What if you’re in an elevator when the fire breaks out?

Answer

Dear Iris,

It is correct that you are not allowed to use an elevator in the event of a fire in a building. The reason for this is that standard elevators are not designed to withstand elevated temperatures for a long period of time. In some specific cases, lifts are built that can withstand a fire and can therefore be used in the event of a fire. Since this is extremely exceptional, I will not go into further detail.

Passenger elevators today, and for decades past, must comply with building fire codes.

On the one hand, this means that the temperature is measured at the height of the engine room and the electrical controls. As soon as an exceptionally high temperature is measured (e.g. > 50 °C), the lift will automatically go to a predefined or the nearest level so that the passengers can disembark.

On the other hand, an elevator is connected to the fire detection of the building and, as soon as a fire signal arrives, will also automatically go to a level so that passengers can get out.

In both cases, the temperature in the vital parts remains acceptable in the short period of time to reach the flight level.

Once you have left the lift, you can follow the standard escape routes.

Regards,

Jeroen Engelen