After compressing the buffer during a test, what must occur with the hoist ropes?

When conducting a test involving the compression of the buffer, it's crucial that the hoist ropes break traction. Breaking traction ensures that the elevator system can effectively simulate real-world conditions during testing. This allows for the evaluation of the safety and operational effectiveness of the brake system, as well as confirming that the load is appropriately suspended.

The breaking of traction typically occurs when the hoist ropes lose their grip on the drive sheave, usually after the buffer has been compressed. This scenario is significant for assessing the elevator's ability to stop and hold its position under various loads. It guarantees that the system can handle emergency stop situations and ensures proper functionality of braking mechanisms under stress.

In contrast, increasing tension, retracting the ropes, or keeping them static would not effectively simulate the conditions necessary for testing the elevator's operational safety and functionality. Each of those alternatives fails to provide the realistic conditions that truly assess the resilience and performance of the hoisting equipment in relation to buffer compression scenarios.