The nominal speed in metres per second at which an elevator is designed and tested to travel when carrying its rated load in the direction of descent.
Full Definition
Rated speed (contract speed or design speed) is the speed used as the basis for all EN 81-20 calculations and type examinations: governor trip speed is set at 115 % of rated speed; safety gear stopping distance is calculated from rated speed; buffer minimum stroke uses rated speed; and VVVF drive acceleration and deceleration profiles are set to reach and leave rated speed smoothly. Common rated speeds are: 0.63, 1.0, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 6.0, and 10 m/s. Low-speed elevators (≤0.63 m/s) are typical for hydraulic or residential installations; 1.0–2.5 m/s covers mid-rise commercial; 4.0–6.0 m/s is standard for tall buildings; 10 m/s is used in supertall buildings above 300 m. The actual maximum car speed during a run must not exceed 1.05 × rated speed. Escalator speed benchmarks differ: 0.50 m/s (EN 115-1).
