What is the purpose of elevator equipment if proper conditions for running are not met?

• A. To move the car to the next floor
• B. To protect passengers by preventing movement of the elevator car
• C. To trigger a fire suppression system
• D. To unlock hoistway doors

Answer: (B)

Elevator safety systems are designed to prevent movement whenever the conditions required for safe operation aren’t met. If doors aren’t closed and locked, the car isn’t at a landing, or there’s a fault in the braking or control systems, the elevator will not move and safety devices engage. This is to protect passengers from being harmed by an unexpected or uncontrolled ride. So the purpose of the elevator equipment in this situation is to prevent movement of the elevator car to keep riders safe. Moving to another floor, triggering a fire suppression system, or unlocking hoistway doors would create real hazards, and those functions aren’t the primary safety response to unmet running conditions.