Understanding Elevator Safety: Why Free-Fall is Impossible and What to Do in an Emergency

At Fuji Elevator Company, ensuring the safety and reliability of our elevators is our top priority. Modern elevators are marvels of engineering, designed to provide a safe and smooth ride while incorporating multiple layers of protection against potential failures. One common concern among passengers is the fear of an elevator experiencing a free-fall. Let’s address why free-fall is impossible in our elevators, explore the concept of an elevator “slide,” and offer guidance on what to do in case of an unexpected situation.

#### **Why Free-Fall is Impossible**

Elevators are equipped with robust safety features that prevent any risk of free-fall:

1. **Traction Ropes or Steel Belts**: Elevators are suspended by multiple traction ropes or steel belts, each rated to support the car’s weight and its maximum load. The likelihood of all these ropes breaking simultaneously is virtually nonexistent due to their design and redundancy.

2. **Speed Limiter-Safety Clamp Linkage Device**: This critical safety mechanism acts to prevent dangerous speed increases. If the elevator descends too quickly, the speed limiter activates, cutting off the motor and engaging safety clamps that grip the guide rails, bringing the car to a controlled stop.

3. **Buffers**: Located in the elevator pit, these devices are designed to absorb impact and reduce inertia forces if the elevator were to fall, providing additional protection to passengers.

#### **Understanding the Elevator “Slide” Phenomenon**

While true free-falls are impossible, passengers might occasionally experience what seems like a sudden drop or erratic behavior. This phenomenon, often referred to as an “elevator slide,” can be alarming but is generally harmless:

- **What is an Elevator “Slide”?**: An elevator slide occurs when the elevator system detects an issue and automatically returns the car to a base or nearest floor. This is similar to a computer restarting after a malfunction. The sensation of sudden movement or changes in speed can create the illusion of falling or sliding.

- **Common Causes of Elevator Slides**:
– **Door Lock Collision**: If the elevator’s door interacts with the hall door lock incorrectly, it may cause the system to malfunction temporarily.
– **Loss of Level or Floor Signal**: Sensor malfunctions can lead the system to misinterpret the car’s position, triggering a return to a base station.
– **Poor Electrical Contact**: Dust or debris affecting electrical components can cause intermittent issues.
– **Unstable Power Supply**: Fluctuations in power or voltage can prompt the elevator to stop and reinitialize.

#### **What to Do if You Experience an Elevator Slide**

If you ever find yourself in an elevator that seems to be malfunctioning, here’s what you should do:

1. **Remain Calm**: The elevator is equipped with safety features to handle such situations. Panicking can cause unnecessary stress.

2. **Use the Emergency Alarm**: Most elevators have an emergency alarm button to notify building personnel or emergency services of your situation.

3. **Call for Help**: If you can, use your cell phone to call for assistance. If that’s not possible, try to get attention by shouting or tapping on the elevator door.

4. **Wait Patiently**: The elevator will typically move to the nearest or lowest floor. Once the doors open, exit calmly and report the incident to the building management or elevator service team.

5. **Avoid Tampering**: Do not attempt to open the elevator doors or exit the car yourself. This can be dangerous and could lead to injury.

At Fuji Elevator Company, our commitment to safety is unwavering. We continually monitor and maintain our elevators to ensure they operate flawlessly and provide peace of mind for all passengers. Should you have any concerns or questions about elevator safety, please feel free to contact us. Your safety is our priority!