How Modern Elevator Engineering is Redefining Passenger Safety

By Akhilesh Satre, Director and Elevator Personality, Avinyatech Elevators

Everyone knows how to use the elevator or the kind of elevators available in the market. But do people have enough knowledge about the key aspects of elevator engineering to ensure their safety while walking into any elevator? Today, technology is so advanced that it can even anticipate human behaviour, so why would elevator operations not be trackable or predictable? In reality, they are. An elevator’s safety, reliability, and operational performance depend on its compliance with the latest norms and Indian Standards IS 17900. The engineering of earlier elevators and that of today’s systems are very different. Previously, we relied on a reactive approach, but modern elevators are predictive, proactive, and significantly safer.

Today’s elevators represent a marvel of engineering, from operation to rescue management systems.

Passenger elevators today are not just simple machines; they are highly engineered systems that consist of intelligent controls, advanced safety devices, and precision-made components that must all work together seamlessly. With the advancement of elevator technology over time, there has been a marked improvement in safety performance while minimising the mechanical failure and possible entrapment of the passengers.

The Modern Elevators Composition

1. Gearless Machine with a Redundant Breaking System
   One of the major improvements is the Gearless Machine with a redundant braking system. It’s a dual-circuit braking apparatus. Unlike the old machine, it not only controls the car’s speed while descending but also while ascending. These are considered the gold standard in modern elevator machines that prevent uncontrolled car moments and ascending overspeed movements.


2. Intelligent Control Panel
   Modern-day elevators include a close-roof integrated control panel that provides up-to-the-minute recording of installation performance. Command execution on older units was often unverified; today, a closed-roof intelligent panel makes it possible to track the command and see whether it is performing or not.


3. Speed Governor
   The Speed Governor is one of the most important components for elevator safety. Speed Governors will monitor the speed of an elevator and cause it to activate a safety system if a variable rate of elevator speed occurs. But, as per the old composition, the maintenance and operational efficiency testing was difficult due to its position in the elevator. Hence, the modern elevators have remotely operated Speed Governors allows the periodic testing of these devices, as well as ensure that the devices are functioning and compliant with the established code.


4. Ascending Car Overspeed Protection (ACOP)
   Another phenomenal addition in passenger protection is the implementation of Ascending Car Overspeed Protection (ACOP). Earlier, elevator safety systems focused primarily on controlling excessive speed during downward movement. ACOP systems are mechanically designed to control the car system while going upwards. With this, passengers can be assured of an additional layer of safety.


5. Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP)
   Similarly, Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP) is one of the most critical features for the safety of current elevators. This system prevents the elevator car from moving unexpectedly when the elevator is at a landing with an open door. Incidents like this (although rare) can be a threat to the safety of passengers when they enter/exit from an elevator. The IS 17900 mandates UCMP in all elevator models. However, it is not yet widely integrated by many manufacturers in India.

The Indian Standard 17900 importance

The elevator safety standards have changed significantly with the implementation of IS 17900. The standard aligns Indian elevator safety regulations with global benchmark standards. IS 17900 highlights very detailed technology standard requirements for the design, development, and performance of critical safety device category technologies; therefore, safety devices are designed and built to operate in extreme environments and provide a redundant means of protection from unforeseen events.

Under IS 17900 (Part 2), which aligns with international standards (ISO 8100-2 / EN 81-50), specific critical parts designated as *"Safety Components"** must undergo mandatory Type-Testing and Examination by an accredited laboratory.

Additionally, overload protection systems, Safety Circuits (PESSRAL), Car Door Locking Devices, Electrical Safety Switches and Emergency Power and Alarm Systems are one of the key safety components as per IS 17900.

While advanced safety devices play a crucial role, smooth and jerk-free elevator performance relies heavily on system engineering and proper alignment of the components. Also, the synchronisation of components is fundamental to achieving a comfortable ride experience.

Conclusion

The future of elevator safety lies in the combination of system engineering practices with advanced technologies and strict adherence to safety standards. While selecting an elevator, a building owner, developer, facility manager, or resident should never only consider the price point or aesthetics, but safety, compliance and regulations should be given utmost priority,

As India's infrastructure continues to grow vertically, the elevator industry has a responsibility to raise safety benchmarks and promote awareness about modern safety technologies. Elevators are among the safest modes of transportation when designed, installed, and maintained correctly. By embracing advanced engineering, intelligent monitoring, and standards-driven safety practices, we can ensure that every ride remains safe, reliable, and worry-free for passengers.