Key Difference
Fire Protection Design
A firefighter elevator is installed in a fire-protected shaft and is equipped with a separate lobby, a backup power supply, and fire doors. Under normal circumstances, it operates as a regular elevator; however, in the event of a fire, it switches to a firefighter-only mode.
A regular elevator is not required to have fire-resistant features, and its use is prohibited for anyone during a fire.
Power Supply System
Firefighter elevators typically use a secondary power source and a dual-circuit power supply. If the main power is interrupted, the secondary power supply automatically engages to ensure the elevator continues to operate.
Regular elevators typically use a single-circuit power supply. If the power is interrupted, they stop at the nearest floor and cannot continue operating.
Firefighters Control and Fire Recall
Firefighter elevators are equipped with an emergency control function. When a fire breaks out on an upper floor, the elevator can receive instructions to promptly return to the ground floor. It will no longer respond to external call buttons and can only be operated by firefighters using a special key or control panel.
Dedicated Control Devices
Firefighter elevators are equipped with dedicated firefighters’ controls and a two-way communication system, which allow firefighters to take control of the elevator and operate it.
Materials
The finishing materials and electrical cables of fire elevators must be flame-retardant. The shaft must also be designed to limit water ingress, since firefighting water can damage electrical and lift equipment.
Load Capacity and Dimensions
Under EN 81-72, the minimum rated load for a firefighter elevator is 630 kg, and the minimum car size is 1,100 mm wide × 1,400 mm. Local regulations may require larger capacities or dimensions.
Regular elevators have a load capacity ranging from 450 kg to 1600 kg, with no mandatory requirements regarding dimensions.
How to Identify a Firefighter Elevator
- The ground floor (basement level) is equipped with a dedicated fire control switch, and the elevator is clearly marked with the text or icon “Fire Elevator” or “FSAE”;
- The car control panel contains a fire operation button that can only be activated using a special key or an unlocking device.
Important Notes
- Whether it is a firefighter elevator or a regular elevator, ordinary passengers must not use it during a fire.
- Fire elevators are not completely isolated from all fire-related hazards. Smoke, heat, and other conditions can still affect operation.
- Although Firefighter elevators are designed to operate under fire conditions, this does not mean they are immune to malfunctions. Firefighters must remain vigilant regarding the elevator’s operational status while using it to ensure their own safety.