September 18, 2025 11:30am - 11:30am

Presentation Title: Understanding Automatic Door Operation in Residential Elevators

Description: This session explores the role of automatic door operation in residential elevators, highlighting its critical impact on safety, including compliance with ASME A17.1 Part 5.3 and the reduction of gap requirements. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, advancements in door technology, and practical considerations that position automatic doors as a safer, more reliable choice for modern residential elevators.

Speaker: Walter Barnes, Electronic Controls Inc.

Bio: 

Walter Barnes, co-founded Electronic Controls Inc. (ECI), alongside his father in 1983 as an electronics repair facility in Miami. Initially focused on servicing elevator control boards in South Florida, ECI expanded its operations nationwide and became a prominent player in the elevator industry. Walter assumed leadership in 1998 and relocated the company to Cape Canaveral while opening offices in Los Alamitos (ECI West) and acquiring Denver Elevator Systems. Under Walter's guidance, ECI diversified its offerings, developing proprietary products such as door operators, LCD door boards, CabLite® LED lighting, auto light controls, MerLite® emergency battery backup, cartop stations, and PitSafe® safety systems. Walter's expertise and dedication have led to numerous presentations and speaking engagements at both state and national levels, establishing him as an innovative and respected figure within the elevator industry.