Why Regular Inspection and Calibration Are Key to Elevator Speed Governor Sensitivity
The elevator speed governor is one of the most important safety parts in any elevator system. It protects passengers by detecting when an elevator moves faster than it should. When this happens, the elevator speed governor activates the safety gear and forces the car to stop. Because this device plays such a critical role, it must always stay sensitive, accurate, and ready to react.
Keeping the elevator speed governor in top condition requires regular inspection and calibration. These steps help ensure that the device works correctly and responds instantly during an emergency. In this article, we will explain why inspection matters, what daily or periodic maintenance looks like, and how to troubleshoot some common problems.
What an Elevator Speed Governor Does
Before learning about maintenance, it is helpful to understand how an elevator speed governor works.
➣It continuously measures the elevator’s travel speed.
➣If the elevator moves too fast, the governor triggers the safety mechanism.
➣It works with the governor rope, tension device, and safety gear.
A working elevator speed governor must detect overspeed within a very small error range. Even a slight loss of sensitivity can delay its activation, which could lead to dangerous situations. That is why inspection and calibration are critical tasks—not optional ones.
Why Regular Inspection Matters
Elevators operate every day, often from early morning until late at night. Over time, vibration, rope wear, dust, temperature changes, and lubrication issues can all affect the sensitivity of the elevator speed governor. Without regular checks, the device may:
⦁trigger too slowly
⦁fail to trigger at all
⦁trigger when the elevator is NOT overspeeding
⦁provide inaccurate speed readings
Regular inspection helps detect these issues early. In many cases, a simple adjustment or cleaning step can restore full function.
Most safety codes worldwide require scheduled inspections, and building owners often perform additional checks to ensure reliability. A well-maintained elevator speed governor also reduces downtime, prevents sudden service calls, and supports long-term elevator safety performance.
Daily and Routine Maintenance Methods
Even though major calibration work should be performed by certified elevator technicians, building operators and service teams can still perform routine checks. These steps help keep the elevator speed governor clean, stable, and in good condition.
1. Visual Check of the Governor Body
Look for signs of corrosion, dust buildup, or loose mounting hardware. Even minor movement can reduce sensitivity. If dust is present, use a soft brush or dry cloth.
2. Inspect the Governor Rope
The governor rope must remain clean and free from rust or fraying.
Check for:
uneven wear
rope slack
rope rubbing against other parts
If the rope creates unusual noise, lubrication or tension adjustment may be required.
3. Check Rope Tension Device
Many systems include a tension weight or tension pulley. Make sure:
The weight moves freely
The pulley rotates smoothly
No debris is blocking movement
Improper tension directly affects the governor’s accuracy.
4. Test the Overspeed Trigger (with professionals)
This test is normally performed during scheduled maintenance.
Technicians use special tools to rotate the governor at a controlled speed to confirm that the elevator speed governor activates at the correct overspeed setting.
5. Clean Contact Points
If the governor includes mechanical contacts or electrical switches, these should be kept clean and dry. Moisture or oil can prevent proper activation.
6. Observe During Operation
Listen for unusual noise, vibration, or inconsistent rope movement while the elevator is running. Many early problems can be found simply by watching the governor during normal operation.
Calibration: Keeping the Speed Governor Accurate
Calibration ensures that the elevator speed governor triggers at exactly the correct overspeed value. Calibration should ONLY be done by trained elevator technicians because it involves:
⦁measuring governor sensitivity
⦁adjusting internal springs or weights
⦁verifying rotational speed with professional tools
⦁confirming safety gear engagement
If calibration is wrong—even slightly—the elevator may lose its ability to respond in an emergency. Regular calibration ensures proper timing, accuracy, and long-term stability.
Common Faults and How to Troubleshoot Them
Even high-quality elevator speed governors can face problems over time. Here are some frequent issues and how technicians typically handle them:
1. Inconsistent Triggering
Possible causes: dirt, worn rope, faulty bearings, incorrect tension
Fix: clean the governor, adjust rope tension, replace worn parts
2. Governor Rope Slipping
Possible causes: rope wear, poor groove condition
Fix: replace rope or machine grooves, check alignment
3. Overspeed Trigger Does Not Work
Possible causes: internal spring failure, broken switch, jammed pulley
Fix: inspect internal mechanism, replace damaged parts, recalibrate
4. Excessive Noise
Possible causes: dry bearings, misalignment
Fix: lubricate bearings (if permitted), realign components
5. False Alarms or Unnecessary Trips
Possible causes: dirty components, loose mounting, electrical issues
Fix: clean, tighten, and re-test
Whenever a problem is found, it should be corrected immediately. The elevator speed governor is not a part that can wait for repair.
Final Thoughts: Reliable Speed Governors Keep Elevators Safe
A sensitive, accurate, well-maintained elevator speed governor is essential for safe elevator operation. Regular inspection, proper calibration, and quick troubleshooting are the best ways to ensure long-term reliability. Whether maintaining elevators in commercial buildings, hotels, residential towers, or industrial facilities, staying proactive with governor care protects both passengers and equipment.
If you are looking for dependable speed governors and related elevator safety components, TOWARDS ELEVATOR offers a wide range of trusted brands and solutions for global customers.