Elevator Myths vs Reality: What you really Need to know

Elevators are part of our daily lives — whether at work, home, or a hotel. But with their widespread use come many myths, urban legends, and misconceptions. In this post, we’re setting the record straight by breaking down some of the most common elevator myths and revealing the real facts behind them.

Myth #1: Elevators Can Fall If a Cable Breaks

Reality: Elevators do not fall freely like in the movies. Modern elevators have multiple steel cables, and even if one breaks, the others will support the cabin. Plus, emergency brakes automatically engage to prevent a fall. It’s virtually impossible for an elevator to plummet due to cable failure.

Myth #2: Pressing the “Close Door” Button Makes the Doors Close Faster

Reality: In most modern elevators, especially in public buildings, the “close door” button is often deactivated due to accessibility laws. The door timer is automatic and not usually affected by pressing that button — unless you’re a technician with a key or in a service mode.

Myth #3: If an Elevator Gets Stuck, You Could Run Out of Air

Reality: Elevators are not airtight boxes. They are ventilated to allow airflow at all times. Even if you get stuck, you will not suffocate. The best thing to do is press the emergency button and wait calmly for help.

Myth #4: Jumping Inside an Elevator Can Cause It to Fall

Reality: While jumping might trigger a slight jolt or confuse the sensors, it won’t make the elevator fall. The system is designed to handle dynamic weight shifts. Still, jumping is discouraged as it could trigger a safety stop or damage sensors.

Myth #5: Elevators Use a Lot of Electricity and Are Not Energy-Efficient

Reality: Elevators today are more energy-efficient than ever. Newer systems use regenerative drives, LED lighting, and smart standby modes. In some cases, elevators can even produce electricity when descending.

Myth #6: Maintenance Isn’t Necessary If the Elevator Seems Fine

Reality: Elevators may appear to work well on the outside, but internal components wear over time. Preventive maintenance is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and avoid costly repairs. Regular servicing is a legal and engineering requirement in most countries.

Myth #7: You Can Escape Through the Hatch in the Ceiling

Reality: The “escape hatch” seen in movies is not accessible from inside. It’s only for emergency personnel and locked from the outside. Trying to escape yourself is dangerous — stay inside and wait for help.

Myth #8: It’s Safer to Take the Stairs During a Fire

Reality: True! During a fire, never use a regular elevator unless it’s specifically fire-rated and designed for evacuation. Fire can disrupt elevator function. Always follow the building’s fire escape plan and use the stairs unless emergency responders tell you otherwise.

Most fears around elevators come from movies or myths. In reality, elevators are one of the safest forms of transportation — with systems in place to ensure passenger safety. The key is proper maintenance, awareness, and following guidelines during emergencies.