NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

The ratio of reeving in a hoist system directly influences both speed and load capacity, making it a crucial aspect of its operation. Reeving is the arrangement of ropes or cables through a system of pulleys or blocks to lift loads effectively.

When the reeving ratio is increased (more pulleys or blocks are used), it generally decreases the speed of the load's ascent or descent. This is because more rope is involved in the lifting process, which requires more distance to be traveled by the load for the same input distance of rope. Conversely, a lower reeving ratio allows for faster movement of the load since less rope is involved in the lifting process.

At the same time, an increased reeving ratio also offers greater mechanical advantage, allowing the hoist to lift heavier loads. This is because the weight of the load is distributed across multiple segments of rope, reducing the load's effective weight that needs to be lifted at one time. Therefore, a higher reeving ratio enables the hoist to handle heavier capacities while sacrificing some speed.

In summary, the ratio of reeving affects how quickly a load can be moved and how much weight the hoist can effectively lift. This dual impact on both speed and load capacity is why the correct