Lift Pit: Minimum Depth and Requirements

The lift pit is the space located directly beneath the cabin that houses the safety and cushioning components of the equipment. Its depth depends on the type of lift and the applicable regulations, such as EN 81-20, which sets the minimum requirements to ensure safe and accessible operation. Understanding this space is essential for planning any installation with guarantees, especially in lift and elevator projects.

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What Is a Lift Pit?

The lift pit is the lower space of the lift shaft, situated below the level of the lowest floor. Its main function is to house the safety components and cushioning systems that protect the cabin and users in the event of an overshoot or unexpected descent.

This space acts as the “technical cushion” of the lift: an essential area for housing buffers, safety switches, inspection points and elements that allow technicians to safely access the system. It also plays a structural role, allowing the lift to stop safely without the cabin hitting the building floor directly.

In our daily work we see how, in many buildings, the design of the pit conditions the entire installation. That is why it is essential for it to be correctly dimensioned from the outset and compliant with regulations, as it also facilitates maintenance and periodic inspections, which are crucial for the safety and durability of the equipment.

What Is the Lift Pit Used For?

The pit is a key element of the lifting system. These are its main functions:

Ensure the lift’s safety during any unexpected manoeuvre, acting as a controlled stopping space.
House the buffers, which absorb energy if the cabin descends further than expected.
Facilitate maintenance, as it allows technicians to access lift components safely.
Protect mechanical elements that require a low position within the travel path.
Ensure correct alignment of the cabin with the lowest floor, avoiding steps or uneven levels that hinder accessibility.
Allow the installation of additional systems, such as pit lighting, access ladder or the oil retention tray in hydraulic lifts.

From our experience at Elevadores Vilber, especially in existing buildings, we know that a well-designed pit prevents issues, facilitates lift maintenance and directly contributes to user safety. When space is lacking or the pit is incorrectly built, problems can multiply: leaks, difficult access, cabin impacts or even the impossibility of installing certain lift models.

That is why it is essential that this space is dimensioned and built according to clear technical and regulatory criteria, always with the goal of offering a safe, stable and accessible lift.

What Depth Should a Lift Pit Have According to Regulations?

The depth of the lift pit is mainly regulated by the EN 81-20 standard, which sets the safety requirements for lift installation and operation in Europe. In conventional lifts, this standard requires sufficient lower space for buffers, safety systems and maintenance personnel to work safely.

In general, a standard pit depth is usually between 1.00 and 1.20 metres. This may vary depending on the lift model, load capacity, travel height and building characteristics. In installations with structural limitations, as is common in many existing buildings, specific solutions can be applied to reduce this depth while still meeting safety requirements.

Certain local or regional regulations may require additional adjustments, particularly in matters of accessibility or moisture protection. Therefore, a technical study adapted to each case is always recommended.

As a general guide, these are the most common pit depths:

Indicative Pit Depth Table

Type of Lift	Typical Depth	Applicable Regulations
Conventional traction	1.00–1.20 m	EN 81-20
Hydraulic	0.80–1.20 m	EN 81-20
Home lift / reduced speed	10–25 cm	EN 81-41 / specific solutions
Lift in existing building with limitations	Variable according to study	EN 81-21

A correct pit depth not only ensures safety but also enables more agile, reliable and durable maintenance.

Pit Depth According to Lift Type

The exact pit depth is not the same for all lifts. Each system uses different components and requires a lower space adapted to its operating method. It is therefore important to analyse each case and select the most suitable solution for the building, intended use and accessibility needs.

Below we detail the main differences between the various lift types and how these affect the required pit depth.

Traction Lift

Traction lifts generally require a deeper pit, as they use a counterweight and guide system that demands additional space to ensure a safe stop. Typical depth is between 1.00 and 1.20 metres.

The elements that require this lower space are:

Cabin and counterweight buffers, which absorb energy in case of overshoot.
Counterweight guides, which require free travel down to the bottom of the shaft.
Pulleys and systems linked to the frame, which must be properly housed.
Safety space for maintenance personnel, required by regulations.

This type of lift is common in buildings with medium or high travel distances, where the system’s higher energy efficiency compensates for the need for a deeper pit.

Hydraulic Lift

In hydraulic lifts, pit depth is usually slightly smaller, as the system does not use a counterweight. Typical depth ranges from 0.80 to 1.20 metres, depending on the model and safety components.

The components affecting pit depth include:

Hydraulic piston, which pushes the cabin and requires space for the lower part of the cylinder.
Buffers, to absorb energy in case of unexpected descent.
Retention tray, required to contain possible oil leaks.
Inspection and maintenance elements, such as pit lighting or switches.

This type of lift is common in low-rise buildings, where the mechanical simplicity and smooth movement are valued.

Home Lifts or Reduced-Speed Lifts

In private homes or reduced-speed installations, regulations allow very shallow pits, normally between 10 and 25 centimetres. This makes installation much easier in existing houses or spaces where a conventional pit cannot be excavated.

When a pit cannot be built, the following solutions may be applied:

Create a minimal pit by removing the flooring.
Install a ramp at the ground floor.
Use pitless lifts, provided they comply with the relevant regulations.

These solutions are designed to make a home accessible without major building works, and are ideal for users with reduced mobility or elderly people who want independence at home.

At Elevadores Vilber we work daily with these configurations, offering safe alternatives adapted to each situation.

What Elements Must a Lift Pit Include?

A lift pit must include several components that guarantee safety, access and proper maintenance of the system. These elements are regulated and are essential for the lift to operate safely.

Essential elements:

Buffers: absorb energy if the cabin or counterweight descends more than expected.
Pit stop switch: allows the lift to be stopped during maintenance tasks.
Pit lighting: ensures visibility in the lower area and prevents risks during inspections.
Access ladder: required when pit depth demands it.
Oil retention tray (in hydraulic lifts): contains any oil leaks, avoiding contamination and risks.
Drainage system: evacuates water in case of leaks.
Membranes or waterproof treatments: protect pit walls and floor against humidity.
Inspection points and basic signage: facilitate technical work and enhance safety.

Although each installation may require specific adjustments, these elements form the minimum equipment of a properly built lift pit. At Elevadores Vilber we see daily that a properly equipped pit prevents breakdowns, improves safety and enables fast and efficient maintenance.

Common Pit Problems and How to Prevent Them

Lift pits are particularly prone to problems with moisture, access and maintenance. Identifying these issues early is key to preventing breakdowns and ensuring safe operation.

Most common issues:

Water leaks: common in older buildings or areas with high groundwater levels. Solution: waterproofing and proper drainage.
Rising damp: the pit floor absorbs moisture from the ground. Solution: waterproof coatings on walls and slab.
Occasional flooding: caused by heavy rain or nearby pipe failures. Solution: drains and periodic inspections.
Difficult access: shallow or poorly designed pits hinder maintenance. Solution: adjust access or apply reduced-pit solutions.
Presence of debris or dirt: affects buffer performance and other components. Solution: periodic cleaning.
Poor maintenance: unresolved issues may lead to serious breakdowns.

From our experience at Elevadores Vilber, we often find persistent leaks, pits without drainage or incomplete safety elements in older buildings. Periodic checks and early intervention prevent major damage and extend lift lifespan.

How to Waterproof a Lift Pit

Waterproofing the pit is essential to avoid leaks, damage to lift components and maintenance problems. Various effective methods are available depending on the building’s condition and ground characteristics.

Most commonly used waterproofing methods:

Waterproof membranes: applied on pit walls and floor to create a continuous barrier against moisture. Suitable for new buildings or full refurbishments.
Waterproof mortars: used as a coating and offer strong protection against pressure or capillary moisture. Ideal for small leaks.
Drainage systems: pipes or channels that collect and evacuate water to a safe point. Used when the building is exposed to recurrent leaks.
Perimeter barriers: applied outside the pit walls to stop groundwater from reaching the structure.

The choice of method depends on factors such as building age, soil type and water levels. In installations with persistent leaks, we combine several systems to ensure long-lasting protection. Proper waterproofing not only prevents breakdowns but ensures reliable and safe lift operation for many years.

What Options Exist When a Deep Pit Cannot Be Built?

In many existing buildings, especially older ones, it is not possible to excavate a pit with the standard depth of a conventional lift. This does not prevent installation, but requires specific technical solutions that guarantee safety and compliance. EN 81-21, designed for lifts in existing buildings, allows such adaptations without compromising safety.

The most common alternatives are:

Reduced pit: uses buffers and safety systems designed for lower heights, typically 10–25 cm.
Home lift or reduced-speed lift: designed for minimal pits and ideal for homes or buildings with strong structural limitations.
Ramp at the bottom floor: when no excavation is possible, small ramps can solve the level difference.
Pitless lifts: specific models that allow cabin installation virtually at floor level, within regulatory limits.
Minor floor or ground adjustments: sometimes simply removing the flooring is enough to achieve the minimum required depth.

These solutions bring accessibility to buildings where a lift installation previously seemed impossible.

How Elevadores Vilber Handles These Installations

At Elevadores Vilber we have been installing lifts and accessibility solutions since 1995 in all types of buildings, many of them with insufficient pits or structures that do not allow excavation. Thanks to this experience, we know the challenges presented by older buildings and the limitations that arise in existing construction.

Our technical team analyses each case individually: we study the real depth available, ground conditions, shaft condition and applicable regulations. From there, we propose the most suitable solution, whether a reduced pit, a reduced-speed lift or a specific adaptation according to the building’s possibilities.

Our goal is always the same: to offer a safe, accessible and long-lasting installation, without invasive works and adapted to the needs of each user and community.

If you need to install a lift and your building does not allow a deep pit, we can help you find the most suitable solution. Our technical team can carry out a personalised study and advise you on the available options to guarantee a safe and accessible installation.