NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

Which component is directly involved in the mechanical trip of a car safety during an overspeed event?

1. The elevator car itself

2. The governor mechanism

3. The control panel

4. The brake system

The correct answer is: The governor mechanism

The governor mechanism plays a critical role in the mechanical trip of a car safety system during an overspeed event. It is specifically designed to monitor the speed of the elevator car. When the car exceeds a predetermined speed limit—indicative of an overspeed condition—the governor activates the safety system. This mechanism typically consists of a centrifugal switch associated with a pulley, which senses the rotational speed of the elevator cables. Once an overspeed is detected, the governor triggers the braking system or engages other safety features to bring the elevator car to a halt safely. In this context, while the elevator car, control panel, and brake system all play important roles in elevator operation and safety, they are not the components responsible for directly detecting and responding to the overspeed condition. The elevator car itself is the vehicle in which the occupants travel, the control panel is used for input and operation management, and the brake system is engaged as a response to the governor's signal. Therefore, the governor mechanism is the primary component directly involved in sensing overspeed and initiating the mechanical safety trip.