The Ultimate Guide to Elevator Buttons

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Elevator buttons are different than the regular buttons you see elsewhere. They are based on modern technological advancements and cutting-edge materials. Why buttons are placed where they are and how they’re made has science behind it!

Just as the elevator systems have gone better by the passing years, so have the elevator buttons. From what used to be a simple one-push button to what we’re seeing now in the form of touch-sensitive surfaces, intuitive interfaces, and even smart technologies is amazing.

So, read on as we help you understand the science behind elevator buttons followed by their types, and finally, which one’s are best for you!

The Evolution of Elevator Buttons

Elevator buttons have evolved considerably over the years. It all started with standard mechanical buttons that work like any other button you know. With time, the operation of these mechanical buttons improved. They became softer to press, more durable, and better looking.

Most places still prefer these mechanical buttons as they are simple to operate, last longer, and have reasonable cost. You even have the option to customize these buttons as per your needs. You can add symbols, play with the fonts, and do much more.

Modern elevators on the higher end of the spectrum use touch-sensitive panels that neutralize the need for mechanical buttons. Some systems are also developing voice controls that make the elevators entirely touchless. However, these systems cost a fortune and are not practical for everyday use.

How Elevator Buttons Work

Elevator buttons operate through electrical signals and mechanical components working together. Pressing a button initiates an electrical circuit that communicates with the elevator’s control system. The control system then activates the elevator motor to propel the car in the desired direction, either up or down.
Similarly, these buttons manage the opening and closing of the elevator doors to facilitate smooth entry and exit. To keep passengers informed about the elevator’s status, indicator lights illuminate next to the selected floor button inside the car.

Types of Elevator Buttons

You can find tons of different elevator buttons on the market. However, it is important for you to know the pros and cons of each button type to get the one that best suits your requirements.
Here are the top most-used types of elevator buttons you can get:

Floor Buttons

Floor buttons are rectangular panels found in elevators. These devices are designed for passengers to select their desired floor. Typically featuring numbers and an illuminated indicator, these buttons light up when pressed, confirming the chosen floor. Users can navigate through the building by pressing the corresponding button for their destination.

Braille Buttons

Braille buttons help visually impaired passengers to feel and identify floor numbers. These buttons feature raised dots in the Braille alphabet, allowing users to feel and identify floor numbers or other information. When pressed, the buttons trigger the elevator to move to the selected floor as the tactile system enhances accessibility.

Door Open and Close Buttons

They typically appear as rectangular panels with clearly marked symbols – an arrow pointing outward for “open” and inward for “close.” Their function is straightforward: pressing the “open” button activates mechanisms to open doors, while the “close” button initiates door closure.

Elevator Hold Buttons

These buttons help make the elevator doors stay open a bit longer. This way, people have more time to get in or out easily. It’s really helpful when someone needs extra time or help.

Alarm Buttons

Alarm buttons are small, round devices designed for emergencies. They’re usually red, so you can easily spot them. If you press the button, it makes a loud noise to get people’s attention. Some buttons even have a light to help you see them in the dark.

Elevator Call Buttons

Elevator call buttons are rectangular panels found in elevator lobbies. Typically featuring an up and down arrow, they allow users to summon an elevator to their desired floor. The buttons illuminate when pressed, indicating the chosen direction.

Elevator Emergency Buttons

Elevator emergency buttons are critical safety features inside elevators. These buttons are usually red and easily identifiable. In case of emergencies, such as getting stuck or feeling unwell, passengers can press the emergency button to alert building security or emergency services. Once activated, a communication link is established to facilitate quick assistance.

Touchless Buttons

Touchless buttons offer a modern and clean way to use devices. You often find these buttons in public places. They work by sensing when your hand or something is close to them, so you don’t have to touch them physically. Sensors help them know when something is nearby.

Different Layouts of Elevator Buttons

The variation in layouts of elevator buttons allows you to factor in the building design, elevator type, and passenger preferences. It helps you create a system that is not just functional but also looks attractive. Here are the most-used elevator button layouts you can get:

● Linear Layout: Buttons are arranged in a straight line as per the order of the floors. This layout is perfect for residential buildings and smaller commercial spaces as it is straightforward and easy to understand. The shape of linear buttons is rectangular.

● U-Shaped Layout: Buttons form a U-shape, often seen in larger buildings. The U-shape allows for a logical progression, with floors grouped by zones or functions, such as parking levels, offices, or residential floors. The buttons often take a rectangular shape.

● Circular Layout: Buttons are arranged in a circular pattern, especially in glass elevators with a central column. This design looks nice and is in cool, new buildings. Circular buttons complement the modern aesthetic.

● Grid Layout: Buttons are organized in a grid pattern, offering a systematic arrangement. This layout is common in high-rise buildings with numerous floors. The buttons are typically square to provide a clear and organized interface for users.

● Scattered Layout: In creative or unusual designs, buttons might be spread out in a way that seems random. Even though this can look interesting, it might be hard for people to find the right floor quickly. The shapes of these buttons can also be different to make the elevator look more artistic.

Modern Innovations in Elevator Buttons

Elevators are getting much better thanks to new technology. The buttons inside them are changing a lot. Some elevators have buttons that you can touch instead of pressing. This makes the experience smoother and more futuristic.
The cool thing is, you can also make these buttons look how you want them to. They have colorful displays and pictures that you can change to match how the building looks or show important information.
Now, elevators can even understand when you talk to them! You can just say which floor you want to go to, and the elevator will take you there without needing to press any buttons. It’s like talking to a friend!
Another interesting feature modern elevators incorporate is haptic feedback. It provides tactile sensations when a button is pressed to enhance the user experience by simulating the feeling of a physical button press.

FAQs

What Material Are the Button Panels Made Of?
Elevator button panels are usually made of stainless steel, durable plastic, or glass. The material they are made of is super-durable as it needs to stay in perfect shape for years. Elevator systems that work 24/7 and operate under high load prefer using stainless steel button panels. High-end elevators also need to prioritize on aesthetics so glass button panels are popular there.

Do Elevator Close Buttons Work?
Elevator close buttons are set to not work in most modern elevators due to the passenger’s security. These buttons are disabled or set with a delay too ensure that passengers have sufficient time to enter or exit the elevator without the risk of the doors closing too quickly. The primary function of these buttons is to provide accessibility rather than immediate door closure.

What Do the Letters on the Elevator Buttons Represent?
The letters on elevator buttons represent specific floors or designations within a building. Some of the most common ones you’ll see are:
    ● L or LL (Lower Levels): Lower floors or basement levels in a building.
    ● G (Ground): Ground floor or main entrance level.
    ● M (Main): Main floor in places where the ground floor is not the main entrance level.
   ● C (Concourse): Concourse levels in larger buildings.
   ● P (Parking): Parking levels.
   ● PH (Penthouse): Upscale floor.
   ● S (Sky, Street, or Special): Sky lobby, street-level entrance, or other special designations.

What Happens If You Accidentally Hit the Call Button in an Elevator?
If you press the call button accidentally, nothing significant will happen unless you follow up with a communication on the intercom or emergency phone, if available, to explain the situation. If you’re ever unsure about the functionality of an elevator or if you accidentally press a button, you can simply ride the elevator to your intended floor, and the system will continue its normal operation.

Conclusion

Spending time of choosing the best elevator buttons might not seem important at first, but you need to realize that they are a crucial component of a seamless elevator system. From all the different options to choose from, you need to find out the one that is ideal for your building.

However, picking the right brand to get these buttons from is paramount. In that regard, Dazen is your number one pick as we have a comprehensive collection of elevator buttons of the highest tier. The quality of elevator buttons you’ll get at Dazen is unparalleled. We have all the standard buttons as well as the option to customize them as per you needs!
Quality of materials and electronics is something you shouldn’t compromise on to minimize repairs and maintenance later. So, contact Dazen and see what we have in store for you!

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