Why the 'Close Door' Button on Elevators Might Be a Dummy

Introduction

Have you ever pressed the “Close Door” button on an elevator, only to feel like nothing happened? You’re not alone. In fact, in many elevators, that button might be a “dummy” — a button that doesn’t actually control the door closure. This article explores why this is the case, examining the influence of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the design of modern elevators.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Its Influence

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, sets strict guidelines for accessibility and equal access for individuals with disabilities. Among its many provisions, the ADA ensures that people with disabilities can safely use public spaces, including elevators.

1. Time Delays for Accessibility:

   • Under ADA requirements, elevator doors must remain open for a set time to allow everyone, including those with mobility impairments, enough time to enter and exit the elevator safely.
   • This mandated delay means that even if a “Close Door” button is pressed, the door won’t close immediately. Instead, it closes only after the required delay.

2. The Dummy Button Effect:

   • In many older elevators, the “Close Door” button may actually be non-functional. It exists for symmetry or to provide a sense of control but doesn’t have wiring connected to the door mechanism.
   • For new elevators, while the button may be functional, the built-in time delay required by the ADA can make it seem like the button isn’t doing anything, as the door won’t close any sooner than the minimum ADA-mandated time.

Why Some Elevators Have Non-Functional “Close Door” Buttons

In many buildings, particularly those with older elevators, the “Close Door” button was left unwired or intentionally disabled. Here are some reasons why:

1. Cost and Complexity:

   • For building managers and elevator manufacturers, installing fully functional “Close Door” buttons in older elevators was often considered unnecessary, especially when the ADA made the door-close delay mandatory. Disabling the button was an easy way to meet compliance without reprogramming the elevator system.

2. Psychological Effect:

   • The presence of a “Close Door” button provides users with a sense of control. Even if the button is non-functional, people feel like they have some influence over the door’s behavior, which can improve their experience in a confined space.

3. Consistency Across Models:

   • Many elevator models come with standard panels, including “Close Door” buttons, regardless of whether the button is operational. This simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs.

Modern Elevators and the “Close Door” Button

While the “Close Door” button on new elevators is usually functional, it still adheres to ADA requirements, meaning that it only closes the door after the minimum open time has passed.

1. Programmable Delays:

   • Many new elevator systems are programmable to set different door-close times depending on the building’s needs. However, these systems still respect the ADA’s minimum requirements to ensure accessibility.

2. Emergency Situations:

   • In some elevators, the “Close Door” button only bypasses the delay when operated by emergency personnel or keyholders who have special access codes or keys to override the ADA delay.

Conclusion

The “Close Door” button on elevators may often feel like a dummy button due to the ADA requirements that prioritize accessibility. In many older elevators, the button was left unwired as a compliance measure, while in new elevators, it operates with a time delay to meet ADA standards. Though it might seem non-functional, the button’s presence provides comfort to users, ensuring that elevator design balances accessibility with user experience.