NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

When there is an occupiable space below the pit, what additional equipment is required on the counterweight?

1. Motor control

2. Safeties

3. Buffers

4. Cabinets

The correct answer is: Safeties

In scenarios where there is an occupiable space below the pit of an elevator, additional safety measures must be put in place to ensure the protection of individuals in that area. When referencing the need for additional equipment on the counterweight, the requirement for safeties becomes critical. Safeties act as a vital safety mechanism designed to prevent the elevator's counterweight from falling if there is a malfunction or failure in the lifting system. In such cases, the safeties will engage to slow down or stop the counterweight from descending uncontrollably. This protection is particularly important in occupiable spaces, where the potential for injury could be serious if a counterweight were to drop unexpectedly. Thus, ensuring that the counterweights are equipped with these safety devices significantly enhances the overall safety of the elevator system. In contrast, while motor control, buffers, and cabinets might serve various functions within an elevator system, they do not specifically address the safety needs related to the presence of people in spaces below the elevator pit. Motor control pertains more to the operation of the elevator system and does not directly contribute to the safety of individuals below. Buffers help reduce impact forces from descending masses but do not prevent the counterweight from falling. Cabinets are not relevant in this context