NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

What device must be in working condition in order to use an elevator car sling as a running platform?

1. The emergency brake

2. The governor and safeties

3. The traveling cable

4. The door operator

The correct answer is: The governor and safeties

The governor and safeties play a crucial role in the safe operation of an elevator system. The governor is a device that monitors the speed of the elevator car. If the elevator exceeds a predetermined speed, the governor activates the safety devices, which are designed to stop the elevator and prevent it from falling. These safety mechanisms ensure that the elevator operates within safe parameters and protect against uncontrolled descents. For the elevator car sling to be used as a running platform, it is essential that both the governor and the safeties are in working condition. If these systems are not functioning properly, the risk of a malfunction during operation increases significantly. This could lead to hazardous situations for anyone on or near the elevator, making the assurance of safety features like the governor and safeties critical for safe use. In contrast, while the other devices listed have important functions, they do not directly contribute to limiting the elevator's speed or stopping it in case of a malfunction. The emergency brake, traveling cable, and door operator each serve their roles, but their operation does not alone ensure the controlled and safe movement of the elevator car needed for it to be safely used as a running platform.