Overview
ISO 4190-2:2001 - "Lift (US: Elevator) installation - Part 2: Class IV lifts" defines the dimensional and installation requirements for Class IV goods (freight) lifts used in new buildings. It covers both electric and hydraulic lifts, and addresses horizontal and vertical power‑operated sliding doors, one‑ or two‑entrance cars, and the key spatial requirements (car, pit, headroom, hoistway/ well and machine room). The standard is intended to guide architects, lift manufacturers and installers during planning to ensure safe, economical and compatible lift installations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Applies to new installations; can be used as a basis for retrofit situations where relevant.
- Intended for lifts primarily used for transporting goods (freight) and generally accompanied by persons.
- Loading series
- Two loading series by floor loading:
- Series A (passenger + goods loading, EN 81‑1/EN 81‑2 compliant): rated loads include 630, 1 000, 1 600, 2 000, 2 500, 3 500 and 5 000 kg (horizontal doors); 1 600, 2 000, 2 500, 3 500, 5 000 kg (vertical doors).
- Series B (goods only where local codes permit higher localized floor loading): 2 000, 2 500, 3 500, 5 000 kg.
- Rated speeds
- Series A: 0.25, 0.40, 0.50, 0.63, 1.00 m/s
- Series B: 0.25, 0.40, 0.50, 0.63, 1.00, 1.60, 1.75, 2.50 m/s
- Dimensional principles
- Car inner dimensions (width, depth, height) are related to load and typical cargo (pallets, trolleys); designers are encouraged to use standardized sizes.
- Hoistway (well) plumb tolerance: maintain ±25 mm out of plumb.
- Pit depth, headroom and machine room dimensions are specified relative to rated speed and drive type; additional allowances may be required by national rules.
- Machine room arrangements
- Electric lifts: machine room typically above the well (lateral extension left or right permitted).
- Hydraulic lifts: machine room usually beside or behind the well at low levels.
- Practical loading considerations
- Account for forklifts, trolleys and personnel; consider localized wheel loads, sills, reinforced car structure and guide rails as needed.
- Reference to safety codes
- Normative references include EN 81‑1 (electric) and EN 81‑2 (hydraulic) safety rules.
Applications and users
Who uses ISO 4190-2:
- Architects and building designers planning hoistway and service spaces
- Lift/elevator manufacturers and specifiers selecting car sizes and drive types
- Installers, contractors and facility managers coordinating machine room, pit and well construction
- Code authorities and consultants verifying compliance with dimensional installation rules
Practical uses:
- Defining hoistway dimensions and tolerances for freight elevators
- Selecting car sizes and door configurations to match cargo handling (pallets, forklifts)
- Locating and sizing machine rooms for electric vs hydraulic systems
- Using as a design basis when integrating lifts into new buildings or when assessing retrofit feasibility
Related standards
- EN 81‑1: Safety rules for construction and installation - Electric lifts
- EN 81‑2: Safety rules for construction and installation - Hydraulic lifts
- Other parts of ISO 4190 (Part 1, Part 3, Part 5, Part 6) cover passenger lifts, service lifts, controls and planning guidance for residential lifts.
