In Europe, power-driven parking equipment is designed to EN 14010 and CE-marked under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, which Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces from 20 January 2027. In North America, vehicle lifts are typically certified to ANSI/ALI ALCTV. Look for mechanical anti-fall locks, overload protection, photo-eye vehicle detection and emergency stops.
Parking equipment lifts people's cars, and sometimes the cars of thousands of residents, above other cars and people. Safety standards define how it must be designed, protected and documented. This article explains the main references and how to read them on a supplier's spec sheet.
EN 14010: the European product standard
EN 14010 sets the safety requirements for power-driven parking equipment, including stackers, puzzle systems and automated car parks. It covers load assumptions, protection against falling, guarding of moving parts, control systems and user information. Designing to EN 14010 is the usual way to show that a parking system meets the essential health and safety requirements of the EU machinery legislation.
CE marking and the machinery legislation
Machinery placed on the EU market must carry CE marking supported by a technical file and an EU declaration of conformity. The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC is being replaced by the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which applies from 20 January 2027. If your equipment will be delivered and installed around that date, ask your supplier which legal act the declaration of conformity will reference.
North America: ANSI/ALI
In the United States and Canada, automotive lifts are commonly third-party certified to the ANSI/ALI ALCTV standard, and the ALI/ALOIM standard covers operation, inspection and maintenance. Local building and electrical codes still apply, so involve the authority having jurisdiction early.
Safety features to look for
- Mechanical anti-fall locks that engage at every parking position, independent of hydraulic pressure.
- Slack-chain or slack-rope detection that stops the lift if a chain or rope loosens.
- Overload protection through a relief valve or motor current limit.
- Vehicle detection with photo-eyes for car length and height in automated systems.
- Emergency stop buttons at the operating panel.
- Access control with key switch, IC card or PIN so only authorised users operate the system.
Documents to request from any supplier
- Declaration of conformity and the CE certificate or test report for the exact model.
- Structural calculations and foundation load drawing.
- Electrical schematic and hydraulic diagram.
- Operation and maintenance manual in your language.
- Factory test record for your order before shipment.
Our models carry CE marking and our factory works to an ISO 9001 quality system. Ask for the certificate set for any product on its product page.
FAQ
Which standard applies to parking lifts in Europe?
EN 14010 covers the safety of power-driven parking equipment. Equipment placed on the EU market must also meet the essential requirements of the machinery legislation and carry CE marking.
What changes with the EU Machinery Regulation?
Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces the Machinery Directive and applies from 20 January 2027. Importers should check that technical files and declarations of conformity refer to the correct legislation for their delivery date.
What safety devices should a parking lift have?
At minimum: mechanical safety locks at each lifting position, overload protection, a slack-chain or slack-rope device, an emergency stop and limit switches. Automated systems add vehicle-size detection and light curtains.
