Traction Elevator Components

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the mechanical, safety, and electrical components of a traction elevator system based on detailed study sheets.

Guide Rails

Steel rails that guide the car and counterweight, keeping everything moving straight up and down.

suspension Ropes

Steel wire that only opens by fulfilling signals to car

Landing Door

The elevator door located on the floor (landing) that only opens when signaled to the car.

Guide Shoes

Attached to the car and counterweight, these reduce friction and keep the car centered on the rails.

Elevator CAR

The passenger compartment where people ride.

Counterweight

Balances the car by offsetting the weight of the car and passengers.

CAR Door

The door located on the car that only opens when the landing door is fully open.

Door operator

A motorized system that opens and closes the car doors.

HOP Hall Button

The call button outside the elevator used to request the car.

CAR Operating Panel (COP)

The buttons inside the car used to select floors and operate doors and other functions.

Position Indicator

Shows the current floor and direction of travel.

Overhead Limit Switch

Stops the car if it goes too high in the shaft.

Pit Switch

Stops the car if it goes too low in the shaft.

Buffers

Cushions the car or counterweight if it goes too low in the pit.

PIT

The space below the lowest landing which houses the buffers and pit switch.

Pit ladder

Allows maintenance personnel to climb in and out of the pit.

Traction Machine

The motor and traction sheave that drives the elevator by moving the ropes.

Motor

Provides the power to drive the traction machine.

Controller

The 'brain' of the elevator that controls movement and safety functions.

Drive (VFD)

Adjusts motor speed for smooth acceleration and stopping.

Brake

Stops the elevator car safely when power is removed.

Rope grip

A safety device that stops the car if the ropes slip.

Disconnect Switch

Safely disconnects power in the machine room.

Governor

Safety device that stops the car if the ropes slip

Governor tension Sheave

Maintains proper tension on the governor rope.

Light/Outlet

Provides lighting and power for the machine room.

Hoistway Access Switch

Allows inspection operation from inside the shaft.

Ventilation Fan

Keeps the machine room cool and properly ventilated.

Oil unit

Lubricates the traction machine bearings.

Safety gear

Stops the car if it exceeds the rated speed.

Governor Rope

Triggers the safety gear to the safety system.

Safety Gear Switch

Detects if a suspension rope becomes slack or extreme.

Slack rope Switch

Monitors speed and activates the safety gear if needed.

Overhead Limit Switch

Stops the car at the top

Car top inspection Station

Allows inspection operation from the top of the car.

Emergency Stop

Immediately stops the elevator operation when pressed.

Earthquake Sensor

Detects earthquakes and brings the elevator to the nearest floor.

Traction Sheave

Grooved wheel that the ropes wrap around to move the car.

Compensation Ropes

Help maintain proper rope tension.

Suspension Rope

High-strength steel ropes that support the car and counterweight.

Rope Bracket

Secures the ropes to the car and counterweight frames.

Deflector Sheave

Changes the direction of the ropes within the hoistway.

Compensation Sheave

Maintains rope tension and alignment.

Terminal Blocks

Connect and organize electrical wires.

Power Supply

Converts incoming power to stable DC power for the system.

Transformer

Steps down high voltage to a lower voltage for control circuits.

Contractors / Relay

Electrical switches that control power to motors and other devices.

Circuit Breakers / Fuses

Protect electrical circuits from overcurrent or short circuits.

Battery

Provides backup power for emergency lowering or alarms.

Vent/Breather

Allows air in and out of the tank or oil unit.

Fill cap/Strainer

Used to add oil and filter contaminants.

Sight glass

Shows the oil level in the oil tank.

Drain Plug

Used to drain oil or fluid from the system.

Machine Room Light

Illuminates the machine room for maintenance work.

Fire Service Switch

Returns elevator to a designated floor during fire emergencies.

Inspection Box

Allows technicians to run the elevator in inspection mode.