Continuing Education

Elevator Door Force

by John W. Koshak
Maladjustment of elevator door controllers can reexamination of code values of pressure and
cause injury to persons if impacted by a closing force.
door with a high speed. Persons can also be Design Requirements
entrapped or crushed by a door system with too ASME A17.1/CSA B44 code requirements call
much door closing force. Education and vigilance for elevator-door closing forces and kinetic energy
when performing elevator door adjustment and to be limited to prevent high-energy impacts to a
maintenance is critical for safety. Door-related person when struck by a closing door. There are
incidents are estimated to exceed 40% of all also requirements to limit crushing forces in the
elevator-related injuries. Other types of injuries closing movement between the door panels and
include 40% related to trip and falls, where the door strike with a person in the entrance. This
elevator is not level. This means 80% of all injuries generally, but not always, is the center third of
occur at the entrance. With the high incidence of travel, given the width of a person. Limiting these
door-related injuries occurring, it is clear that forces and energy levels requires an
more education to ensure doors are code understanding of code requirements and door-
compliant is warranted, along with, perhaps, a operator adjustments.
There are sometimes competing interests
to increase the door closing speed to improve
elevator performance and lower the

Learning Objectives frequency of maintenance, but this is at the

expense of increasing door-impact incidents.
Before they make adjustments and repairs, Value: 2
This Continuing Education article will provide
information needed to educate elevator personnel who
mechanics must know the importance and contact
impact the work can potentially have on
work on elevator doors every day to understand code
users of the elevator. hours
requirements, measurement, testing and adjustments, and
Elevator door operators have a means by
the imperative to limit the maximum forces to ensure the
which to adjust the door force to below 135
(0.2 CEUs)
highest level of safety. In it, the reader will learn: Approved for
N (30 lbf ). (A Newton [N] is the force
♦ Maintenance on doors and their closing forces is Continuing
needed to accelerate 1 kg at the rate of 1
required by code. Education by
mps2; a pound force [lbf ] is the force needed
♦ Maintenance must include replacement of damaged to accelerate 1 avoirdupois pound [lbm] at NAEC for CET®.
components and proper adjustment, and be performed the rate of standard gravity [g].) Door
at adequate frequency. EW Continuing
operators also have a means by which to
♦ Door operators are designed with a means by which to Education is
adjust door speeds to ensure the kinetic
adjust both closing force and closing speed. currently approved
energies are kept at or below 23 J (17 ft.-lbf )
♦ Freedom of movement of the doors is critical to ensure in the following
at any point in the code zone (instantaneous)
proper and consistent speed. states: AL, AR, FL,
and 10 J (7.37 ft.-lbf ) where a reopening
♦ Heavy hoistway doors (typically, cladded doors in device is used. Where a door-reopening
GA, IL, IN, KY, MD,
lobbies) need a second speed control, which is provided device is not used, these kinetic energies MO, MS, MT, OK, PA,
by all modern door operators. Where a second speed must be kept below 8 J (6 ft.-lbf ) at any point VT, VA, WV and WI.
control is not provided for a heavy lobby door, the in the code zone (instantaneous) and 3.5 J Please check for
speed of the heavy door must be adjusted to meet its (2.5 ft.-lbf ). (A Joule [ J] is energy equal to specific course veri-
kinetic energy requirements; consequently, all the other the work done when applying 1 N through a fication of approval
doors will operate at that slower speed. displacement of 1 m. A foot-pound of force at www.elevator-
[ft.-lbf ] is equal to the work done when books.com.
Continued

November 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD 75

applying a force of one pound-force [lbf ] When a new elevator is adjusted and debris (particularly construction dust)
through a displacement of 1 ft.) has to pass an acceptance inspection with over time will have an effect. Doors
This means there are three the AHJ, the tests include the door force impacted by carts may be bent, causing
measurements and adjustments that must test and kinetic-energy verification based misalignment and considerable friction.
be made on door operators. This is the on door closing time. If the doors are Modern-day door operators have
most overlooked concept contributing to binding when first inspected, it is likely separate adjustments for closing speeds
hazardous door movement. The door that the door speed and force will increase and closing force. As long as the closing
force of 135 N (30 lbf ) is easiest to ensure, as the doors wear in. This must be force is set to compensate for various
because there are simple tools available to measured and corrected as soon as the frictional forces, the closing speeds will be
measure the force (figures 1 and 2). The energies and forces appear to be above the same at all floors. If the force is
kinetic energies are often considered code levels. adjusted at a floor that has higher friction,
somewhat of a mystery (due to being Door speeds and, particularly, door it must be checked at the floor that has the
difficult to measure) and are, therefore, forces will change as the frictional least friction, because this floor will have
the most often overlooked. This article components of the system change. Some the greatest force.
will demystify the enigma of adjusting components may wear in, while others It is these changes in energies and
kinetic energies. wear out and have to be replaced. forces for which code verification is
Replacement parts can affect the forces if required in A17.1/B44 Section 8.6 and for
Changes in Door Closing the parts are not exactly the same brand or which the means to test is provided in the
Speed and Force quality. The accumulation of dirt and maintenance control program. Testing
should be done as often as an analysis of
the job conditions require: according to
this section, either annually or as often as
every visit. Section 8.6 requires this
analysis to ensure the frequency of testing
and maintenance is adequate to keep the
forces in compliance.
Carrying the necessary force gauge to
spot check every door on every visit is not
hard or burdensome; it takes
approximately 30 s. and will lead to more
compliant, safer doors. Timing the door
close times and comparing them to the
minimum times listed on the door data
plate can be done within this timeframe,
as well. These tasks are necessary to
ensure the doors’ closing times have not
changed to noncompliant levels.

Understanding Code
The requirements for these forces are
found in A17.1/B44 Part 2, Requirement
2.13.4.

Door Closing Force

The following is directly from ASME
A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13:
“2.13.4 Closing Limitations for
Power-Operated Horizontally Sliding
Hoistway Doors and Horizontally
Sliding Car Doors or Gates
“2.13.4.1 Where Required. Where a
power-operated horizontally sliding
hoistway door or car door/gate or both is
closed by momentary pressure or by
automatic means (see 2.13.3.3), or is
closed simultaneously with another door
or car door/gate or both from one

76 www.elevatorworld.com • November 2015

 continuous-pressure means (see 2.13.3.2.3 and 2.13.3.2.4), the
closing mechanism shall be designed and installed to conform to
2.13.4.2 and the reopening device shall be designed and installed
to conform to 2.13.5.
“2.13.4.2 Closing Mechanism. . . 2.13.4.2.3 Door Force. The
force necessary to prevent closing of the hoistway door (or the car
door or gate if power operated) from rest shall not exceed 135 N
(30 lbf) (see 2.13.3.1). This force shall be measured on the
leading edge of the door with the door at any point between
one-third and two-thirds of its travel.”

Measurement of Door Force Using a Door Force Gauge

Two common tools in use are shown in figures 1 and 2. Both
gauges use a spring of a known spring rate with a calibrated scale
indicating the applied force. Both gauges are applied to the
closing door when the doors are in the center third of door panel
travel, stalling them with the gauge, just allowing door
movement, then reading the force.
This procedure is described in the ASME A17.2 Guide for
Inspection of Elevators, Escalators and Moving Walks, Item 1.8.1:
“ASME A17.2-2014
“ITEM 1.8

Figure 1: Door force gauge

Figure 2: Door force gauge (courtesy of ThyssenKrupp)

“DOOR CLOSING FORCE
“1.8.1 Periodic Inspections To test the door closing force, the code lists 135 N (30 lbf ), but this is just a difference from
park the car at floor level and start the doors in the closing metric rounding practice between publications. Either is valid.
direction. Allow the doors to close between one-third and two- If the measurement indicates too much force, in excess of the
thirds of their normal travel and stop them. Push a force- 135 N (30 lbf ), the door operator needs to be adjusted. The limiting
measuring device with a range appropriate to measure 30 lbf (133 of electrical power applied to a door motor solely controls door
N) against the stopped door, removing the stop so the door is held force (torque). When there is more current to the motor armature,
stationary by the force-measuring device. Slowly back off on the there is more available closing force and vice versa. Figures 4 and 5
device until the point the door just starts to move. At this point, the depict typical door-operator circuits from two common operators:
door and measuring forces are in equilibrium and the force can be one rheostatic (using resistors) and one solid-state (using
read. . . . electronic controls). Figures 6 and 7 indicate where the physical
“ITEM 6.5 adjustments are made in the circuit. These drawings are for
“ACCEPTANCE CHECKLIST FOR FIREFIGHTERS’ illustration purposes only; always consult the OEM manual before
SERVICE (ASME A17.1–2000 and CSA B44-00): adjusting an in-service elevator door operator.
AUTOMATIC ELEVATORS. . . These adjustments may be on the door operator; in the elevator
“6.5.6 Phase I Operation With Doors Open Place the Phase I controller; or, in some cases, adjusted with a handheld tool
switch to the “OFF” position and run the car to any floor. With the standing in the car. You must familiarize yourself with the specific
doors open, have the Phase I switch turned to the “ON” position door operator, but the general designs are similar, and the results
and check the following: are the same.
... While the code limit is a maximum of 135 N (30 lbf ) of closing
(b) If door reopening devices are rendered inoperative, the closing force, there is no reason to adjust it higher than necessary. Adjust
speed is reduced so that the kinetic energy is reduced to 2 ½ ft-lb this to the very minimum to obtain reliable operation. The lower
(3.5 J). . . .” the current, the less the crushing force. Common injuries result
from the door reopening device being unobstructed and a person
Most testing and inspection procedures are found in ASME being pinned between the hoistway doors and the door strike or
A17.2, which indicates how the AHJ will generally perform jamb, or between the center-opening hoistway doors. In many
inspections. Technicians should use it (the book the inspectors cases, the force can be set between 60 and 80 N (13 and 18 lbf ).
use) to ensure a job is in compliance. It lists 133 N (30 lbf ) where There is no reason to set this to the maximum.
Continued

November 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD 77

Figure 3: Center third of travel (highlighted) to measure door force

When properly set, increasing the torque (current limit) will

not increase the speed. Decreasing the torque will only decrease
the door speed when there is not enough power to reach that
speed. Do not adjust the current limit if attempting to change the
kinetic energy. This is analogous to increasing the relief pressure
on a hydraulic elevator valve and expecting an increase in car
speed.

Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Recall that all objects
with mass are subject to forces. The following is a physics
refresher. A book resting on a table has potential energy; the force
due to the acceleration of gravity is pulling the book down as the
table resists the force, holding it up. If the book were slid off the
table and allowed to fall to the floor, its potential energy is
converted to kinetic energy until it hits the floor. Just as the falling
book accumulated kinetic energy, so will closing elevator doors.
The farther the book falls due to the acceleration of gravity at
9.8 mps2 (32.2 fps2), the higher its velocity, until the floor stops it.
This increase in kinetic energy is shown in the kinetic-energy
formula (Equation 1). The velocity increases relative to the
distance it is in motion. The kinetic energy increases with the
square of the velocity.
Figure 4: Typical rheostatic door-operator control wiring diagram (courtesy of
ThyssenKrupp)
(Equation 1)

where:
EK = kinetic energy
m = mass
v = velocity

In elevator-door terms, the door operator moves the doors

with a closing velocity that accelerates the mass to full speed, then
decelerates toward zero speed until fully closed. All door
operators have adjustments to raise or lower the velocity, which,
in turn, raises or lowers the kinetic energy. (In this article,
velocity and speed have been used synonymously up to now, but
there is a difference. Velocity is a vector quantity, which has both
magnitude and direction, while speed is a scalar quantity that only
has magnitude. Since we are speaking of velocity in one vector
direction and there are no other vectors to consider, speed is also
correct to use in this case.) To know what the kinetic energies of a Figure 5: Typical solid-state door-operator control wiring diagram (courtesy of
KONE)

78 www.elevatorworld.com • November 2015

moving door system are, we need to know the total mass and
average velocity. Often, mechanics don’t know the mass of older
doors and can only use a timer to measure the closing doors to get
the average velocity, so it seems we are always in an unknown
condition. Hence, many door-strike incidents causing injury are
due to high kinetic energies.

Further Reading
George W. Gibson’s articles “Kinetic Energy of Passenger
Elevator Door Systems”[1] and “Instantaneous Maximum Kinetic
Energy of Horizontally Sliding Passenger Elevator Door Systems”[2]
detail more in-depth mathematics for readers interested in a
treatise of door kinematics and mathematics. Even further
education on this topic can be found in Systems Engineering of
Elevators by Phil Andrew and Dr. Stefan Kaczmarczyk.[3] For a
practical perspective from a design engineer, Elevator Engineering
by Ben Abbaspour[4] is a useful book. I also recommend the
resources of Bob Desnoyers, who runs a website with many
utilities, such as his “Minimum Door Time Calculator,” at
elevatorbob.com.
In this article, the goal is to explain the problem and solutions in
simpler, hands-on terms for mechanics with basic principles and
simplified examples. Certainly, more detailed formulae are
required when designing equipment and for creating code. This
article is to explain the principles for mechanic and technician
education and, hopefully, prevent hazardous doors as much as
possible.

Code
The requirements in code for kinetic energies are found in
requirement 2.13.4:
“ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13
“2.13.4 Closing Limitations for Power-Operated
Horizontally Sliding Hoistway Doors and Horizontally Sliding
Car Doors or Gates
“2.13.4.1 Where Required. Where a power-operated
horizontally sliding hoistway door or car door/gate or both is
closed by momentary pressure or by automatic means (see
2.13.3.3), or is closed simultaneously with another door or car
door/gate or both from one continuous-pressure means (see
2.13.3.2.3 and 2.13.3.2.4), the closing mechanism shall be
designed and installed to conform to 2.13.4.2 and the reopening
device shall be designed and installed to conform to 2.13.5.
“2.13.4.2 Closing Mechanism
“2.13.4.2.1 Kinetic Energy
(a) Where the hoistway door and the car door/gate are closed
in such a manner that stopping either one manually will stop both,
the kinetic energy of the closing door system shall be based upon
the sum of the hoistway and the car door weights, as well as all
parts rigidly connected thereto, including the rotational inertia
effects of the door operator and the connecting transmission to the
door panels.
(b) Where a reopening device conforming to 2.13.5 is used, the
closing door system shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) The kinetic energy computed for the actual closing speed at
any point in the Code zone distance defined by 2.13.4.2.2 shall not
exceed 23 J (17 ft.-lbf).
Continued

November 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD 79

 The code references both kinetic energy (EK) “at any point”
and the kinetic energy computed for the “average closing speed.”
The use of the word “any” includes the maximum or peak EKpk or
EK at the highest velocity the door panel travels. For simplicity,
we will use the term “Average EK” based on the average velocity
(average closing speed): the total distance the panel travels
divided by the total time taken. All we need to know is where to
start a timer and where to stop it. This is the “code zone”
described in requirement 2.13.4.2.2 and is the total movement of a
side-opening door panel minus 100 mm (4 in.). So, for a side-
opening panel, you do not count the first 50 mm (2 in.) or last 50
mm (2 in.) of travel. For a center-opening door, the code zone
distance is half the door opening minus 50 mm (2 in.) starting at
25 mm (1 in.) away from the open jamb to a point 25 mm (1 in.)
from the center meeting point of the doors. The average velocity
Figure 6: Typical sliding resistor tap adjustment: increased resistance decreases
is calculated by dividing the total code distance by the total time.
current to the door motor and, therefore, the force.
(Equation 2)

where:
vavg = average velocity
dt = total distance traveled
tt = total time

The velocity is very slow at the extreme end of door travel, so

the EK is very low; therefore, the code excludes the first and last
side-opening bit of door panel’s travel when calculating the
Figure 7: Typical electronic symbol for a variable resistor: it uses a small-tipped
screwdriver. average door panel velocity for EK determination. Also, there is
simply no room to get much in there to be impacted.

(2) The kinetic energy computed for the average closing speed Example
as determined in accordance with 2.13.4.2.2 shall not exceed 10 J To assist in learning about kinetic energy, let’s start with an
(7.37 ft.-lbf ). example of the familiar. Imagine a book sitting on a table. If the
(c) Where a reopening device is not used, or has been rendered book is pushed off the table, it falls to the floor. To calculate peak
inoperative (see 2.13.5), the closing door system shall conform to kinetic energy (EKpk) of the falling book, the peak velocity of the
the following requirements: book must be calculated. The formula to find peak velocity of a
(1) The kinetic energy computed for the actual closing speed falling book (vpk) is the square root of twice the acceleration times
at any point in the Code zone distance defined by 2.13.4.2.2 shall the distance moved (Equation 3). Given gravity (g) = 9.8 mps2
not exceed 8 J (6 ft.-lbf). (32.2 fps2) and height (h) = 1 m (3.28 ft):
(2) The kinetic energy computed for the average closing speed where:
within the Code zone distance (see 2.13.4.2.2), or in any exposed vpk = peak velocity
opening width, including the last increment of door travel, shall g = acceleration of gravity
not exceed 3.5 J (2.5 ft.-lbf ). h = height
“2.13.4.2.2 Door Travel in the Code Zone Distance
(a) For all side sliding doors using single or multiple speed
panels, the Code zone distance shall be taken as the horizontal Metric Imperial (Equation 3)
distance from a point 50 mm (2 in.) away from the open jamb to
a point 50 mm (2 in.) away from the opposite jamb.
(b) For all center-opening sliding doors using single or
multiple-speed panels, the Code zone distance shall be taken as
the horizontal distance from a point 25 mm (1 in.) away from the
open jamb to a point 25 mm (1 in.) from the center meeting point
of the doors.
(c) The average closing speed shall be determined by Determining the EKpk of closing elevator doors can’t be
measuring the time required for the leading edge of the door to directly measured without special tools, but is easily calculated. If
travel the Code zone distance.” we know the mass and peak velocity at a point, we can know the
EKpk value at that point. This is similar to knowing the mass and

80 www.elevatorworld.com • November 2015

 


     
  

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Figure 8: Code zone can be programmed with up to four
telephone numbers. If a busy signal
peak velocity as the book hits the floor. If we use a tachometer set or ring-no-answer is encountered,the
next number is automatically dialed
to feet per second to measure the closing door’s velocity, we can until the call is answered. When the call
record the peak velocity that would also represent where the EKpk goes through, a recorded message is
is located in the door path. played, providing location identifica-
tion, and a conversation can start.
With the peak velocity known, the EKpk formula can be solved
Our philosophy is to provide the
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EKpk = peak kinetic energy tion capabilities.
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Metric Imperial (Equation 4)
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“Slug” is not a commonly used term in the field, but it should

be. A slug is the imperial unit of mass. It is its weight (lbf ) divided
by the standard gravitational acceleration. So, if an object weighs
32.17 lbf, its mass is 1 slug (32.17 lbf/32.17 fps2 = 1 slug). In the
International Space Station, the same object would still have a
mass of 1 slug, but its weight would be zero, because it is beyond
the reach of the acceleration of gravity. In the imperial system we
have interchanged “lb” and “lbf ” for so long, many think they are
the same. To use the imperial energy formula, the correct units
must be used, and the slug is the correct unit. (This problem does
not exist in the metric system, as mass is measured in kilograms,
and weight (force) is measured in Newtons.)
So, we were able to calculate the EKpk of the book because we
knew its mass and velocity. For elevator doors, we need to know
the mass of the door panels and all the connecting equipment, and
the equivalent mass due to the rotational inertias (flywheel effects
of the rotating motor armatures and pulleys) in order to know what
EKpk is and adjust to the door closing speed for code compliance.
For this example, assume the total door mass is 180 kg (396 lb. =
12.3 slugs). The velocity also needs to be known.
Continued

November 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD 81

 Average velocity is simply the total distance traveled divided by Metric Imperial (Equations 8 and 9)
the total time taken. For elevators, we don’t use the entire
opening; we subtract 0.1 m (4 in.) per entrance width. In a 1.07-m
(42-in. or 3.5-ft.) side-opening entrance, if the side-opening door
panel takes 3.5 s., the velocity is:
With a harmonic door operator, one with a sinusoidal motion,
the relationship between maximum speed and the average speed
is a ratio of approximately 1.57:1,[2] meaning that, if the average
velocity is known, multiply by 1.57 to find the approximate peak
velocity. If a tachometer measured the highest door-panel
velocity, on a harmonic door operator with an average velocity of
0.28 mps (0.91 fps) as above, it would be 0.44 mps (1.43 fps). Plug
Metric Imperial (Equation 5)

29 J (21.1 ft.-lbf ) is the approximate energy used in lifting 11 kg

(25 lb.) 1 ft. Said another way, it is equivalent in kinetic energy to
11 kg (25 lb.) dropped from 1 ft. The door panel is moving
horizontally, but this is only at its maximum speed. Recall that the
door speed changes with a harmonic operator, but the linear type
these velocities into the kinetic-energy formulae to get the can be programmed to be full speed throughout the travel or
average EKavg (Equation 5), then the EKpk (Equation 6), given mD simulate the harmonic sinusoidal changes. Persons using the
= 180 kg (396 lb. or 12.3 slug) and vDavg = 0.28 mps (0.91 fps): elevator are exposed to these impacts.
where: Since door weights typically do not change (but door velocity
mD = total mass of doors does), let’s reduce the door closing time by arbitrarily increasing
vDavg = average velocity of door panel the closing velocity, changing the average velocity to 0.37 mps
vDpk = peak velocity of door panel (1.21 fps). If a tachometer measured the highest door-panel
Ekavg = average kinetic energy velocity, it would be approximately 0.58 mps (1.90 fps) (the
EKpk = peak kinetic energy average velocity times 1.57) for a harmonic door operator.
An increase in door-panel velocity increases the energies to
above code limits. Well-intentioned increases in door speeds,
Metric Imperial (Equations 6 and 7)
without considering these effects, may solve service problems but
create new hazards that injure persons impacted by the doors.
This explains the significance of seemingly small velocity increases
that may create hazardous unintended consequences.
Metric Imperial (Equations 10 and 11)

Recall the code limits: Ekavg cannot exceed 10 J (7.37 ft.-lbf ),

and EKpk cannot exceed 23 J (17 ft.-lbf ). The values in equations 6
and 7 comply with the code.
It should become clear that, if the doors were heavier, 300 kg
(662 lb. or 20.6 slugs) and moved at the same velocity as in
equations 6 and 7, then, logically, the kinetic energy would
increase. So, given mD = 300 kg (662 lb. = 20.6 slug) and vDavg =
0.28 mps (0.91 fps):
Harmonic Versus Linear Door Operators
The values now exceed the kinetic-energy code maximum, So far, we have dealt with harmonic door operators producing
though the doors closed at the same velocity. a sinusoidal motion, motion around a circle as the pulley rotates
the drive arm. Given that the motor turns at the same speed, the

82 www.elevatorworld.com • November 2015

drive arm increases in speed as the pulley rotates, then decreases in of motion with a force gauge could be used to measure the force
speed to zero at the end of door travel. Therefore, the peak velocity and, perhaps, be used to determine the mass of the doors.
is 1.57 times the average velocity. This is generally true enough These methods could measure the total force and actual
that, by simply measuring the average velocity, the peak can be acceleration during retardation to calculate mass, mass being equal
closely estimated. In code, the addition of instantaneous kinetic- to force divided by acceleration (m = F/a); a rearrangement of the
energy values is the result of this factor. F = ma fundamental equation. You also could literally take the
With a linear door operator, the door speed is directly doors off the tracks and weigh them on a scale, but the rotational
proportional to the motor speed, where the speed curve is more of inertias would still be a mystery.
a trapezoidal waveform. Most of the cycle takes place during All these methods are time consuming, extremely expensive
acceleration and deceleration. With a harmonic-motion door and leave room for error. For example, there is no way to measure
operator, the motor speed remains somewhat constant, but the the rotational inertias, except through direct force-gauge
speed of the door changes during the acceleration and deceleration measurement of the closing door system and subtracting the
cycle, producing a sinusoidal motion. The peak velocity with non-rotational door masses or detailed calculations. No tools have
harmonic motion is approximately 1.57 times the average velocity, been designed for this function. So, how do we find the mass and,
and the peak velocity of a linear door operator is 1.52 times the therefore, know if the doors are adjusted correctly?
average.[2] Both produce a peak kinetic energy of 17 ft. lb. Manufacturers know the total masses of their door systems,
Now we should understand the significance of making speed and, since the 2000 edition of code, a door data plate is required to
changes in the door system. The ultimate problem is that on older be provided with minimum door closing times. This data plate
elevators, the door masses are unknown. Here is where the code should be on all new elevators and all elevators that have had
works for you. alterations to their door operators:
“ASME A17.1-2000/CSA B44-00
Code Solution
“2.13.4.2.4 Data Plate. A data plate conforming to 2.16.3.3
To determine the weight of the doors, one would theoretically shall be attached to the power door operator or to the car
need a tachometer and force gauge, and take a force reading where crosshead and shall contain the following information:
the average velocity intersects the actual velocity of the door panel (a) minimum door closing time in seconds for the doors to travel
of a harmonic door operator because of the constant rate of the Code zone distance as specified in 2.13.4.2.2 corresponding to
velocity change due to the rotation of the pulley. Similarly, with a the kinetic energy limits specified in 2.13.4.2.1(b)(2)
linear door operator, a measurement in the constant velocity area Continued

  
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November 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD 83

 “NOTES:
(1) This Table was developed to assist in annual maintenance
inspection in accordance with 8.6 requirements where no data
plate is provided in accordance with 2.13.4.2.4
(2) The data provided in the Table are based on a survey of
several Canadian manufacturers based on information data in
the early 1990’s and are intended to be used as a guideline only.
(3) The Table covers sheet steel doors with painted surfaces
without cladding.
(4) Door closing time, t, expressed in the table as either normal
Figure 9: A typical door data plate
speed or reduced speed is the time to travel from a point 50 mm (2
(b) minimum door closing time in seconds for the doors to travel in.) away from jamb to a point 50 mm (2 in.) away from the
the Code zone distance as specified in 2.13.4.2.2 corresponding to opposite jamb for side opening doors. In the case of center opening
the kinetic energy limits specified in 2.13.4.2.1(c)(2), if applicable doors, time to travel is from a point 25 mm (1 in.) away from
[see 2.27.3.1.6(e)] jamb to a point 25 mm (1 in.) from the center. This distance is
(c) where heavier hoistway doors are used at certain floors, the referred to as the code zone distance in A17/B44 Requirement
minimum door closing time in seconds corresponding to the 2.13.4.2.2.
kinetic energy limits specified in 2.13.4.2.1(b)(2) and (5) In the absence of actual minimum door close time from
2.13.4.2.1(c)(2), if applicable, for the corresponding floors shall the manufacturer, use the upper time limit of the range for
be included on the data plate” adjustment and inspection purposes.”
The plate provides the minimum door closing times. Now, all Consultants often cite specific door close times for various
the mechanic needs is to time the door closing time in the code entrance widths. This “industry standard” is typically based on
zone and determine
whether it is too fast.
There will be no need to
weigh the mass.
In addition to the
code data plate, the 2016
edition of the code has a
non-mandatory appendix
with some minimum
door times for standard
door types and openings.
These door closing times
are based on door
weights provided by
some Canadian door
manufacturers. While
this is a good step,
knowing the exact kinetic energy is the ideal, and until a practical door weights of 3.62 kg/m2 (8 lb./ft.2). If the doors are clad with
method to calculate the weight of the doors is made affordable, we decorative cladding, the weight can be increased as much as 0.9
can only ask the manufacturers how much panels weigh, take off kg/m2 (2 lb./ft2), and, therefore, door close times must be
the door panels and weigh them, or estimate the weight and err increased for the extra kinetic energies. Today, doors are much
on the conservative side. This table is only an estimate of weights, lighter, and the door data plate covers the modern doors. There
but it errs on the heavy (safer) side: are still many older doors without a door data plate, typically of
“ASME A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16 Non-Mandatory the heavier variety.
Appendix

Metric Imperial

Door type Uncladded Cladded Uncladded Cladded

Weight/area 38.9 kg/m2 48.7 kg/m2 8 lb./ft.2 10 lb./ft.2

Table 1

84 www.elevatorworld.com • November 2015

 To determine the weight of a side-opening hoistway door, kinetic energy limit. This is why many door operators have a
determine the area of the door panel. Table 1 summarizes common separate heavy-door setting that must be adjusted, in addition to
weights for steel doors. the rest of the doors.
The hoistway door and car door masses need to be added to There are two components needed to evaluate the EKavg of a
determine the total mass. The car door could be taller, typically is door system. The first step is timing the doors in the code zone to
not wider, and could be cladded or uncladded. Once you establish determine the average velocity. One could also use a tachometer,
its type, sum all the door panel weights. Finally, adding 20% for record the peak velocity and divide by 1.57 for a harmonic door
rotational inertias and door-mounted accessories will give the operator for a ballpark average velocity, but timing the doors in the
effective mass. code zone is easiest. The second step is calculating the effective
mass.
Example
There is one more factor to complete this example. Doors come
Calculate the effective mass for a 2.743-m (9-ft.) -tall door in single-, two- and three-speed vareities. The masses are seperated
opening with a 1,066-m (42-in.) -wide entrance. Remember that by some relating mechanism that is not solid. Therefore,
the doors overlap the actual entrance opening on the top and sides a reduction factor is used. This is Q in Equation 13.[2] If the doors
by approximately 13 mm (0.5 in.), so the total size of the door are single speed, Q = 1; if two-speed, Q = 0.625; and if three-speed,
panels is 2.756 m X 1.092 m (109 in. X 43 in.) Q = 0.222.
The lobby doors are heavier because of the cladding; the upper
floors are lighter, because they are uncladded. For the rotating Example
masses and accessories, we will simply add 20% of the door-panel Determine the kinetic energy of an elevator-door system with a
mass to be conservative. 2.13-m (7-ft.) single-speed center-opening door with a clear
The effective weight of the lobby door system is 316 kg (696 lb.). opening of 1.07 m (3.5 ft.), total door weight of 256 kg (563 lb. =
The door close time of 3.9 s. is calculated at the maximum 17.5 slugs) and measured door closing time of 2 s. with an
allowable kinetic energy of 10 J (7.37 ft.-lbf ). The effective weight operative door-reopening device.
First determine the door panel velocity in the code zone:
Then, use velocity in the code zone (vDcz) to complete the
Metric Imperial calculation:
The result is less than 10 J (7.37 ft.-lbf ), the maximum EKavg
Uncladded with an operational reopening device required by the code.
hoistway 3.0 m2 x 38.9 kg/m2 = 117 kg 32.5 ft.2 x 8 lb./ft.2 = 260 lb.
door Therefore, it is code compliant.

Cladded Metric Imperial (Equation 12)

hoistway 3.0 m2 x 48.7 kg/m2 = 146 kg 32.5 ft.2 x 10 lb./ft.2 = 325 lb.
door

Uncladded
car door 3.0 m2 x 38.9 kg/m2 = 117 kg 32.5 ft.2 x 8 lb./ft.2 = 260 lb.

Total
weight of
146 kg + 117 kg = 263 kg 325 lb. + 260 lb. = 585 lb.
cladded
doors
Total
weight of Metric Imperial (Equation 13)
117 kg + 117 kg = 234 kg 260 lb. + 260 lb. = 520 lb.
uncladded
doors

of the upper-floor door system is 281 kg (619 lb.). This would give a
minimum door time of 3.6 s. at the maximum allowable kinetic
energy of 10 J (7.37 ft.-lbf ).
The significance of this is that using the speed used on the
lighter upper-floor doors for the heavier lobby door will exceed the

Summary
Metric Imperial There is not a need to be at a maximum force and energy in
most cases. The need for speed at a convalescent hospital is not as
Lobby door 263 x 1.2 = 316 kg 580 lb. x 1.2 = 696 lb.
critical as at a class-A office building. Consider the users, adjust the
Upper-floor door 234 x 1.2 = 281 kg 516 lb. x 1.2 = 619 lb. speeds as appropriate and eliminate the high rate of injurious
incidents. Continued

November 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD 85

 The code also speaks about reduced energy when the door- Acknowledgements
reopening device is rendered inoperative or is not present. This is Peer reviewed by: Louis Bialy, Consultant; and Walter Glaser,
typically called “nudging operation”: simply stated, the doors G.A.L. Manufacturing – Members of the Elevator World
must go much slower to have a reduced kinetic energy. This speed Technical Advisory Group.
will simply nudge someone out of the plane of travel so the
elevator can still operate. All that changes is the door speed and, References
therefore, the door closing times. One would use the same [1] Gibson, George W. “Kinetic Energy of Passenger Elevator Door Systems”
ELEVATOR WORLD, December 1989 and January 1990.
formulae for calculating nudging times to limit the kinetic-energy
[2] Gibson, George W. “Instantaneous Maximum Kinetic Energy of
values. Horizontally Sliding Passenger Elevator Door Systems,” EW, April
When people are struck by the doors, they are rarely hit by the 1997.
average kinetic energy. Incidents most often take place when the [3] Andrew, Phil and Dr. Kaczmarczyk, Stefan. Systems Engineering of
Elevators, Elevator World, Inc. ( July 31, 2011).
door is at its center third of travel, where its kinetic energy is [4] Abbaspour, Ben. Elevator Engineering, Elevator World ( July 30, 2014).
likely higher than average. This may indicate a reduction in these
energies might be appropriate in buildings and facilities where John W. Koshak is head and founder of Elevator
older persons work and live. This population moves slower and is Safety Solutions, Inc. Directly prior to
impacted by the hoistway doors not reaching the reopening reactivating the company in September 2008,
device mounted on the car door. This is, perhaps, a subject for Koshak served as director of Codes and
another article, but a change in the code might be warranted. Standards for North America for ThyssenKrupp
Elevator. He was formerly in research at
ThyssenKrupp Research, Innovation and Design.
Koshak got his start in the industry in 1980 with
More education to ensure doors are code Westinghouse Elevator Co. and has worked for
compliant is warranted, along with, Dover Elevator, Amtech Elevator and Adams
Elevator Equipment Co., where he was vice president of Technical
perhaps, a reexamination of code values of Support. He was a National Elevator Industry Educational Program
instructor from 1982 to 1991, designed the LifeJacket™ hydraulic-
pressure and force. elevator safety and holds several patents for elevator-component
designs. Koshak is a member of the ASME A17 Standards Committee and
a regent of the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation.
Code writing utilizes incident history and hazard assessment
based on predictable human events, foreseeable misuse and
common sense when specifying the maximum kinetic energies
doors can have. This is squarely juxtaposed against wanting the Learning-Reinforcement Questions
fastest door times, to have the fastest floor-to-floor times and, Use the below learning-reinforcement questions
therefore, maximum elevator performance for the building. to study for the Continuing Education Assessment
However, there are speed limits on roads and highways for similar Exam available online at www.elevatorbooks.com or
reasons: excessive speeds have shown to be hazardous; therefore,
on p. 117 of this issue.
we impose limits to reduce these hazards.
♦ What is the most overlooked concept contributing
There will be people who are struck by doors for many
reasons: running to catch the elevator, standing where the to hazardous door movement?
reopening devices cannot detect their presence in the plane of the ♦ What are the causes of door speeds changing over
hoistway doors and not paying attention. Limiting the kinetic time?
energies is our way to ensure that the majority of these impacts ♦ Why should 135 N (30 lbf ) of closing force not be
are simply a nuisance, not damaging incidents. Mechanics are the exceeded?
final adjusters every day. It is our responsibility to know what the ♦ How is the code zone distance of side-opening
code requires and to adjust the elevator to code. We should: doors calculated?
♦ Regularly verify the door force with a force gauge
♦ What are the differences between harmonic and
♦ Regularly verify the door close time with a stopwatch
linear door operators?
♦ Know the limits of adjustment when changing the door speeds
♦ Record all related values for easy permanent retrieval, ♦ What is the requirement for door data plates?
preferably on a door data plate ♦ How is door force measured?
Accordingly, elevator companies should: ♦ What is the maximum door force allowed by code?
♦ Train mechanics to understand the importance of door hazards ♦ What is kinetic energy, and how is it related to the
♦ Provide the tools and training to each route mechanic operation of doors?
♦ Ensure that proper recording of these values is in the ♦ What should all mechanics do when working with
maintenance records
door speeds and force?
♦ Add a door data plate to every door operator

86 www.elevatorworld.com • November 2015

 ELEVATOR WORLD Continuing Education
Assessment Examination Questions
Read the article “Elevator Door Force” (p. 75) and study the learning-
reinforcement questions at the end of the article.
To receive two hours (0.2 CEUs) of continuing-education credit, answer the
assessment examination questions found below online at www.elevatorbooks.
com or fill out the ELEVATOR WORLD Continuing Education reporting form
found overleaf and submit by mail with payment.
Approved for Continuing Education by NAEC for CET®.

1. The speed of a door increases when: 8. For a given weight of the doors, 15. Adding current to an electrical
a. The car is in motion. speeding up the doors would ______ the motor will:
b. The acceleration stops. kinetic energy. a. Increase its speed.
c. It is being accelerated. a. have no effect on b. Decrease its speed.
d. It approaches the end of travel. b. increase c. Increase its torque.
c. decrease d. Decrease its torque.
2. When adjusting the speed of the d. disable
doors, adjusting the current limit will: 16. ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Section ______
a. Increase the speed. 9. Being struck by an object with 30 J requires maintenance and testing of
b. Increase the available force. (25 ft.-lbf ) has the equivalent energy as door forces.
c. Decrease the speed. being struck by a: a. 2.13
d. Stop the motor. a. Beach ball dropped from 3 m (10 ft). b. 2.14
b. 11-kg (25-lb.) ball dropped from 1 m c. 8.4
3. Kinetic-energy limits are located in (1 ft.). d. 8.6
ASME A17.1/CSA B44 requirement: c. 30-kg (25-lb.) ball dropped from 1 m
a. 2.14.3. (1 ft.). 17. The typical length of time to measure
b. 2.13.4.1. d. Basketball dropped from 3 m (10 ft.). the door force is
c. 2.13.4.2. approximately:
d. 2.14.4.2. 10. Door data plates are required by code a. 10 s.
on all: b. 30 s.
4. The code zone distance of side- a. Existing elevators. c. 1 min.
opening doors is the entrance width b. New elevators starting in 1978 and d. 10 min.
minus: alterations.
a. 50 mm (2 in.) per door panel. c. New elevators starting in 1996 and 18. The typical length of time to measure
b. 100 mm (4 in.) per entrance. alterations. the door closing time in the
c. 150 mm (6 in.) per entrance. d. New elevators starting in 2000 and code zone is approximately:
d. None of the above; the distance is alterations. a. 10 s.
the same as for center-opening doors. b. 30 s.
11. The force retainers on a hoistway c. 1 min.
5. Average velocity of the doors door designed to the 1996 edition of d. 10 min.
determine kinetic energy is the ______ A17.1 must resist before disengaging
divided by the ______. from the entrance if ______ is applied 19. The maximum door force allowed by
a. time, distance to the center of the door panel. code is:
b. distance, time a. 30 lbf (133 N) a. 13.5 N (3 lbf ).
c. time in the code zone, distance in b. 250 lbf (1112 N) b. 27 N (6 lbf ).
the code zone c. 625 lbf (2780 N) c. 135 N (30 lbf ).
d. distance in the code zone, time in d. 1,125 lbf (5000 N) d. 200 N (45 lbf ).
the code zone
12. Door speeds change because of: 20. Kinetic energy is the:
6. If a tachometer is used to measure the a. Temperature changes. a. Heat of running.
peak door speed, the average door b. Loosening of components. b. Energy in a calorie.
speed would be approximately ______ c. Humidity changes. c. Energy of motion.
times ______. d. Electrical transients. d. Same as potential energy.
a. 1.57, slower
b. 1.57, faster 13. A17.1 Requirement ______ specifies
c. 1.75, slower the maximum door force.
d. 1.75, faster a. 2.14.4.1
b. 2.14.3.1
7. For a given speed of the doors, adding c. 2.13.4.2.3
40 kg (88 lb.) to the doors would ______ d. 2.13.4.1
the kinetic energy.
a. have no effect on 14. 1 ft.-lbf is the energy required to lift:
b. increase a. 1 lb. 1 ft.
c. decrease b. 10 lb. 2 ft.
d. disable c. 1 ft. up one stair step.
d. 1 lb. 10 ft.

November 2015 • ELEVATOR WORLD 117

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