A secondary braking device that grips the elevator's suspension or compensating ropes to stop the car independently of the traction machine brake.
Full Definition
Rope brakes are used in high-rise elevators as a redundant stopping device, complementing the electromagnetic machine brake. They grip the suspension ropes directly — typically using wedge jaws actuated by a spring-and-electromagnet mechanism — and can arrest the car even if the traction machine brake fails entirely. EN 81-20 §5.6 permits rope brakes as an alternative to overspeed governors and safety gear combinations in specific MRL and high-rise scenarios. The device must be triggered by the safety circuit and must release fully when de-energised. Annual testing with rated load is required, including verification of rope grip force and stopping distance.
