HOLLISTER-WHITNEY ROPE GRIPPER User manual

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HOLLISTER-WHITNEY “ROPE GRIPPER™”
Instructions for Model #620GA1, 620GA2
(Patented worldwide, other patents pending)
WARNING:KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF “ROPE GRIPPER™”.
FORCES CREATED CAN CRUSH FINGERS.
Figure 1
“ROPE GRIPPER
TM
” MOUNTING CHANNELS GUIDELINES
• The Mounting Channel Framework supporting the “ROPE GRIPPER™” must withstand
upward and downward forces according to Table 1 (p. 4) and applicable code requirements.
• The Mounting Channel Framework must be sufficiently sized to securely hold the “ROPE
GRIPPER™” and elevator while preventing any sliding. The Traction Machine must also be
prevented from sliding. See Figure 2 and Figure 3 (pp. 2 – 3) for suggested mountings.
• When adding a “ROPE GRIPPER™” to an existing installation, it may not be possible to
mount the gripper in the machine room. It is acceptable to mount the gripper horizontally or
upside down, as long as proper consideration for access is given for future gripper
maintenance.

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Typical Mounting Arrangement for Overhead Machines
- New Installations -
ALTERNATE PRE-MOUNTED GRIPPER
ISOLATION BEAM IS
BOLTED TO TOP FLANGE
OF MACHINE BEAMS
MACHINE BEAMS
MACHINE BEAMS
FLANGE OF MACHINE BEAMS
MACHINE BEAMS
CHANNELS ARE BOLTED TO TOP
OF THE CONCRETE FLOOR
CHANNELS TO SUIT THICKNESS
(3) 4X13.8 SHIP CHANNELS
MACHINE BEAMS
TIE-DOWN CHANNEL IS
THRU-BOLTED TO TOP
FLANGE OF MACHINE BEAMS
CONCRETE SLAB
CONCRETE SLAB
TO ISOLATION BEAM
ARE THRU-BOLTED
TIE-DOWN CHANNELS
Figure 2

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Figure 3
MACHINE BEAMS
MACHINE BEAMS
(4) 4x13.8 SHIP CHANNELS
TIE-DOWN CHANNEL IS
THRU-BOLTED TO TOP
FLANGE OF CHANNEL
FLANGE OF MACHINE BEAMS
THRU-BOLTED TO TOP
TIE-DOWN CHANNEL IS
MACHINE BEAMS
(2) 4x13.8 SHIP CHANNELS
ATTACHED TO MACHINE
BEAMS
- Existing Installations -
Typical Mounting Arrangement for Overhead Machines
"GRIPPER" IS THRU-BOLTED TO
TOP FLANGE OF THE CHANNELS
MACHINE BEAMS
ATTACHED TO MACHINE BEAMS

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INSTALLATION OF “ROPE GRIPPER
TM
”
• Be sure security set screws are holding the rotating shaft in the LOADED (open) position as
shown in Figure 1 (p. 1).
• Remove both connecting arms after removing the four retaining snap rings.
• Remove movable shoe assembly.
• Attach “ROPE GRIPPER™” to mounting channels with appropriate bolts per Table 1 below.
Do not fully tighten bolts yet.
MODEL #
APPROXIMATE
UP & DOWN
FORCE
MOUNTING BOLTS
(Approximate Torques)
REFERENCE
DRAWINGS
620G (using inch hardware) 2000 lbs GRADE 5: 1/2" UNC @ 74 ft-lbs 620-DIM
620G (using metric hardware) 907 kg GRADE 8.8: M12 @ 96 N*m 620-DIM
Table 1
Note: Mounting must conform to applicable codes.
• Position the “ROPE GRIPPER™” so that the stationary shoe lining barely touches the ropes
from top to bottom. Make sure “ROPE GRIPPER™” is squarely aligned, and centered side
to side as much as possible, with the ropes. Misalignment may cause uneven and/or
excessive lining wear.
• Securely fasten “ROPE GRIPPER™” mounting bolts (5 bolts per side). Make sure they are
torqued correctly. See Table 1.
• Double check rope alignment. Make sure the ropes touch the stationary shoe lining evenly.
• Reinstall movable shoe assembly.
• Reinstall connecting arms with chamfered edges on the inside of the gripper and secure the
four snap rings.
• Remove upper cover. Install proper fitting with power and control wiring. See Figure 9 on p.
16.
• Connect terminals GRN, RG1, RG2, RG5 and RG7 to elevator control. Check control
diagram for proper connection.
• Make sure controller safety circuit is active and clear for running. Turn test switch ON.
Motor may run momentarily, and solenoid will energize, causing the pawl to engage a gear.
• When the solenoid is energized, loosen the two security set screws a turn or two. Confirm
that the “ROPE GRIPPER™” is being held open by the pawl.
• Remove security set screws. Once removed, store set screws in electrical enclosure, near the
front corner by the power cable entrance and the capacitor. Replace upper cover.
NOTE: Security set screws must be completely removed when “ROPE GRIPPER™”
activates to prevent gripper failing to set or damage to the unit.
• Unit is now ready for required testing and lining wear-in.
TESTING OF “ROPE GRIPPER™”
• Make sure controller safety circuit is active and clear for running. Turn test switch ON (see
Figure 8 7 on p. 13). The “ROPE GRIPPER™” should go to the ready, open (LOADED)
position (NOT clamping the ropes).
• Turn test switch to OFF. This should activate the “ROPE GRIPPER™”, clamping the ropes.
Be sure that while clamping the ropes, the Elevator Can Run switch (see Figure 4 on p. 5)
contacts on the “ROPE GRIPPER™” stop or prevent power from being applied to the motor
and machine brake.
• Turn test switch ON. “ROPE GRIPPER™ should reload (re-open).

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ELEVATOR
CAN RUN
SWITCH
EXCESSIVE
WEAR
MICROSWITCH
Figure 4
“ROPE GRIPPER™” LINING WEAR-IN
A line has been marked on the side wall of the gripper to aid in the Wear-In process. Note
that at this point in the procedure, this line is well above the Connecting Arm and will be met or
covered by the Connecting Arm during the Wear-In process (see Figure 1on p. 1 for locations of
Connecting Arm and Wear-In Line).
• Make sure test switch is ON.
• Run the car at the slow or inspect speed. Keeping hands clear of all equipment, use caution to
wipe down the ropes to remove any dirt and/or excess oil and grease from top to bottom.
• Jump terminals RG5 to RG7, preferably at the controller, and run the empty car in slow

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speed in the direction that the machine will pull the ropes thru the “ROPE GRIPPER™”
(typically DOWN). When the car runs at that speed, turn the test switch OFF. The “ROPE
GRIPPER™” will clamp the ropes with a light pressure and ropes will begin to wear grooves
in the linings.
Figure 5
• As the linings wear in, the rotating shaft will move back in the cam slot and up around the
corner of the cam noted above (Figure 5, above), and the connecting arms (see Figure 1 on p.
1) will move up the side wall and begin to match or line up with the wear-in line marked on
the side wall.
• Note that it may take several car runs to complete lining wear-in.
• Once the rotating shaft has turned the corner and the wear-in line is matched or covered, stop
the car and REMOVE THE JUMPER FROM RG5 TO RG7. Failure to remove the jumper will
cause unsafe conditions.
• If the lining wear-in is not completed after the grooves in the linings have reached
approximately 1.5 mm deep, spacer shims (Figure 6, p. 7) can be moved from between the
shaft support blocks and moveable shoe to the outside of the support block to allow the
rotating shaft to just turn the corner and move up the cam to near the wear-in line. Refer to
Table 2 (p. 8) for initial spacer and shim set-up. Note: Before changing spacers, install
security set screws to prevent unintended “ROPE GRIPPER™” activation, which could
lead to severe personal injury and/or damage to the unit.

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MOVABLE SHOE
SHAFT SUPPORT BLOCK
ROPE SIDE SHIMS
OUTER SIDE SHIMS
NOTE:
PLACE OR REMOVE SPACER SHIMS HERE AS REQUIRED
FOR DIFFERENT HOIST ROPE DIAMETERS
OR WHEN ADJUSTING FOR LINING WEAR.
SMALLER ROPES REQUIRE MORE SPACERS IN THIS
POSITION.
Figure 6

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rope size
# of 3 mm shims, rope side # of 1.5 mm shims, rope side # of 0.8 mm shims, rope side # of 3 mm shims, outer side # of 1.5 mm shims, outer side # of 0.8 mm shims, outer side
mm Inches mm
6 6.00 2 2 1 0 1 0
1/4 6.35 2 2 0 0 1 1
7 7.00 2 1 1 0 2 0
5/16 7.94 2 1 0 0 2 1
8 8.00 2 1 0 0 2 1
9 9.00 2 0 1 0 3 0
3/8 9.53 2 0 0 0 3 1
10 10.00 1 1 1 1 2 0
11 11.00 1 1 0 1 2 1
7/16 11.11 1 1 0 1 2 1
12 12.00 1 0 1 1 3 0
1/2 12.70 1 0 0 1 3 1
13 13.00 0 1 1 2 2 0
14 14.00 0 1 0 2 2 1
9/16 14.29 0 1 0 2 2 1
15 15.00 0 0 1 2 3 0
5/8 15.88 0 0 0 2 3 1
16 16.00 0 0 0 2 3 1
Table 2
LINING REPLACEMENT or SHIM ADJUSTMENT
The linings will wear, especially after multiple high-speed stops. When clamping, the rotating
shaft will move towards the upper end of the cam as the linings wear. Near the end of the cam,
the excessive wear microswitch (see Figure 4, p. 5) will open and the “ROPE GRIPPER™” will
not automatically reopen (reload).
In this case you must inspect the linings, and decide whether the spacer shims should be
adjusted, or the linings should be replaced. This will depend on whether the grooves in the
linings are more or less than 3/16” or 4.75 mm deep.
•To inspect linings for wear, first reopen the “ROPE GRIPPER™” using the supplied 6 mm
socket wrench on either of the hex shaft ends on the side of the gear housing. Once in the
open position, install the security set screws so they touch the rotating shaft. Note: Before
changing shoes or spacers, install security set screws to prevent unintended “ROPE
GRIPPER™” activation, leading to severe personal injury and/or damage to the unit.

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1. If lining wear is excessive (greater than 3/16” or 4.75 mm) linings should be replaced.
Remove both connecting arms by removing 4 snap rings. Remove moveable shoe assembly.
Remove screw from top of each lining assembly and remove linings by unhooking them at the
bottoms. Refer to Table 2 (p. 8) for initial spacer and shim set-up to use with new linings.
•When linings have been replaced, follow the INSTALLATION OF “ROPE
GRIPPER™” procedure and the LINING WEAR-IN procedure.
2. If lining wear is not excessive (less than 3/16” or 4.75 mm), spacer shims (Figure 6 , p . 7)
can be moved from below the bolt heads (outer side) to between the shaft support blocks and the
moveable shoe (rope side). Remove the bolts that hold the blocks to the movable shoe, move the
spacer shims to under the blocks and reinstall and tighten bolts. Addition of shims on the rope
side will lower the position of the rotating shaft toward the bottom end of the cam when
clamping.
•When adjustment/replacement is complete, energize the solenoid and carefully
remove the security set screws, being sure the solenoid holds. Follow the procedures
described earlier to ensure that the rotating shaft will be around the corner at the
bottom of the cam (and connecting arm position matches or covers the wear-in line
marked on the side wall) when gripping the ropes.
TESTING ALL CIRCUITS
The following three tests should be made while the car is running in slow speed in both the up
and down directions.
• During each test the “ROPE GRIPPER™” should:
A. Grab the Ropes,
B. Stop the car, and
C. Open the control safety circuits disconnecting power to the motor and
machine brake.
1) Turn the “ROPE GRIPPER™” test switch OFF. Observe A, B, and C above.
2) With the car in the door zone, open the door or open the door lock circuit, then open the
door zone circuit, and observe A, B, and C above. NOTE: The controller’s safety
circuits should require a manual reset before the “ROPE GRIPPER™” reopens.
3) Manually open the governor overspeed switch and observe A, B, and C above. NOTE:
The governor will require a manual reset after this test. The controller’s safety circuits
should then require a manual reset before the “ROPE GRIPPER™” reopens.
SUGGESTED CONTROLLER CIRCUITS
NOTE: The following describes circuits to meet code requirements and prevent nuisance
shutdowns. The controls circuit can also be configured so that the Rope Gripper also responds to
other errors.
• Both the B44 and A17.1-2000 Codes and more recent codes require new circuitry for
activation of the “ROPE GRIPPER™”. It is the controller manufacturer’s responsibility to
provide proper circuitry that meets all applicable codes and laws for operating this device.
• The function of the “ROPE GRIPPER™” when applied is to clamp the ropes and stop the
car. We recommend that the “ROPE GRIPPER™” is activated when an overspeed occurs or
when the car leaves the floor (door zone) with the doors open (hoistway door unlocked
and/or the car gate switch open). If the doors happen to open while the car is between floors,
the “ROPE GRIPPER™” need not be activated.
• It is suggested that a manual reset of the Rope Gripper require a minimum of 10 seconds of
constant pressure activation, to allow the mechanic resetting the Rope Gripper to quickly
react to an unsafe condition. In other words, it is recommended that the reset control act as a

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constant pressure switch for the first ten seconds, before latching in the run condition after
ten seconds.
• It is suggested that if the elevator controller has a monitor function for the machine brake,
that the rope gripper be activated immediately on sensing a stuck brake condition, rather than
waiting for unintended motion to occur.
• The suggested circuits shown in Diagram 1 & Diagram 2 (p. 10) activate the “ROPE
GRIPPER™” by opening contacts RG1, RG2, DZ1, and DZ2. Relay coils RG1, RG2, DZ1
and DZ2 are controlled by the Governor overspeed switch (GOS) and function blocks GRC1,
GRC2, DZC1, and DZC2, respectively.
GRC1 DESCRIPTION
• If the car is not in the door zone when main line power turns “ON”, or when switching from
“Inspection” to “Normal Operation”, or when resetting the Governor overspeed switch; allow
a time interval, signal the door closure, and when the car gate or door interlock contact
makes, energize RG1.
• Anytime the car is in the door zone (“Inspection” or “Normal Operation”), RG1 is de-
energized when both the car gate contact and door interlock contact are opened. Should the
car now leave the door zone (unintended motion), power to the “ROPE GRIPPER™” is
removed and the “ROPE GRIPPER™” is activated. In the door zone, when the car gate
contact or door interlock contact is made, energize RG1. If the car should leave the door
zone with RG1 energized then “ROPE GRIPPER™” activation is prevented. RG1 should
remain energized even if both the car and hoistway doors are opened while between floors.
When the car is in the door zone again, RG1 should function as above.
GRC2 DESCRIPTION
Redundant circuits are required by the 2000 A17.1 and B44 Codes. Circuits for RG2 function
identical to RG1 except separate logic for the timing function, door locks, gate switch and door
zone should be used. DZC1 logic could be used for circuits of RG1 and DZC2 for circuits of
RG2. (See NOTE in Diagram 3, p. 11)
Diagram 1

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*See Diagram 4 for Rope Gripper circuits
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
NOTE: If force guided relays are used for RG1, RG2, DZ1, and DZ2, use this diagram.
DZC1 DESCRIPTION
• DZ1 is energized in the door zone and de-energized outside of the door zone (See Diagram 3
NOTE). Maximum door zone is 10"
DZC2 DESCRIPTION
• Circuits for DZ2 function are identical to DZ1 except a separate door zone signal is utilized.
If the above circuits (Diagram 3 ) do not make contact when required, the elevator must be
prevented from running. If other types of relays are used, circuits must prove that contacts from
RG1, RG2, DZ1 and DZ2 are functioning properly and when a failure is detected the elevator
must be prevented from running.
HOLLISTER-WHITNEY “ROPE GRIPPER™” OPERATION
NORMAL OPERATION
• Power to the “ROPE GRIPPER™” is constantly maintained. When in the door zone DZ1
and DZ2 provide power to the “ROPE GRIPPER™”. RG1 and RG2 energize when the doors
close. As the car leaves the floor DZ1 and DZ2 de-energize, power to the “ROPE
GRIPPER™” is maintained through RG1 and RG2. When approaching a new floor DZ1 and
DZ2 again energize, when the doors open RG1 and RG2 de-energize.
OVERSPEED
• When an overspeed is detected, the Governor overspeed switch opens, additional overspeed
can be detected by use of an encoder or tachometer that detects the speed of the elevator.
(Not the motor or worm shaft of a geared elevator.) When detected, relays RG1, RG2, DZ1
and DZ2 de-energize. This removes power from the “ROPE GRIPPER™”, clamping the

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ropes and stopping the car.
OVERSPEED RESET
• Overspeed reset is accomplished by resetting the Governor overspeed switch and the elevator
control circuits. Refer to and follow the controller manufacturer’s instructions for “ROPE
GRIPPER™” reset.
IMPORTANT: The code requires that the “ROPE GRIPPER™” be manually reset if it
is triggered by fault. It is intended that a qualified technician inspect for and correct any
malfunction before the car is placed back into service. A dangerous situation can be
produced if a “ROPE GRIPPER™” is manually reset without first correcting the cause of
the fault. E.g.: If there has been a brake failure that has not been corrected, when the
“ROPE GRIPPER™” is reset, it is very likely that the car will fall either up or down.
UNINTENDED MOTION
• When at the floor with the doors open, relays RG1 and RG2 are de-energized and relays DZ1
and DZ2 are energized. If the car leaves the floor, DZ1 and DZ2 de-energize, removing
power from the “ROPE GRIPPER™”, clamping the ropes and stopping the car.
UNINTENDED MOTION RESET
• Unintended motion reset is accomplished through elevator control circuits. Refer to and
follow the control manufacturer’s instructions for “ROPE GRIPPER™” reset.
IMPORTANT: The code requires that the “ROPE GRIPPER™” be manually reset if it
is triggered by fault. It is intended that a qualified technician inspect for and correct any
malfunction before the car is placed back into service. A dangerous situation can be
produced if a “ROPE GRIPPER™” is manually reset without first correcting the cause of
the fault. E.g. if there has been a brake failure that has not been corrected, when the
“ROPE GRIPPER™” is reset, it is very likely that the car will fall either up or down.
MANUAL OPENING
• During a power failure the “ROPE GRIPPER™” will activate. When power is restored the
“ROPE GRIPPER™” will automatically reload and put the elevator back into service.
• If the car is to be moved during a power outage, manually open the “ROPE GRIPPER™” as
follows:
1. Turn power switch to OFF.
2. Place the supplied 6 mm socket wrench on the upper hex shaft end on the side of the
gearbox. See Figure 7 on p. 13. Turn the wrench in the direction shown in Figure 8 on p.
13 until the brake is loosened on the ropes and the car is free to move. (Note: for a left-
handed Rope Gripper
TM
, turn the wrench in the opposite direction from the illustration.)
Or, turn the wrench on the lower hex, in the opposite direction from that of the upper hex.
3. Place the wrench pin into the side of the Rope Gripper. Slowly let the wrench run
backwards until the wrench handle is resting on the wrench pin. See Figure 8 on p. 13.
4. To manually close the gripper, turn the wrench a little so that it is free of the wrench pin,
remove the wrench pin, and then slowly guide the wrench to allow the gripper to return to
the closed position.

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Figure 7
Figure 8 (RH unit shown; LH opposite)
TEST SWITCH
WRENCH
WRENCH
WRENCH PIN
OPEN
GRIPPER
DIRECTION

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TEST PROCEDURE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
CANADIAN CAN/CSA B44 AND ASME A17.1-2000, & EN81
SAFETY CODE FOR ELEVATORS
1) POWER INTERRUPTION TEST
Run the car in slow speed and turn the toggle switch on the side of the pump unit to OFF.
This will activate the “ROPE GRIPPER™” causing it to clamp the ropes and stop the car.
When the “ROPE GRIPPER™” is activated, the “ELEVATOR CAN RUN” contacts will
open and signal the controls to interrupt power to the driving motor and machine brake.
2) ASCENDING CAR OVERSPEED TEST
With an empty car, overspeed the car in the “UP” direction while keeping the machine brake
open. The Governor overspeed switch will activate the “ROPE GRIPPER™”. The “ROPE
GRIPPER™” will stop the car before the counterweight strikes the buffer or, at least, reduce
the car speed to the speed for which the buffer is designed. If it is impractical to overspeed
the car, run the empty car up at high speed with the machine brake held open and manually
trip the Governor overspeed switch. The “ROPE GRIPPER™” will cause the car to slow
down and stop. The Governor can then be tested to make sure the Governor switch opens at
the correct overspeed setting.
3) UNCONTROLLED LOW SPEED TEST
CAUTION: DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO ENTER
THE ELEVATOR DURING THIS TEST!!!
With the car level at any floor and the door open, open the machine brake. (With empty car
the elevator moves up, with full load the elevator moves down.) The “ROPE GRIPPER™”
should apply and stop the car within 1220 mm (48"). If the car does not move when the
machine brake is opened, the brake drum or disc can be turned to start the car.
•Note: this test can also be performed more safely with the doors closed, and the door
lock circuit opened to simulate an open door.

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ROPE GRIPPER™ TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
WARNING! KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF ROPE GRIPPER. FORCES CREATED CAN
CRUSH FINGERS.
Diagram 4
ROPE GRIPPER™ DOES NOT LATCH IN OPEN (LOADED) POSITION
Pawl and solenoid adjustment
If the Rope Gripper opens, but then repeatedly clicks or chatters, and fails to lock in the open
position, the pawl may be failing to engage its gear teeth. The pawl is driven by the solenoid
through the solenoid clevis, which can be adjusted. Adjustment will vary the gap between the
armature washer and the frame of the solenoid when the solenoid is not energized. The default
size of this gap is 6 mm or ¼”. See Figure 9, p. 16.
1. Remove the electrical box cover.
2. Loosen the jam nut behind the solenoid clevis.
3. Turn the armature washer counterclockwise a quarter turn.
4. Re-tighten the jam nut.
5. Try the gripper again. If the problem is solved, replace the electrical box cover. If the
chattering continues and the Rope Gripper still fails to lock in the open position, try these
steps a few more times.

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Figure 9
“ROPE GRIPPER™” LUBRICATION
• The Rope Gripper is shipped with a layer of a general purpose grease lubricant applied to the
cam surfaces, the four movable shoe guides, and inside the gearbox, to the gears and the
latching pawl.
• During maintenance, a thin layer of a general purpose grease lubricant may be applied to
these areas if it is found to be lacking.
WIRE ROPE LUBRICATION
• Proper lubrication of the ropes will not affect Rope Gripper operation. Use a high friction
lubricant such as Nylube Cable Care # 65 or American Oil Vitalife # 600.
For further technical assistance, please contact HOLLISTER-WHITNEY directly.
Hollister-Whitney Elevator Corp.
#1 Hollister-Whitney Parkway
Quincy, Illinois 62305
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.hollisterwhitney.com
ARMATURE
WASHER
JAM
NUT
CLEVIS
ELECTRICAL
ENTRY
FITTING