What Are Safety Edges?
Safety edges are devices used in older elevators that feature a mechanical retracting bar to prevent doors from closing on objects or people. While they were once common, modern elevators have largely replaced them with infrared door curtains or electronic door protection systems.
Why Are the Newer Infrared Door Protection Systems Important?
- No moving parts
- Does not require physical contact to reopen a closing door
- Designed to prevent accidents and injuries
- Comply with safety standards
- Improve the user experience by making the elevator feel safer and more reliable, resulting in a more pleasant customer experience
- Reduces wear and tear by preventing the door from closing on obstructions, minimizing mechanical strain
When Should Safety Edges Be Replaced vs. Repaired?
In most cases, repairing safety edges provides only a short-term fix and doesn’t address the underlying issues — especially if the equipment is outdated. Instead, we recommend replacing safety edges with modern infrared door curtains or electronic door protection systems when any of the following apply:
- Severe wear or physical damage
- Passenger physically struck by door
- Unreliable door operation
- Non-compliance with safety standards
Regulations for Door Protection Systems
Safety edges, infrared door curtains and electronic door protection systems must all comply with local, state and national safety standards, including:
- ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible design
- Local building and safety codes
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 2019 elevator safety codes for New Hampshire
Safety Edge Replacement Costs
The cost to replace safety edges with infrared door curtains or electronic door protection will depend on many factors, including:
- Number of doors on elevator (front vs. front and rear)
- Size of opening
- Type of door equipment
- Extent of wear or damage
- Elevator type
- Labor costs
- Inspection, testing and recertification
- Downtime
- Regulatory compliance (permits and inspection fees)
- Quality of materials
- Service provider
Every situation is unique. Contact us for a customized quote, and we’ll assess your needs to provide the most accurate pricing and solutions.
The Process of Replacing Safety Edges With Newer Technology
- Diagnose and troubleshoot: This involves checking the system and inspecting the safety edges. Regardless of the extent of the damage, safety edges should be replaced with infrared curtains.
- Prepare for replacement: We then take the appropriate safety measures to begin the replacement process.
- Disassemble the safety edges: We carefully disassemble the safety edge, including removing any existing parts such as bearings, linkages and the safety edge bar.
- Install new infrared curtain or electronic door protection: We secure the new door protection to the car door and install the cartop power supply.
- Adjust and test door protection system: We ensure the new door protection operates properly and reopens the elevator doors without physical contact.
- Conduct a final check: We complete the process with a comprehensive final inspection to ensure that everything is functioning properly and that the repair or replacement has been successful.
Contact us today for service!
Schedule your elevator safety edge replacement services with our expert team today! Contact us online, and we’ll get in touch to arrange a convenient time for your service.