An electrical safety contact that confirms the car gate or car door is fully closed before allowing the elevator to depart, forming part of the door safety circuit.
Full Definition
The car gate switch is an electromechanical safety contact — typically a roller-lever micro-switch or a magnetic proximity switch — mounted on the car door frame that confirms door closure. Its contact is wired in series in the door safety circuit; the elevator cannot depart unless the contact is made, confirming the door is closed. In older installations, manual scissor gates used simple engagement switches; modern automatic doors use adjustable limit switches or safety edges. The car gate switch contact must be checked for correct operation during installation testing and at each periodic maintenance visit. A common fault is a bent actuating lever or worn contact that intermittently makes and breaks, causing nuisance door-open faults.
