Mon – Sat · 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Battrahalli, Old Madras Rd, Bengaluru
Passenger Lifts Home Lifts Villa Lifts Hospital Lifts Capsule Lifts Freight & Goods Lifts Escalators Car Lifts Dumbwaiters Repair & AMC

Lift Buttons and Symbols Explained: What Every Button in a Lift Means

Modern office interior with glass partitions, timber ceiling and a green plant

Stand in any lift and you will see a panel full of buttons and symbols. Most people press the floor number and ignore the rest, until they need to. Knowing what each button does can make your ride safer and calmer, especially in an emergency. Here is a simple guide to the buttons and symbols you will find in lifts in Bangalore.

Buttons you will find

Button or symbolWhat it does
Floor numbersSend the lift to the chosen floor. G or 0 usually means ground
Door open (arrows pointing outward)Opens or holds the doors open while pressed
Door close (arrows pointing inward)Closes the doors sooner than the automatic delay
Alarm (bell symbol)Sounds an alarm to call for help
Intercom or phone symbolConnects you to the security desk or service centre
Emergency stop or STOPStops the lift. Not for normal use, and often not fitted in passenger lifts
Fan and light switchesControl cabin ventilation and lighting where fitted
Key switchFor authorised staff or special operations, such as service or fire modes
Fire symbolRelates to fire service operation; do not use for normal travel
Wheelchair symbolMarks accessible controls or an accessible lift
Raised dots (Braille)Help visually impaired passengers read the floor numbers

Call buttons outside the lift

  • Up and down arrows. Press the direction you want to travel. Pressing once is enough.
  • Indicators. Lights or displays show the lift position and direction.
  • Accessibility symbol. Marks lifts or controls suited to wheelchair users.

Buttons you should not press

  • The alarm, unless you need help.
  • Emergency or fire controls in normal use.
  • The door-open button repeatedly to hold the lift.

See lift etiquette for good habits.

What to do in an emergency

  1. Press the alarm or intercom button and speak clearly.
  2. Do not force the doors.
  3. Wait for trained help.

Read what to do if you are stuck in a lift and our guide to accessible lifts.

Panels differ

Symbols and layouts vary between lift models and buildings. If a symbol is unclear, ask the building office or your lift company. Eider Elevators can label panels clearly in buildings it serves.

Lift in Bangalore, elevator in Bangalore: get a site visit

Want clearer panels and labels in your building? Ask our team. From lifts in Bangalore to elevators in Bangalore, we work with homes, villas, apartments, hospitals, warehouses and commercial buildings. Read about our lifts and elevators in Bangalore, see the areas we serve, learn about lift service and AMC, or contact our team for a site visit and quotation.

Key takeaways

  • Know the door open, door close, alarm, intercom, fan, light and key-switch symbols.
  • Do not use emergency or fire controls in normal travel.
  • In an emergency, press the alarm or intercom and wait for help.

Frequently asked questions

What does the bell button in a lift do?

The bell or alarm button sounds an alarm to call for help. Use it only in an emergency.

What is the key switch in a lift for?

It is for authorised staff to operate special modes such as service or fire modes.

Does pressing the door-close button make the lift faster?

It closes the doors sooner than the automatic delay but does not make the lift travel faster.

What does the wheelchair symbol in a lift mean?

It marks accessible controls or an accessible lift for wheelchair users.

Who can explain my lift panel in Bangalore?

Eider Elevators can explain and service lifts across Bangalore. Call +91-8861475111.

Keep reading

View all articles

Brochure Featured on Houzz