The application of ultraviolet-C (UVC) irradiation inside the elevator cabin to inactivate airborne and surface pathogens — bacteria, viruses, and fungi — between passenger trips or continuously via low-ozone UVC LEDs.
Full Definition
UVC radiation (100–280 nm wavelength) disrupts the DNA/RNA of microorganisms, preventing replication. In elevator cabins, two configurations are used: upper-room UVC luminaires (ceiling-mounted, shielded to prevent direct passenger exposure) operating during transit with no passengers, and continuously operating Far-UVC systems (207–222 nm) which are eye- and skin-safe at regulated doses per IEC 62471. Conventional UVC (254 nm) low-pressure mercury lamps or LEDs (265–280 nm) must not operate with passengers present due to skin and eye hazard. Occupancy sensors interlock the UVC system to ensure it activates only when the cabin is empty (between trips). Dosage required for 3-log (99.9%) SARS-CoV-2 inactivation on surfaces is approximately 40 mJ/cm² at 254 nm per ISO 15714. Ozone production from UVC lamps must be controlled to ≤0.05 ppm per ACGIH TLV. Maintenance involves lamp/LED replacement at rated end-of-life and regular cleaning of UV-transparent quartz covers.
