Elevator Buttons | Classification and Proper Usage Guide

Publication Date 23-02-2026

Elevator buttons are the most frequently used components during operation and are also the most prone to damage if not maintained or used correctly. Understanding the different types of elevator buttons and their technical usage standards not only ensures stable operation but also enhances equipment durability and user safety. Below, Xiolift Vietnam provides a detailed classification of common button types and instructions for effective usage and maintenance.

1. Classification of elevator buttons

Elevator buttons are designed to perform specific functions and can be categorized by location, function, or type.

1.1 Classification by function

Below is an explanatory table of commonly encountered elevator buttons:

Button Name	Common location	Main function	Common Symbol/ Image
Hall Call Button	Lobby Operating Panel (LOP) at each floor	Calls the elevator cabin to the current floor.	Up and Down arrows. Call up: ∆ Call down: ∇
Floor Selection butoon	Car Operating Panel (COP) inside the cabin	Selects the desired floor for passengers	Numbers 1, 2, 3… or B1, B2, R… ①, ②, ③ Ground floor, the lowest level the elevator reaches Ⓖ Parking level 🅟 Basement level below floor G Ⓑ
Door Open/Hold Button	Car Operating Panel (COP) inside the cabin	Keeps the doors open when stopped at a floor or reopens closing doors.	Two arrows pointing outward. ⦉⦊
Door Close Button	Car Operating Panel (COP) inside the cabin	Closes the doors faster (usually with a short delay to ensure safety).	Two arrows pointing inward. ⦊⦉
Alarm/Intercom Button	Car Operating Panel (COP) inside the cabin	Issues an emergency call to the security/building management during an incident.	Bell or Telephone icon.
Emergency Stop Button	Car Operating Panel (COP) inside the cabin	Red button used to stop the elevator immediately in case of emergency (typically only used for elevators with this function).	Hand icon or “STOP” text.

Design of Xiolift touchscreen elevator buttons

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1.2 Classification by type

Elevator buttons come in various designs, affecting the tactile feel and durability:

Mechanical Push Buttons: Physical buttons with a clear travel distance that emit a slight “click” sound when pressed. This is the most common type.
Touch Buttons: Flat buttons with no physical travel distance. Users only need a light touch on the surface to activate a command. These are typically used in high-end, modern elevators to enhance aesthetics and ease of cleaning.
Force Sensing: Requires a specific amount of force to register the press.
Braille Buttons (for the visually impaired): Buttons are embossed with Braille (raised dots) next to the corresponding floor numbers, helping visually impaired individuals identify and press the correct floor.

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2. Guide to proper elevator button usage

Using buttons correctly not only ensures personal safety but also helps the elevator operate more efficiently.

2.1 Using hall call buttons outside the cabin

Press only once: When waiting in the lobby, only press the (Up) arrow if you want to go up, or the (Down) arrow if you want to go down.
Do not press both: Pressing both buttons (up and down) causes unnecessary stops, wasting time and reducing service efficiency for others.
Waiting: When the call button light turns on, it means the command has been registered. Please wait patiently for the elevator to arrive.

2.2 Using floor selection buttons inside the cabin

Press decisively: Upon entering the cabin, press your destination floor button firmly.
Ensure the light is on: Make sure the destination floor button light is illuminated, confirming that the command has been registered.
Avoid “wrong presses”: Pressing unnecessary floor buttons causes the elevator to stop too frequently, wasting time and energy for all passengers.

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2.3 Using Door Open and Door Close buttons

Door Open Button: Should be used when you need to hold the door for others to enter/exit safely or when you press the wrong floor and need to exit quickly.
Door Close Button: Use this button only when you are certain no one else is entering or exiting the elevator to continue the journey faster. However, note that in many modern elevators, the door close button may be disabled or delayed to ensure safety.

2.4 Important safety notes

Do not press buttons randomly: Absolutely do not press all floor buttons (floor hopping), as this behavior harms the elevator and inconveniences others.
When trapped: Press and hold the Alarm/Intercom Button to communicate with the outside. Do not press other buttons frantically, and do not attempt to pry the doors open.

Using buttons correctly not only ensures personal safety but also helps the elevator operate more efficiently. — Using buttons correctly ensures personal safety and helps the elevator operate more efficiently.

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3. Maintenance of Elevator Buttons

Category	Detailed Content
1. Proper and Regular Cleaning	Frequency: Clean at least once daily (public areas/hospitals: several times per day). Tools: Soft microfiber cloth; mild cleaning solution (diluted soap or specialized stainless steel/glass cleaner). Technique: Do not spray directly onto the buttons; spray onto the cloth before wiping. Wipe gently without applying excessive force. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol/cleaning solution to clean the gaps of mechanical buttons. Wipe dry immediately after cleaning to prevent moisture from affecting the electrical circuits.
2. Periodic Technical Inspection & Maintenance	Indicator light check: Ensure LED lights are functioning normally; replace if burnt out. Contact check: Fix stuck, sunken, or unresponsive buttons. Wiring check: Tighten connections to avoid loose wires causing lost commands or flickering. Moisture protection: Inspect circuit board moisture-proofing, especially in humid environments (coastal areas, basements).
3. Protection from Mechanical & Chemical impacts	Avoid excessive force: Do not use hard/sharp objects (keys, pens) to press buttons. Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach (Javen), strong acids, or alkalis to prevent surface corrosion. Limit liquids: Prevent water or beverages from spilling onto the control panel to avoid short circuits.
4. User education	Usage guidelines: Post instructional signs in the cabin: press only with fingers, do not use sharp objects. Touch buttons: Remind users to tap lightly rather than pressing hard.

Conclusion

Through the information provided above, readers can now understand the various types of elevator buttons along with their proper usage to ensure smooth and safe operation. Correct operation, proper cleaning, and periodic maintenance will help minimize damage, extend equipment lifespan, and provide a better experience for everyone. You should apply these guidelines to protect your elevator system effectively and sustainably.

For any inquiries or service requests, valued customers and partners, please contact XIOLIFT Vietnam via Hotline: 0789 35 3838. Contact us for detailed product information or to receive expert consultations on genuine elevator installation and maintenance solutions from the best specialists!

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