Firefighter Elevator Acceptance Protocol – Template according to EN 81-72

What is tested during the acceptance of a firefighter elevator?

A firefighter elevator must function reliably under extreme conditions during an emergency, as it is used under the direct control of the fire department. The currently applicable EN 81-72 contains additional and differing requirements compared to standard passenger lifts. During functional checks and acceptance, these firefighter-specific features must be inspected in detail.

This involves not only the internal control components of the elevator but also its interaction with the building. Since local requirements and fire department guidelines can vary, a flexible and adaptable checklist is essential.

• Firefighter switch and proper activation of the firefighter service
• Car control and priority override directly from the lift car
• Special displays, optical signals, and compliant markings
• Two-way communication systems connected to the fire command center
• Emergency power supply and automatic switchover during power failure
• Protection of technical equipment against water and heat damage
• Structural requirements such as smoke-free lobbies and safe access routes

What distinguishes a firefighter lift from a standard passenger lift?

While a standard passenger lift is designed for regular transit and typically evacuates to a designated floor and shuts down during a fire, a firefighter lift remains active. It is specifically designed to assist firefighters in firefighting and rescue operations.

This requires robust controls, a secured emergency power supply, and integration with building safety systems. External safety features, such as overpressure ventilation systems (to keep the shaft smoke-free), must work in perfect synchronization with the elevator controls, as outlined in technical safety regulations.

Important distinction: Internal acceptance vs. official inspection

For installers, planners, and operators, a clear legal distinction is crucial: This digital acceptance protocol is designed as a tool for structured pre-inspections, defect tracking, and trade handover. It does not replace the legally required inspection prior to commissioning conducted by an authorized inspection body (such as a notified body or ZÜS in Germany).

Use this template to prepare the installation perfectly for the official inspection and to document all preliminary defects digitally with photos. This minimizes the risk of delays during the final official commissioning.

Practical Example: Efficient digital documentation on-site

During the acceptance of a firefighter lift in a newly built high-rise, the technician first records the system data. While checking the firefighter service, they notice that a mandatory sign is missing at the 3rd-floor landing. Additionally, there is a minor delay in the intercom activation.

Using the ProtocolHero app, the technician captures these deviations instantly. They take a photo of the missing sign, add a note about the intercom delay, and assign the corrective action to the responsible subcontractor. Once the walkthrough is complete, all parties sign directly on the tablet, and the PDF is automatically emailed to facility management.