A non-contact sensor mounted in the elevator shaft or on the car that detects the position of a vane or magnet to signal floor level, door zone, or levelling position to the controller.
Full Definition
Elevator proximity sensors are inductive, magnetic, or optical devices used to detect discrete shaft positions. Common applications include: floor-level detection (triggering door opening), door-zone detection (allowing re-levelling within ±75 mm of the sill), levelling zone detection, and pit/overhead limit switches. Inductive proximity sensors detect a metal vane (flag) mounted in the shaft; magnetic sensors (reed switches or Hall-effect) detect permanent magnet strips. EN 81-20 does not specify sensor technology but requires that position detection be reliable and that loss of signal defaults the system to a safe state. Typical operating voltage is 10–30 V DC, output NPN or PNP, and IP67 protection is standard for shaft environments. Sensors must be checked for correct switching point and output during periodic maintenance.
