v) Controller mechanism

Examine all relays, inverters, PCBs, switches, contactors, transformers, rectifiers,

resistors, condensers, reactors, wiring;

Check to ensure all fuse holders are fitted with proper fuses.

vi) Wiring

Check all machine room wiring, earthing and insulation resistance.

vii) Battery-operated emergency power supply

Check condition of battery-operated emergency power supply.

viii) ARD

Check condition of ARD, if provided.

b) Power: "On"

i) Traction machine

Observe running conditions of traction machine and note any unusual noises.

ii) Hoisting ropes

Check hoisting ropes for visual defects.

iii) Speed governor

Check governor under normal running conditions.

iv) Brake

Observe the action of the brake for smooth and quiet operation. Ascertain that
clearance between brake shoes and brake drum is as small as possible. There shall
be no appreciable rise in temperature on the surface of the brake drum after the lift
has been in operation for some time.

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v) Controller

Check to ensure all relays and contactors operate normally with no excessive
sparking and chattering.

vi) Battery-operated emergency power supply

Check function of battery-operated emergency power supply

vii) ARD

Check function of ARD, if provided.

C.2.3 Test of safety circuits

Switch off mains switch and ascertain by means of a voltmeter or test lamp that electricity supply is
disconnected to all control and power circuits to the lift.

Ensure that the operation of any of the following switches or relays will render the lift inoperative and
cause the engagement of the brake by the springs:

a) Phase protection relay;

b) Motor overcurrent relay;

c) Governor switch;

d) Motor field protection relay (d.c. lifts only);

e) M-G switch (d.c. lifts only);

f) If any of the landing door interlock, car door contact or landing door is open;

g) Up and down over-travel limits;

h) Up and down terminal stopping device;

i) Car and car top stop switch;

j) Car safety gear switch;

k) Compensating sheave switch, if provided;

l) Pit switch;

m) Top or side emergency exit switch, if provided.

In carrying out (a) to (m), make sure that the lift is put on slow speed operation.

C.2.4 Hoisting and governor rope inspection and examination

With the lift operating on slow speed, examine carefully all hoisting ropes and governor ropes for
defects. Check the rope attachments and babbitted sockets from the car top or at the rope hitch in
the machine room.

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C.2.5 Lift well equipment inspection and examination

The requirements are:

a) Measure the car top clearance and all other specified clearances to ensure compliance with
the requirements of this Code.

b) Measure maximum guide rail bracket span and examine all bracket fixings.

c) Check to ensure all rail joints are smoothly filed and fitted with suitable backing plates.

d) Check both car and counterweight guide rail sizes.

e) Examine lift well wiring.

f) Check that the flexible travelling cable hanger is securely installed.

g) Check to ensure that the travelling cables do not hit any projection in the lift well when the lift
is in motion.

h) Check that all sliding guide shoes are fitted with suitable lubricators.

i) Check that all lift car wiring is done in accordance with this lift Code.

j) Test with a spring balance or other suitable equipment to determine whether hoisting and
governor ropes are properly and equally tensioned.

k) Check to ensure that the counterweight and car clearances are in accordance with the
requirements of this Code.

l) Check the distance between the inner surface of the lift well and the car-platform sill are in
accordance to 10.2.7.

m) Inspect the counterweight and sub-weights to ensure that they are securely fixed and all
locknuts and cottor pins are in position.

n) Check all landing doors, landing door sills and door hangers to ensure that they have been
properly installed.

o) Check to ensure pit light and pit ladder are provided.

p) Check the mechanical lock at all landing entrances for positive locking.

q) Check to ensure that a counterweight screen is provided in the pit.

r) Check buffers are correctly installed.

s) Check oil level of oil buffer.

t) Check compensating ropes, sheave, and chain if provided.

u) Check governor rope tensioning device.

v) Measure the car and counterweight runbys and car bottom clearance.

w) Check the safety gear to ensure that it has been properly installed.

x) Check alarm bell and intercom.

y) Check door re-opening device.

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C.2.6 Balance point check

Starting with no load, increase the load in steps of 25% and record the speed and motor current in
both the up and down directions. The motor current should not exceed (after the starting surge) the
rated value. Plot the "up" and "down" currents and speeds to obtain the balance points. Alternative
ways of obtaining the balance point check can also be used.

C.2.6.1 For passenger lift, with 125% load in the car, check to see that the brake will hold the lift in its
downward travel if electric power is suddenly removed from the motor and brake.

For goods lift where static loading is specified, check to see that the brake will hold the lift in a
stationary position with 150% rated load in the car.

Further test should be conducted for a minimum dynamic load of 100%.

C.2.6.2 Determine the temperature rise of the motor after continuously operating the lift with full load
simulating the following cycle of operation for half an hour.

) Two single floor runs

)
Up ) One two-floor run
)
) One express run to the top terminal floor

) Two single floor runs

)
Down ) One two-floor run
)
) One express run to the bottom terminal floor

Door operation is to be executed at each stop. The methods of measuring temperature rise shall
either by:

a) Thermometers suitably applied to the hottest accessible surfaces of stationary parts during
the test period and by other thermometers applied to the accessible surfaces of rotating parts
as soon as the machine is stopped after the test;

b) Measurement of the resistance of the winding; or

c) Embedded temperature detectors such as thermocouples or resistance thermometers built in

the machine.

C.2.7 Test the speed governor

The electrical and mechanical tripping speeds shall be in accordance with the requirements of this
Code.

C.2.8 Safety gear test

This shall be carried out with full load in the car and tripping the governor by hand at rated speed in
the down direction.

C.2.9 Fire lift operation

Carry out the test and ensure that the lifts operate in accordance with the requirements as specified in
13.2.2 of the Code.

C.2.10 Emergency operation

Test the lift to ensure that the lifts operate in accordance with the requirements as specified in 13.1.1,
13.1.2 and 13.1.3 of the Code.

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Annex D

Periodic maintenance and examination

D.1 Lift maintenance

D.1.1 Registered lift contractors

The owner of every lift shall cause the lift, all machinery and equipment connected therewith and the
safety equipment to be cleaned, oiled, adjusted and replaced (if required) by a competent person
working under the responsibility of a registered lift contractors. It has been assumed in the drafting of
the standard that the execution of provision is to be entrusted to appropriately qualified and
experienced persons

D.1.2 Maintenance intervals

The lift, all machinery and equipment connected therewith shall be inspected by a competent person
at intervals not exceeding one month to ensure safe operation for the safety of the users.
Maintenance tasks can be carried out in accordance with the maintenance plan.

D.1.3 Lift maintenance scope of work

Maintenance is necessary to ensure the safe and proper operations of the lift installation and should
be carried out by a competent person.

The general scope of work includes:

a) Lubrication and cleaning of the lift equipment, except the day to day cleaning operations of
the lift well, lift entrances and inside of the lift car;

b) Inspection and check for the normal proper operation of the lift equipment including all
necessary settings and adjustments;

c) Repair or replacement of lift components or parts that is required due to wear and tear;

d) Attend to stoppages and passenger rescue operations due to entrapment.

The typical items of the lift equipment to be maintained are listed as follows:

− Traction machine, brake and gearbox (if any);

− Motor generator (if any);
− Traction sheave and diverter sheaves (if any);
− Hoisting ropes and compensating ropes (if any);
− Speed governor and governor rope;
− Selector and accessories;
− Controllers and wirings;
− EBOPS and ARD (if any);
− Car and counterweight guides & guide shoes;
− Hoistway wirings and travelling cables;
− Hoistway switches including limit switches;
− Compensating chains (if any);
− Buffers and switches (if any);
− Landing entrances and door operator (if any);
− Landing controls and indicators;
− Lift car entrance and door operator;
− Lift car operating panel controls and indicators;

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− Lift car emergency alarm and intercom (if any);

− Lift car top controls and transducers;
− Lift car safety gear and counterweight safety gear (if any).

A suitable maintenance plan (usually yearly plan) should be put in place to carry out proper and
efficient maintenance of the entire lift equipment.

D.2 Periodic examination, test and inspection

D.2.1 The owner of every lift shall, at intervals of twelve months, have the lift thoroughly examined
and inspected by a competent person, in order to determine whether the lift and all machinery and
equipment connected therein are in safe working order. The car safety gear shall be tested without
load in the car at interval of twelve months, and with rated load, five years.

Items to be examined, tested and inspected are:

− Traction machine sheaves and gears;

− Effectiveness of brakes;
− Insulation resistance to earth of the main electrical circuits;
− Governor and hoisting rope and compensation chain fastenings;
− Governor machine including sheave and tripping mechanisms;
− Effectiveness of the safety gear;
− Function of the ascending car overspeed protection means (if any);
− Door protection devices;
− Car and landing door safety switches and locks;
− Car and landing door clearances and movements;
− Door linkages and associated fastenings;
− Proper functioning of top-of-car operating switches;
− Function of safety switches on top of car, lift pit, terminal switches;
− Function of over-load weighing device and its alarm;
− Car and counter-weight run-bys and top clearances;
− Buffers.

D.2.2 These periodic tests should not, through their repetition, cause excessive wear or impose
stresses likely to reduce the safety of the lift. This is the case in particular of the test on components
such as the safety gear and the buffers. If tests on these components are made, they shall be carried
out with the empty/rated load in the car and at a reduced speed. The competent person appointed to
make the periodic test should assure himself that these components (which do not operate in normal
service) are still in an operating condition.

D.3 Examinations and tests after a major modification

D.3.1 In particular, the following are considered as major modifications:

− Change of rated speed;

− Change of rated load;
− Change of mass of car (including car finishes changes);
− Change of travel;
− Change of type of lift control or operation(including software changes);
− Change of type of machine;
− Change of type or size of hoisting ropes;
− Change of type of safety gear or equipment;
− Change or addition of landing door or door control/driving system;
− Change/replacement of brake system;
− Change of guide rail size.

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D.3.2 Appropriate tests shall be performed by the competent person to ascertain the safe operation
and also compatibility of the components that had been changed/added/replaced in relation to the
entire lift operation. Reference can be made to the commissioning test methods for consistency in
testing.

D.4 Periodic test of ARD and EBOPS

Power failure simulation test shall be conducted at least once every 6 months to check that ARD and
EBOPS functions correctly and the battery capacity to have retained minimum 70% of the original
specification.

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Annex E

General illustrations

Figure 5 – Illustration of a typical lift installation with machine room

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EBOPS

Traction
Machine

Machine Beam

Control Panel

Main Rope

Deflector Sheave
OverSpeed
Governor

Counterweight Governor
Rope

Deflector Sheave

Car Door

Travelling Cable

Car Guide Rail

Counterweight
Guide Rail Limit Switches

Car Buffer
Counterweight
Buffer

Governor
Tensioner

Figure 6 – Illustration of a typical lift installation without machine room

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Figure 7 – Typical example of lift switchboard in lift machine room

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Figure 8 – Typical example of lift distribution board in lift machine room

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Annex F

Measurement of car platform areas

The nett platform area shall be the product of the nett width and nett depth. The nett width (A) and
depth (B) of the car platform shall be measured in accordance with Figure 9.

NOTE – The measurements of nett width (A) and depth (B) shall be measured at the kick plates of the car walls.

Figure 9 – Measurement of car platform areas

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Annex G

Energy efficiency of lifts

Efficiency of a lift system starts with the selection and design of the equipment to cater to expected
traffic needs. It should also come with the management of these equipments so that the energy
efficiency of the system can be realized.

G.1 Equipment

G.1.1 Machine

G.1.1.1 Gearless type machines have obvious advantage in eliminating losses in the gears and
transmission.

G.1.1.2 Dual direction motors will give best overall efficiency.

G.1.1.3 Direct current, induction and synchronous motors have advantages of high efficiency at full
load

G.1.2 Controls

G.1.2.1 Variable voltage variable frequency drives has lower accelerating current whereas electronic
choppers gives high harmonics into the power supply system if left unfiltered.

G.1.2.2 Regenerative power should, without risk to passenger safety, be redirected back into the
power supply system as much as possible.

G.1.2.3 Harmonic distortion generated from lift controls should be minimized

G.1.2.4 Power factor should be improved to >0.85 (at full load driving mode) so as to gain optimal
demand on the power supply.

G.1.3 Lift well arrangement

G.1.3.1 Traction type arrangement requires counterbalance of the lift car plus 45% to 50% of the
rated load. Thus power is only required to move the live load in the driving or regenerative modes,
optimising the use of energy.

G.1.3.2 Lift cars and counterweights should run with sliding or rolling guides to minimize contact with
the guide rails, thus optimising efficiency in the movement of the lift car i.e. reducing running friction.

G.1.3.3 In high speed lifts, air deflectors are installed on top and bottom of the lift car to allow smooth
flow of air around the lift car to reduce wind resistance.

G.1.4 Lift car

G.1.4.1 Lift car interior decoration adds weight to the lift car and hence overall accelerating torque
required to run the car to rated speed and also to slow down the lift car to a stop. A balance choice is
necessary to achieve the aesthetic appeal suitable to the building and intended usage of the lift as
well as the energy loss due to the higher torque required. It is recommended that the total weight of
the lift car interior decoration should not exceed 50% of the car capacity or maximum of 600 kg.

G.1.4.2 Lift car interior lighting level should be suitable for passengers to transit between the lift car
and lift landings without difficulty in adjusting their eyesight. Energy efficient lighting should be used
to achieve this purpose. Energy saving type lamps, fluorescent and LED lamps are favoured. These
lamps can also be switched off after predetermined time whenever the lift is not handling traffic.

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However, care must be taken if the lamps are of the slow light up type. Security arrangements may
require minimal light level for CCTV or other purposes. In observation lifts where natural lighting is
sufficient, artificial lighting can remain off and turned on only when daylight has faded.

G.1.4.3 Lift car ventilation should be of the exhaust type to bring the heat generated from the lamps
as well as passengers out of the lift car. At the same time, it will also draw in fresh air from the lift
landings whenever the lift stops and opens its doors. Hence, whenever the lift is not handling traffic
i.e. in idle state, the ventilation fans should be turned off after a predetermined time after the lifts
doors are closed. It should turn on once the door starts to open (or when the lift car starts to run) to
answer a landing call.

G.2 Traffic handling

G.2.1 The vertical transportation needs of a building depend largely on the size of expected
population, pattern of population movement in the premises, quality of vertical transportation service.
Hence, appropriate sizing of the vertical transportation system depends on the accuracy of
information about expected population and their predicted pattern of flow within the day. This
population and their pattern of movement will change throughout the life cycle of the building as
tenants move in and out with corresponding change in business nature.

G.2.1.1 Lift configuration

G.2.1.1.1 Lift lobbies

Dead end lobbies tend to keep waiting passengers clustered nearer to the entrance of the lobby.
Through or 2 end entries serves to distribute waiting passengers better and hence reduces loading
time as well as more uniform loads shared between the lifts in the same lift group. For dead end
lobbies, some space can be added to the dead end to encourage passengers to move inwards.

G.2.1.1.2 Lift cars

For better transit time for loading and unloading, lift cars should be wider than its depth with
corresponding wider door opening width. Center opening doors also takes shorter time in opening
and closing. This transit time plays a critical role in determining the number of lifts required in the
group, more so than the lift rated speed. A balance has to be attained to allow more passengers to be
moved in a single trip i.e. larger capacity car, the transit time at each lift stop, and the number of stops
expected during each round trip of the lift car.

G.2.1.1.3 Zoning and lift capacities

Lift car capacity i.e. maximum number of passengers that it can carry on each trip, is interlinked with
the zone population as well as the likelihood of high peak loading. Zoning breaks up the building
population into smaller groups for easier handling and at the same time limits the number of probable
stops that the lift car will make during each round trip.

G.2.1.2 Lift programming

G.2.1.2.1 Peak period operations

The size and spread of a peak period determines the number of lifts and lift car capacity. This worst
case scenario can be helped by programming the lifts in a group to perform peak operations by
ushering more passengers into each lift car before taking off the main floors and also to give high
priority to answering the in-car calls over the landing calls.

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G.2.1.2.2 Off peak periods

While the number of lift cars have been catered above the off peak traffic (to cater for the peak traffic),
it is prudent to use algorithms that will spread the traffic to all the available lift cars. In this way, each
lift can be allowed to run at its rated speed for a higher proportion of the time and at the same time
provide comfortable waiting time for the passengers at the landings. Predictive answering of landing
calls may also be used to increase the efficiency of the lift system.

G.2.1.2.3 Low traffic periods

Where the traffic has dwindled to a trickle, most of the lifts in a group would have been in idle state for
long periods. In such times, a high proportion of the lifts in a group can be put to standby or parking
mode. Where traffic has fallen to zero in some building types, the Property Management may
consider switching off the power supply for all the lifts except those necessary for security and
emergency standby use.

G.3 Maintenance and modernisation

G.3.1 Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the equipment will ensure that the moving parts are sufficiently lubricated.
Early signs of wear and tear can be monitored and corrective action taken in a timely manner to
maintain efficient equipment usage.

G.3.2 Modernisation

Equipment using old technologies is less efficient in energy use. Modernisation can be effectively
used to target parts that have substitutes or alternatives that will clearly enhance the performance of
the equipment e.g. the use of VVVF drives. Modernisation can be considered where the traffic needs
in a building has increased, parts that have reached the end of its economic service life and
alternatives are available, or when a major renovation of the building is to take place which will
change the building usage as well as its traffic.

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Annex H

Special requirements for hydraulic lifts

H.1 Special requirements for hydraulic lifts

This annex shall apply to the design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, operation and
maintenance of permanently installed new hydraulic lifts serving defined landing levels, having a car
designed for the transportation of persons or persons with goods, directly raised and lowered by
hydraulic pressure or suspended from ropes. Besides the exclusions in this standard, this annex
does not apply to wheelchair lifts, scissor lifts, hydraulic platforms and home lifts.

H.2 General requirements

H.2.1 Unless otherwise stipulated in this annex, relevant conditions and requirements in this code
shall apply.

H.2.2 Lift hydraulic pumps and control panels shall be located in a machine room.

H.3 Machine room

H.3.1 Containment of hydraulic oil has to be provided sufficiently such that in the event of oil
spillage from the pump, the oil shall be contained in a limited area. This containment area shall be so
treated to prevent oil seepage into the floor and earth.

H.3.2 It shall be possible to check from the machine room whether the car is in a door unlocking
zone by means which is independent of the power supply.

H.3.3 The machine room ventilation requirements of this code shall apply. Where oil coolers are
installed to dissipate the heat generated from the hydraulic system, the exhaust air should be directly
extracted out of the machine room. This is not required if the oil cooler is cooled by other direct
means e.g. chilled water.

H.4 Hydraulic system

H.4.1 Piping

H.4.1.1 General requirements

H.4.1.1.1 Piping, fittings and all components of the hydraulic system shall be:

a) suitable to the hydraulic fluid used;

b) designed and installed to avoid stresses due to fixing, tension or vibration;

c) protected against damage, if it installed outside the machine room or lift well.

H.4.1.1.2 Pipes and fittings shall be appropriately fixed and accessible for inspection. If pipes (either
rigid or flexible) pass through walls or floor, they shall be protected by means of ferrules, the
dimensions of which allow the dismantling of the pipes for inspection. No coupling shall be sited
inside a ferrule.

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H.4.1.2 Flexible hoses

H.4.1.2.1 The bursting pressure of the flexible hose between cylinder and non-return valve or down
direction valve shall be of a safety factor of at least 8 times the full load pressure.

H.4.1.2.2 The flexible hose and its couplings between cylinder and non-return valve or down direction
valve shall be tested and certified by its manufacturer to be able to withstand a pressure of five times
the full load pressure.

H.4.1.2.3 The flexible hose shall be marked in an indelible manner with:

a) name of the manufacturer or the trade mark;

b) test pressure;

c) date of the test.

The flexible hose shall be fixed with a bending radius not less than that indicated by the hose
manufacturer.

H.4.2 Hydraulic control and safety devices

H.4.2.1 Stopping the machine and checking its stopped condition

The stopping of a machine due to the operation of an electrical safety device shall be controlled as
follows:

H.4.2.1.1 Upwards motion

For upwards motion, either:

a) the supply to the electric motor shall be interrupted by at least two independent contactors,
the main contacts of which shall be in series in the motor supply circuit; or

b) the supply to the electric motor shall be interrupted by one contactor, and the supply to the
by-pass valves shall be interrupted by at least two independent electrical devices connected
in series in the supply circuit of these valves.

H.4.2.1.2 Downwards motion

For downwards motion, the supply to the down direction valve(s) shall be interrupted either:

a) by at least two independent electrical devices connected in series; or

b) directly by a suitably rated electrical safety device.

H.4.2.2 Shut-off valve

H.4.2.2.1 A shut-off valve shall be provided to connect the cylinder(s) to the non-return valve and the
down direction valve(s).

H.4.2.2.2 It shall be located in the machine room.

H.4.2.3 Non-return valve

H.4.2.3.1 A non-return valve shall be installed between the pump(s) and the shut-off valve.

H.4.2.3.2 The non-return valve shall be capable of holding the lift car with the rated load at any point
when the supply pressure drops below the minimum operating pressure.

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H.4.2.3.3 The closing of the non-return valve shall be effected by the hydraulic pressure from the jack
and by at least one guided compression spring and / or by gravity.

H.4.2.4 Pressure relief valve

H.4.2.4.1 A pressure relief valve shall be provided between the pump(s) and the non-return valve.
The hydraulic fluid shall be returned to the tank.

H.4.2.4.2 The pressure relief valve shall limit the pressure to not more than 140 % of the full load
pressure.

H.4.2.5 Direction valves

H.4.2.5.1 Down direction valves

Down direction valves shall be held open electrically. Their closing shall be effected by the hydraulic
pressure from the jack and by at least one guided compression spring per valve.

H.4.2.5.2 Up direction valves

If the stopping of the machine is effected in accordance with H.4.2.1.1 (b), only by-pass valves shall
be used for this purpose. They shall be closed electrically. Their opening shall be effected by the
hydraulic pressure from the jack and by at least one guided compression spring per valve.

H.4.2.6 Rupture valve

To prevent free fall or descent at excessive speed, direct acting lifts shall be installed with a rupture
valve to satisfy the following conditions:

H.4.2.6.1 The rupture valve shall be capable of stopping the car in downward movement, and
maintaining it stationary. It shall be tripped at a speed of not more than 0.3 m/s above the rated
downward speed.

H.4.2.6.2 The rupture valve shall be accessible for adjustment and inspection. The rupture valve shall
be either:

a) integral with the cylinder; or

b) directly and rigidly flange-mounted; or

c) placed close to the cylinder and connected to it by means of short rigid pipes, having welded,
flanged or threaded connections; or

d) connected directly to the cylinder by threading. The rupture valve shall be provided with a
thread ending with a shoulder. The shoulder shall butt up against the cylinder.

Other types of connections such as compression fittings or flared fittings are not permitted between
the cylinder and the rupture valve.

H.4.2.6.3 On lifts with several jacks, operating in parallel, one common rupture valve may be used.
Otherwise the rupture valves shall be interconnected to cause simultaneous closing, in order to avoid
the floor of the car from inclining by more than 5 % from its normal position.

H.4.3 Checking the pressure

H.4.3.1 A pressure gauge shall be provided between the non-return valve or the down direction
valve(s) and the shut-off valve.

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H.4.3.2 A gauge shut-off valve shall be provided between the main circuit and the connection for the
pressure gauge.

H.4.4 Precautions against free fall, descent with excessive speed and creeping of car

A device/s shall be provided to prevent the car from:

a) free fall;

b) descent with excessive speed;

c) creeping from a landing level by more than 0.12 m.

H.5 Speed
The rated speed shall not be greater than 1.0 m/s. The speed of the empty car upwards, or with rated
load downwards, shall not deviate from the rated speed in the respective direction by more than 8 %
during operation with normal temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

H.6 Lift car

The design of the car, the car sling, the connection between the car and the ram (cylinder), the
suspension means (of indirect acting hydraulic lifts), the car safety gear, the rupture valve, the
clamping device, the pawl device, the guide rails and the buffers shall be based on a load
corresponding to Table 1 (passenger lift) or 6.4.2 (goods lift).

H.6.1 Car suspension

H.6.1.1 The safety factor for suspension ropes in the main part of this code applies to both the direct
suspension as well as the connecting ropes between car and counterweight.

H.6.1.2 A minimum number of two ropes shall be used for each connection.

H.6.1.3 Distribution of load between the ropes

H.6.1.3.1 An automatic device shall be provided for equalising the tension of suspension ropes, at
least at one of their ends.

H.6.1.3.2 If springs are used to equalize the tension they shall work in compression.

H.6.1.3.3 The devices for adjusting the length of ropes shall be made in such a way that these
devices cannot work loose after adjustment.

H.7 Counterweight

H.7.1 Counterweight may be used to counterbalance part or whole of the car mass.

H.7.2 Where counterweight is employed, car overload sensing, car safety gear and manual lowering
of the lift car shall work with the counterweight as part of the whole system.

H.8 Car safety gears

H.8.1 All suspended cars shall be equipped with car safety gear activated by overspeed governor.

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H.8.2 Where the over-speed governor is located in the lift well,

a) it shall be accessible and reachable for inspection and maintenance;

b) it can be manually reset from a remote location, or from outside the well through an inspection
door.

H.8.3 When the car safety gear operates, the floor of the car with the load uniformly distributed shall
not incline more than 5 % from its normal position.

H.8.4 If the risk of slack rope exists, an electric safety device shall be provided for indirect acting
lifts. This device shall cause the machine to stop and keep it stopped when slack occurs.

H.9 Emergency evacuation

If there is a risk for persons working in the well being trapped and no means are provided to escape,
either through the car, or through the well, alarm devices shall be installed at places where this risk
exists. Such devices may be powered by the emergency supply in 12.3.

H.10 Inspection and tests of hydraulic lifts

Inspection and tests as provided in Annex C shall apply where applicable. In addition, the following
inspection and tests are specifically required for hydraulic lifts:

H.10.1 Power “off”

The requirements are:

a) Hydraulic pump

i) Record and check the pump data plate;

ii) Check foundation and anchors;

iii) Check oil containment to have sufficient volume for pump size;

iv) Check oil level to be not lower than minimum line when lift car is raised to the upper
travel limit;

v) Check device to show lift car level with landing markings;

vi) Check stop valve;

vii) Check manual bypass valve.

b) Hydraulic piping

i) Record and check hydraulic pipe manufacturer’s data;

ii) Check flexible pipe loop;

iii) Check rupture valve.

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H.10.2 Power “on”

The requirements are:

a) Valve control

i) Observe valve action to be smooth during up and down travel of the lift car;

ii) Check for re-leveling when lift car creeps more than 120 mm from floor level.

b) Load test

i) Run the lift car up and record the speed, hydraulic pressure and motor current with
zero and 100 % load on it. For both loading conditions, also record the lift car speed
in the down direction.

ii) Check that the full load up current and hydraulic pressure does not exceed the rated
motor current and pump pressure. The up and down speeds should not deviate more
than 8 % of rated speed.

c) Overload check

Check that the hydraulic system and valves will hold the lift car at level with little or no creep
for passenger lifts, with 125% load and for goods with 150 % load, in the lift car.

d) Oil temperature rise

i) Run the lift car up and down continuously for half hour at a rate of 45 up starts per
hour with 100 % load in the lift car;

ii) Record the temperature rise using a thermometer submerged in the hydraulic oil of
the pump;

iii) Check that the temperature does not exceed the pump specifications.

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Figure 10 – Example of a roped hydraulic lift system

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ABOUT SPRING SINGAPORE

SPRING Singapore is the enterprise development agency for growing innovative companies and
fostering a competitive SME sector. We work with partners to help enterprises in financing,
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ABOUT THE NATIONAL STANDARDISATION PROGRAMME

Under the national standardisation programme, SPRING Singapore helps companies and industry to
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Singapore Standards are in the form of specifications for materials and products, codes of practice,
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specifications or requirements on a particular product, process or service in an area where there is an
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