What is the primary function of a safety edge in an elevator?

The primary function of a safety edge in an elevator is to detect obstructions in the elevator door's path. This device is designed to enhance passenger safety by ensuring that, if there is any object or person in the doorway when the doors are closing, the safety edge will sense this obstruction and trigger the elevator system to either stop the movement of the doors or reverse their direction, thereby preventing injury or entrapment. This is especially critical in preventing accidents in high-traffic areas where users may not have clear visibility of the door’s closing actions.

Other options focus on different aspects of elevator safety and operation, such as speed enhancement, communication, or door locking mechanisms, which do not directly relate to the specific task of detecting obstacles during door operation.