What does the EN 13557 crane control standard cover?
EN 13557 (current edition BS EN 13557:2024, Cranes - Control devices and control stations) sets the health and safety design requirements for control devices and control stations for every type of crane. Levers, joysticks, buttons, pedals, touch interfaces and their layout are within scope; from a fixed cabin to a remote control station.
EN 13557 is concerned not with the "control system" but with the interface the operator touches with their hand. That is, which lever performs which motion, the layout of the buttons, the logical consistency between the direction of motion and the direction of the control, marking and the operator's working position are the subject of this standard.
It is important to know the boundaries of the scope:
- Within the scope: levers, joysticks, buttons, pedals, touch interfaces; the fixed control cabin, ground control and remote control stations.
- Outside the scope: noise and cabin sound insulation.
- Elsewhere: control systems are dealt with in EN IEC 60204-32 and EN 13135; the requirements specific to a wireless link are in IEC/EN 62745.
Its most concrete benefit in application is that it makes intuitive control logic mandatory: an upward control movement for upward motion, distinguishable positions for the opposing directions of the same motor, and critical buttons protected against unintended pressing.
This explanation is general information about the scope of the standard. The EN 13557 conformity of a particular remote control is confirmed only through the manufacturer's declaration of conformity and technical file.
The full topic: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide