The elevator control function that brings the car floor to an exact alignment with the landing floor level before the doors open, ensuring a flush threshold that prevents tripping hazards.
Full Definition
Levelling (floor-levelling or floor-positioning) ensures the car floor matches the landing sill height within the permitted tolerance: EN 81-20 specifies ≤10 mm difference between car and landing floor levels at the stopping position. Modern VVVF-controlled elevators achieve ±2 mm or better using encoder-based position control. An initial levelling run decelerates the car from speed to the levelling zone; a second re-levelling run (if required) corrects any settling under load after the doors open. Re-levelling is essential for goods elevators where load transfer creates significant sag. Hydraulic elevators may settle after stopping due to oil bypass leakage; automatic re-levelling circuits correct this. Poor levelling — floor steps exceeding 20 mm — is a reportable defect under LOLER thorough examination. Levelling accuracy is directly related to ride comfort and accessibility compliance (EN 81-70).
