EN 115:2008 vs 2017 Escalator Standards

The evolution of safety standards is a cornerstone of modern engineering, ensuring that public transport systems, including escalators and moving walks, meet the highest levels of protection for users. In the realm of vertical and inclined transportation, the European standard EN 115-1 plays a pivotal role. Specifically, the transition from EN 115-1:2008 to EN 115-1:2017 marked a significant update, introducing crucial safety enhancements and refining existing requirements. This article delves into the specific differences between these two versions, highlighting the impact on escalator design, manufacturing, and maintenance. Understanding these changes is vital for anyone involved in the escalator industry, from manufacturers seeking CE certification to building owners and maintenance professionals responsible for ensuring compliance and passenger safety.

The Shift from EN 115-1:2008 to EN 115-1:2017

The EN 115-1:2008 standard served as the benchmark for escalator safety for many years. However, as technology advanced and a deeper understanding of potential risks emerged, the need for an updated standard became apparent. The European Standards Committee released EN 115-1:2017 on July 19, 2017, which effectively invalidated the 2008 version by January 31, 2019. This update mandated significant changes to safety requirements, protective measures, and control equipment. Consequently, any escalator intended for sale within EU member states must now hold a CE Certificate confirming compliance with the latest EN 115-1:2017 standard.

Key Differences and Enhancements:

The 2017 version introduced a host of new stipulations and modifications to existing clauses. Here's a breakdown of the most significant changes: 1. Exterior Panel Integrity:* EN 115-1:2008: While addressing panel gaps, the specific force resistance and gap dimension limitations were less explicit. * EN 115-1:2017: This version introduces stringent requirements for exterior panels. The dimensions of gaps that pose a risk of contact with moving parts must not exceed 4 mm. Furthermore, exterior panels must demonstrate robust structural integrity, capable of withstanding a force of 250 N applied to any point over a 2500 mm² area (round or square) without exhibiting permanent deformation. 2. Inspection Cover Safety:* EN 115-1:2017: This update significantly enhances the safety of inspection covers. If an inspection cover comprises two or more parts, a single safety device is required for the first plate. Subsequent plates must be designed to prevent opening or removal before the initial plate is secured (achieved through overlapping or interlocking mechanisms). If all parts can be opened independently, each must be fitted with a safety device. Importantly, the floor plate is classified as an inspection cover and must adhere to these conditions. Removable interior panel parts, like decking panels, are explicitly excluded from this requirement. 3. Structural Deflection Limits:* EN 115-1:2017: This standard sets stricter deflection limits for critical structural components. Under a rated load of 5000 N/m², the maximum deflection for both the comb plate and floor plate must not exceed 4 millimeters. This ensures greater stability and reduces the risk of entrapment. 4. Step Deflection Tests:* EN 115-1:2017: New, more rigorous tests for step deflection have been introduced: * Tread Surface: A single perpendicular load of 3000 N (including the plate's weight) is applied to the centre of the tread surface using a steel plate (0.20m x 0.30m, min. 25mm thick). The deflection must not exceed 4 mm, with no permanent deformation allowed (initial tolerance settings are permissible). * Step Side Deflection: A single perpendicular load of 1500 N is applied near the skirt using a steel plate (50mm x 50mm, min. 25mm thick). The deflection on the sides of the tread surface must not exceed 4 mm. * Inserts/Fixings: If tread surfaces have inserts or fixings, the load must be applied directly to these elements over an area of 50 mm by their width. No permanent deformation should occur after the test. 5. Step Riser Deflection Test:* EN 115-1:2017: A similar deflection test is mandated for step risers. A single perpendicular load of 1500 N is applied via a shaped steel plate (50mm x 50mm, min. 25mm thick) conforming to the riser's curvature. The riser deflection must not exceed 4 mm. For risers with inserts or fixings, a separate load test is required, applying the load directly to the insert/fixing in the middle of the riser's full height. 6. Missing Step/Pallet Detection:* EN 115-1:2017: This version mandates that escalators only operate when the step band is complete. A safety device or function must be installed at the return station of each drive station to detect missing steps. The placement of this detection mechanism is restricted to avoid the straight sections between transition areas, as these are not considered part of the return station. 7. Drive Unit Safety:* EN 115-1:2017: Enhanced requirements apply to drive unit components like shafts, gears, and multi-row chains. These moving parts are subject to dynamic loads and must be securely housed within the truss, adhering to relevant standards such as Eurocode for trusses and specific welding and screw regulations. 8. Operational Brake Requirements:* EN 115-1:2017: The 2017 standard clarifies operational brake mechanisms: * Electrical operation, potentially via an inverter, is recommended, but electromechanical braking remains mandatory for electrical braking. * There should be no deliberate delay when applying the operational brake; automatic stopping initiated by the control system is not considered a deliberate delay. * Following electrical braking application, power supply to the electromechanical brake must cease within one second. * The time between electrical braking initiation and electromechanical brake engagement must not exceed 4 seconds, monitored by a safety circuit or E/E/PE system meeting SIL2 rating. * Electromechanical brakes must act instantaneously upon exceeding 1.2 times the nominal speed, in cases of unintentional reversal, during braking, or when other standard requirements are breached. 9. Auxiliary Brake Monitoring:* EN 115-1:2017: Escalators and moving walks must incorporate electrical safety devices or functions to detect the release of auxiliary brakes once the unit has started operation. 10. Skirt Panel Rigidity and Protection:* EN 115-1:2017: New requirements focus on skirt panel rigidity. A force of 1500 N applied perpendicularly at the weakest point over a 2500 mm² area (including illumination or skirt brushes) must not result in more than 4 mm of movement or permanent deformation. Skirts must also withstand a 500 N force 25 mm above the step nose or pallet tread surface. 11. Skirt Brush Design:* EN 115-1:2017: The 2017 standard details specific design criteria for skirt brushes. Comprising a rigid base (aluminium or rubber) and a flexible brush, the rigid part should present a flat surface perpendicular to the skirt panel, with a maximum width of 5 mm. It should have a downward slope on top and an upward slope at the bottom on a convex curve, with a 25° inclination over at least half the horizontal protrusion. For flat surfaces followed by a straight slope, the top width can be up to 10 mm, and the bottom platform up to 5 mm. The material below the brush must ensure an adequate coefficient of friction. 12. Handrail and Guide Profile Spacing:* EN 115-1:2017: To minimise finger or hand entrapment, handrail profiles and guides must be carefully designed. The handrail should be a minimum of 80 mm horizontally and 25 mm vertically from other objects and surfaces. A reduction in the vertical distance is permitted if the gap between the handrail's lower edge and the guide frame is 8 mm or more. The lowest point of the handrail frame should be at least 25 mm vertically below the handrail's lower edge and not extend horizontally beyond the handrail's outer edge. The gap between the handrail frame and guide profiles must not exceed 8 mm. Handrail width should be between 70-100 mm, and the distance from the handrail's outer edge to the inner decking edge should not exceed 50 mm. 13. Machinery Space Design:* EN 115-1:2017: Permanent installation of parts within standing areas is restricted to those located behind rounded corners (max. 0.25 m radius) and at least 0.12 m above the free-standing area. 14. Fire Protection Materials:* EN 115-1:2017: To mitigate fire hazards, materials used for outer and inner decking, truss, pallets/steps, and track systems must comply with at least class C according to EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009. Compliance tests, such as the SBI Test (EN 13823:2010+A1:2014), are required for materials not typically classified. This applies particularly to steps and pallets with plastic components, whether on the tread surface or riser, and in continuous arrangements. The test must be conducted with the plastic insert material forming the entire test surface. 15. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):* EN 115-1:2017: Conformance to EN 1201:2014 and EN 12016:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility is now a requirement. 16. Handrail Speed Monitoring:* EN 115-1:2017: A 'handrail speed monitor' is mandated to detect deviations in handrail speed. If the handrail speed deviates by more than +15% or -15% from the step/pallet nominal speed within 5 to 15 seconds, the device must initiate an escalator or moving walk stop. 17. Two-Directional Operation:* EN 115-1:2017: Moving walks are prohibited from operating in a two-direction mode. For escalators capable of bidirectional travel, the first person to board determines the direction. The operational mode must be clearly indicated, with the opposite direction displaying a 'No Entry' sign. 18. Manual Emergency Stop Devices:* EN 115-1:2017: Every escalator and moving walk must be equipped with an emergency stop device activated by an actuator accessible from outside the step/pallet band and located near landings. If a stop button is positioned below half the balustrade height, an additional indicator must be placed on the inner side of the balustrade. 19. Inspection Control Procedures:* EN 115-1:2017: Inspection control requires continuous and concurrent activation of both the direction-control-device and the RUN-control-device. 20. Accompanying Documentation and Checks:* EN 115-1:2017: This version specifies the need for checks before manual starts, including ensuring no people are on steps or landings. For escalators in seismic zones, periodic checks of seismic equipment and operational safety post-earthquake are necessary. 21. User Space and Obstacle Prevention:* EN 115-1:2017: The clear height above steps or pallets, including the newel area, must not exceed 2.30 meters. Vertical deflectors (min. 0.30m height, no sharp edges) are required at floor intersections or crisscross arrangements, extending under the handrail to prevent injuries from building obstacles. Adequate, unobstructed landing areas are mandated, with minimum width and depth requirements (potentially adjustable). These areas must be clear of other passenger flows, free of fixed stairs, and have a maximum inclination of 6°. Additional emergency stop devices are required if exits are obstructed by safety equipment or if spacing between units is insufficient. Measures to prevent shopping trolleys and luggage carts from entering escalators are also specified, with owners responsible for defining cart widths. Fixed guiding barriers and traffic columns must not create additional hazards. 22. Anti-Slip Design:* EN 115-1:2017: The standard includes anti-slip ratings for pallet tread surfaces and comb plates. For general installations, coverings complying with group R9 are considered anti-slip. Installations exposed to rain and snow require R10 compliance, while inclined moving walks need R11 compliance. Slip resistance must be assessed in all directions. 23. Seismic Environment Installations:* EN 115-1:2017: Special provisions and safety rules are detailed for escalators and moving walks permanently installed in buildings compliant with EN 1998-1:2004 (Eurocode 8). These units must adhere to the safety requirements and protective measures outlined in Annex M of EN 115-1:2017.

Conclusion:

The updated EN 115-1:2017 standard represents a significant advancement in escalator and moving walk safety. The changes, ranging from material specifications and structural integrity to operational controls and user space requirements, underscore a commitment to reducing risks and enhancing passenger protection. For manufacturers, adherence to these updated standards is not merely a regulatory obligation but a fundamental aspect of producing safe and reliable equipment. For building owners and maintenance providers, staying abreast of these differences is crucial for ensuring ongoing compliance and maintaining the highest safety standards for these essential public transportation systems.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is the main purpose of updating the EN 115 standard?A1: The primary purpose is to enhance safety, address new technological developments, and incorporate lessons learned from incidents to further protect passengers. Q2: Does EN 115-1:2017 affect existing escalators?A2: The standard primarily applies to new installations and significant modernisations. However, owners of existing escalators should be aware of the updated safety expectations and consider upgrades where feasible, especially during maintenance or refurbishment. Q3: What is the significance of the 4mm gap requirement in EN 115-1:2017?A3: This limit is crucial for preventing finger or small object entrapment in exterior panels, a common safety concern. Q4: Are skirt brushes mandatory under EN 115-1:2017?A4: While the standard details design requirements for skirt brushes, their mandatory installation depends on a risk assessment and specific escalator design, but their improved design is intended to enhance safety. Q5: What does SIL2 rating refer to in the context of operational brakes?A5: SIL2 (Safety Integrity Level 2) is a measure of the reliability and performance of safety-related electronic systems. It indicates a high level of assurance that the control system will function correctly to prevent hazardous situations, such as uncontrolled movement or excessive speed.

If you want to read more articles similar to EN 115:2008 vs 2017 Escalator Standards, you can visit the Automotive category.