Elevator door malfunctions are among the most common causes of service disruptions. These issues can arise from worn-out mechanical parts, door misalignment, objects lodged in the door tracks, and most critically, user interference with the door closing mechanism. To mitigate these problems and ensure reliable elevator service, regular elevator door maintenance is essential.

Elevator Door Operations

Users typically pay attention to elevator door operations only when issues arise. Understanding the various types of elevator doors is crucial to resolving these problems.

Most modern elevators feature two doors: one installed in the cabin and the other on the building floor. For automatically controlled doors, these doors open and close simultaneously, with the cabin door controlling the floor door's operation. This design ensures that passengers can only enter an elevator shaft when the elevator is stationary at their floor.

From a technical perspective, there are three types of elevator doors: automatic, semi-automatic and manual. Automatic doors operate in tandem, opening or closing only when the elevator reaches a safe, level position.

Conversely, semi-automatic doors, more common in older buildings, allow the floor-level doors to be opened manually. With semi-automatic doors, both doors operate in two stages: the floor-level door must close before the cabin door begins to close. For safety, the floor door can typically only be opened when the elevator is stationary at floor level, with the cabin door open. When manual doors are being used, both the cabin door and landing door need to be manually operated by elevator users. Manual and semi-automatic doors are most commonly found in older residential buildings where elevator modernization has not yet been carried out.

In newer elevators, automatic doors are preferred as they allow for faster and more efficient door operation, enhancing overall elevator service and user experience.

Tips for Safer Elevator Door Operations

Here are several recommendations to enhance passenger safety and extend the lifespan of elevator doors.

Never Force Elevator Doors to Open or Close

While this advice might seem like common sense, many of us have experienced situations where we wanted to keep an elevator door open a bit longer or prevented a closing door from shutting by pulling it back open. This type of user interference can damage elevator components and cause doors to open or close slowly. Instead, using the "open door" button inside the cabin is a more effective way to keep an elevator door open. If you observe any issues with door operations, contact our service centers in Thailand to learn how we can assist you with your elevator service needs.

Pay Extra Attention when Entering an Elevator with Small Objects, Such as Canes and Dog Leads

For increased safety, elevators are equipped with sensors or detectors that automatically prevent an elevator door from closing when a person or object is blocking the entrance. Parallel infrared beams create a light curtain that, when disrupted, stops the door from closing. While these systems are generally accurate and reliable, small objects may not always be detected.

Therefore, cane users are advised to pay extra attention when entering an elevator. Owners of smaller pets should consider carrying them when using the elevator to ensure their safety.

Place Bulky and Heavy Objects on the Floor When Taking an Elevator

In some situations, elevator floors may not be completely level with the adjacent building floor due to misalignment, often caused by transporting heavy loads. Placing heavy items on the floor while traveling in an elevator allows you to spot such misalignments before exiting the cabin, thereby preventing trip accidents. The same precaution applies when entering the cabin.

Supervise Children When Taking an Elevator

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult when using an elevator. While elevator rides may seem routine, dangerous situations can arise when children are not supervised. For instance, closing elevator doors may frighten young children, especially if they are not yet able to operate the elevator themselves.

We hope that you found these tips useful.

While following these recommendations can enhance elevator door safety, regular elevator maintenance and professional elevator repair in case of breakdowns are equally important. Contact our team in Thailand to learn how we can best support your elevator service needs!

Also check out our related blog posts: Four Reasons Why Regular Elevator Maintenance is So Important and Everything You Need to Know about Selecting a Villa Elevator.