BRITISH STANDARD BS 5655-9:

1985
Incorporating
Amendment No. 2

Lifts and service lifts

Part 9: Specification for guide rails
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UDC [621.876.11 + 692.66]:621.86.078.1

 BS 5655-9:1985

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Mechanical

Handling Standards Committee (MHE/-) to Technical Committee MHE/4 upon
which the following bodies were represented:

Associated Offices Technical Committee

Association of County Councils
British Broadcasting Corporation
British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA)
British Railways Board
British Retailers Association
Bureau of Engineer Surveyors
Chartered Institution of Building Services
Consumer Standards Advisory Committee of BSI
Department of Health and Social Security
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
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Department of the Environment (PSA)

Department of Trade and Industry (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Division)
Department of Transport
Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union
Engineer Surveyors Section of ASTMS
Federation of Wire Rope Manufacturers of Great Britain
Greater London Council
Health and Safety Executive
Independent Engineering Insurers Committee
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Production Engineers
London Regional Transport
Mechanical Handling Engineers Association
National Association of Lift Makers
Post Office
Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation
Scottish Development Department

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Mechanical
Handling Standards Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Board of BSI
and comes into effect on
28 February 1985
Amendments issued since publication

BSI 02-1999 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

5186 July 1986 Indicated by a sideline in the margin

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard: 5786 January 1988
Committee reference MHE/4
Draft for comment 81/78550 DC

ISBN 0 580 14165 9

 BS 5655-9:1985

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Symbols and units 1
4 Guide rails 2
5 Fishplates 2
6 Surface treatment 3
Appendix A Evaluation of forces and stresses on guide rails 10
Figure 1 Location of principal axes 3
Figure 2 Section of guide rails 4
Figure 3 Details of guide rail ends 5
Figure 4 Detail of guide rail end drilling and associated fishplate 7
Figure 5 Straightness measurement 8
Figure 6 Twist measurement 9
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Figure 7 Safety gear forces 14

Figure 8 Class A loading and associated horizontal forces 14
Figure 9 Total mass v. Fixing spaces 15
Figure 10 Force Bx v. Fixing spaces 16
Figure 11 Force By v. Fixing spaces 17
Table 1 Physical properties of guide rails 3
Table 2 Dimensions of guide rail sections 4
Table 3 Dimensions for guide rail ends 6
Table 4 Dimensions of guide rail end drilling and associated fishplate 8
Table 5 Straightness ratio B : A 8
Table 6 Permissible twist 9
Table 7 Maximum permissible stresses in guide rail 11
Publications referred to Inside back cover

BSI 02-1999 i
 BS 5655-9:1985

Foreword

This Part of BS 5655, prepared under the direction of the Mechanical Handling
Standards Committee, is the ninth Part of BS 5655 relating to lifts and service
lifts, which will be progressively published to supersede portions of BS 2655. The
complete standard will comprise the following Parts.
Part 1: Safety rules for the construction and installation of electric lifts
(implementing EN 81/1), together with PD 6500 Explanatory supplement to
BS 5655-1;
Part 2: Specification for hydraulic lifts;
Part 31): Safety rules for the construction and installation of electric service
lifts (will implement EN 81-3);
Part 41): Safety rules for the construction and installation of hydraulic
service lifts (will implement EN 81-4 if published);
Part 5: Specification for dimensions of standard electric lift arrangements
(implementing ISO 4190/1 and ISO 4190/3);
Part 62): Code of practice for selection and installation;
Part 7: Specification for manual control devices, indicators and additional
fittings (implementing ISO 4190/5);
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Part 8: Specification for eyebolts for lift suspension;

Part 9: Specification for guide rails (implementing ISO 7465);
Part 102): Methods for testing and inspecting electric and hydraulic lifts.
The publication of further Parts is anticipated.
This Part implements the technical requirements of ISO 7465-1983 Passenger
lifts and service lifts Guide rails for lifts and counterweights T type,
published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The
national committee has however decided to optimize the selection of sizes for use
in the United Kingdom and to include a number of other sizes of rail not included
in the International Standard: the ISO sizes are identified in this British
Standard.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 18, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

1) Not yet in preparation.

2) In preparation.

ii BSI 02-1999
 BS 5655-9:1985

1 Scope Measurements Symbol Unit

This Part of BS 5655 specifies the grades and Foot depth at its extremity in a g mm
quality, the dimensional characteristics and transverse plane
tolerances and the surface finish of nine sizes of tee Guide height at the level of the h mm
section guide rails and their fishplates. machined surface for the location
The dimensional tolerances include the tolerances of the fishplate
on shape, straightness, twisting and Sectional height of guide h1 mm
perpendicularity defects.
Moment of inertia of the Ixx cm4
In addition, this Part defines the designation cross-sectional area of the guide
system for the guide rails. related to the x-x axis
Appendix A provides instructions to lift contractors Moment of inertia of the Iyy
on how to evaluate the forces and stresses on, and cm4
cross-sectional area of the guide
deflections of, guide rails under normal operating related to the y-y axis
conditions and during safety gear operation and
hence select the appropriate guide rail and its Radius of gyration corresponding ixx mm
maximum fixing spaces for each installation. to the x-x axis
The standard is applicable to guide rails used in lift Radius of gyration corresponding iyy mm
to the y-y axis
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and service lift installations to provide optimum

guiding for the lift car and its counterweight. Blade width k mm
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard Machined surface length for the l mm
are listed on the inside back cover.
location of the fishplate
2 Definitions Fishplate length l1 mm
For the purposes of this Part of BS 5655, the Distance, in the guide l2 mm
following definitions apply. longitudinal direction, between
the axis of the farthest holes from
2.1 the end of the guide and this end
guide rail
and
a component that provides guiding for a lift car or its
counterweight, if there is one Distance, in the fishplate mm
longitudinal direction, between
2.2 the axis of the farthest holes from
fishplate the transverse axis of the
a component used to connect guide rails fishplate and this axis
Distance, in the guide l3 mm
3 Symbols and units longitudinal direction, between
The following symbols and corresponding units of the axis of the nearest holes from
measurement are used in this Part of BS 5655. the end of the guide and this end
Measurements Symbol Unit and
Guide width b1 mm Distance, in the fishplate mm
longitudinal direction, between
Fishplate width b2 mm the axis of the nearest holes from
Distance between the axes of the b3 mm the transverse axis of the
holes (in the transverse direction fishplate and this axis
of the guide) Machining sub-length for the lx mm
Width of the connecting part of c mm location of the fishplate ly
the foot to the blade
Width of the keyway for the m1 mm
Hole diameter d mm junction of the guides
Countersink or counterbore d1 mm Width of the key for the junction m2 mm
diameter (optional) of the guides
Distance from the rear surface of e mm Blade height n mm
guide rail to its centre of gravity
Foot depth (in the case of a p mm
Foot depth at its connection with f mm flat foot)
the blade

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 BS 5655-9:1985

Measurements Symbol Unit 4.4.2 Ends. The dimensions and tolerances of the
Linear density for a finished q1 kg/m key, keyway, fishplate attachment faces and bolt
guide rail holes at each end of the guide rails shall be in
accordance with Table 3 and Table 4.
Mass of a finished fishplate q2 kg
4.4.3 Length. The length of the guide rail shall be
Foot radius rs mm subject to a tolerance of 2 mm.
Cross-sectional area of the guide S cm2 NOTE It is recommended that guide rails should be
manufactured and purchased in 5 m lengths.
Depth of the keyway for the t1 mm 4.5 Surface texture
junction of the guides
The surface texture of the guide blade and the
Length of the key for the junction t2 mm surfaces for the attachment of the fishplate, when
of the guides assessed in accordance with BS 1134-1, shall
Fishplate thickness v mm comply with the following:
Cross-sectional area modulus Wxx cm3 a) Blade surfaces (see Figure 2)
related to the x-x axis 1) longitudinal direction:
Cross-sectional area modulus Wyy cm3 cold drawn: 3.2 4m # Ra # 6.3 4m
related to the y-y axis
machined: Ra = 1.6 4m;
Permissible twist prime/m
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4 Guide rails
4.1 Designation
Guide rails shall be designated as follows.
1st element. Reference to this standard,
i.e. BS 5655/9
2nd element. Guide shape, i.e. T
3rd element. Nominal width of rail foot, in
millimetres, e.g. 50, 70, etc., with,
where relevant, the number of the
variant for different profiles with
the same foot width.
4th element. Manufacturing process, i.e. cold
drawn A or machined B:
Example
Lift guide rail BS 5655/9 T 127-1/B.
4.2 Physical properties
The physical properties of the guide rails shall
comply with Table 1.
4.3 Material
Guide rails shall be manufactured from a structural
steel and have a tensile strength (Rm) of not less
than 370 N/mm2 and not greater than 520 N/mm2.
NOTE The following steels are recommended:
BS 4360 grade 40A for cold drawn guide rails
BS 4360 grade 43A for machined guide rails
4.4 Dimensions
4.4.1 Sectional. The dimensions and tolerances of
the guide rails at any point along their length shall
be in accordance with Table 2.
2) transverse direction:
cold drawn and
machined: 3.2 4m # Ra # 6.3 4m;
b) Fishplate attachment surface (see Figure 3)
machined: Ra = 6.3 4m.
4.6 Straightness
The maximum straightness ratio A : B of the blade,
illustrated in Figure 5, throughout the length of
finished guide rails shall comply with Table 5
where
A is the shortest distance between reference
point and measuring point;
B is the greatest distance between the
measuring point and the reference plane;
a is the inspection length $ 1 m.
NOTE 1 If the above measurements are made in a non-vertical
attitude, the natural deflection due to the mass of the guide rail
and to the location of the supports may be disregarded.
NOTE 2 It is recommended that the guide rail should have no
repetitive wave effect. For this purpose distance B should be
measured or a fixed length a moving along the entire length of the
rail.
4.7 Twist
The maximum angle of twist in the guide rail,
illustrated in Figure 6, measured over a
length $ 1 m, shall comply with Table 6.
5 Fishplates
5.1 Material
Fishplates shall be manufactured from the same
steel used in the manufacture of the guide rails
(see 4.3).
5.2 Dimensions
The dimensions of the fishplates shall be in
accordance with Table 4.

2 BSI 02-1999
 BS 5655-9:1985

6 Surface treatment
Guide rails and fishplates shall be supplied in the
self-colour condition, free from rust and shall be
covered all over with a wax or oil-based corrosion
preventative coating.
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Figure 1 Location of principal axes

Table 1 Physical properties of guide rails
Designation S q1 e Ixx Wxx ixx Iyy Wyy iyy Former
A = Cold drawn designationb
B = Machined

cm2 kg/m mm cm4 cm3 mm cm4 cm3 mm

T 50/A a 4.75 3.73 14.3 11.24 3.15 15.4 5.25 2.10 10.5
T 70-3/B 11.54 9.30 17.3 27.50 8.52 15.2 25.8 7.54 15.0 T 163
T 75-3/Ba 10.99 8.63 18.6 40.35 9.29 19.2 26.49 7.06 15.5
T 89/Ba 15.70 12.30 20.7 59.60 14.50 19.5 52.50 11.80 18.3 T 161
T 127-1/Ba 22.50 17.8 27.0 187.00 30.00 28.6 151.00 24.00 26.5 T 12
T 127-2/B a 28.90 22.70 24.6 200.00 31.00 26.3 234.00 36.80 28.5 T 160
T 140-1/B 35.10 27.50 32.0 403.00 52.90 33.8 310.00 44.40 29.7 T 171
T 140-2B 43.22 32.70 34.8 452.00 67.50 32.5 365.00 52.30 29.2 T 22
T 140-3B 57.35 47.60 44.2 946.00 114.00 40.6 488.00 70.00 29.2 T 32
a
Guide rail specified in ISO 7465.
b
An informal designation formerly used by the industry.

BSI 02-1999 3
 BS 5655-9:1985
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NOTE For surface texture of blade refer to 4.5.

Figure 2 Section of guide rails
.
Table 2 Dimensions of guide rail sections
Designation b1 h1 k n c g f p rs Style
A = Cold drawn
B = Machined mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
Tolerances
0.5 0.15 0.5
T 50/A 50 50 5.00 39.0 5.0 1.00 A
Tolerances
1.5 + 0.10 +3 0.75
0 0

T 70-3/B 70.0 49.2 15.88 25.4 9.5 7.9 9.5 4.76 B

T 75-3/B 75.0 62.0 10.00 30.00 8.0 7.0 9.0 3.00 B
T 89/B 89.0 62.0 15.88 33.4 9.5 7.9 11.1 3.00 B
T 127-1/B 127.0 88.9 15.88 44.5 9.5 7.9 11.1 4.00 B
T 127-2/B 127.0 88.9 15.88 50.8 9.5 12.7 15.9 5.00 B
T 140-1/B 139.7 107.9 19.00 50.0 12.7 12.7 15.9 3.20 B
T 140-2/B 139.7 101.6 28.60 50.8 19.0 14.3 17.0 3.20 B
T 140-3/B 139.7 127.0 31.70 57.1 25.4 17.5 25.4 3.20 B

4 BSI 02-1999
 BSI 02-1999
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BS 5655-9:1985
NOTE Geometrical tolerances are in accordance with BS 308-3.
Figure 3 Details of guide rail ends
5
 BS 5655-9:1985

Table 3 Dimensions for guide rail ends

Designation m1 m2 t1 t2 l lx ly h
A = Cold drawn + 0.06 +0 0.10 0.10 +3 max. max. 0.1
B = Machined 0 0.06 0

mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm

T 50/Aa
T 70-3/B 6.40 6.37 7.14 6.35 156 14 10 47.6
T 75-3/B 3.00 2.95 3.50 3.00 123 10 10 61.0
T 89/B 6.40 6.37 7.14 6.35 156 14 10 61.0
T 127-1/B 6.40 6.37 7.14 6.35 156 32 10 88.0
T 127-2/B 6.40 6.37 7.14 6.35 156 32 10 88.0
T 140-1/B 6.35 6.35 5.56 4.76 216 32 10 106.0
T 140-2/B 6.35 6.35 5.56 4.76 187 32 10 100.0
T 140-3/B 6.35 6.35 5.56 4.76 216 32 10 125.0
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a
There are no standard end dimensions for this size of guide rail.

6 BSI 02-1999
 BS 5655-9:1985
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NOTE Geometrical tolerances are in accordance with BS 308-3.

Figure 4 Detail of guide rail end drilling and associated fishplate

BSI 02-1999 7
 BS 5655-9:1985

Table 4 Dimensions of guide rail end drilling and associated fishplate

Designation d d1a b2 b3 l1 l2 l3 v q2b
A = Cold drawn mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm kg
B = Machined
Tolerances
0.3 1.5 0.2 0.2
T 50/A 9 50 30 200 75 25 8 0.60
Tolerances
0.2 1.5 0.2 0.2 +2
0
T 70-3/B 13.5 70 46.0 385 114 38.0 12.0 2.00
T 75-3/B 13.0 26 75 43.0 240 90 30.0 8.5 1.05
T 89/B 13.0 26 90 57.2 305 114.3 38.1 13.0 2.70
T 127-1/B 17.0 33 130 79.4 305 114.3 38.1 17.0 5.00
T 127-2/B 17.0 33 130 79.4 305 114.3 38.1 17.0 5.00
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T 140-1/B 19.8 140 92.0 368 152 32.0 25.4 10.25

T 140-2/B 19.8 140 92.0 368 152 32.0 25.4 10.25
T 140-3/B 19.8 140 89.0 406 165 38.0 32.0 14.26
a
Dimension d1 relates to diameter of countersink or counterbore when this alternative feature is specified by customer in his order.
b
Data provided for information only.

NOTE Datum A and datum B are identified in Figure 3.

Figure 5 Straightness measurement

Table 5 Straightness ratio B : A

Guide type B/A max.
Cold drawn T 50/A 0.001 6
Machined 0.001 0

8 BSI 02-1999
 BS 5655-9:1985

Figure 6 Twist measurement

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Table 6 Permissible twist

Guide rail type max.
Cold drawn T 50/A 50 9/m
Machined 30 9/m

BSI 02-1999 9
 BS 5655-9:1985

Appendix A Evaluation of forces and Measurements Symbol Unit

stresses on guide rails Blade height n mm
A.1 Introduction Mass of lift car P kg
The buckling stress formulae given in clause 10 Vertical load imposed on guide Pf N
Notes of BS 5655-1:1979 ignore some important rail by safety gear jaws
components of stress and are an over-simplification Rated load of lift Q kg
requiring greater attention to detail in the following
manner. Mass of the counterweight R kg
This appendix should therefore be used by lift Cross-sectional area of the guide S cm2
contractors and others for evaluating the forces and rail
stresses on, and deflections of guide rails under Specifically known lift load T kg
normal operating conditions and during safety gear
Cross-sectional area modulus of Wxx cm3
operation and hence in selecting the appropriate
guide rails and their maximum fixing spaces for guide rail about x-x axis
each lift installation. Maximum permissible deflection mm
A.2 Symbols and units of guide rail, midway between
fittings
The following symbols and corresponding units of
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measurement are used in this appendix. Wherever
possible the symbols follow those quoted in clause 3
of this standard.
Measurements
Deceleration by safety gear
Horizontal force on guide rails,
measured along a line passing
through a pair of guide rails
Horizontal force on guide rails,
measured at right angles to Bx
Width of lift car
Depth of lift car
Youngs modulus for guide rail
material
Distance from rear surface of
guide rail to its centre of gravity
Acceleration due to gravity
Vertical distance between guide
shoes
Sectional height of guide rail
Horizontal distance from
x-x axis of guide rail to point of
application of safety gear jaw
loading
Moment of inertia of the
cross-sectional area of the guide
rail related to the x-x axis
Maximum distance between
guide brackets
Distance from sill of car to centre
of car suspension
Maximum permissible stress in k N/mm2
guide rail material
A.3 General
Symbol Unit
The selection of guide rails for optimum
a m/s2 performance is based upon two sets of criteria:
Bx N a) their performance during conditions of safety
gear operation evaluated by reference to
clause 10 Notes of BS 5655-1:1979;
By N b) their performance in normal operation,
particularly in the circumstances of uneven load
distribution in the lift car during loading and
b mm running, as described in BS 5655-63).
d mm In case a) an overall safety factor of 2.5 is adopted
E and in case b) a safety factor of 5 is adopted; the
N/mm2
factor being related to the ultimate tensile strength
(Rm) of the guide rail material.
e mm
A.4 Evaluation of forces and stresses on guide
rails during safety gear operation
gn m/s2 A.4.1 During safety gear operation a vertical length
H mm of guide rail is subject to two principal loadings that
are not present in normal operation.
h1 mm a) A vertical compressive force applied by the
safety gear jaws, which tend to buckle the guide
he mm rail (see Figure 7). It is essential that this
buckling stress, which is defined in terms of the
coefficient of slenderness, does not exceed a
certain critical value.
Ixx cm4
lk mm
m mm

3)
In preparation.

10 BSI 02-1999

b) A bending moment, producing bending
stresses, caused by the same vertical force, due to
the fact that it is applied eccentrically, i.e. at a
distance from the neutral axis of the guide rail. It
is essential that the combination of the bending
stress and the purely vertical element of loading
neither produces a combined stress that exceeds
a defined permissible level, nor produces a
deflection that is too great.
A.4.2 The relationship between the applied safety
gear force on the guide rail and the permissible
stress in the guide rail material can be given by the
following equation:
(1)
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This is more simply demonstrated in graphical form
as shown in Figure 9, i.e. the left-hand portion of the
curves.
In addition, at higher values of guide fixing spaces,
lk, it is essential that the guide deflection be limited
in order to avoid the risk of shoe disengagement
from the guide.
This deflection is to be limited to a maximum
of 0.25 length of machined face of the guide rail,
i.e. 0.25n.
This is given by the following equation:
(2)
This is also shown graphically in Figure 9,
i.e. right-hand drooping portion of the curves.
In evaluating equations 1 and 2.
a) he = (h1 n/2 e), assuming the point of safety
gear jaw application is midway along the
machined or working surface of the guide rail;
b) E = 2.07 105 N/mm2.
c) k has the values given in Table 7.
Table 7 Maximum permissible stresses in
guide rail
Tensile strength, Rm Maximum permissible
stressa, k
N/mm2 N/mm2
370 140
430 170
520 210
a
Based upon safety factor 2.5 (see A.2).
BSI 02-1999
BS 5655-9:1985
d) Pf is related to the mass of the lift car plus its
rated load multiplied by a factor of 10, 15 or 25
depending upon the type of safety gear employed
(see BS 5655-1):
2Pf gn (P + Q) = a (P + Q), hence
(P + Q)
P f = -------------------- ( a + g n ) (3)
2
Assuming gn = 10 ms2, then
Pf = 10 (P + Q), for progressive safety gear
(a = 10);
Pf = 15 (P + Q), for captive roller safety gear
(a = 20);
Pf = 25 (P + Q), for instantaneous safety gear,
excepting captive roller type (a = 40).
A.4.3 For practical purposes, the important
application of the guide rail stress and deflection in
equations 1 and 2 when taken together is to
determine, for a given distance between guide
brackets lk, what maximum car plus rated
load (P + Q) can be tolerated. Since the vertical
load Pf is directly related to (P + Q), according to
equation 3, it is convenient to present graphically on
the same diagram for different types of safety gear
the maximum permissible values of (P + Q) for
defined values of fixing spaces lk.
Figure 9 shows these relationships for the range of
guide rails specified in this Part of BS 5655, based
upon the above method of calculation. Each curve
comprises two portions, the left-hand portion is
based upon equation 1 for lower values of lk and
where the stress is the limiting factor, and the
right-hand portion is based upon equation 2 for
higher values of lk where deflection is the critical
factor.
A.4.4 When counterweight safety gear is used,
adopt the same basis of calculation using the mass
of the counterweight in the preceding equations,
where appropriate.
When calculating the mass of the empty lift car and
its counterweight, also take into account, where
appropriate, the proportionate mass of attachments
such as travelling cables and compensating ropes
and chains.
11
 BS 5655-9:1985

A.5 Evaluation of forces and stresses on guide or

rails during normal operation 2) equal to ( car width 1 220 mm)
A.5.1 Load distribution in lift car i.e.
A.5.1.1 General. In normal operation lift guide rails
are subject to horizontal loads caused by uneven
distribution of load both during movement and, (7)
especially, during loading and unloading at landing
level. For the purpose of calculating the loads and
stresses in the car and the guide rails examples of whichever is the greater, along the line joining
formal loading conditions are given. However, if the guide rails, or;
special loading conditions are known, similar
b) equal to one-twelfth of the car depth along the
calculations should be made on the basis of these
front to back axis of the car, i.e.
special loads.
A.5.1.2 Passenger and general goods loading:
class A. Class A loading applies where, when the (8)
load is distributed, the mass of any single piece of
goods, or of any single hand truck and its load, is not
greater than one-quarter of the rated load of the lift, To take account of loading conditions on the car
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and the load is handled on and off the car platform
manually or by means of hand trucks.
To assess the maximum thrust on the guide rails,
through the shoes, assume that 50 % of the rated
load is placed at a distance from the point of
suspension:
a) equal to one-quarter of car width, along the line
joining the guide rails; or,
b) equal to one-quarter of car depth, along the
back to front axis of the car.
In case a) this results in a force Bx on the guide rail
(see Figure 8):
(4)
Similarly, in case b) this results in a force By on the
guide rail:
(5)
A.5.1.3 Motor vehicles loading: class B.Class B
loading applies where the lift is used solely for
carrying motor trucks or passenger cars up to the
rated capacity of the lift. To assess the maximum
thrust to the guide rails through the shoes, while
the lift is moving, assume the entire rated load to be
placed at a distance from the point of suspension
that is:
a) either:
1) equal to one-eighth of the car
width, i.e.
while stationary at a floor level, allow for half the
rated load being imposed on the car sill, hence
(9)
In place of Q/2 being imposed on the sill, the specific
load T, if known, could be substituted in equation 9,
then
(10)
A.5.1.4 Heavy goods loading: class C. Class C
loading applies to heavy goods loading, exceeding
class A loading where power or hand trucks are used
for carrying the load in transit, or only for loading
and unloading the lift or for other concentrated
loads.
To assess the maximum thrust on the guide rails
through the shoes, while the lift is moving, assume
the entire rated load is placed at a distance from the
point of suspension that is:
a) equal to one-quarter of the car width, along the
line joining the guide rails; or
b) equal to one-quarter of the car depth, along the
back to front axis of the car.
In case a) this results in a force Bx on the guide rail
(see Figure 8):
(11)

(6)

12 BSI 02-1999

Similarly in case b) this results in a force By on the
guide rail:
(12)
To take account of loading conditions on the car
while stationary at a floor level, allow for half the
rated load being imposed on the car sill, hence
(9)
In place of Q/2 being imposed on the sill, the specific
load T, if known, could be substituted in equation 9,
then
(10)
Licensed copy:IMPERIAL COLLEGE, 16/09/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, BSI
A.5.2 Eccentric mass of counterweight
Side forces on counterweight guide rails may be
caused through misalignment of the centre of
gravity in relation to the line of suspension along
the line joining the guide rails.
For calculation purposes, assume that the mass of
the counterweight is 20 mm off-centre either along
the line joining the guide rails or on the back to front
axis, then
(13)
(14)
A.5.3 Compensating ropes or chains, etc.
If compensating ropes and chains, or travelling
cables are of significant mass, calculate their effect
on side forces on the basis of the distance of their
suspension points from the main suspension points
of the car and counterweight. Take into account the
direction of their moments; they may partly
counteract one another.
BSI 02-1999
BS 5655-9:1985
A.5.4 Performance criteria based on deflection
and stress in guide rails
A.5.4.1 Considering a length of guide rail, which is
subject to horizontal forces Bx or By, calculated from
the preceding equations, as a simple beam with a
certain degree of constraint on the fixing points, if
such a force is imposed midway between the guide
rail fixings, the horizontal deflection at the midpoint
will be
(15)
where
I is Ixx or Iyy;
B is Bx or By, as appropriate.
NOTE 1 The constant factor in equation 15 would be 48 for pin
jointed ends and 192 for fixed ends.
The factor 104 relates to conversion of I from cm4 to mm4 units.
The corresponding maximum bending stress will be
(16)
where W is Wxx or Wyy, as appropriate.
NOTE 2 The constant factor in equation 16 would be four for
pin jointed ends and eight for fixed ends.
The factor 103 relates to conversion of W from cm3 to mm3 units.
A.5.4.2 For satisfactory running of the lift, ensure
that the maximum deflection of the guide rail,
calculated according to equation 15, for each of the
two directions, does not exceed 3 mm in the
direction of the force Bx, nor 6 mm in the direction of
the force By.
A.5.4.3 In addition ensure that the guide rail fixings
are so designed and built that the total deflection of
the guide rail during normal running and loading
does not exceed 6 mm, in the direction of the force
Bx, nor 9 mm in the direction of the force By.
A.5.4.4 Also ensure that the maximum stress in the
guide rails, calculated according to equation 16,
does not exceed 85 N/mm2, based on the use of steel
having a tensile strength of 430 N/mm2, to give a
safety factor of 5.
A.5.4.5 Figure 10 and Figure 11 show the
relationship between horizontal forces Bx and By
and the maximum distance, lk, between guide rail
fixings which satisfy the requirements of A.5.4.2
and A.5.4.4 for the range of guide rails specified in
this Part of BS 5655.
13
 BS 5655-9:1985
Licensed copy:IMPERIAL COLLEGE, 16/09/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, BSI

Figure 7 Safety gear forces

Figure 8 Class A loading and associated horizontal forces

14 BSI 02-1999
 BS 5655-9:1985
Licensed copy:IMPERIAL COLLEGE, 16/09/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, BSI

NOTE This is based upon steel having a tensile strength of 430 N/mm2.
Figure 9 Total mass v. Fixing spaces

BSI 02-1999 15
 BS 5655-9:1985
Licensed copy:IMPERIAL COLLEGE, 16/09/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, BSI

NOTE This is based upon steel having a tensile strength of 430 N/mm2.
Figure 10 Force Bx v. Fixing spaces

16 BSI 02-1999
 BS 5655-9:1985
Licensed copy:IMPERIAL COLLEGE, 16/09/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, BSI

NOTE This is based upon steel having a tensile strength of 430 N/mm2.
Figure 11 Force By v. Fixing spaces
.

BSI 02-1999 17
Licensed copy:IMPERIAL COLLEGE, 16/09/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, BSI

18
blank
 BS 5655-9:1985

Publications referred to

BS 308, Engineering drawing practice.

BS 308-3, Geometrical tolerancing.
BS 1134, Method for the assessment of surface texture.
BS 1134-1, Method and instrumentation.
BS 4360, Specification for weldable structural steels.
Licensed copy:IMPERIAL COLLEGE, 16/09/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, BSI

BSI 02-1999
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