Understanding EN 81-77: 2013 & prEN 81-77: 2017 Lifts Subject to Seismic Conditions

Around the Pacific Rim, the potential for earthquakes to severely damage lifts has been recognized for decades. EN 81-77: 2013, enacted in November 2013 now brings seismic standards to the rest of the world. This standard addresses the seismic risks to lifts and establishes standards for mitigation. European Standard prEN 81-77: 2017 makes changes to the existing standard [10]. These standards are explained in practical terms, examples of seismic damage, particularly in California, are explored, and the reduction in damage that has occurred in subsequent earthquakes as a result of new codes enacted after each major earthquake are examined.