Do Elevator “Close Door” Buttons Actually Work? What Reddit and Experts Say

Yes—often, but not always. In many modern U.S. elevators the “door close” button is limited or delayed by accessibility and safety rules, so pressing it may do nothing until a minimum open time has passed; in other regions and on older systems, it frequently works as expected. Reddit threads—especially in r/elevators and r/AskEngineers—echo this nuance: technicians say the button usually works under certain conditions, is sometimes disabled by owners or controller settings, and always yields to safety sensors and accessibility timing.

What Reddit Users and Elevator Technicians Report

Across years of discussions on Reddit, elevator mechanics consistently explain that the button’s behavior depends on controller programming, building policy, and local code. The widespread internet myth that the button “never works” took hold after media coverage in the 2010s, but elevator professionals on Reddit regularly clarify that many systems do respond—just not immediately or in every mode. Users outside the U.S. also report more predictable results, noting that European and Asian units commonly honor the command.

Why Some Buttons Don’t Seem to Work

Accessibility timing and regulations

In the U.S., accessibility standards (including ADA-informed practices and ASME A17.1/CSA B44 codes adopted by jurisdictions) require a minimum door dwell time so people with disabilities have time to enter and exit safely. On many controllers, the “close” button is ignored until that minimum time has elapsed, making it feel ineffective. The button also cannot override door re-opening devices (infrared/light curtain sensors or safety edges) that detect people or objects in the doorway.

Owner and controller settings

Building owners or service firms can adjust how the button works: fully enabled, enabled only after a delay, requiring the button to be held, or effectively disabled in normal passenger service. That means two elevators from the same manufacturer can behave differently next door to each other, depending on programming choices.

How Elevator Logic Actually Treats the Button

Elevator control systems weigh multiple priorities—safety, accessibility, dispatch efficiency, and user commands. The “close” button is typically a request that the controller can accept or defer. Common patterns include honoring the command after the minimum open time, requiring a continuous press to shorten dwell, or ignoring it if a hall call is pending, the door protection field is interrupted, or “nudging” and other safety modes are active.

When the Button Definitely Works

In certain operating modes and contexts, technicians and riders agree the “door close” button is active and influential.

• Independent/service mode: When an elevator is placed in independent service (often with a key), the open/close buttons directly control the doors.
• Firefighter Phase II: With firefighter operation engaged, the door buttons are essential controls.
• Older or non-U.S. installations: Many pre-1990s U.S. units and numerous elevators abroad respond immediately to “close.”
• After the minimum dwell time: Even on modern U.S. systems, the button may shorten the remaining open time once the accessibility window has elapsed.
• Freight and service cars: These often prioritize manual door control for logistics and timing.

These cases illustrate why experiences vary widely: the same physical button can function like a hard control in one mode and a soft suggestion in another.

How to Tell If Your Elevator’s Button Works

While there’s no universal test, riders and techs describe a few practical tells that don’t compromise safety.

• Hold vs. tap: If a quick tap does nothing, try holding the button after people have cleared the doorway and the minimum time likely has passed.
• Watch for indicators: Some cars light the “close” icon or trigger a relay click just before doors start to move.
• Context matters: During heavy traffic or with hall calls pending, dispatch logic may delay closing; in a quiet car with only your floor selected, the button is more likely to shorten dwell.
• Sensors rule: If the door protection beam is interrupted, the doors will not close—no matter how many times you press.

These cues won’t guarantee behavior, but they can help you understand whether your building’s controller honors the command in normal service.

Myths vs. Facts

Common assumptions about “door close” buttons often miss key technical and regulatory details. Here’s a quick reality check.

• Myth: “The button never works.” Fact: It often works, but only after minimum dwell or in certain modes; some buildings disable it.
• Myth: “Pressing it overrides safety.” Fact: Safety devices and accessibility timing take precedence over user input.
• Myth: “This is just a placebo everywhere.” Fact: In many countries, and on older or service-configured cars, the button is a direct control.
• Myth: “Manufacturers fake the button.” Fact: The hardware is real; behavior is typically set in software to meet codes and policies.

Understanding these distinctions explains why experiences differ from one city—or even one elevator—to the next.

What Reddit Adds to the Picture

Reddit threads assemble on-the-ground perspectives from riders and technicians across regions and eras of equipment. The consensus is pragmatic: the button’s effectiveness depends on local code, controller programming, and operating mode. It is neither universally fake nor universally immediate—just constrained by rules that most riders never see.

Summary

The elevator “door close” button does work in many cases, but modern U.S. passenger elevators often delay or limit its effect to satisfy accessibility and safety requirements. Reddit discussions align with industry practice: the button is genuine, but controller logic may ignore it until the minimum open time passes, and it cannot defeat sensors. In independent or firefighter modes, on older systems, and in many non-U.S. installations, it behaves as a direct control; otherwise, it’s a request the controller may grant when safe and allowable.