What happens if the safety device does not apply evenly?

When the safety device does not apply evenly, one of the significant outcomes is that the car can rack. Racking refers to the misalignment of the elevator car within the hoistway. This misalignment occurs because the safety device is designed to provide a uniform braking force across the entire car. If this force is uneven, it can lead to one side of the car being braked more than the other, causing the car to tilt and potentially jam against the walls or rails of the hoistway. This not only poses a safety risk but can also result in costly damage to the elevator system and disrupt normal operation.

The other options address potential issues that can arise but do not specifically capture the primary consequence of uneven application of the safety device as effectively as racking does, emphasizing the importance of even engagement for the safe operation of the elevator.