Elevator (C-11) · Lesson 4 of 4

Elevator Cab Lighting and Fan Energy Limits

"Elevator Cab Lighting and Fan Energy Limits" is lesson 4 of 4 in the Elevator (C-11) Learning Hub. It opens with "Where the Rule Lives" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Where the Rule Lives
  2. Lighting Power Limit
  3. Ventilation Fan Limit
  4. Automatic Shut-Off
  5. Acceptance and Exception

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, moving through "Lighting limit", "First layout", "Revised layout", "Fan limit", and "Controls and paperwork".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Elevator Cab Lighting and Fan Energy Limits" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Acceptance and Exception".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
ELEVATOR CAB LIGHTING AND FAN2025 California Energy Code 120.6(f): mandatory limits for elevator cabs(cab plan, revised layout)6 ft4 W4 W4 W4 WFAN36 W, 120 cfmCAB 6 ft x 5 ft = 30 sq ft5 ft deep, four 4 W luminairesCAB LIGHTING AND FAN CHECKLighting limit: 0.6 W/sq ft x 30 sq ft= 18 W maximum for cab luminairesFirst layout: 5 x 4 W = 20 W, over 18 WRevised: 4 x 4 W = 16 W (0.53 W/sq ft)Fan limit: 0.33 W/cfm at maximum speed120 cfm x 0.33 = 39.6 W maximumFan 36 W / 120 cfm = 0.30 W/cfm: passesStopped, empty, doors closed over 15 min:lights and fan switch off until the cabruns again; stay on if passengers insideAcceptance certificate before occupancyRESULT: four 4 W luminaires (16 W) pass the 18 W limit; the 36 W fan passes at 0.30 W/cfm120.6(f) also requires the 15 minute shut-off and an acceptance certificate before the occupancy permitSource: 2025 California Energy Code 120.6(f)1 to 120.6(f)5 (mandatory requirements for elevators).The code prints W/sq ft only; cab floor area is used here as the usual basis. Not required in healthcare facilities.CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Where the Rule Lives

Section 120.6(f) of the 2025 California Energy Code lists mandatory requirements for elevators. It applies to the lighting and ventilation the elevator installer connects inside the cab, so the contractor has to check the fixture and fan data before the cab is finished.

Step 2: Lighting Power Limit

The light power density for the luminaires inside the elevator cab can be no greater than 0.6 watts per square foot (120.6(f)1). Interior signal lighting and interior display lighting are not counted in the calculation (Exception to 120.6(f)1). The code prints the limit as watts per square foot without defining the area, and cab floor area is the usual basis.

Step 3: Ventilation Fan Limit

Elevator cab ventilation fans for cabs without space conditioning can not exceed 0.33 watts per cfm, measured at maximum speed (120.6(f)2). Divide the fan input watts by its maximum-speed airflow in cfm to check it.

Step 4: Automatic Shut-Off

When the cab is stopped and unoccupied with doors closed for over 15 minutes, the cab lighting and ventilation fans must be switched off until the cab runs again (120.6(f)3). Lighting and ventilation must remain operational if the cab gets stuck with passengers inside (120.6(f)4).

The remaining 1 step, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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