Which component is typically responsible for controlling the speed of an elevator?

The brake system is key in controlling the speed of an elevator, as it is designed to either apply or release the braking force as necessary. This ability to regulate the speed is particularly critical during both the ascent and descent of the elevator. When the brake system is activated, it generates resistance to the motion, allowing the elevator to slow down or come to a complete stop smoothly and safely. Conversely, when it is released, the elevator can accelerate smoothly under the influence of the drive system.

While the other components play important roles in the elevator system, they do not directly control speed in the same manner. Pulleys are involved in the lifting mechanism by changing the direction of the force applied by the cabling but are not responsible for speed control. The elevator car itself is the cab that moves, but it does not actively manage its speed. The control panel allows for user input to select a destination and may include controls for the operational parameters, but the actual mechanism of speed control rests with the brake system.