Elevator Myths & Misconceptions 

Elevators are engineering marvels and a significant convenience to anyone who lives, works or visits multi-storied buildings. However, for some people, elevators are a source of anxiety for many reasons, including issues with claustrophobia or the lack of accurate knowledge of how the machinery typically works. For some, the anxiety surrounding elevators comes from what they have seen in horror movies or fictional television shows. 

There are many myths and misconceptions about the inner workings of elevators that should be debunked to help riders feel at ease boarding one in the modern era. Let’s take a closer look at several of these misunderstandings to reduce anxiety and apprehension of nervous riders. 

Overcrowded Elevators Will Not Free-Fall 

Plummeting elevators are a common theme in movies such as Mission Impossible and Die Hard, but the frequency with which this type of event happens in real life is much lower than what is portrayed on the big or small screen. 

Elevators do have publicly posted weight and maximum capacity limits that must be followed for proper operation. If the car is overcrowded or overweight, the equipment has fail-safe mechanisms that prevent it from operating when the conditions are not right. If the car’s maximum weight is surpassed, overload sensors will engage to prevent the elevator from operating. A buzzer may sound, and the doors will stay open until enough people exit.

Elevator Cables Will Not Snap If Overloaded 

There is a misconception that a single cable supports an elevator. This is false. ​​

Elevators are supported by multiple steel cables. Each cable alone can support a fully loaded car. The chance of a single cable breaking is slim, and the complete failure of all support cables during operation is exceptionally rare. Thanks to comprehensive Elevator safety systems, the risk of an elevator free-fall is extremely low. These mechanisms activate long before a car could fall, and even in the unlikely event of a drop, the resulting speed is insufficient to cause serious harm.

Elevators Will Not Run Out of Air 

Elevator cars are not airtight, so you do not need to worry about the air supply even if there is a power outage in the building. Should mechanical ventilation stop, the car’s design still allows sufficient natural airflow to ensure a comfortable supply.

Elevators Will Not Close On You 

We are all guilty of sticking our arm or hand out to hold the elevator door for a rider trying to enter. Thankfully, elevators are equipped with multiple, highly sensitive sensors that automatically open the doors to prevent any object from getting caught. These sensors provide a powerful anti-clamping mechanism for cabin doors. This technology addresses the common misconception that elevator doors can close on passengers, causing injury.

By dispelling these common myths and misconceptions, we hope to reduce any anxiety and apprehension you may feel about riding an elevator. Modern elevators are designed with multiple advanced safety features and redundancy measures, making them among the safest modes of transportation available. The next time you step into an elevator, you can do so with confidence, knowing that the fear of plummeting, snapping cables, or getting trapped is a fantasy best left to the movies. For more information about elevator safety and the mechanisms designed to keep riders safe, visit the Buckley Elevator blog.