Elevator Overspeed Governor Faults & Parts Guide
In the elevator safety system, the overspeed governor is a core safety device designed to prevent the car from running at excessive speed. Once the governor operates abnormally, the elevator may fail to function properly and may even pose a direct threat to passenger safety.
As a long-term elevator and escalator spare parts supplier serving maintenance and modernization projects, A-FLY combines extensive on-site experience to systematically explain how to identify overspeed governor faults and provide practical spare parts selection recommendations.

1. Basic Function of an Elevator Overspeed Governor
During elevator operation, when the car speed exceeds the preset safety limit, the overspeed governor responds immediately. Through a wire rope linkage and mechanical mechanism, it triggers the safety gear, forcibly stopping the car.
Therefore, the overspeed governor is not only a detection device but also a key elevator safety component directly involved in braking.
2. Common Symptoms of Overspeed Governor Faults
In actual maintenance work, overspeed governor faults are often indicated by the following issues:
Elevator fails to start normally or frequently reports safety circuit faults
Overspeed governor responds sluggishly or fails functional testing
Abnormal friction or rubbing noise during operation
Governor wire rope shows wear or derailment
Periodic inspections or safety tests cannot be passed
These symptoms usually indicate that the overspeed governor can no longer operate reliably.
3. Key Points for Overspeed Governor Fault Diagnosis
1. Check Mechanical Operation Smoothness
Manually test the governor to observe whether activation is timely and whether any sticking or jamming occurs.
2. Inspect the Governor Wire Rope Condition
Wear, corrosion, or excessive elongation of the wire rope can significantly affect governor accuracy.
3. Verify the Governor Tripping Speed Parameters
After long-term operation, internal component wear may cause deviation in the tripping speed.
4. Check Electrical Contact Condition
Aged or poorly connected contacts may lead to false alarms or failure to operate.
4. Potential Risks Caused by Overspeed Governor Faults
If the overspeed governor remains in an abnormal condition for an extended period, it may result in:
Safety gear failing to activate effectively during overspeed conditions
Failure to pass annual inspections or safety certifications
Forced shutdown of the elevator, affecting normal operation
Increased risk of serious safety incidents
Therefore, overspeed governor issues must be treated as high-priority safety hazards.
5. Recommendations for Elevator Overspeed Governor Selection
When replacing or upgrading an overspeed governor, the following factors should be carefully considered:
1. Matching the Rated Elevator Speed
Different elevator speed ratings require specific governor tripping parameters.
2. Confirm Installation Method and Dimensions
Including mounting position, sheave diameter, and fixing method to ensure compatibility with the existing system.
3. Choose Reliable Materials and Stable Structure
High-quality governors maintain consistent performance during long-term operation.
4. Ensure Compliance with Local Safety Standards
Always verify relevant certifications and inspection requirements to avoid compliance risks.
6. A-FLY — A Reliable Supplier of Elevator Overspeed Governors and Safety Components
As an experienced elevator and escalator spare parts supplier, A-FLY provides:
Various elevator overspeed governors and matching wire ropes
Safety gears and related safety circuit components
Compatible safety solutions for elevator modernization projects
A-FLY elevator components are widely used in residential, commercial, and public building projects, with OEM / ODM support and global delivery, meeting the needs of different markets.
Conclusion
Although the elevator overspeed governor is rarely activated, it remains in a constant standby safety state. Once it fails, the consequences can be severe. Through accurate fault diagnosis and proper spare parts selection, long-term reliability of the elevator safety system can be ensured.
Choose A-FLY to keep safety protection active in every elevator at all times.