How Are Funfair Rides Powered?

How are funfair rides powered? We have to admit, this is something that has puzzled us. Given how powerful these rides can be (think of the London Eye or other Giant Wheel attractions, lifting hundreds of people miles up into the sky with ease) we thought we’d better take a look into this, to quench our curiosity. What we found is sure to blow your mind!

First off, I can confirm that the London Eye is not powered by double A batteries. That much we could’ve assumed, I think! Did you know though that amusement units and funfair rides are normally powered by remote generator systems connected to trucks? Ok, maybe you did, but did you know that these generators have in-built silencer systems which have the specific aim of limiting the amount of harmful odours, gases and noises expelled by these huge rides? Well, now you do! It’s reassuring to know that your next trip to the funfair or carnival need not be super detrimental to the environment, nor the revellers' nostrils!

Not all funfair rides need to be powered by remote truck-led generator systems though. Some smaller rides can be powered by standard mains power outlets. Again, don’t expect to see mammoth Ferris Wheels being powered by a small white cable plugged into a socket. Think of smaller, less energy sapping rides like children's’ tea cup rides, or arcade machines.

Let’s take a quick look at how the most impressive of all fairground rides work, the Ferris Wheel! Ferris Wheels are powered by an electric pump which is in turn powered by hydraulic motors. Within the Ferris Wheel design, there are truck tires all along the rim which rotate on its axis. This is powered by, once again, a trusty hydraulic motor along with gearboxes.

Hydraulics are used because they provide high power density and a large amount of torque. They also produce a low heat and smooth acceleration and deceleration of the system to make sure the ride is not as bumpy as it might be. Check out how does the Ferris wheel work for more information!

If you’re anything like us, safety is important. Especially when it comes to potentially perilous situations like Waltzers not working properly, or Ferris Wheels screeching to a halt, while you’re perched at the top! Worry not, as funfair, fairground and carnival workers are more cautious than you might think. Given their years of experience, they know accidents do happen unfortunately. So, because mechanical mishaps can occur at any time, owners and managers of funfair rides make it a top priority to periodically upgrade, renew and maintain the rides they use.

It should also reassure you that there are a level of funfair health and safety rules and regulations that must be adhered to by staff and operators at funfairs.

In the worst case scenario of a ride breaking down, most carnivals will be ready with their own fleet of service vans able to recover the situation as quickly as possible. In-house technicians can also make sure the ride or amusement is fully operational and safe for use.

Power Is Only the Beginning of the Ride's Operating System

Supplying energy to a funfair ride is only one part of making the attraction operate. Depending on the equipment, that power may ultimately be used for drive motors, hydraulic or pneumatic systems, control equipment, lighting, sound and other components.

This is why the subject connects closely with Fairground Electrical Safety Regulations, which looks at the electrical considerations surrounding fairground equipment in more detail.

Different Ride Movements Need Different Engineering Solutions

Fairground attractions do not all create movement in the same way. A rotating ride, roller coaster, Dodgem arena and observation wheel perform very different mechanical tasks, so their systems should not be treated as though every attraction follows one standard arrangement.

How Do the Dodgems Work? looks specifically at Dodgem operation, while How Does a Ferris Wheel Work? and How Does a Roller Coaster Work? provide useful comparisons with two very different ride types.

Electricity Can Support Much More Than Mechanical Movement

Modern fairground power requirements can extend beyond the machinery responsible for moving passengers. Lighting, illuminated signs, sound systems, control equipment and other electrical features can all contribute to an attraction's operation and presentation.

This becomes particularly apparent when comparing traditional attractions with electronic & digital games and simulators, where electrical and electronic systems form an especially visible part of the entertainment.

Control Systems Determine How Power Is Used

A power supply does not simply make a ride move continuously. The attraction's operating and control systems determine how its equipment functions, with the precise arrangement depending on the individual ride.

If a ride stops unexpectedly, that does not automatically mean its power source has failed. What Causes a Funfair Ride to Stop? explains some of the wider reasons an attraction may stop during operation.

Temporary Events Need Power Planning as Well as Ride Planning

A travelling fairground has the additional challenge of operating on temporary event sites. The available infrastructure, positioning of equipment and requirements of individual attractions all need to be considered when planning how a site will operate.

How to Place Funfair Rides Around the Site looks at the wider layout question, while Event Planning and Logistics FAQs provides further guidance for organisers considering the practical requirements behind fairground hire.

Electrical Equipment Forms Part of the Wider Inspection Picture

Whatever method is used to power an attraction, modern funfair operation also involves appropriate inspection, maintenance and checks. Power and control equipment therefore sits within a broader safety system rather than being considered separately from the rest of the ride.

Daily Safety Checks for Funfair Rides looks at routine checks, Funfair Ride Periodic Maintenance covers longer-term maintenance and How Funfair Rides Are Tested for Safety provides wider context on ride testing.

Compare the Engineering Behind Different Fairground Attractions

Looking at individual attractions is one of the clearest ways to understand why there is no single answer to how every funfair ride is powered. Ferris wheels, Dodgems, roller coasters and thrill & white knuckle funfair rides can involve very different combinations of movement, control and supporting equipment.

Continue through our Guides for more articles about fairground engineering, operation and safety, browse all products, or contact us to discuss the practical requirements for fairground attractions at an event.