An elevator designed and rated for the vertical transport of heavy loads, goods, and vehicles rather than primarily for passenger use, with reinforced structure and simplified interior.
Full Definition
Goods elevators (freight elevators or service lifts) are engineered for rated loads typically from 500 kg to 10 000 kg or more. They differ from passenger elevators in: reinforced car floor (rated load per unit area much higher); heavy-duty door systems (single- or two-speed power doors or manual swing doors for low-duty applications); minimal interior finish; larger door opening heights to accommodate pallets, fork-lift trucks, or vehicles; and controls oriented to load handlers rather than passengers. Some goods elevators are rated for vehicle use (car parks) and must carry the dynamic load of a vehicle driving on. EN 81-20 covers goods-only lifts (no persons during loading/unloading) separately from goods lifts where persons may accompany the load. ASME A17.1 Part 5 covers freight elevators in North America. Periodic inspection frequency and rated load testing are the same as for passenger elevators.
