Abstract: The variable centrifugal brake is used for providing a load and for dissipating energy coming from a power input. The brake comprises a frame provided with a driven hub connectable to the power input. A floating plate is mounted on the hub with one side closely facing a contact surface on the frame. A cam bearing plate is further mounted on the hub and closely facing an opposite side of the floating plate. At least one cam assembly, radially pivotable around a pivot axis, is mounted on the cam bearing plate. Each cam assembly comprises a pressing portion adjacent to the pivot axis for lifting and lowering the floating plate as the cam assembly pivots around the pivot axis. The floating plate is then pressed against the contact surface by the pressing portion as the cam assembly pivots beyond a threshold angle and with a force proportional to the rotation speed of the cam assembly and to the position of flyweights connected along an elongated portion substantially projecting below the pivot axis.