Lift ordinance (Germany)

The Lift Ordinance implements the European Lift Directive (95/16/EC) into German law.

The Ordinance applies to the placing on the market of the following new products:
- Lifts that are permanently used in buildings and structures. 
- Safety components used in lifts as defined in point 1.
- Components installed in lifts as defined in point 1.

Please refer to the Lift Ordinance for more detailed information.
Link to the Lift Ordinance

Lift table

DIN EN 1570:2009-12 refers to “Load-lifting device(s) with a load-bearing platform which is guided over the entire range of movement (e.g. by its own mechanism)" as a lift table.

According to this definition, all guided lifting equipment could be called lift tables. In operational practice, however, this term has only become established for scissor lift tables. In this type of design, a scissor scissor structure takes over the guidance of the lifting platform. Other load-lifting devices are also usually designated according to the type of guide, of which the column lift is a good example. If the type of guide is not of interest, we generally speak of lifting platforms.

Lift table, mobile

Mobile lift tables are equipped with a device that allows the scissor lift table to be moved. Fixed castors, a rail undercarriage or air cushions are usually used for this purpose. Due to their mobility, mobile lift tables are often used as lifting work tables .

If the direction of travel is determined by a guide, it is referred to as a guided mobile lift table; otherwise it is a floor-based mobile lift table.
A distinction can also be made between powered and non-powered mobile lift tables. This distinction only refers to an integrated traction drive. A non-powered mobile lift table can still have a hydraulic drive for the lifting movement.

Lift table, stationary

Stationary lifting tables are fixed in one place. They are not intended to be used in a different location.
To prevent a possible risk of tipping or an undesired shifting of the lift table, this type of lift table is usually anchored to the floor.

Lift table, transportable

Transportable lift tables are designed in such a way that it is easy to change their place of use. This means that, for example, the base frame does not need to be fastened to the ground to safely operate the machine. This type of lift table is usually also equipped with a transport device. Only raised base frames, which make it easier to drive a forklift and push a pallet truck under it, as well as screw-in lugs for transport with overhead cranes should be mentioned as examples here.

Unlike mobile lift tables, transportable lift tables do not have rollers, air cushions or similar traction drives, requiring the use of other handling aids to move the scissor lift table.

Lifting limit switch

Lifting limit switches are used to indicate to the control system that the platform has reached the top lifting position and that the power unit can be turned off.
In most cases roller lever switches, which switch against a part of the scissors, are used on scissor lifts for this purpose. Lifting and lowering limit switches are not normally required for lift tables with dead man's controls.

Lifting time

Lifting time is the total time it takes the lift to raise from the bottom lifting position to the top lifting position. This also includes the times for accelerating or braking the lift table platform.

Limit switches

This sensor enables the control system to detect that a moving part of the machine has reached its end position.

Scissor lift tables are usually equipped with mechanical roller limit switches as lifting and lowering limit switches. These are switched by the platform or scissors of the lift table and indicate that the lift platform has reached the top or bottom end position. Either the lowering valve is then closed or the unit is turned off. Limit switches are not normally required for lift tables with dead man's controls.

Lining plates

Lining plates are metal plates or sheet metal strips which are used to underlay components.

In lift table construction, lining plates are mainly used under base frames to compensate for inaccuracies in floors and pits and to ensure the horizontal alignment of the lift table. When lift tables are installed, at least the bearing points must be provided with sufficient lining plates to ensure that the force is transmitted to the floor as directly as possible.

Loading lift tables

The loading lift table is a special type of lift table that was designed especially for loading and unloading trucks. It usually has loading flaps to bridge the gap between the lift table and the vehicle as well as a railing as a fall protection for people entering the platform for loading and unloading.

Loading station

Loading stations are used to feed goods into a production chain. Typical examples of a loading station are, for example, silos that pick up bulk materials and deliver them in smaller quantities to the subsequent production process.
In the field of lift tables, the term loading station is mainly used in connection with pallet stackers. Here, lift tables equipped with roller conveyors are used to bring goods on pallets into production.

Lowering limit switch

Lowering limit switches are used to indicate to the control system that the platform has reached the bottom lifting position and that the lowering valve can be closed again.
In most cases roller lever switches, which switch against a part of the platform, are used on scissor lifts for this purpose. Lifting and lowering limit switches are not normally required for scissor lifts with dead man's controls.

Lowering time

Lowering time is the total time it takes the lift to lower from the top lifting position to the bottom lifting position. This also includes the times for accelerating or braking the lift table platform.

Low-profile lift table

Synonym for flat lift table.

Luster terminals

A luster terminal can basically be described as a plastic-coated metal tube. A wire can be fastened at both ends with a screw. This establishes an electrical connection between the two wires.

Luster terminals are frequently used in private environments, for example to connect the wires of a lamp to the electric circuit of the house. Although a luster terminal provides a simple way to connect electrical devices, its use in professional applications is often not allowed. For example, luster terminals may not be used in distribution boards, but terminal blocks or terminal strips must be used.