What safety feature prevents an elevator from falling?

The mechanical brake system and safety gears are crucial components designed to prevent an elevator from falling. The mechanical brake system is responsible for stopping the elevator when needed and holding it in place when it is not in motion. This system engages quickly in the event of a power failure or malfunction, ensuring that the elevator does not descend unintentionally.

Safety gears further enhance this protection. They are designed to grip the guide rails in the event of an overspeed condition or if the elevator system experiences a failure. This mechanism prevents the elevator car from falling by locking it into place against the rails, providing an additional layer of security for passengers.

Together, these systems work to ensure that elevators operate safely and reliably, maintaining passenger safety during operation. Other systems listed, like the emergency alarm system and control panel indicators, play supportive roles in safety but do not have the primary purpose of preventing falling. The counterweight mechanism helps balance the weight of the elevator and improve efficiency but does not directly stop a fall in the event of a system failure.