SUNS International Recalls Allegedly Defective Residential Elevator Interlock Switches Due to Fall and Crushing Hazards

WASHINGTON — SUNS International has announced a recall of certain residential elevator interlock switches after discovering that the devices can become stuck, leaving an exterior elevator door unlocked and creating serious fall and crushing hazards.

According to the recall, the affected interlock switch can remain stuck in a retracted position. This can allow the exterior landing door to remain unlocked even when the elevator cab is called to or located on another floor. A person could open the door when the elevator is not present, potentially exposing them to an open elevator shaft and a serious or fatal fall.

The recall involves all SUNS International SS6291 Solenoid Interlock Switches used in residential elevators manufactured between August 20, 2024, and November 6, 2025. Affected switches have date codes ranging from 2431 through 2543.

The affected switches were installed or used by residential elevator companies that include:

• Southeast Elevator, including Home Elevator Systems, Panhandle Elevator, Gulfside Elevator, Palm Beach Lifts, ZMA Lifts, and REAL Elevator
  • Scranton Home Elevators
  • The Home Elevator Co.
  • EDCO Elevator
  • Inclinator Company of America
  • American Access
  • American Elevator Company LLC
  • Rise Above Elevator

SUNS International has received one report of an interlock switch becoming stuck, which allowed the elevator door to remain unlocked.

Contact The Ammons Law Firm for Help After an Injury Caused by a Dangerous Product

An unlocked elevator door signals that it is safe to enter. They have no reason to expect an empty shaft on the other side. If the elevator cab is on another floor and the door can still be opened, one step forward could result in a devastating fall. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, permanent disability, or even death.

The interlock is a critical part of the elevator’s safety system because it is supposed to prevent the landing door from opening when the cab is not there. If that protection fails, the danger is not limited to the elevator itself. Anyone who approaches that door could unknowingly be exposed to an open hoistway.

When an elevator defect causes serious injury or death, determining who is responsible can be complicated. The manufacturer, installer, elevator company, maintenance provider, or other parties may share responsibility depending on what went wrong. Our product injury attorneys can investigate the failure, identify the responsible parties, and help injured individuals and surviving families pursue the compensation and accountability they deserve.