Lift Safety Systems Explained Simply
Lift safety is easy to take for granted until you start considering one for your own home or building. What happens during a power cut? Can the doors open while the lift is moving? What if something obstructs the platform? Modern lifts address these situations through multiple safety systems working together, protecting users during normal travel and responding appropriately when something unexpected happens.
How Is a Lift Kept Safe?
Lift safety works through several layers, each designed to respond at a different point. Some systems prevent the lift from moving unless conditions are safe, such as when doors are properly closed. Others detect obstructions around the platform or cabin and stop movement if needed.
The exact combination varies according to the lift type, its specification, and where it is installed. Together, these systems are designed to protect users throughout their journey.
Safety Edges and Obstruction Detection
What Is a Safety Edge?
Safety edges are sensitive areas positioned around parts of the lift where contact with an obstruction could occur. If an object or person comes into contact with the edge while the lift is moving, the system detects it and stops the lift rather than continuing against the obstruction.
The Aritco HomeLift Access and HomeLift Compact, for example, use safety edges around the platform. On the Aritco PublicLift Access, safety edges are fitted around both the platform and control console, providing protection suited to its public-use setting.
What About Photocells and Sensors?
Some lifts also use non-contact detection. Photocells create a protective barrier that can detect when its path is interrupted, allowing the lift to respond without physical contact.
The Vimec AR:IA Commercial Cabin Lift, for example, uses full-height photocell barriers alongside overload sensors.
Doors, Gates and Safety Locks
Can a Lift Move With the Door Open?
During normal operation, lift doors and gates are secured so the lift cannot travel while an entrance is open. Interlocking or locking systems confirm that access points are closed before movement begins, then keep them secured until the lift reaches the appropriate landing.
The exact arrangement depends on the lift. The Aritco PublicLift Access, for example, uses an electrically operated deadlock, while the UnaPorte Platform Step Lift combines a door locking system with a door drive featuring a slip clutch.
Door design also varies with the application. Some installations require full-height doors, while shorter-rise lifts may use gates. Certain home lift configurations can also accommodate half-height gates where appropriate.
Emergency Stop Systems
What Happens When You Press the Red Emergency Stop Button?
The emergency stop gives the user a direct way to stop the lift when necessary. Pressing it interrupts normal operation, bringing the lift to a stop rather than allowing it to continue travelling.
Emergency stop controls are included on all lifts in our home and commercial ranges.
The button is there to provide a clear, accessible response when something unexpected happens during use. Once activated, the lift will need to be reset appropriately before normal operation can continue.
What Happens to a Lift During a Power Cut?
A power cut does not necessarily mean a lift will simply stop and leave the user without a way to reach a landing. Depending on the model, lifts can use different systems to respond safely when the normal power supply is lost.
Emergency lowering allows the lift to descend to a safe landing. The Aritco PublicLift Access, for example, has battery-operated emergency lowering. The Motala 2000 can automatically lower to the nearest landing below, with manual lowering also available, while the Vimec AR:IA Commercial Cabin Lift automatically lowers to the nearest designated landing during a power outage.
Battery-Backed Travel Works Differently
Rather than only providing emergency lowering, stored battery power can allow certain lifts to remain operational. The UnaPorte Platform Step Lift, for example, uses battery-powered travel so it can continue running during a power cut.
The important distinction is that power-cut behaviour varies between lift models. When choosing a lift, it is worth understanding exactly what its backup system is designed to do.
Emergency Alarms and Communication
What If Somebody Needs Help While They’re Inside the Lift?
Emergency communication systems give lift users a way to call for assistance if they experience a problem while inside. Depending on the lift, this may include an alarm button, telephone, auto-dialler, or GSM connection.
The Aritco HomeLift, for example, has an alarm button connected to an auto-dialler. When activated, the system can call programmed contact numbers in sequence, helping the user reach someone who can assist. The Aritco HomeLift Access and HomeLift Compact also offer telephone and auto-dialler systems, with GSM units available where a landline is not present.
This is particularly relevant as the UK’s traditional landline network (PSTN) is due to be switched off on 31 January 2027. Lift emergency phones and auto-diallers that still rely on an analogue line may need to be updated or moved to a compatible digital connection. Depending on the lift and existing equipment, this could mean using a 4G GSM auto-dialler or a suitable digital line.
Check your current lift is ready for the landline switch off in 2027 →
How the Drive System Contributes to Safety
The technology that moves a lift also forms part of its overall safety design. Different lift types use different drive systems, each with its own method of controlling and supporting movement.
Aritco platform lifts use screw-and-nut drive technology, where the platform travels along a fixed screw. We’ll explore how this system works in more detail in our guides to screw-and-nut technology and how platform lifts work.
The Motala 2000 takes a different approach, using a patented guided chain drive. Its drive system is designed so that the chain cannot derail and can bring the platform to a safe position even if the chain breaks.
Smart Safety and Lift Monitoring
Lift safety is not limited to physical components. Some newer lifts also use connected technology to monitor their status, manage access, and help identify potential problems.
The Aritco HomeLift, for example, includes SmartSafety doors that reopen if something is detected in the way. Access can be restricted using child lock and floor lock functions, while the SmartApp allows users to check the lift’s safety status. Aritco’s SmartFleet system adds remote monitoring, alarm notifications, and remote troubleshooting.
Other lifts provide diagnostic information directly to the user. Ascendor lifts feature a graphical display that can identify faults and suggest possible remedies, helping users understand what has happened.
Safety Doesn’t End When the Lift Is Installed
A lift’s built-in safety systems need ongoing care to remain effective throughout its working life. Regular servicing allows trained engineers to inspect safety components, identify signs of wear or faults, and check that systems such as emergency communication continue to operate correctly.
For domestic lifts, we recommend at least two professional servicing visits each year. Regular maintenance helps support safe operation and the long-term condition of the lift, while timely attention to reported faults can prevent problems from being left unresolved.
Do Home and Commercial Lifts Use the Same Safety Systems?
Home and commercial lifts can share many of the same safety principles, but the specific systems and requirements vary according to the lift and its application.
- In the home, features may include child and floor locking, smart monitoring, and emergency communication.
- Commercial and public lifts may need to account for different patterns of use, with features such as access controls, overload detection, and different door or control arrangements.
FAQs About Lift Safety
| Are home lifts safe? | Home lifts use multiple safety systems rather than relying on a single feature. Depending on the model, these can include safety edges, door controls, emergency stop buttons, alarms, emergency communication, and backup systems for power loss. |
| Can a lift fall if the power goes out? | A loss of power does not mean the lift simply falls. Different models manage power cuts in different ways. Some use battery-operated emergency lowering to reach a landing, while others can continue travelling using battery power. |
| Can lift doors open while the lift is moving? | Lift doors and gates use locking systems to control access during travel. During normal operation, the entrance must be secured before the lift can move, helping prevent access while the platform or cabin is between landings. |
| What happens if something gets caught in a platform lift? | Platform lifts can use safety edges to detect an obstruction. If a person or object makes contact with one of these sensitive areas during movement, the lift stops rather than continuing against the obstruction. Some models also use non-contact systems such as photocells. |
| Can you get stuck in a home lift? | A fault or power failure can interrupt normal operation, which is why home lifts can include emergency lowering and communication systems. Depending on the model, alarm buttons, auto-diallers, or GSM systems provide a way to contact someone for assistance. |
| How often should lift safety systems be checked? | Safety systems should be checked a minimum of twice a year as part of any regular professional servicing package. |
Stay Safe and Accessible
Our team can help you find a suitable home or commercial lift, with support covering specification and installation through to ongoing servicing and maintenance.