India
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 lift service, regular elevator door maintenance is essential.
Users typically notice 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.
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 located in all major Indian cities 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 a lift 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 a lift. 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.
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 India to learn how we can best support your elevator service needs!
Also check out our related blog posts: Four Reasons Why Regular Lift Maintenance is So Important and Everything You Need to Know about Selecting a Villa Lift.
Q: Why is my lift door not closing automatically?
A: If your lift door is not closing, it is often due to an obstruction in the door tracks (like debris or stones) or a dirty sensor lens preventing the infrared beams from connecting. For property managers, checking the tracks for visible obstructions is a good first step. However, if the path is clear, it usually indicates a misalignment or a technical fault in the door drive system that requires professional service.
Q: What is the correct way to keep a lift door open for loading?
A: Many users try to hold the door with their hands, but this is unsafe and damages the motor. The correct method on how to open a lift door (or keep it open) is to press and hold the designated "Open Door" button <|> on the control panel. For extended loading times, such as moving furniture, property managers should use the dedicated independent service key or "parking mode" if available.
Q: How do lift safety door sensors work?
A: Modern lift safety door systems use a "light curtain" of infrared beams. When an object breaks these beams, the door automatically reopens. However, extremely thin objects like walking canes or dog leashes might pass between the beams without triggering the sensor. This is why we recommend extra caution for pet owners and elderly residents.
Q: Are manual collapsible gates still safe compared to automatic doors?
A: While manual or semi-automatic doors (common in older Indian residential buildings) are safe if maintained, they rely heavily on the user to close them properly. If the outer gate isn't closed securely, the lift won't move, causing downtime. Automatic doors are generally preferred for modern properties as they reduce human error, improve traffic flow, and offer better safety integration.
Q: What should I do if the lift stops unevenly with the floor?
A: If you notice a step up or down when entering (misalignment), it is a tripping hazard. This often becomes obvious when loading heavy objects. Do not attempt to fix this yourself. Isolate the lift and contact TK Elevator India immediately to adjust the leveling accuracy.
Key Takeaways
What are the common types of elevator doors found in India?
Lifts typically have Automatic doors (safest and most efficient), Semi-automatic doors (manual landing door, auto cabin door), or fully Manual doors (common in older buildings).
How can passengers prevent elevator door malfunctions?
Passengers should never force doors open or closed with their hands; instead, they should use the designated "Open Door" button inside the cabin to prevent mechanical damage.
Why should pet owners and cane users be extra cautious?
While infrared sensors protect passengers, they may not detect thin objects like dog leashes or walking canes, so users must pay close attention when entering or exiting.
Why is placing heavy objects on the floor recommended?
Placing heavy loads on the floor while traveling helps users check if the lift has leveled correctly with the landing, preventing tripping hazards caused by misalignment.