Just realized a new building downtown is using a different kind of rope for the governor

I was at the new high rise on 5th Street last week. Saw the maintenance crew pulling out the governor rope during a check. It wasn't the standard steel cable. It was a synthetic, looked like aramid. The foreman said they switched to cut weight on the top floor machine room. Said it's rated for the same 10,000 lb load. Made me think about how materials are changing even in our old school parts. Anyone else run into this on a new install yet?

3 comments

3 Comments

simon_carr22d ago

Honestly, that seems like a step backwards. The weight savings can't be worth the new risks. I'd stick with the steel cable every time.

phoenix_grant22d ago

That's wild. Did they talk about how it handles heat compared to steel? I'd be worried about that in a fire.

fiona_carr2622d ago

What about the inspection schedule? Does the synthetic rope need to be checked more often?