What is the minimum number of hoist ropes required for a personnel hoist using a non-pinching groove drive sheave?

In a personnel hoist utilizing a non-pinching groove drive sheave, the number of hoist ropes required is influenced by safety considerations and the design of the hoist system itself. Using at least three hoist ropes is crucial for ensuring adequate safety and stability during operation.

Having three ropes provides a redundancy that is vital in personnel hoisting systems. If one rope were to fail, there would still be two additional ropes to support the load, significantly reducing the risk of an accident. This safety measure is particularly important when transporting personnel, as the potential consequences of a failure can be severe. Additionally, the three-roped configuration allows for more even distribution of load, minimizing wear and tear and improving the lifetime of the system components.

In the context of the other options, fewer ropes would not offer the same level of safety; one or two ropes would not provide the necessary backup or load-sharing capabilities required for a personnel hoist. Hence, the requirement for at least three ropes in a system using a non-pinching groove drive sheave is primarily driven by safety regulations and best practice guidelines within the industry.