High-strength wire rope connecting the car and counterweight over the drive sheave, transmitting traction force for elevator movement.
Full Definition
Elevator suspension ropes are multi-strand, lubricated steel wire ropes — typically 8×19 or 8×25 Warrington-Seale construction — with a minimum factor of safety of 12 for traction elevators per EN 81-20 §5.5. Rope diameter usually ranges from 8 to 16 mm. Grooves in the drive sheave rely on controlled friction (traction) to move the car; rope-to-sheave pressure must remain within limits to prevent groove wear. Ropes require periodic inspection for broken wires, corrosion, and diameter reduction, with defined replacement criteria in EN 81-20 Annex N.
