Elevator Door Baffles (Space Guards) for Residential Elevators



Elevator door baffles — also commonly called elevator space guards — are clear panels installed on residential elevator hoistway doors to reduce the gap between the door and the elevator platform. These panels help minimize entrapment hazards while preserving visibility, accessibility, and the original appearance of the elevator.
Cutting Edge Plastics manufactures custom CNC-cut acrylic elevator door baffles designed specifically for home elevators, private residences, and low-rise residential applications.



What Is an Elevator Door Baffle?



An elevator door baffle is a rigid clear panel mounted to the hoistway door that limits the clearance between the door and the elevator cab. By reducing this gap, baffles help address safety concerns related to children, pets, and small objects entering the hoistway space. These panels are typically fabricated from clear cast acrylic and installed using metal standoffs supplied by the installer or elevator contractor.


Common names include:

- Elevator door baffles

- Elevator space guards

- Clear elevator baffles

- Elevator door space panels


While terminology varies, the purpose remains the same: gap reduction for residential elevator safety.



Why Are Elevator Door Baffles Used?



Residential elevator doors often leave larger clearances than modern commercial systems. In certain situations, this can present safety concerns.


Elevator door baffles are used to:


- Reduce door-to-platform clearance

- Improve child and pet safety

- Maintain visual openness compared to opaque guards

- Provide a clean, modern appearance

- Address safety concerns during renovations or retrofits


Important: Elevator door baffles are not intended to modify or replace elevator equipment. They are supplemental panels installed on the door surface only.



Code Considerations (Residential Elevators)



Code Considerations (Residential Elevators) Residential elevator installations are commonly evaluated under ASME A17.1 or ASME A17.3, depending on jurisdiction and installation date.


Clear acrylic door baffles may be used where permitted by local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ). Final compliance determination, inspection approval, and installation responsibility remain with the elevator contractor and local inspector.


Cutting Edge Plastics manufactures the acrylic panels only and does not provide code certification, installation services, or mounting hardware.



Types of Elevator Door Baffles We Manufacture



Full-Door Elevator Baffles



Full-door baffles extend nearly the full height of the hoistway door and provide the greatest reduction in door-to-platform clearance.


They are commonly selected for:

- New residential installations

- Retrofits requiring maximum coverage

- Situations with minimal door hardware interference


→ See our Full-Door Elevator Guard options



Half-Door Elevator Baffles (Bent or Flat)



Half-door baffles cover the lower portion of the hoistway door and are often used where door hardware, handles, or locks must remain unobstructed.


Bent configurations may be used to:

- Clear protruding hardware

- Improve fit on existing doors

- Maintain accessibility and operation


→ See our Half-Door Elevator Guard options



types of elevator guards



Full-door clear acrylic elevator space guard mounted with metal standoffs on a residential elevator door.



Clear acrylic elevator door baffle with bent profile installed on a residential elevator hoistway door.



Half-door elevator door baffle installed to reduce door-to-platform clearance on a residential elevator.



Materials & Fabrication



All elevator door baffles are:


- CNC-cut to order

- Fabricated from premium clear cast acrylic

- Finished with clean, polished edges

- Made to customer-supplied dimensions and drawings


Each panel is manufactured in our California facility using professional CNC routing equipment for accuracy and consistency.



Installation Notes



- Panels are shipped ready to install

- Mounting hardware and standoffs are not included (but available

- Installation is typically performed by:

- Elevator contractors General contractors

- Qualified installers


We are happy to review photos, sketches, or drawings prior to fabrication to help ensure proper fit.





Real World Installations



We’ve fabricated elevator door baffles and space guards for residential elevators across the United States, including retrofits, remodels, and new installations.


→ View real elevator guard installations in our gallery



Ordering Elevator Door Baffles



Ordering is straightforward:



1. Provide dimensions, sketches, or drawings

2. We review and confirm details

3. Panels are CNC-cut to specification

4. Finished parts ship ready for installation


Because all elevator door baffles are custom fabricated, all sales are final.→ Order custom elevator door baffles online


→ Contact us for design review or questions



Frequently Asked Questions



Are elevator door baffles required? Requirements vary by jurisdiction, elevator type, and installation date. Always consult your local inspector or elevator professional.


Do you supply mounting hardware? No. We typically supply the acrylic panels only. However, we will be happy to direct you to various suppliers.


Can you cut handle or lock openings? Yes. We can machine cut-outs based on provided drawings or measurements.


Are these for commercial elevators? These products are intended for residential elevator applications only.



About Cutting Edge Plastics



Cutting Edge Plastics is a California-based manufacturer specializing in custom CNC-fabricated acrylic components. We serve residential elevator contractors, builders, and homeowners nationwide with precision-cut, made-to-order solutions.



elevator space guards


sales@elevator-guards
949-454-1013 | 23501 Ridge Route Dr., Suite E, Laguna Hills, CA 92653


Cutting Edge Plastics fabricates elevator guards to customer-provided specifications. We do not design, certify, or determine code compliance. Please consult your licensed elevator contractor or AHJ for installation approvals.


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