A continuous wire rope loop running between the overspeed governor sheave in the machine room and a tension sheave in the pit, mechanically linked to the safety gear.
Full Definition
The governor rope forms a closed loop driven by the movement of the elevator car — as the car moves, the rope rotates the governor sheave. When the governor trips at overspeed, it grips the rope, which is connected via a linkage to the safety gear on the car frame. This mechanical energy transmission activates the safety gear clamps. EN 81-20 §5.6 specifies minimum rope diameter (6 mm), material, and minimum safety factor. The tension sheave in the pit keeps the rope taut and must be free to drop if the rope becomes slack, triggering an electrical safety switch.
