How Does an Elevator Counterweight Help Lift a Full Car?

A full elevator car is heavy—but in a traction elevator, the motor doesn’t have to lift all of that weight by itself. Follow Tavi, a lift inspector, to see how a counterweight travels in the opposite direction from the car. It’s sized to balance the empty car plus part of its rated load—often around half, depending on the design. As passengers enter, the balance shifts, and the motor controls the remaining difference. This video focuses on traction elevators, which use ropes and a sheave. Hydraulic lifts work differently. Ordinary, Engineered explains the clever engineering hiding in plain sight. #Engineering #Elevators #HowThingsWork