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IS 14667:1999 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for buffers for lifts. This standard specifies the requirements for the design, construction, and testing of buffers used in electric and hydraulic lifts. It covers two main types: energy accumulation buffers (e.g., spring type) for lower speeds and energy dissipation buffers (hydraulic) for all speeds, ensuring safety during an over-travel incident.
Specifies the requirements for energy accumulation type and energy dissipation type buffers used in lifts.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Energy accumulation (spring) buffers are only permitted for lifts with rated speeds up to 1.0 m/s. For any higher speed, energy dissipation (hydraulic) buffers are mandatory.
! The required buffer stroke, which is dependent on lift speed, is a critical factor in determining the lift pit depth during the architectural design stage.
! Regular inspection of hydraulic buffers is critical to check for correct oil levels and leaks, as low oil can lead to failure during an impact.
EN 81-50:2020CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Examinations and tests - Part 50: Design rules, calculations, examinations and tests of lift components
Both specify design, calculation, and testing requirements for lift buffers (energy accumulation and dissipation types).
ASME A17.1-2019 / CSA B44-19ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) / CSA (Canadian Standards Association), USA/Canada
MediumCurrent
Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
Contains requirements for the design and performance of buffers within the broader scope of elevator safety.
ISO 8100-2:2021ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Lifts for the transport of persons and goods - Part 2: Design rules, calculations, examinations and tests of lift components
Provides global standards for the design and testing of lift components, including buffers, harmonized with EN 81-50.
EN 81-1:1998+A3:2009CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighWithdrawn
Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts
Contained buffer requirements that were contemporary to IS 14667:1999 before the EN standards were restructured.
Key Differences
≠IS 14667 allows energy accumulation (spring) type buffers for rated speeds up to 1.6 m/s, whereas modern standards like EN 81-20 restrict their use to speeds not exceeding 1.0 m/s.
≠For energy dissipation buffers, IS 14667 specifies a simple maximum retardation limit of 2.5 g (24.5 m/s²). In contrast, EN 81-50 requires that average retardation does not exceed 1 g, and any peaks above 2.5 g must not last longer than 0.04 seconds, a more detailed performance requirement.
≠Modern international standards (EN 81-20, ASME A17.1) include provisions for 'reduced stroke buffers' when used with an electronic safety system that reduces the lift's speed before impact. IS 14667:1999 does not recognize this technology and requires full stroke buffers.
≠Type testing procedures in EN 81-50 are more rigorous, specifying tests at temperature extremes (-25°C to +40°C for some types) and detailed post-test criteria (e.g., no permanent deformation). The testing protocol in IS 14667 is less detailed.
Key Similarities
≈All standards mandate the use of buffers for both the car and counterweight at the bottom limit of travel as a fundamental safety measure.
≈All standards categorize buffers into the same two primary types: energy accumulation (which store energy, e.g., springs) and energy dissipation (which absorb energy, e.g., oil buffers).
≈The fundamental principle for calculating the minimum stroke of energy dissipation buffers is consistent: it must be at least equal to the gravity stopping distance corresponding to 115% of the lift's rated speed.
≈All codes require that energy dissipation (oil) buffers must automatically and completely return to their normal extended position after compression to be ready for a subsequent impact.
≈A common requirement across all standards is that buffers must have a permanent data plate indicating the manufacturer, type identification, and the permissible range of loads and impact speeds.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Max rated speed for energy accumulation (spring) buffers
≤ 1.6 m/s
≤ 1.0 m/s
EN 81-20:2020 (Clause 5.8.2.1.2)
Retardation criteria (energy dissipation buffers)
Peak retardation shall not exceed 2.5 gn (24.5 m/s²)
Average retardation ≤ 1 gn; peaks > 2.5 gn must last < 0.04 s
EN 81-50:2020 (Clause 5.5.4.4)
Max return time for oil buffers
90 seconds
120 seconds
EN 81-50:2020 (Clause 5.5.5.2)
Provisions for reduced stroke buffers
Not provided for; full stroke always required.
Permitted, if used with a system that reduces speed before impact.
ASME A17.1-2019 (Section 2.22.4.6)
Minimum stroke calculation basis
Gravity stopping distance at 115% of rated speed
Gravity stopping distance at 115% of rated speed
ASME A17.1-2019 (Section 2.22.4.1)
Oil level check
Must have a level indicator.
Must be possible to check the level of the fluid easily and reliably (e.g., via a transparent window).
EN 81-50:2020 (Clause 5.5.2c)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Max rated speed for energy accumulation buffers1.0 m/s
Max rated speed for non-linear accumulation buffers1.6 m/s
Max average retardation for energy dissipation buffers1.0 gn
Max peak retardation (>0.04s) for energy dissipation buffers2.5 gn
What type of buffer is needed for a lift with a speed of 1.5 m/s?+
Only an energy dissipation (hydraulic) type buffer is permitted. Energy accumulation types are limited to speeds of 1.0 m/s or less (Clause 4.1).
What is the maximum allowed deceleration for a hydraulic buffer?+
The average retardation over the stopping distance must not exceed 1 gn (9.81 m/s²). Short peaks up to 2.5 gn are permissible if they last less than 0.04 seconds (Clause 5.5).
What information should be marked on a lift buffer?+
The buffer must be permanently marked with the manufacturer's name, type approval certificate number, and the permissible range of masses and impact speeds (Clause 9).
When are reduced stroke buffers allowed?+
Reduced stroke buffers may be used for rated speeds above 1.0 m/s only if the installation is equipped with a pre-triggered safety system that reduces the car's speed before it strikes the buffer (Clause 5.6).