What does the term “overload condition” refer to in elevator systems?

The term “overload condition” in elevator systems specifically refers to a scenario in which the elevator car exceeds its rated capacity. This means that the weight of the passengers or the load within the car surpasses the maximum load limit set by the manufacturer. Elevated weight can lead to safety issues, potentially causing the elevator to malfunction, and it may also trigger safety features designed to prevent operation under unsafe conditions.

When evaluating the capacity of an elevator, it's crucial for safety and compliance with regulatory standards that the weight limit is adhered to. Exceeding this limit can risk not only the integrity of the elevator system but also the safety of its occupants. Therefore, the system incorporates mechanisms to detect when this overload condition occurs, typically resulting in the elevator refusing to operate or returning to a designated floor to offload excess weight.

The other options do not accurately capture this definition. An elevator car that is underweight does not experience an overload condition, nor does being idle indicate an overload. Additionally, while overloaded electrical circuits are a concern, they pertain more to electrical safety than to the mechanical loading of the elevator.