What is BS EN 12016 – Electromagnetic immunity of lifts, escalators and moving walks about?
BS EN 12016 is a European Standard that discusses the electromagnetic compatibility for lifts, escalators and moving walks. BS EN 12016 has been prepared to provide one means of conforming to the requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive, the Lifts Directive and the Machinery Directive. The requirements of BS EN 12016 have been specified so as to ensure an adequate level of electromagnetic immunity for most cases.
BS EN 12016 specifies the immunity performance criteria and test levels for apparatus used in lifts, escalators and moving walks which are intended to be permanently installed in buildings including the basic safety requirements in regard to their electromagnetic environment. These levels represent essential EMC requirements.
BS EN 12016 refers to EM conditions as existing in residential, office and industrial buildings.
BS EN 12016 addresses commonly known EMC related hazards and hazardous situations relevant to lifts, escalators and moving walks when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the lift installer or escalator and/or moving walk manufacturer.
Note 1: BS EN 12016 does not apply to other apparatus already proven to be in conformity to the EMC Directive, and not related to the safety of the lift, escalator or moving walk, such as lighting apparatus, communication apparatus, etc.
Note 2: BS EN 12016 does not apply to electromagnetic environments such as:
- Radio-transmitter stations
- Railways and metros
- Heavy industrial plant
- Electricity power station,
which need additional investigations
Who is BS EN 12016 - Electromagnetic immunity of lifts, escalators and moving walks for? 
BS EN 12016 on electromagnetic immunity of lifts, escalators and moving walks is relevant to: 
- Lift installer or escalator and/or moving walk manufacturer
- Product designers
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Mechanical engineers
- Regulatory bodies
- Local and national authorities
- Certification bodies
Why should you use BS EN 12016 - Electromagnetic immunity of lifts, escalators and moving walks?
Electromagnetic immunity for lifts, escalators and moving walks needs to be assessed for its safe and reliable use, such that hazards emerging from safety circuit failures are minimized.
Test levels and immunity performance criteria are defined for:
- Apparatus which are safety components or are used in conjunction with safety components, (safety circuits)
- Apparatus used in general function circuits
The test levels and requirements are given on the basis that the apparatus, generally, is connected to a low voltage system.
The requirements for safety circuits provide one means of demonstrating conformity with the essential health and safety requirements of the Lifts Directive and the Machinery Directive with regard to immunity against electromagnetic phenomena.
As a result, BS EN 12016 is your guide on ensuring the apparatus or assembly of apparatus operate as intended, without degradation of performance or loss of function.
