What is elevator Jamb Plate ?
An elevator jamb plate sign is a small but essential safety and compliance sign installed on the door frame (jamb) of an elevator at each landing. These signs typically indicate the floor number and may include raised characters and braille for accessibility. The primary purpose of a jamb plate sign is to clearly identify the floor level for building occupants, including individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These signs are not installed on the elevator car door itself but rather on the stationary frame surrounding the elevator door at each level.
The standard size for an elevator jamb plate sign in New York City and many other jurisdictions is 4 inches by 4 inches. This compact format is widely accepted for visibility and compliance purposes, particularly when it includes raised letters and braille at the bottom. The sign background and text must have high contrast—most commonly black background with white or silver letters—to ensure visibility in various lighting conditions. The material is typically durable aluminum, and installation is often done using pre-applied double-sided industrial tape, or it can be screwed in for permanent mounting.
The installation height is highly regulated for accessibility compliance. The centerline of the sign must be mounted 60 inches (5 feet) above the finished floor. This ensures that the sign is within reach and sightline of most building users, including those in wheelchairs. The braille characters must also be located at a height that is within the ADA-defined tactile range—usually between 48 and 60 inches from the floor to the bottom of the tactile characters. Ensuring consistent height across all floors is critical for both legal compliance and user navigation.
These signs must be installed on both sides of the elevator door jamb—that is, on the left and right vertical frames that border the elevator entrance on each floor. Why both sides? Because elevator users may approach from different angles depending on the layout of the hallway, especially in buildings with double-loaded corridors, corner elevators, or split-level access. Installing signs on both sides enhances directional clarity, improves accessibility, and ensures the fire department and emergency personnel can quickly identify the floor, even in low visibility conditions such as during a fire.
Failure to install jamb plate signs properly can result in violations from local code enforcement, including the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), Fire Department (FDNY), or Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) if applicable. These signs are more than decorative—they are legally required components of building life safety and accessibility infrastructure. Property owners, elevator contractors, and sign vendors must all ensure that elevator jamb plate signs are correctly sized, placed, and designed to comply with all local, state, and federal regulations, including ADA guidelines and NYC Building Code Section 3002.6 (for floor number identification).
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