Steel wire ropes in lifts – safety in vertical transport
Lifts (passenger and freight lifts) are widely used in residential buildings, office towers, warehouses, shopping centers, and industrial facilities. Although they may seem like simple transport systems at first glance, their reliability depends on precisely selected steel wire ropes, which ensure safe and smooth movement of the car.
What role does the rope play in a lift?
- Hoist ropes (traction ropes) – the main elements supporting the car and the counterweight. They transmit the driving force from the traction sheave to the lift system.
- Governor and control ropes – used in safety and control systems. They help maintain control of the car in the event of a malfunction.
- Guide and stabilizing ropes – in specialized lifts (e.g., panoramic or warehouse lifts), they support motion and keep the car aligned within its travel path.
What should a lift rope be like?
✔ Precise diameter and rope construction – in line with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations,
✔ Minimal working elongation – crucial for smooth starting and stopping of the car,
✔ High resistance to fatigue and bending over a small radius,
✔ Quiet and even operation on the traction sheave,
✔ Resistance to corrosion and environmental conditions (e.g., in ventilated shafts).
Most commonly used ropes for lifts
- 8x19 or 8x25 ropes with a fibre core (FC) – flexible and quiet, used in passenger lifts,
- Steel core ropes (IWRC) – stiffer and more durable, recommended for freight and industrial lifts,
- Galvanized ropes – moisture-resistant, ideal for outdoor lifts or installations exposed to condensation.
Rope selection
📄 The recommendations in the lift’s technical documentation (DTR) must be followed strictly.
🔧 Rope replacement should always be carried out in accordance with EN 81-20/50, ideally under the supervision of a certified service provider.
🔍Selecting an alternative rope is possible, but only if identical operating parameters are maintained and all approvals/compliance requirements are met.
