What is the purpose of the hoistway door interlock?

The purpose of the hoistway door interlock is to prevent the elevator from moving when the door is open. This safety feature is crucial because it ensures that passengers cannot enter or exit the elevator while it is in motion, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. The interlock mechanism detects whether the hoistway door is securely closed; if it is not, the system prevents the elevator from being operated. This safeguard is part of the overall safety design in elevator systems, ensuring that proper protocols are followed to maintain the well-being of users.

While other functions like securing the elevator car in position or automatically closing doors may be important in their own right, they do not directly address the critical safety concern of unauthorized movement when doors are open.