How Does a Ferris Wheel Work?
Ferris wheels provide eye-catching entertainment at fairgrounds and funfairs across the world. They evoke a bit of old-fashioned glamour, and provide fun entertainment for children and adults alike.
There's nothing quite as spectacular as viewing the whole fairground from a great distance from the top of a giant Ferris wheel!
In this article, we have created a guide to understanding how the Ferris wheel really works, and why it has become such a staple at fairs, funfairs, fairgrounds, carnivals, and celebrations across the country.
The seats go on the outer rim of the wheel
The seats of a traditional Ferris wheel always go on the outer rim of the wheel. The Ferris wheel consists of a rotating upright wheel with lots of little pods or cars for fairground lovers to sit in. These could be pods like the London Eye, or small little benches made just for two.
The capsules are attached to the rim so that when the wheel turns, every single one of them stays in an upright position hanging downwards, and guests can safely survey the rest of the fairground from a seated position.
Don't forget the gears and motors
When the Ferris wheel starts to move, it's because of the gears and motors in the mechanism. It is the gears and motors that pull the wheel up and start the rotating motion, making sure everyone on the ride starts to move.
The first ever mechanical Ferris wheel was enough to shock people of the nineteenth century, and it was like nothing anyone had ever experienced before! Make sure you read our history of the Ferris wheel for more fascinating facts about this fairground ride.
It's all about gravity
While it is the job of special gears and motors to pull the wheel up, it is gravity that plays the biggest part in bringing the wheel back down again. This gives the Ferris wheel its well-known rotating motion.
This is why the Ferris wheel is not just a beautiful ride, but a fun one!
Keeping the lights powered
A Ferris wheel wouldn't be a beautiful spectacle without its lights! The lights of a Ferris wheel are powered by something called slip rings. These are circular rings, which are attached to the rotating Ferris wheel, and with electrodes are attached to the opposite member, which makes sure they are in constant contact with the rings as the Ferris wheel rotates.
This means the lights continue to sparkle on the whole of the Ferris wheel, without worrying about safety issues or excessive electricity cables.
Ferris Wheel Hire UK
It's no surprise that Ferris wheels are one of the first rides people think about when they picture a stunning fairground event!
If you want to find out more about how a Ferris wheel could be the perfect addition to your next big event, get in touch with us. We have a fantastic range of gorgeous Ferris wheels for you to choose from, to suit any special occasion or event. Contact us for more information!
