NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

What component temporarily holds the elevator car during a power failure?

1. Braking system

2. Safety latches

3. Counterweights

4. Suspension cables

The correct answer is: Safety latches

The component that temporarily holds the elevator car during a power failure is the safety latches. Safety latches are critical safety devices designed to engage automatically if an elevator experiences a sudden drop or if the lifting mechanism fails. When the power fails, the safety latches activate and securely lock the elevator car in place, preventing it from descending uncontrollably. This mechanism is an essential part of ensuring passenger safety, as it acts as a fail-safe to keep the elevator car stationary until power is restored and the elevator can be safely operated again. While other components like the braking system may contribute to the overall safety of the elevator by controlling its movement during normal operation, they do not specifically serve the function of holding the car in place during a power outage. Counterweights help balance the elevator and make the lifting system more efficient, while suspension cables are responsible for lifting the elevator car but do not have a mechanism to hold the car in place during power failures.