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EN81-76 Evacuation Secondary Power Supply Solution by DSW Solutions

  • Writer: Daniel Williamson
    Daniel Williamson
  • Aug 29, 2025
  • 3 min read

Introduction to EN81-76

EN81-76 is the latest European standard for elevator safety, introduced in 2025. It sets advanced regulations around emergency power supply requirements, ensuring lifts remain operational during power outages. As buildings grow taller and safety expectations rise, EN81-76 offers critical enhancements for reliability and passenger safety.


Background on Elevator Safety & Power Standards

Elevator standards have evolved over decades, from minimal requirements in early codes to rich, modern protocols like EN81‑20 and EN81-50. A core emphasis today is secondary power supplies—essential for smooth evacuation and continued lift operation during electrical grid failures.


Key Features of EN81‑76

EN81‑76 mandates:

  • Minimum operation time on backup power.

  • Automatic switch-over within seconds.

  • Independent battery systems with self‑testing capabilities.

  • Clear user-interface alerts and safety indicators.

These strict guidelines represent a major upgrade over previous versions.


Challenges in Meeting EN81‑76 Requirements

Many existing elevators lack the internal space or system architecture to incorporate compliant secondary power backup. Retrofitting older systems can be costly or technically complex. Building managers face stricter compliance timelines and potential downtime during upgrades.


DSW Solutions Overview

With over 25 years of experience in elevator safety and power systems, DSW Solutions is a trusted partner for retrofit and new installations. The company specialises in emergency backup power tailored to elevator regulations across Europe.


DSW Solutions’ Secondary Power Supply System

DSW’s system includes:

  • High-capacity battery modules.

  • Smart power electronics with automatic transfer switching.

  • Real-time power diagnostics and self-test reports.

  • Compact modular racks engineered for shaft or machine room installation.

Its architecture allows seamless integration into modern or legacy control panels.


How DSW Aligns with EN81‑76

DSW’s power system has been tested to meet EN81‑76’s response‑time and runtime thresholds. They hold relevant CE declarations and perform compliance validation testing. Each installation includes certification documentation to support building code reviews.


Benefits of Choosing DSW’s Solution

  1. Reliability & Uptime: Ensures uninterrupted lift service during outages.

  2. Retrofit Compatibility: Designed to fit in tight spaces and retrofit older elevators.

  3. Cost‑Effectiveness: Competitive pricing and minimal downtime.

  4. Scalability: Expandable modules for future capacity needs.


Implementation Process

  1. Site Assessment – Structural review, power needs, existing control panels.

  2. Design & Planning – Select battery, capacity, location.

  3. Installation – Battery racks, wiring, integration, control adjustments.

  4. Testing & Commissioning – Operational testing, EN81‑76 compliance validation, sign‑off.


Case Study or Example

For a mid‑rise office building in London, DSW installed a retrofit system that extended elevator operation for 2 hours during outages. Post‑installation, the building passed inspections smoothly, with zero lift downtime reported during testing.


Maintenance & Support

DSW offers:

  • Annual inspections and preventative maintenance.

  • 24/7 remote monitoring, alerting faults before they occur.

  • Spare parts and on‑site service within hours.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is EN81‑76?It’s the latest European standard for elevator safety concerning secondary power requirements, published in 2025.

2. Why is secondary power needed?To keep elevators operational safely during power failures, aiding evacuation and preventing entrapment.

3. Can DSW retrofit older lifts/elevators?Yes—DSW designs systems to fit older lifts without full replacement.

4. How long does the battery provide backup?Standard runtime is 2 hours, customisable per spec to exceed EN81‑76 thresholds i.e. 30 trips, 15 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours etc.

5. What about certification?Each system includes documentation and testing records to satisfy compliance audits.

6. Is maintenance included?DSW offers service plans and remote diagnostics to ensure ongoing reliability.


Future Trends in Elevator Safety & Power Backup

Emerging trends include:

  • IoT-connected backup systems for proactive fault detection.

  • Integration with building energy management systems (BEMS) for optimised power use.

  • Advanced battery chemistries such as solid‑state batteries.

External References/Resources

  • EN 81‑76 specification and overview

  • Elevator safety authorities’ guidance (e.g. ElevatorWorld, Cedants)


Conclusion

The launch of EN81-76 sets a new benchmark for elevator safety. DSW Solutions offers a reliable, compliant secondary power supply solution that fits seamlessly in both existing and new installations. Their expertise ensures minimal disruption, certified compliance, and long-term peace of mind.


📞 To discuss how DSW Solutions can upgrade your building or schedule an assessment, please reach out to their engineering team today. Info@dsw-solutions.com

 
 
 

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