an elevator installation has an elevator car that moves in a vertical direction along guide tracks and is braked or held at standstill by a braking equipment . the braking equipment includes at least two brake units , at least one of the brake units , but preferably each of the brake units , is provided with a wear - compensating device which , when the brake unit is opened or released , sets a clearance distance between a brake lining and an associated brake surface , which clearance arises on opening of the brake unit , in correspondence with a substantially constant value . thereby , use may be made of customary and thus economic brake materials which may wear during braking .