Differences and Connection Between Elevator Light Curtains and Elevator Safety Edges
In elevator safety systems, door anti-pinch protection is one of the most crucial components.
With modern technology, elevator light curtains and elevator safety edges (touch panels) have become two widely used and vital safety devices.
Although both aim to prevent passengers or objects from being caught by the closing doors, they differ in working principle, structure, and application scenario.
Here, the professional team from A-FLY Elevator & Escalator Parts Supplier explains their distinctions and how they complement each other.
1. What Is an Elevator Light Curtain?
An elevator light curtain is an intelligent, infrared-based safety protection system.
It consists of infrared emitters and receivers installed on both sides of the elevator door, forming an invisible “light wall.”
When someone or something enters this detection zone, the infrared beams are interrupted. The system then immediately sends a signal to the elevator control unit, instructing the doors to stop closing and reopen.
Key Advantages:
Non-contact detection with high sensitivity.
Ultra-fast response time, as low as 20 milliseconds.
Ideal for modern elevators and high-traffic environments.
Wide detection coverage, usually up to 2 meters or more.
A-FLY’s elevator light curtain adopts a high-density infrared beam design, ensuring accurate sensing and stable operation compatible with most elevator systems.
2. What Is an Elevator Safety Edge?
An elevator safety edge, also known as a touch panel, is a mechanical anti-pinch device.
It is usually mounted on the front edge of the elevator car door.
When a person or object touches the panel as the door closes, the internal sensing structure (such as a micro switch or airbag sensor) is compressed, triggering a signal that causes the elevator doors to stop and reopen.
Key Advantages:
Simple structure, easy installation and maintenance.
Cost-effective solution, suitable for older elevators.
Provides basic safety protection even in the event of power failure or sensor malfunction.
A-FLY’s elevator safety edge uses high-elastic rubber combined with sensitive switch technology, reacting instantly upon contact to ensure dependable protection.
3. Main Differences Between Light Curtains and Safety Edges
Although both devices serve the same purpose—preventing accidents—their operation methods differ significantly.
The light curtain detects objects through infrared sensing, meaning it doesn’t need physical contact to respond. It reacts in milliseconds, providing proactive protection before the doors even make contact with an obstacle.
The safety edge, on the other hand, functions through mechanical contact. The door must physically touch the edge before triggering a reaction. This makes it slightly slower, but it still provides a vital backup when electronic systems fail.
In short, light curtains offer intelligent, contactless prevention, while safety edges provide direct, physical protection—each fulfilling a unique role in elevator safety.
4. How Light Curtains and Safety Edges Work Together
Despite their differences, light curtains and safety edges are complementary technologies.
In high-safety-grade elevators, both systems are often installed simultaneously:
The light curtain provides intelligent, early-stage obstacle detection.
The safety edge serves as a physical backup in case of sensor failure or unexpected conditions.
This dual-layer protection ensures maximum safety, reducing the risk of accidents under all circumstances.
5. A-FLY — Global Supplier of Reliable Elevator Safety Solutions
As a professional elevator and escalator parts supplier, A-FLY is dedicated to the development and distribution of high-quality safety components, including:
Elevator Safety Edges (Touch Panels)
Elevator Door Operator Systems
Elevator Door Locks and Control Boards
Elevator Guide Wheels, Elevator Door Rollers, and Elevator Limit Switches
All A-FLY products undergo strict testing to ensure stability, durability, and long service life, making them ideal for maintenance, modernization, and new installation projects worldwide.
6. Conclusion: Safety Begins with Sensing, Trust Comes from Expertise
Whether it’s an elevator light curtain or a safety edge, both serve as indispensable “guardians” of the elevator door system.
The light curtain delivers smart, contact-free detection, while the safety edge offers mechanical reliability—together forming a complete safety defense line.
With its professional manufacturing and global supply capacity, A-FLY Elevator & Escalator Parts Supplier provides reliable safety components that make every door operation smoother, quieter, and safer.
Choose A-FLY — where safety starts with precision, and trust lasts with every door movement.
