In elevator safety standards, what should not depend on springs for the opening of contacts?

In elevator safety standards, emergency stop switches should not depend on springs for the opening of contacts because they are critical for ensuring immediate safety during emergencies. The design of these switches is meant to provide a fail-safe mechanism that can instantly disconnect power to the elevator when activated. If the functioning of an emergency stop switch relied on springs, there would be a risk that the spring mechanism could fail, potentially leaving the elevator in operation when it should not be.

Spring-dependent mechanisms can exhibit wear over time, leading to potential failures in emergency scenarios. Therefore, emergency stop switches must utilize positive action mechanisms or other reliable methods that ensure they engage reliably and quickly upon activation, regardless of any mechanical wear or external factors. This reliability is crucial in maintaining the safety of passengers in potentially life-threatening situations.

In contrast, while other types of switches like load switches and inspection switches have their safety protocols, they do not carry the same immediate life-and-death implications and are allowed different types of mechanisms that may include spring-dependent designs.