What is the main purpose of an elevator's indicator light?

The main purpose of an elevator's indicator light is to show the current position of the elevator car within the hoistway. This is crucial for the safety and convenience of passengers. By indicating whether the elevator is at a particular floor or moving to another, the light helps users understand when the elevator is arriving and where it is in its travel path.

This information can alleviate uncertainty for people waiting for the elevator, ensuring they are informed about its location and enabling them to time their boarding accordingly. In busy buildings, where multiple elevators may be in operation, the indicator light also helps in managing passenger expectations and movements, enhancing overall accessibility and efficiency.

The illumination of the interior of the elevator primarily serves a different purpose, which is to provide visibility rather than indicate position. Signaling when the elevator is in use can be an operational aspect but does not serve the primary function of conveying the elevator's current floor position. Decoration might enhance aesthetic appeal, but it is not a functional aspect of the indicator light itself.