BS 7671 – New and Existing Lifts Requirements for Certification Under Electrical Regulations
Clarification for requirements for BS 7671 certification under electrical regulations for both new and existing lift installations is outlined in this blog.
Electrical equipment in non-domestic properties is required to be examined by a competent person to ensure the relevant work meets the standards of BS 7671. As a requirement of the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Workplace (health, safety, and welfare) Regulations.
New Lifts & Existing Lift installations
However, BS7671 in its scope specifically exempts lifts and escalators from its requirements due to these being covered by EN 81 and EN 115 series of designated standards and therefore are compliant. Modernisation should be conducted in accordance with BS EN 81-80 and BS EN 115-2 where applicable.
Main points to changes below:
- Well, lighting, machine room lighting and socket outlets fed from consumer units which are fed from the upstream side of the lift or escalator main switch/isolator will require certification under BS 7671 when installed for the first time or where material alteration is undertaken.
- Replacement of existing lift or escalator main supply/disconnection device with a new lockable version should be taken as like for like replacement of existing equipment and will require re-certification to BS 7671.
- The addition of a new lockable mains switch/isolator downstream from the existing lift or escalator main switch/isolator is an addition to the lift control equipment and does not require re-certification to BS 7671.
- Car top electrical outlet sockets, car top lights, and car interior lighting that are fed via additional circuits within the lift controller through trailing cables, fall under the lifts design standards. Meaning this equipment does not require certification to BS 7671.
In Summary
All electrical equipment must be subject to testing, either to BS 7671 or an appropriate lift/escalator test document, ensuring the equipment to be safe before being placed or returned into service. Tests should be recorded, and copies retained for future reference with drawings of any changes provided to the lift owner or duty holder.
iKONIC Lifts provide all necessary lift well lighting and pit sockets as part of our controller equipment, therefore, taking the onus away from the building owner/builder as per Diagram 1 which relieves the requirement for separate tests to BS 7671 for the lift electrics. The diagrams shown are typical arrangements for lifts, others are possible, but all should follow the general principle shown.
Diagram 1:
Main Supply to BS 7671
Lift Mains & Distribution to Lift Standards
1 – Main Supply Disconnection Device
2 – Lift Main Switch
3 – Lift Distribution
4 – Well lighting
5 – Pit socket outlet
6 – Lift Car Supply (Lighting & Sockets)
Diagram:2
Main Supply, Machine Room Lighting & Sockets, Shaft lighting and Pit Socket to BS7671
Lift Main Switch & Lift Car distribution to Lift Standards
1 – Main Supply/Disconnection Device
2 – Lift Main Switch (additional lockable)
3 – Lift Car Distribution
4 – Well lighting
5 – Pit socket outlet
6 – Lift Car Supply (Lighting & Sockets)
7 – Machine room lighting & Sockets
Diagram:3
Main Supply, Machine Room Lighting & Sockets, to BS7671
Lift Main Switch & Distribution to Lift Standards
1 – Main Supply/Disconnection Device
2 – Lift Main Switch (additional lockable)
3 – Lift Car Distribution
4 – Well lighting
5 – Pit socket outlet
6 – Lift Car Supply (Lighting & Sockets)
7 – Machine room lighting & Sockets
