When is the car considered to be in the inching zone?

The car is considered to be in the inching zone when it is 8 inches below or above any landing. This concept is crucial in elevator operation and safety. The inching zone refers specifically to that defined area where the elevator car moves in relation to the landing without being completely aligned. It serves as a safety buffer that allows the elevator to be brought to a precise stop when leveling at the landing.

Understanding this zone helps ensure that passengers can safely enter or exit the elevator without a significant gap or rise. When the car is within this 8-inch range, the controls can allow for more precise movements, which is necessary for safe operation, particularly in residential and commercial settings.

The other scenarios presented do not accurately reflect the range of motion that constitutes being in the inching zone, highlighting the importance of defining specific operational ranges in elevator safety protocols.