The European standard for remote alarm systems on passenger and goods lifts, specifying requirements for the emergency communication device and the monitoring centre response.
Full Definition
EN 81-28:2018 defines requirements for the alarm system that allows a trapped passenger to summon help. An EN 81-20 lift must be equipped with an emergency communication device that: (a) initiates a call to a 24-hour staffed or automated alarm receiving centre (ARC) within 15 seconds of activation; (b) provides two-way communication between the passenger and the ARC; (c) operates on a separate power supply for at least 1 hour if mains fails; (d) automatically tests the communication link at least once every 3 days and generates an alert if the test fails. The ARC must acknowledge the call within a specified time and dispatch rescue if no contact is re-established. The standard covers PSTN, GSM, and IP communication paths. Building owners must evidence continuous monitoring contract validity as part of their periodic inspection documentation under LOLER (UK) and equivalent national regimes.
