Elevator Door Issues With Heavy Foot Traffic

Elevator door issues are pretty uncommon unless there is a sudden increase in foot traffic. Though this can happen anytime during the year, issues such as doors timing out from being open for too long often become frequent come September. As the crisp fall breeze sweeps in, institutions across the board experience a surge in elevator service calls caused by doors being held open for extended periods. 

What Does it Mean When Elevator Doors Time Out?

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it’s pretty standard for elevator users to put their hand out and hold the door open for colleagues, friends, or strangers. But did you know that this seemingly innocuous action can lead to elevator door time outs? 

Elevators are designed with sensors that detect obstructions and delays. When doors are held open beyond a certain time, these sensors kick in, initiating a time out mechanism. Though inconvenient on a regular day, this mechanism is put in place as a crucial safety measure. 

Elevator doors triggered by a time out can cause further complications throughout the elevator shaft. Time outs can lead to delays, inefficiencies, and often result in unwarranted service calls. As the fall season sets in, the instances of door time outs rise due to increased traffic and door-holding.

Institutions at Risk for Elevator Door Time Outs

There are a handful of institutions that are more likely to experience elevator door issues, especially in the fall. 

Corporate Office Buildings

Fall, also known as the post-summer frenzy, is when office staff are catching up after vacations, discussing their kids going back to school or having a million other conversations during which they may subconsciously hold the elevator door for someone, even multiple times. 

With vacation season over, the office usually goes back to a steady amount of staff everyday and therefore, elevators tend to get flooded with traffic. This, in turn, causes delays in meetings and the overall office workday.

Academic Buildings

September is obviously back to school season. Students are back on school campuses and the amount of people using elevators skyrockets. Having to call a service crew because an elevator timed out can be quite a hassle when classes are in session and attendance is mandatory. 

Residential Communities

Fall is often a time signified by returning to routines. As mentioned earlier, vacations are over, people go back to work, school, activities, and many people choose to move during this time as it signifies going back to normal. 

With an increased number of residents and people who are coming in and out of the building everyday, it’s common to hold the door for people but it can cause a significant disruption in people’s days if an elevator door were to time out. 

Preventing Elevator Doors from Timing Out

As an elevator user, there are a few actions you can take to help prevent an unwarranted elevator maintenance call. 

If someone is sprinting to get on with you, don’t fret, just press the “door open” button. This button performs exactly what holding the doors does but without triggering the safety mechanism. Make that a standard practice when riding the elevator to help prevent time outs.

Try to prioritize communication. This may not always be possible, but if you know your coworker is always a few steps behind you, chat with them and decide on a system so that everyone enters promptly which eliminates the need for door holding. Additionally, mind the 3 second timer. If you anticipate a longer wait for someone, consider stepping out of the elevator and taking the next ride down.  

If you happen to experience an elevator door time out, call us! Buckley Elevator is at your service 24/7/365 for any and all of your elevator needs.