New Elevator Safety Standards Focus on Hoisting Rope Guidelines

January 27, 2026

Latest company blog about New Elevator Safety Standards Focus on Hoisting Rope Guidelines

Elevators transport millions of people daily, with their safety resting on seemingly ordinary steel ropes. These unsung heroes bear tremendous tension while ensuring passenger security. But how much do we truly understand about the rigorous standards governing these vital components?

This comprehensive guide examines the safety requirements for elevator suspension ropes—from material selection to installation, maintenance, and replacement—revealing the critical factors that ensure every ascent and descent remains rock-solid.

I. Suspension Methods: The First Line of Defense

Elevator cars and counterweights must be suspended using steel wire ropes directly attached to the car frame or routed through frame-mounted sheaves. While ropes coated with marine-grade materials may be used to combat corrosion, coverings should generally be avoided to facilitate inspection.

1. Material Selection: Precision Engineering for Quality Assurance

Suspension systems must use wire ropes commercially classified as "elevator ropes" or specifically manufactured for elevator applications. This standard applies strictly to both new installations and replacements.

II. Data Plates and Labels: Guardians of Critical Information
1. Beam Data Plates: Recording Essential Specifications

Beam data plates must clearly display:

  • Rope quantity: Total number of ropes in use
  • Diameter: Precise measurement in inches
  • Material & rated breaking strength: Composition details and manufacturer's breaking strength in pounds
2. Replacement Notifications: Timely Updates for Safety

Any deviation from existing specifications in size, quantity, or material during rope replacement requires prior written notification to authorities for evaluation.

3. Rope Data Labels: Permanent Identification

Each rope fastener must bear a durable metal, fiber, or plastic label containing:

  • Diameter (inches)
  • Manufacturer's rated breaking strength
  • Material grade
  • Installation date (month/year)
  • Preformed status
  • Construction classification
  • Installer/company name
  • Manufacturer information
III. Safety Factors: The Lifeline Equation
1. Minimum Safety Factors: Non-Negotiable Standards

Suspension rope safety factors must comply with design specifications, never falling below values shown in Table 3042E1 for various intermediate rope speeds.

Table 3042E1: Minimum Safety Factors for Suspension Ropes
Rope Speed (ft/min) Passenger Freight Rope Speed (ft/min) Passenger Freight
50 7.60 6.65 700 11.00 9.80
75 7.75 6.85 750 11.15 9.90
100 7.95 7.00 800 11.25 10.00
125 8.10 7.15 850 11.35 10.10
150 8.25 7.30 900 11.45 10.15
175 8.40 7.45 950 11.50 10.20
200 8.60 7.65 1000 11.55 10.30
IV. Quantity and Diameter: Critical Specifications
1. Minimum Rope Requirements
  • Traction elevators: Minimum 3 suspension ropes (2 permitted for existing installations)
  • Drum-type elevators: Minimum 2 suspension ropes
  • Counterweight ropes: Minimum 2 when used
2. Diameter Standards

Minimum diameter: 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) with outer wire diameter ≥ 0.024 inch (0.61 mm)

V. Equalizers: The Art of Balance

Individual compression spring equalizers are preferred. Drum-type elevators with ropes moving in opposite directions require equalizers at both car and counterweight ends.

VI. Drum Fastenings: Secure Attachment Methods

Drum-type machines must secure ropes internally using clamps or tapered babbitted sockets, maintaining at least one full wrap when fully compressed.

VII. Replacement Protocols: Preventive Maintenance
  • Replace ropes showing wear, corrosion, broken wires, or reduced strength
  • Full sets must be replaced simultaneously
  • Splicing is strictly prohibited
  • Specific reinstallation schedules apply based on usage frequency
VIII. Rope Fasteners: The Connection Point

Fasteners must allow full visual inspection (except internal socket areas) and use either:

  • Tapered babbitted rope sockets
  • Approved alternative fasteners (U-bolt clamps prohibited)
IX. Secondary Fastening Devices: The Final Safeguard
  • Approved backup devices may be installed provided they:
  • Match the rope's breaking strength
  • Activate only during primary fastener failure
  • Operate within 1.5 inches of rope movement
  • Include power cutoff mechanisms