Traction Elevators

The electric motor in this design drives a gear-type reduction unit, which turns the hoisting sheave. While slower than a typical gearless elevator, the gear reduction offers the advantage of requiring a less powerful motor to turn the sheave. These elevators typically operate at speeds from 0.32 to 1.5 meters per second and carry loads of up to 3000 kgs. An electrically controlled brake between the motor and the reduction unit stops the elevator, holding the car at the desired floor level.