How much light is required in passenger versus freight elevators?

The correct lighting requirement for passenger and freight elevators is based on safety and operational needs. Passenger elevators need to provide a minimum of 5 foot candles. This level ensures that passengers can easily see the controls, read any safety signage, and navigate within the elevator space safely, thus enhancing their overall experience and safety.

Freight elevators, which are primarily used for transporting goods rather than passengers, have a less stringent requirement of 2 ½ foot candles. While still important for visibility during loading and unloading of goods, the lower lighting level reflects the fact that the typical users in these elevators are focused more on moving cargo rather than ensuring personal safety in the same way that passengers would.

Hence, this distinction in required lighting levels serves to prioritize safety and usability based on the function of the elevator, making it essential that the lighting levels meet those specific standards.