According to the ASME safety code, oil buffers are required for elevators when the car speed exceeds what threshold?

The correct answer indicates that oil buffers are mandated for elevators when the car speed exceeds 200 feet per minute (FPM) in accordance with the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) safety code. This requirement is crucial for ensuring passenger safety and minimizing potential damage in the event of a free fall or emergency stop.

When an elevator car travels at higher speeds, the forces involved in a sudden stop or impact increase significantly. Oil buffers are designed to absorb this kinetic energy efficiently, softening the impact and reducing the risk of injury to passengers and damage to the elevator equipment. The choice of 200 FPM as the threshold reflects a careful balance, considering various factors such as operational efficiency and safety protocols.

Understanding that lower speeds like 100, 150, or even 250 FPM indicate either less risk or potential different safety requirements provides context. However, at speeds greater than 200 FPM, the inclusion of oil buffers becomes critical to meet the safety standards set forth by the ASME code, ensuring that elevators operate safely at higher velocities.