Fire-Resistant Elevators: A Critical Element in Building Safety

Elevators are essential components of modern buildings, but they pose specific safety challenges during fires. This is particularly true in high-rise buildings, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure, where fire-resistant elevators are vital for the safety of both occupants and emergency responders. These elevators are specially designed to withstand fire, high temperatures, and smoke. Their performance is rated according to international fire safety standards.

Fire resistance is typically classified into different ratings, commonly identified as E, EW, and EI.

What Do E, EW, and EI Ratings Mean?

Fire-resistant structures—including elevators—are evaluated using a three-component standard based on the European EN 13501-2 classification system:

1. E (Integrity)

An elevator with an E rating is designed to maintain its structural integrity for a specified period during a fire. The elevator components can resist exposure to flames and hot gases for a defined duration—typically 30, 60, or 90 minutes (e.g., E30, E60, E90).
For example, E60 means the construction will prevent fire penetration for 60 minutes.

This rating is crucial because elevators must remain sealed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other floors.

2. EW (Integrity + Radiation Control)

EW-rated elevators offer a higher level of fire protection. In addition to structural integrity (E level), they also limit the transmission of radiant heat. This added protection reduces the risk of ignition on the non-fire side and improves occupant safety.
For example, EW60 indicates fire containment and radiant heat control for 60 minutes.

EW-rated elevators are especially important in areas where heat exposure could be dangerous or cause secondary ignition.

3. EI (Integrity + Insulation)

The EI rating represents the highest level of fire protection. Elevators in this category are designed to maintain both structural integrity and thermal insulation—ensuring the non-fire side stays below critical temperature thresholds.
For example, EI90 means the elevator maintains both containment and thermal insulation for 90 minutes.

This level of protection is especially critical in tall buildings, where safe transport during a fire must be maintained as long as possible.

Why Are Fire-Resistant Elevators Important?

• Essential in critical buildings: Elevators must function during fires to enable safe evacuation.

• Access for emergency personnel: Firefighters and rescue teams need rapid vertical movement.

• Fire containment: Properly designed shafts and doors help prevent fire from spreading to other floors.

• Compliance with standards: In Georgia—especially in Tbilisi—building codes often follow European standards. Compliance with fire and rescue services is essential to obtain occupancy permits.

Fire-resistant elevators play a pivotal role in overall building safety. During a fire, these systems help people evacuate safely and enable emergency teams to access higher floors quickly. Without fire-rated elevators, the shaft can become a trap, and residents may be exposed to heat and smoke, making evacuation more dangerous.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fire-Resistant Elevator

• Compliance with EI / EW / E classifications – Determine how many minutes of fire resistance are required.

• Shaft material and construction – Must be non-combustible and fireproof.

• Independent power source – The elevator should function even during a power outage.

• Integration with fire alarm systems – The elevator should automatically respond to fire alarms and shift to safety mode.

When selecting an elevator for a building, fire resistance should be a top priority. At LS Lifts, we focus not only on technical performance but also on safety—ensuring that your elevators provide reliable service and protect lives in emergency situations2