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Read About Elevator Safety Requirements and More
Residential Safety – Spacing Between Doors Safety Issue with Residential Elevators
Spacing Between Doors
![A picture of a tall building with a ruler in the middle.](https://charterelevator.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-1.jpg)
![A diagram of the inside of a building.](https://charterelevator.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-2.png)
Problem and Requirements
Many home elevators have been installed with gaps between the hoistway swing door and the collapsible gate—creating a serious safety issue. A fully code complainant elevator per the ASME ANSI A17.1 National SafetyCode for Elevators- Section 5.3 Private Residences Elevators states that the hoistway must meet these requirements.
ASME 5.3.7.2 of the above-referenced code clearance between the hoistway doors or gates and the landings sills and car doors or gates effective May 2016.
Clearance requirements within a private residence state:
The clearance between the hoistway face of the hoistway doors and the hoistway edge of the landing sill shall not exceed 3/4″ (0.75 in).
The distance between the hoistway face of the landing door and the car door or gate shall not exceed 4” (inches).
![A diagram of the inside of a building.](https://charterelevator.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-psd-1.png)
![A diagram of the inside of a building.](https://charterelevator.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-psd-2.png)
Concern
A young child or pet can get caught in the space between the swing door and the collapsible gate when the elevator goes into motion.
Solution
A Baffle to close the gap and help prevent a swing door from locking and trapping a pet or child. The plastic baffle is installed on the hoistway swing door and prevents a gap between the doors.