NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

What speed should counterweight safeties be set to trip?

1. Equal to the car governor

2. 10% lower than the car governor

3. 10% higher than the car governor

4. At maximum speed

The correct answer is: 10% higher than the car governor

The counterweight safeties in an elevator system are designed to trip when the speed of the counterweight exceeds a certain threshold, ensuring the safety of the system and its passengers. To achieve this, the safeties should be set to trip at a speed that is 10% higher than the speed at which the car governor operates. Having the counterweight safeties set higher than the car governor speed allows the safeties to act as a protective measure in the event of rapid counterweight movement. This setup ensures that if the counterweight moves too quickly due to an unforeseen issue, the safeties will engage before the system reaches a potentially hazardous condition. It is critical for ensuring that both the car and counterweight remain within safe operating speeds and that emergency protocols are effectively activated in case of an anomaly. Setting the safeties at a speed equal to or lower than the car governor would not provide adequate protection. If they were set at maximum speed, it could lead to scenarios where the safeties do not engage in time to prevent accidents, thereby compromising the system's safety.