What is a "safety brake" in an elevator?

A safety brake in an elevator is specifically designed to engage and prevent the elevator car from descending too quickly, which can occur during excessive speed or in the event of free fall due to a failure in the elevator system. This mechanism is crucial for ensuring passenger safety, as it acts as a fail-safe to halt the descent and bring the car to a stop, thereby preventing potential accidents or injuries.

The operation of the safety brake is typically automatic; it senses rapid descent and intervenes to lock the elevator car in place. This function is an essential component of modern elevator safety systems, demonstrating the importance of robust engineering in protecting users.

Other choices refer to different components or safety features that serve distinct purposes within an elevator system, but they do not fulfill the specific role that the safety brake plays in preventing uncontrolled descents.