How to Install Hollister-Whitney Rope Grippers

The Hollister-Whitney rope gripper is one of a number of safeguards installed on an elevator. Unlike emergency devices that prevent or stop an elevator from free-falling, the rope gripper prevents the elevator from over-speeding in an ascending direction. The Hollister-Whitney gripper consists of a pair of brake shoes held open by hydraulic pressure. When the elevator senses vertical over-speed, an electric solenoid on the rope gripper is actuated and the brake shoes automatically close on the elevator suspension ropes to arrest upward travel. Engineering and placement of the mounting channels for the Hollister-Whitney rope gripper, as well as wiring connections to different brands of elevators, are location-dependent and subject to specifications of the particular elevator manufacturer. However, mounting, positioning and adjusting the rope gripper unit in proper relation to the suspension ropes, and installing the ancillary hydraulic pump, are accomplished by a universal installation procedure.

Socket wrench and sockets
Snap ring removal tool

Instructions

- 1
  Verify that the security set screws installed for shipping are restraining the hydraulic cam and holding the moveable brake shoe in the open, "Ready" position.
- 2
  Remove the four snap rings that secure the two arms connecting the stationary brake shoe to the moveable brake shoe. Slide the two connecting arms out of their mounting holes.
- 3
  Separate the moveable brake shoe assembly from the gripper unit.
- 4
  Place the rope gripper unit on its mounting channels and adjust its position so the elevator suspension ropes contact the stationary brake pad and are aligned both longitudinally and side-to-side with the brake pad. The ropes should only lightly brush the brake pad and contact the pad surface evenly along its entire length.
- 5
  Tighten the five angle bolts on each side of the rope gripper unit mounting bracket. Three angle bolts secure the gripper unit's vertical orientation and two angle bolts lock the gripper unit into position on its mounting channels.
- 6
  Reinstall the moveable brake-shoe assembly opposite the stationary brake-shoe assembly and slide the two connecting arms into their mounting holes. Replace the four snap rings on the ends of the connecting arms.
- 7
  Remove the shipping cap on the top of the hydraulic pump unit.
- 8
  Install the supplied dipstick cap and verify the oil level in the pump reservoir. There should be at least one inch of oil on the dipstick.
- 9
  Mount the pump unit in an upright attitude only. Position the pump unit adjacent to either side of the gripper unit and within the 27-inch length of the supplied hydraulic hose.
- 10
  Feed the end of the hydraulic hose from the gripper unit through the knockout plug on the side of the hydraulic pump housing. Connect the quick-connector on the hydraulic hose to the fitting inside the hydraulic pump housing.
- 11
  Turn the hydraulic pump test switch on the side of the pump housing to the "On" position.
- 12
  Verify that the latch solenoid on the rope gripper unit energizes and engages the trigger mechanism to hold the moveable brake shoe in the open position.
- 13
  Remove the security set screws on the gripper unit entirely so the rotating shaft is not restrained and the moveable brake shoe is free to close when signaled.

What Are the Dangers of Furnace Soot in the Air?

How to Get Rid of Rats in the Walls & Ceiling

General Home Safety