EN 81-20 elevator dimensions table define the minimum safety and sizing requirements for passenger, hospital, and freight lifts across Europe. Below is a complete reference including shaft dimensions, pit depth, and headroom for all standard elevator loads. For comprehensive details, refer to the EN 81-20/50 Elevator Dimensions Table.
Note: Values are typical industry references. Final dimensions may vary depending on design, speed, and manufacturer.
Passenger Elevator Dimensions (MRL / Traction)
| Load (kg) | Persons | Car Width (mm) | Car Depth (mm) | Door Width (mm) | Shaft Width (mm) | Shaft Depth (mm) | Pit (mm) | Headroom (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 4 | 800 | 1000 | 700 | 1400 | 1400 | 1000 | 3400 |
| 450 | 6 | 1000 | 1250 | 800 | 1600 | 1600 | 1100 | 3600 |
| 630 | 8 | 1100 | 1400 | 900 | 1800 | 1700 | 1200 | 3800 |
| 800 | 10 | 1350 | 1400 | 900 | 2000 | 1800 | 1300 | 4000 |
| 1000 | 13 | 1400 | 1600 | 1000 | 2200 | 2000 | 1400 | 4200 |
| 1250 | 16 | 1600 | 1500 | 1100 | 2400 | 2100 | 1500 | 4500 |
| 1600 | 21 | 1600 | 2100 | 1100 | 2600 | 2400 | 1600 | 4800 |
| 2000 | 26 | 1800 | 2200 | 1200 | 2800 | 2600 | 1700 | 5000 |
Hospital Bed Elevator (Stretcher Lift) Dimensions (EN 81-20 Compliant)
| Load (kg) | Car Width (mm) | Car Depth (mm) | Door Width (mm) | Shaft Width (mm) | Shaft Depth (mm) | Pit (mm) | Headroom (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 1400 | 2400 | 1100 | 2200 | 2600 | 1400 | 4200 |
| 1600 | 1600 | 2400 | 1300 | 2500 | 2700 | 1500 | 4500 |
| 2000 | 1800 | 2400 | 1400 | 2800 | 2800 | 1600 | 4800 |
| 2500 | 2000 | 2700 | 1400 | 3000 | 3000 | 1700 | 5000 |
Freight Elevator Dimensions
| Load (kg) | Car Width (mm) | Car Depth (mm) | Door Width (mm) | Shaft Width (mm) | Shaft Depth (mm) | Pit (mm) | Headroom (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 1500 | 1500 | 1200 | 2300 | 2200 | 1400 | 4200 |
| 2000 | 1800 | 2000 | 1400 | 2600 | 2600 | 1500 | 4500 |
| 3000 | 2000 | 2500 | 1500 | 3000 | 3000 | 1600 | 4800 |
| 5000 | 2500 | 3000 | 1800 | 3500 | 3500 | 1700 | 5200 |
Key EN 81-20/50 Requirements
- Minimum car height: 2100 mm
- Pit depth: 1000 – 1700 mm
- Headroom: 3400 – 5200 mm
- Door width: typically 800 – 1400 mm depending on application
- Mandatory safety spaces for maintenance personnel
How to Choose the Right Elevator Dimensions According to EN 81-20
Choosing the correct EN 81-20 elevator dimensions table values is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance in modern building projects. The selection process depends on several factors including building type, passenger traffic, and intended usage.
For residential and commercial buildings, 630 kg and 800 kg passenger elevators are the most commonly used configurations. These systems provide an optimal balance between cabin size and shaft space, making them suitable for mid-rise developments across Europe.
In healthcare facilities, hospital elevator dimensions must accommodate stretchers and medical equipment. This is why larger car depths and wider door openings are required, along with increased pit depth and headroom for safety compliance under EN 81-20 regulations.
For industrial applications, freight elevator dimensions are determined by load capacity and goods type. Higher capacities require reinforced structures, larger shaft sizes, and extended headroom to ensure safe operation.
Ultimately, selecting the correct elevator size should always involve coordination with an experienced manufacturer to ensure full compliance with EN 81-20/50 standards, local regulations, and project-specific requirements.
Additionally, proper planning of elevator dimensions improves long-term maintenance efficiency, energy consumption, and user comfort, making it a critical factor in sustainable and future-proof building design projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the shaft size for a 630 kg elevator?
Typical shaft size is approximately 1800 mm width and 1700 mm depth for EN 81-20 compliant passenger elevators.
What pit depth is required for hospital elevators?
Hospital lifts typically require 1400 mm to 1700 mm pit depth due to larger car size and safety requirements.
What is the headroom for freight elevators?
Freight elevators generally require 4200 mm to 5200 mm headroom depending on load capacity and configuration.