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See the Patented Rail-Gripping Solution That Exceeds A17.3-2020 Code Requirements and Redefines Elevator Safety For decades, the elevator industry has relied on traditional safety devices that act on the drive machine. But what happens when the solution itself is based on a legacy design that can be compromised by rope stretch, mechanical wear, or complex modernization needs? The introduction of code A17.3-2020, requiring protection against unintended car movement, wasn't just an update—it was a call for a new approach to safety. Answering that call, HydraSafe® Brake presents a paradigm shift. Founded in 2015 by Tim Toan and Kevin Cunningham, our company developed a patented, rail-gripping device that provides comprehensive protection by locking the elevator car directly to the rails . Visit us at NAEC Booth #1137 to see this groundbreaking technology in person and learn how it can simplify your compliance and enhance safety. The Limitations of Traditional Safety Devices Traditional unintended motion devices often interact with the brake drum, cable sheave, or hoist ropes. This approach can present challenges: Dependence on Machine Integrity: Their effectiveness is tied to the condition of the machine components. Complex Modernizations: Retrofitting can require significant engineering and machine modification. Issues with Rope Stretch: Can lead to recalibration and releveling problems. The HydraSafe® Advantage: Direct to the Rail The HydraSafe® Brake system bypasses these challenges entirely. Mounted on the car top and gripping the rail directly, it provides a failsafe solution that is independent of the machine's drive system. Why This Is a Game-Changer: Exceeds Code Compliance: Meets and exceeds A17.3-2020 requirements for unintended and ascending car movement. Universal Application: Designed for all speeds (up to 1400 FPM), capacities, and rail sizes. Compatible with gearless, geared, and drum machines. Simplified Installation & Significant Savings: Requires no machine modification and often no engineering review, leading to dramatic labor and cost savings. Advanced Features: Choose between two models: Brake Easy: Integrates easily with existing emergency brake circuits. Offers quick installation with remote reset, ideal for modernizations. Brake Plus: A full controller with advanced safety features like door lock jumper detection and pit encroachment monitoring for unmatched protection. See the Future of Elevator Safety at NAEC Reading the specs is one thing; witnessing the robust simplicity of a rail-gripping mechanism is another. We invite you to NAEC Booth #1137 to: Get a Live Demonstration: See the technology up close and understand its operation. Meet the Innovators: Speak directly with co-founders Tim Toan and Kevin Cunningham. Discuss your specific challenges, from high-rise retrofits to historic building modernizations. Explore Your Application: Our experts are ready to show you how HydraSafe® can be integrated into your projects to reduce cost, minimize downtime, and provide unparalleled safety. Review Certified Specifications: Discuss the details that matter: 300 lb weight, 0-5000 PSI hydraulic pressure, 110 VAC power, and compatibility with any “T” shaped rail. Elevate Your Safety Standards In an industry where safety is paramount, the HydraSafe® Brake represents the next evolutionary step. It’s a solution born from a decade of dedication to solving a critical problem with elegance and engineering excellence. Don't just comply with the code. Redefine safety. Visit us at NAEC, Booth #1137, and discover how to summon the Hydra and protect the ride.

Elevator safety is a critical concern in aging infrastructure, where outdated braking systems can lead to catastrophic failures. When modernization projects arise, many property owners and contractors opt for quick, low-cost fixes to meet regulatory standards. But what happens when these “band-aid” solutions fail to address systemic risks? Enter the HydraSafe Elevator Braking System —a technology designed not just to patch problems, but to revolutionize elevator safety. In this blog, we’ll explore why HydraSafe is a foundational upgrade for elevator modernization, not a temporary workaround. What Makes a Solution a “Band-Aid”? Band-aid fixes are short-term, reactive measures that address symptoms—not root causes. In elevator modernization, examples include: Adding sensors to outdated drum brakes. Replacing frayed ropes without upgrading the braking mechanism. Installing secondary valves on leak-prone hydraulic systems. These fixes might comply with regulations temporarily, but they leave core vulnerabilities intact. For instance, friction-based drum brakes can still fail due to corrosion, and single-circuit hydraulics risk total failure if a leak occurs. HydraSafe: A Systemic Overhaul for Elevator Safety HydraSafe redefines elevator braking by tackling the weaknesses of traditional systems. Here’s how it avoids the “band-aid” label: 1. Direct Rail Locking: No More Friction Reliance Traditional brakes depend on friction between brake shoes and drums—or rope tension—to stop elevators. Over time, wear and tear (or lubricant contamination) can render these systems unreliable. HydraSafe bypasses this entirely by locking the elevator car directly to the guide rails during emergencies. This mechanical engagement eliminates risks like: Rope or sheave slippage. Brake drum corrosion. Hydraulic fluid leaks. By anchoring to the rails (a structurally robust component), HydraSafe ensures stopping power even if other systems fail. 2. Built-In Redundancy Many older systems have single points of failure. HydraSafe’s dual-unit design (e.g., the HydraSafe Brake Bundle) ensures redundancy. If one-unit malfunctions, the other activates automatically—a critical safeguard during emergencies like power outages or component failures. 3. Future-Ready Integration Band-aid solutions often create compatibility headaches. HydraSafe, however, is engineered for seamless integration with modern technologies: IoT Connectivity : The HydraSafe Brake Plus Unit supports IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of pit encroachment, door locks, and brake health. Smart Building Compatibility : Integrates with fire panels and emergency evacuation systems. Scalability : Modular design allows updates (e.g., new safety protocols) without replacing the entire system. 4. Addressing Hidden Risks: Upward Overspeed Traditional brakes struggle to stop elevators during upward overspeed events (e.g., counterweight failures). HydraSafe’s rail-locking mechanism solves this by halting ascending cars—a feature now mandated in regions like Canada and Pennsylvania after high-profile accidents. Why HydraSafe Pays for Itself While band-aid fixes seem cheaper upfront, they often lead to recurring costs: Frequent repairs of aging drum brakes. Fines for non-compliance with evolving safety codes. Catastrophic failure lawsuits. HydraSafe reduces long-term expenses by: Eliminating Drum Replacements : No need to retrofit worn brake drums. Slashing Maintenance : Fewer moving parts and no friction-based wear. Avoiding Downtime : Installs quickly with “minimal disruption,” per contractor reports. But Wait—Could HydraSafe Ever Be a Band-Aid? Critics might argue HydraSafe is a patch if used incorrectly. For example: Installing it on elevators with severely corroded guide rails (which need replacement). Pairing it with outdated motor systems that lack modern safety protocols. However, HydraSafe is designed as part of a holistic modernization strategy . Reputable providers emphasize pairing it with rail inspections, IoT upgrades, and compliance audits to ensure full system integrity. Real-World Impact: Beyond Theory Contractors using HydraSafe report: Cost Savings : Up to $50,000 per elevator project by avoiding full brake drum replacements. Safety Gains : Partnerships with firms like AES (Las Vegas) highlight its reliability in high-traffic buildings. Regulatory Confidence : Meets ASME A17.1-2019 standards for ascending car protection. While independent performance data is limited, HydraSafe’s rail-locking approach mirrors proven mining elevator systems that prevent runaway cars through dynamic braking. Modernization Requires More Than Patches Elevator modernization isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes—it’s about future-proofing safety in an era of aging infrastructure and smart buildings. HydraSafe stands out by addressing the root causes of brake failures, not just their symptoms. For property owners and contractors, the choice is clear: Band-Aids = Recurring costs, hidden risks, and reactive fixes. HydraSafe = Long-term savings, proactive safety, and compliance confidence. Ready to move beyond temporary fixes? HydraSafe isn’t just a brake upgrade—it’s a blueprint for elevator safety in the 21st century. Got an aging elevator system? Contact safety experts today to learn how HydraSafe can transform your modernization strategy. Stay safe, stay modern.

Welcome to today’s blog post, where we delve into the fascinating career journey of Kevin Cunningham—a true veteran of the elevator industry with over 40 years of hands-on experience in construction, modernization, and consulting. In a recent episode of The Elevator Careers Podcast, hosted by Matt Allred, Kevin shared invaluable insights into his early beginnings, the evolution of his career, and the core values that continue to drive him today, including his commitment to safety innovation through HydraSafe Brake. A Determined Beginning Kevin’s story began in 1985, when his unyielding determination led him to pursue a career in the elevator trade. As a young man, he persistently contacted Fujitec’s office—calling every day until he finally secured his first job. This early chapter of his career is a testament to the “squeaky wheel gets the grease” mentality, proving that perseverance and passion can open doors in even the most competitive industries. “I called every day until they got sick of it—and then they called me back.” His relentless drive not only landed him his first position but also laid the foundation for a career defined by hands-on learning and continual growth. From the Field to Consulting and Beyond Kevin’s career trajectory is marked by a series of transitions that reflect his adaptability and eagerness to master every facet of the elevator industry. Starting out as a helper and quickly advancing to become a skilled mechanic, Kevin embraced the challenges of modernizations—tackling the complex task of integrating new computerized systems with old wiring setups. Over more than two decades in the field, he honed his technical expertise and learned the importance of planning ahead, an insight that he credits as a pivotal lesson for his future roles. Transitioning into consulting introduced Kevin to a whole new set of challenges. Writing detailed reports and developing efficient templates were skills he developed over time. These experiences taught him that clear communication and thorough product knowledge are paramount. As Kevin shared, “If you don’t know an answer, tell your customer you don't know the answer, and you’ll get back to them—that communication goes a long way.” The Birth of HydraSafe Brake Kevin’s journey eventually led him to the manufacturing side of the elevator industry, where he co-founded HydraSafe Brake. Born from a vision to revolutionize elevator safety, HydraSafe Brake represents the culmination of Kevin’s decades of field experience and his commitment to innovation. The product was initially prototyped in a garage, with the aim of addressing long-standing challenges in elevator braking systems. Kevin recounts the early days of product development, highlighting the challenges of moving from a consulting role into manufacturing. He learned firsthand the complexities of supply chain management, the importance of stringent quality controls, and the necessity of tight partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers. Despite the hurdles, his drive to improve safety and reliability remained steadfast. Key Lessons Learned Throughout the podcast, Kevin emphasized several key lessons that have guided his career: Persistence Pays Off:  His early days in the industry underscore the value of determination and hard work. Plan Ahead:  Whether managing a modernization project or orchestrating manufacturing processes, planning and foreseeing challenges is critical. Know Your Product:  In both sales and technical roles, an in-depth understanding of the product builds trust with customers and ensures better service. Effective Communication:  Returning phone calls and clear communication can be the difference between a successful sale and a missed opportunity. These lessons, borne out of years of experience, continue to shape not only Kevin’s professional journey but also the core principles behind HydraSafe Brake. Looking Forward Kevin Cunningham’s extensive career is a reminder that success in the elevator industry—like any other field—is built on a foundation of hard work, learning from experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. His journey from the field to consulting, and ultimately to manufacturing with HydraSafe Brake, offers invaluable insights for both industry veterans and newcomers alike. For those interested in learning more about Kevin’s story and the evolution of elevator safety technology, we invite you to listen to the full podcast episode on The Elevator Careers Podcast. Explore the discussions on career growth, the intricacies of modernization, and the breakthrough innovations driving safety in the elevator industry. Have a safe day and keep elevating industry standards! To listen to the full episode, visit The Elevator Careers Podcast  or explore more at www.elevatorcareers.net .

We saw a need in the industry for an improved option for an ascending car and unintended motion device. HydraSafe Brake is our answer to the limits by conventional rope gripping devices. We are the only device mounted where it should be, that's on the car grabbing the rail. About Us HydraSafe® Brake was founded with a singular mission: to enhance safety for everyone by striving to eliminate elevator accidents. Our flagship product, the HydraSafe® Brake, embodies nearly a decade of dedicated design and development led by innovators Tim Toan and Kevin Cunningham, who first filed a patent for the device concept in 2015. After rigorous engineering and testing, the HydraSafe® Brake is now ready for market, offering a groundbreaking solution to prevent elevator mishaps and ensure safer vertical transportation. At HydraSafe®, we believe in a proactive approach to safety. Our commitment goes beyond product development; we’re dedicated to setting a new standard for reliability and protection in elevator systems worldwide. Through advanced hydraulic safety technology, we aim to provide peace of mind to our clients, knowing their elevators are equipped with the latest in accident prevention and control. Our team is passionate about driving industry change, with a focus on delivering innovative, effective, and sustainable safety solutions. As we continue to evolve, HydraSafe® Brake remains committed to our vision of a future where elevator accidents are a thing of the past. View Our Resources Our Team Kevin Cunningham Tim Toan Ciara Beatty Kyle Toan Caelyn Crowe

Discover our comprehensive range of high-quality resources, including guides, forms, and certifications. Explore now for reliable information and practical solutions. Resources At HydraSafe Brake, we believe in empowering our customers with the resources they need. Dive into our PDF library today to explore our forms, certifications, and manuals. Flyers HydraSafe Brake Brochure Digital Flyer Forms Estimate Request Form Maintenance Log Manuals Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Manual Inspectors Manual Specification Language Maintenance Control Program (MCP) Certifications Liftinstituut Compliance Certificate Liftinstituut Compliance Certificate Report CSA Compliance Certificate Colorado Approval Letter FEA Reports Stopping Force Mass Reduction Seismic 10" Structural Steel Crosshead 4" Structural Steel Crosshead FEA Sling Policies Limited Warranty and Guarantee Payment Terms and Conditions Return Merchandise Authorization Procedure Production Processes and Procedures

Get in touch with the team that creates the leading safety device in the vertical transportation industry | +1 (219) 381-1664 | kevin@hydrasafebrake.com Contact Us We would love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, feedback, or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us using the form below or contact us directly at the emails listed below. Our team is here to help and will get back to you as soon as possible. +1 (219) 381-1664 Cedar Lake, IN USA kevin@hydrasafebrake.com First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Facebook Linkedin