Elevator systems are integral to modern buildings, providing essential vertical transportation. In Florida, specific regulations govern the illumination and electrical aspects of elevators to ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency. This article delves into the key codes and requirements that oversee elevator lighting and electrical systems in the state.

Regulatory Framework
Florida’s elevator standards are primarily outlined in:
- Florida Building Code (FBC): Specifically, Chapter 30 addresses elevators and conveying systems. codes.iccsafe.org
- Florida Statutes, Chapter 399: This chapter focuses on elevator safety regulations. www2.myfloridalicense.com
- Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 61C-5: Known as the Florida Elevator Safety Code, it provides detailed rules for elevator operations. www2.myfloridalicense.com
- ASME A17.1/CSA B44: The Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, which the FBC references for design, construction, and installation standards. codes.iccsafe.org
Illumination Requirements
Proper lighting in elevator systems is crucial for safety and functionality. The FBC mandates:
- Hoistway Lighting: Adequate lighting must be installed in elevator hoistways to ensure visibility for maintenance and emergency situations. codes.iccsafe.org
- Car Lighting: Elevator cars should have sufficient illumination to allow passengers to read control panels and move safely.
- Emergency Lighting: In the event of a power failure, elevators must be equipped with emergency lighting systems to provide a minimum level of illumination for passenger safety.
According to the Florida Building Code, elevator machine rooms and pits must have a minimum light level of 10 foot candles (fc) measured at the pit floor, with the light fixture being externally guarded to prevent accidental breakage; a separate branch circuit should be dedicated to power the pit lighting and any receptacles within the pit, and the switch should be easily accessible from the pit access door.
Key points about elevator pit lighting in Florida:
- Minimum light level: 10 foot candles at the pit floor.
- Fixture protection: Light bulbs should be externally guarded to prevent contact and breakage.
- Switch location: The lighting switch must be easily accessible from the pit access door.
- Separate circuit: A dedicated branch circuit should power the pit lighting and any receptacles within the pit.
Elevator installation requires to be compliant with ASME A17.1 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. Section 2.7.6.3 Location of Equipment in Machine Rooms, Sub-paragraph (c) of this code requires that, “Elevator Machine Rooms shall be lit by permanently installed electric lighting with a lighting intensity of at least 200 lx (19 fc) at the floor level”.
This code required lighting intensity of 200 lx (19 fc) is what the inspector is measuring, with the light meter during the inspection. The inspector does not care, what type of light source is used, although incandescent lights should not be used, because that will not comply with the current energy code. Both fluorescent and LED lights are acceptable. To comply with this requirement, you may do a lighting design intensity calculation before the installation, to determine how many light fixtures are required. Also, take actual lighting intensity measurement after the installation, with a light meter to confirm that the 200 lx (19 fc) requirements are met, before calling in the inspector. The machine room and pit lighting, also required to be with guards.
(This standard is different for existing installations)

Conclusion
Adhering to Florida’s elevator illumination codes is essential for ensuring passenger safety and the reliable operation of elevator systems. Proper lighting in jobsites, machine rooms, and elevator pits/shafts plays a key role in accident prevention, improving efficiency, and creating a safer work environment for technicians and emergency responders. Building owners and facility managers should stay informed about current regulations and engage certified professionals for regular inspections and maintenance. By doing so, they not only comply with legal requirements but also contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of their buildings’ vertical transportation systems.