Door Sensors
What is an elevator door sensor and what does it do?
Door detection supports safe access, but the sensing area and capability depend on the equipment installed.
How contactless door detection works
A photoelectric sensor uses an infrared beam across the entrance. When the beam is interrupted, the controller can stop or reverse door closing. A multi-beam light curtain scans a larger portion of the opening than a single-beam sensor.
Single beam and light curtain
A single beam monitors one height and may not see a low or thin object outside that line. A light curtain uses many beams at different heights, increasing the detected area, but it should never replace careful passenger behavior.
Signs that require attention
Doors that repeatedly reopen without an obstruction, fail to react to an obvious object or close inconsistently may indicate dirt, misalignment, wiring or another door-system fault.
Use the doorway safely
Do not wait in the doorway or test the sensor with your hand, foot or belongings. Keep pets, leads, canes and all carried items fully on the same side of the doors.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sensor work without touching the door?
Yes. It detects interruption of an infrared beam and can help stop or reopen the doors.
Are a photoelectric sensor and a light curtain the same?
The terms are often used together, but a single beam watches one line while a light curtain uses many beams across a larger area.
Can a thin object go undetected?
Yes, depending on sensor type and beam spacing. Never rely on detection alone for a lead, cane or other thin item.