How many floors below the fire floor should the elevator stop to confirm proper operation?

In fire operations, verifying elevator operation is crucial for ensuring safe access to a fire scene, particularly in high-rise buildings. The standard practice is to have the elevator stop at a designated number of floors below the fire floor to confirm that it is functioning correctly and is capable of transporting personnel and equipment safely during an emergency.

Stopping the elevator at five floors below the fire floor allows for adequate confirmation of its operational status while also ensuring enough clearance for potential smoke and heat that might rise from the fire. This limitation helps mitigate the risks associated with elevated smoke conditions, giving firefighters added safety while moving up the building.

Choosing five floors is a balanced and strategic approach based on building design and fire behavior, providing a safe working environment for emergency responders. This standard aligns with typical operational protocols observed in fire service operations.