Elevator Sudden Stop: Causes, Correct Actions, and Common Myths
Riding an elevator is a daily experience for many of us. But what should we do if the elevator suddenly stops? Although this can cause panic, elevators nowadays are designed with so many safety devices just to prevent accidents from happening. The key in this situation is to stay calm and follow the right steps.
In this guide, we'll talk about why elevators stop suddenly, what to do in this situation, and some common mistakes that can put passengers in danger. With the right response, you can make elevator rides safer for everyone.
Why did the elevator suddenly stop?
The elevator stops suddenly for the following reasons in most cases:
lPower outage: A temporary power outage will stop the elevator, and you have to wait for the backup power to kick in, or for the main power to be restored.
lSafety brake activation: If the elevator detects a problem, such as overloading or excessive speed, the emergency brake system will activate.
lMechanical failure: A fault in the control panel, wiring or motor can cause the elevator to stop working temporarily.
lExternal factors: Earthquakes, fires or security alarms can trigger an automatic safety shutdown.
lMisuse or overload: If too many people enter the elevator and exceed its capacity, the system may stop running for safety reasons.
Although these situations can be annoying, it's all a mechanism to keep passengers safe.
What should I do if my elevator suddenly stops?
If you find yourself in an elevator that suddenly stops, follow these steps:
1. Stay calm and assess the situation
Panicking won't solve the problem. Take a deep breath and reassure others in the elevator. Most of the time, sudden stops are temporary and not dangerous.
2. Push the alarm or panic button
Most elevators have a panic button that can be pressed to notify building management or security. Once pressed, wait for someone to come and help.
3. Call for help
If there is an intercom in the elevator, use it to contact emergency personnel. If you have a cell phone with you and there is a signal, call building security.
4. Never force the door
Never try to pry open the elevator door. The elevator car may be stuck between two floors, and forcing the door open can cause serious injury.
5. Try pushing buttons on other floors
Sometimes, by pressing the buttons of other floors, the elevator may restart and continue to run.
6. Wait for help
Most elevators have built-in safety devices that keep passengers safe until someone comes to rescue them. Wait patiently for a professional to solve the problem.
Common Myths About Elevators Suddenly Stopping
There are quite a few rumors about elevators stopping suddenly. Here we poke holes in some of the most common misconceptions:
l“Oxygen will be lacking in the elevator": the elevator is ventilated to ensure a steady supply of air. There is no need to worry about oxygen deprivation.
l“Jumping in the elevator will restart it": jumping around in the elevator will only make the situation worse and may even trigger more safety brakes.
l“It's safe to force the door open": getting out on your own without professional help is very dangerous, especially if the elevator isn't level with the floor.
l“The elevator will free fall": today's elevators have several safety brakes and will not free fall even if the cable breaks.
Knowing these facts will allow passengers to remain calm and react correctly in the event of an emergency.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Elevator Stoppages
Although occasionally the elevator may still stop, we can minimize the risk by doing good maintenance and using the elevator wisely:
lRegular inspections: Property managers should schedule regular maintenance to check for potential malfunctions.
lAvoid overloading: Observe the load limit of the elevator and prevent emergency braking.
lReport unusual noises or movement: If the elevator makes strange noises or runs erratically, notify building management immediately.
lEnsure stable power supply: In commercial buildings, a backup generator or an uninterruptible power supply system can prevent the elevator from suddenly stopping during a power outage.
Good maintenance is critical to elevator reliability. Using high-quality components like those provided by FUJITA can improve elevator performance and safety.
Conclusion
It's true that an elevator stopping suddenly can be unsettling, but there's usually nothing to panic about. By understanding why an elevator stops suddenly and following the correct self-help steps, you can respond safely and calmly.
FUJITA specializes in the design of durable and safe elevator components. If you're a building manager or elevator service provider, take a look at our elevator safety solutions to improve system reliability and passenger experience.
Contact FUJITA today to learn more about our high-quality elevator components and maintenance solutions!
