What happens to elevator brakes when power is removed?

• A. The brakes release due to gravity.
• B. The motor drives braking.
• C. Large springs apply braking force to the brake pulley, holding the elevator in place.
• D. The control system loses all feedback.

Answer: (C)

When power is removed, elevator brakes engage because they are designed as spring-applied, electromagnetically released. The springs bias the brake into contact with the brake pulley, creating friction that holds the car in place. With power applied, an electromagnet holds the brake open, but once power is lost the magnetic hold disappears and the springs bring the brake shoes onto the pulley automatically. This fail-safe setup protects against uncontrolled descent during a power outage. Gravity would only move the car if the brake weren’t holding, but the springs ensure the brake is engaged by default. The motor isn’t actively driving braking when power is gone, and the control system losing feedback isn’t the direct cause of the braking action.