Braking Systems for Rope Elevators

The term braking system as used in this paper includes all devices and mechanisms for decelerating the moving cabin and bringing it safely to a standstill. Of prime concern is the normal operating brake for stopping the cabin in the desired location, but attention is also given to ancillary braking systems and the safety-gear required in an emergency. Discussion centres on how these various devices function and which part of the elevator they act upon. The paper considers the importance of safety on the design and calculation for braking systems and how these requirements are catered for in standards.