Escalator companies put lights under the steps near the top and bottom of the escalator in order to silhouette the edges of each step. The improved visibility is supposed to help you avoid stumbling, or worse, as the step slides against its neighbors on reaching or leaving the landing area.
The yellow stripe you see on the edge of the steps on some escalators performs a similar function. The lights are part of a code of standards for escalators devised by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and since adopted by many cities and states. But presumably it was to cut down on glare. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.
By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The Straight Dope homepage. Filed under:. By Cecil Adams Oct 30, Reddit Pocket Flipboard Email.
Dear Cecil: Why are there green lights under escalators? Why is it called a restroom, anyway? Response by poster: I agree that not all escalators have the light coming from within, but quite a few I ride do.
I thought there might be aliens providing the power source for the escalator, which would open up a whole new set of questions. It makes sense to light them up as best they can, considering there have been some terrible escalator accidents.
It's not easy to get hurt by one, but it happens. For example: a terrible story here involving a little girl and fingers. I haven't seen lights around in years, but I recall seeing them all the time when I was much younger. I always thought it was either a combination of "don't put your fingers in here," or "the escalator is currently powered up and ready for use. Maybe the maintenance guys accidentally left the light on?
Otherwise: to look cool? I once rode an escalator that had a sign claiming the light was antibacterial. That escalator had the green light. I don't know of any green light that's antibacterial, though, so I thought it was probably bogus.
Best answer: Geez. Most likely it is the maintenance light that is left on. Other than that it would just be aesthetic. From my link: Escalator companies put lights under the steps near the top and bottom of the escalator in order to silhouette the edges of each step. The improved visibility is supposed to help you avoid stumbling, or worse, as the step slides against its neighbors on reaching or leaving the landing area.
The yellow stripe you see on the edge of the steps on some escalators performs a similar function. The lights are part of a code of standards for escalators devised by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and since adopted by many cities and states.
As for why they're green, as opposed to, say, lavender, nobody at ASME could remember. But presumably it was to cut down on glare.
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