Manual brake release is a hand-operated device that allows a trained technician to open the traction machine brake and move the car by gravity to the nearest landing during a power failure or entrapment. On machine roomless (MRL) lifts the release levers are brought to a control cabinet at a landing, since no machine room is available. EN 81-20 requires the release to be self-restoring, so the brake reapplies as soon as the lever is let go.