Abstract: A method for testing an elevator hoisting machine brake with a preselected test load TL includes confirming empty elevator car positioned at a test location stest; obtaining information of elevator balancing B; obtaining information of friction Fr of the elevator at the test location stest; determining required assisting test torque TM of a hoisting machine motor based on said test load TL, balancing B and friction Fr; opening one of the brakes while keeping rest of the brakes engaged in braking position, applying torque with the motor at most up to the required test torque TM, measuring movement of the elevator car, and if movement of the elevator car was detected, generating a signal indicating degraded condition of one or more hoisting machine brakes.

Abstract: The method includes loading and/or unloading the car, determining whether the car doors are fully closed or not fully open, measuring a total actual axial mass F?act hanging from the traction sheave, determining a stalling limit total minimum axial mass F?min, checking reopening of the car doors, whereby if the car doors are reopened, then return to beginning, else, continue, permitting starting of elevator, comparing the total actual axial mass with the stalling limit total minimum axial mass, whereby if the total actual axial mass is equal to or greater than the stalling limit total minimum axial mass, then permit normal run of the elevator car to the next landing, else, stop the elevator.

Abstract: A method includes calculating a motor torque estimate for an electric motor of an elevator in an elevator run, determining a difference between the calculated motor torque estimate and a realized motor torque during the elevator run, and generating a signal indicating possible brake dragging based on the difference between the motor torque estimate and the realized motor torque.

Abstract: The method includes loading and/or unloading the car, determining whether the car doors are fully closed or not fully open, measuring a total actual axial mass F?act hanging from the traction sheave, determining a stalling limit total minimum axial mass F?min, checking reopening of the car doors, whereby if the car doors are reopened, then return to beginning, else, continue, permitting starting of elevator, comparing the total actual axial mass with the stalling limit total minimum axial mass, whereby if the total actual axial mass is equal to or greater than the stalling limit total minimum axial mass, then permit normal run of the elevator car to the next landing, else, stop the elevator.

Abstract: A method includes commanding a brake controller to open a machinery brake, measuring the brake current of the machinery brake, and when the measured brake current does not meet or exceed a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time period, then generating a signal indicating failure of the machinery brake and cancelling the elevator run sequence, else executing the elevator run sequence.