Making a Brake

Chicago-based Hydrasafe Brake offers new safety device solution. 

photos by T.Bruce MacKinnon 

In 2012, elevator industry veteran Tim Toan founded HydraSafe Brake, the company he runs with former elevator consultant Kevin Cunningham, around a product line of the same name. Responding to a need for an improved safety device for unintended/ascending motion, Toan devised a set of elevator disc brakes that stop on a set of guide rails. Together with Cunningham, he developed and patented HydraSafe Brake, a combination caliper and power unit, while they were both working as consultants. Following the 2023 National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Convention and Exposition, the business partners began working full time on manufacturing, developing and certifying the HydraSafe Brake.   

The Chicago-based company offers two main products. The HydraSafe Easy, which includes the caliper body, brake pads, pistons and safety switches, can be installed on any elevator that has T-Rails, and the controller is equipped with the required software for unintended/ascending movement. Its second product, the HydraSafe Brake Plus model, is a complete controller for elevators that do not have unintended/ascending technologies built in. Toan said:

“With those jurisdictions that have adopted the ASME A17.3, 2020 Existing Elevator Code, this is a perfect solution to become code compliant for unintended/ascending movement. But more importantly, our controller has additional features like door lock monitoring, pit encroachment technology and first responder options.” 

The HydraSafe Brake solution is also compatible with single bottom cylinders and any hydraulic elevator that has a T-rail application.

Currently, HydraSafe Brake has customers across the country and installs in major U.S. cities including Chicago and Denver. HydraSafe Brake’s customer base primarily consists of elevator contractors, but the company has recently received several inquiries from the healthcare industry and government entities interested in the extended safety factor of its product line. 

An integral part of ropeless elevator technology, HydraSafe Brake is currently working with companies like California-based Hyprlift on its high-speed, high-rise approach solutions.

Cunningham said:

“HydraSafe Brake serves the elevator business around the globe. We are seeing more activity overseas because of our high-speed stopping capabilities. We are approved at 1,400 ft/min but have tested our units up to 2000 ft/min. We believe there is no ceiling at this point.”

The biggest challenge for the startup has been product procurement. The effects of COVID-19 supply chain disruption are still being felt, but conditions are improving. “We are just now seeing a somewhat steady flow of products, and are able to fill several backorders,” said Toan. “We want to thank all the patient folks, as we have had certain hurdles to overcome with product delays and are now in a good position to service all customers.” 

Looking to the future, Toan and Cunningham anticipate HydraSafe Brake’s continued growth based on partnerships with long-term elevator contractors and internal support of the product line. “As a ‘Mom and Pop’ type of company, we feel customer service and support is still the key to a successful business,” Cunningham said. “We feel our product line is one of the best innovations in the elevator business today.”

HydraSafe Brake attends the NAEC trade show and also supports NAESA International. The company is a member of the Chicago Elevator Association, Elevator Association of Florida and Canadian Elevator Contractors Association, among others. HydraSafe Brake can be found at booth 305 at this year’s United event in Atlantic City, New Jersey.