The space at the bottom of the hoistway below the lowest landing sill that accommodates buffers, compensating rope tensioning devices, and maintenance access.
Full Definition
The pit is the subfloor section of the hoistway beneath the lowest served floor. It must contain the car buffer, counterweight buffer (on opposite side), compensating rope/chain tensioning device, governor rope tension sheave, pit stop switch, pit ladder, pit lighting, and a convenience power outlet. EN 81-20 §5.2 specifies minimum pit depth based on rated speed (e.g. 1.0 m minimum for speeds ≤ 0.63 m/s, deeper for higher speeds), a refuge space when a person is in the pit with the car at its lowest position, and that no non-elevator pipework or cables may pass through. Pit drainage or a sump pump is often required to manage water ingress.
