NEIEP Elevator Installation and Maintenance 400 Practice Exam

An overcompounded elevator, which features excessive counterweighting relative to its load, exhibits unique behavior when empty. Specifically, it tends to travel slower in the down direction near terminal landings. This occurs because the excessive counterweight reduces the effect of gravity on the car, resulting in diminished acceleration as it approaches the landing.

As the elevator nears the terminal landings, the combination of the counterweight and the car's velocity can lead to a slower descent, particularly during the last few feet before reaching the landing. This deceleration is crucial for ensuring safety and providing a smooth stop at the floor. Additionally, the elevator's control system may engage more braking force to manage the descent speed, facilitating a controlled transition into the terminal landing rather than a sudden stop.

This phenomenon is relevant for safety and operational procedures, as it allows the elevator to avoid jerky motions that could occur if it descended too quickly when empty. Understanding this behavior helps in troubleshooting and optimizing elevator performance.