An exemplary device for protecting an elevator travelling cable connected to an elevator car comprises a deflector that is configured to be secured to one of an elevator car or the travelling cable. The deflector allows the travelling cable to extend below an associated elevator car a first distance from a bottom of the elevator car when the elevator car is at least a selected height above a bottom of a hoistway. The first distance is at least equal to a natural dynamic bending radius of the travelling cable. The deflector facilitates the travelling cable extending below the bottom of the elevator car a second distance that is less than the natural dynamic bending radius when the elevator car is below the selected height.