Certified Elevator Technician (CET) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does the term 'rope equalizer' refer to in an elevator machine room?

A component that adjusts rope speed to match door timing
A rope lubrication system
A device that evenly distributes tension across all hoist ropes (Correct answer)
A device that measures rope elongation

Correct answer: A device that evenly distributes tension across all hoist ropes

A rope equalizer distributes the load evenly among all hoist ropes to prevent individual ropes from being overloaded due to unequal tension.

Question 2: What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Fire Service & Emergency Operations for CET professionals?

Networking with other professionals in the field
Earning additional credentials for career advancement
Fulfilling mandatory regulatory requirements only
Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves

Continuing education in Fire Service & Emergency Operations ensures professionals maintain current knowledge and skills as standards, technologies, and best practices evolve in the Certified Elevator Technician field.

Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'top-of-car inspection' (TOCI) station in elevator electrical design?

Bypasses the door contacts during annual inspection
Allows the motor room technician to monitor the car position from above
Provides emergency lighting for hoistway inspection
Transfers control authority to the car top, limits speed to inspection speed, and requires continuous pressure operation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Transfers control authority to the car top, limits speed to inspection speed, and requires continuous pressure operation

The TOCI station transfers control to the car top, restricts speed to no more than 150 ft/min (inspection speed), and requires constant-pressure operation for safe personnel movement.

Question 4: When troubleshooting an elevator that won't respond to hall calls but runs normally on car calls, which system is most likely at fault?

The car operating panel (COP) wiring
The door operator control board
The motor drive encoder feedback
The hall call system — buttons, wiring, or the hall call input circuit in the controller (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The hall call system — buttons, wiring, or the hall call input circuit in the controller

Normal car call operation confirms the drive, safety circuit, and car controls are functional, isolating the fault to the hall call input circuits, hall buttons, or the controller's hall call processing.

Question 5: When an elevator is used as part of an accessible means of egress per IBC and ADA, what additional equipment is typically required inside the cab?

Fire-rated cab interior materials
Smoke detectors and sprinkler heads
Emergency lighting only
Two-way communication and standby power (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two-way communication and standby power

Elevators serving as accessible means of egress must have two-way communication systems and standby power to operate during emergencies.

Question 6: Where is the overspeed valve (rupture valve) required to be located on a hydraulic elevator?

On or directly adjacent to the cylinder (Correct answer)
At the top of the hoistway
At the pump unit
In the machine room

Correct answer: On or directly adjacent to the cylinder

ASME A17.1 requires the rupture valve to be located on or immediately adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder to minimize unprotected piping.

Question 7: What is the advantage of a 2:1 roping arrangement compared to a 1:1 arrangement?

Simpler rope installation with fewer sheaves
Higher car speed for the same motor speed
Greater mechanical advantage allowing a smaller motor to lift heavier loads (Correct answer)
Higher traction between rope and sheave

Correct answer: Greater mechanical advantage allowing a smaller motor to lift heavier loads

A 2:1 roping arrangement provides mechanical advantage, effectively doubling the lifting force of the motor at the cost of half the car speed.

Question 8: In an elevator control circuit, what does a 'slowdown' switch typically do?

Stops the car at the terminal floor immediately
Signals the controller to begin deceleration before reaching a landing (Correct answer)
Engages the emergency brake system
Switches the motor from high to low speed winding

Correct answer: Signals the controller to begin deceleration before reaching a landing

A slowdown switch triggers the controller to initiate deceleration so the car arrives at a landing at proper leveling speed.

Question 9: Which of the following wiring methods is NOT permitted in an elevator machine room per NEC Article 620?

Metal wireways and auxiliary gutters
Rigid metal conduit (RMC)
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
Non-metallic sheathed cable (NM-B, commonly called Romex) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Non-metallic sheathed cable (NM-B, commonly called Romex)

NEC Article 620 prohibits non-metallic sheathed cable in elevator machine rooms; only metallic raceways and other specifically permitted methods are allowed.

Question 10: In a microprocessor-based elevator control system, what is a 'serial link' typically used for?

Providing a dedicated safety circuit path for the door contacts
Communicating data between the machine room controller and the car operating panel (COP) (Correct answer)
Carrying high-voltage power to the car top junction box
Supplying DC power to the motor encoder

Correct answer: Communicating data between the machine room controller and the car operating panel (COP)

A serial communication link (e.g., CAN bus or RS-485) transmits button calls, status data, and commands between the controller and the COP, reducing the number of traveling cables needed.

Question 11: What is the purpose of the motor brake on a geared traction elevator?

Controls the door open/close speed
Limits the top speed of the elevator
Slows the car during normal operation
Holds the car stationary when the motor is de-energized (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Holds the car stationary when the motor is de-energized

The motor brake is a spring-set, electrically released device that holds the sheave and car stationary whenever the drive motor is not powered.

Question 12: A firefighter using Phase II service presses a floor button but the doors do not close. What most likely caused this?

The elevator needs to be reset to Phase I before Phase II works
The door close limit switch has failed permanently
The door open button is being held simultaneously (Correct answer)
Phase I has not been deactivated at the lobby panel

Correct answer: The door open button is being held simultaneously

In Phase II, doors will not close if the door open button is being held; releasing it allows the close button to function.

Question 13: Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Accessibility & ADA Compliance?

Minimizing documentation to focus on practical work
Using the most advanced technology available regardless of need
Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances (Correct answer)
Strictly adhering to the same procedure in every situation

Correct answer: Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances

Evidence-based protocols provide a foundation of proven practices, but effective Certified Elevator Technician professionals must also adapt their approach based on specific circumstances and individual case needs within Accessibility & ADA Compliance.

Question 14: What is the maximum allowable gap between the elevator car floor and the hoistway landing sill under ADA accessibility requirements?

1.25 inches (Correct answer)
1.5 inches
0.5 inches
0.75 inches

Correct answer: 1.25 inches

ADA and ASME A17.1 limit the horizontal gap between the car floor and landing sill to a maximum of 1.25 inches to prevent wheelchair casters from catching.

Question 15: How does risk management apply to daily practice in Traction Elevator Mechanics for Certified Elevator Technician professionals?

Through proactive identification of potential hazards and implementation of preventive measures (Correct answer)
Only through responding to incidents after they occur
Through annual safety audits exclusively
By avoiding high-risk situations entirely

Correct answer: Through proactive identification of potential hazards and implementation of preventive measures

Effective risk management in Traction Elevator Mechanics requires proactive hazard identification and preventive measures, not just reactive responses. This approach reduces incidents, improves outcomes, and protects both professionals and clients.

Question 16: What causes 'creep' in elevator hoist ropes on a traction sheave?

Differential elongation of ropes under varying loads (Correct answer)
Insufficient lubrication on the sheave
Overloading the elevator car
Worn brake shoes

Correct answer: Differential elongation of ropes under varying loads

Creep occurs when ropes stretch unequally under load changes, causing slight slippage relative to the sheave groove.

Question 17: On a variable-frequency drive (VFD) door operator, what is the typical purpose of the high-speed and low-speed velocity profiles?

High speed is used only during maintenance mode; low speed is used during normal service
High speed applies to the hoistway door; low speed applies to the car door
High speed opens the door rapidly; low speed creeps the door to the fully open or closed position for smooth deceleration (Correct answer)
High speed is for opening; low speed is for the nudging feature only

Correct answer: High speed opens the door rapidly; low speed creeps the door to the fully open or closed position for smooth deceleration

VFD door operators use a high-speed profile for the main travel stroke and a low-speed creep to cushion deceleration at the fully open and fully closed positions.

Question 18: Under the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, elevator car position indicators must be provided and must include which of the following for accessibility?

Only a visible numeric display above the door
Only an audible announcement at the entry floor
Audible signal and visible display announcing each floor (Correct answer)
Tactile floor numbers on the door frame

Correct answer: Audible signal and visible display announcing each floor

ADA Section 407.4.4 requires car position indicators to include both a visible display and an audible announcement of each floor as the car passes or stops.

Question 19: A property owner wants to increase an elevator's speed from 100 FPM to 200 FPM during a modernization. Which component is most likely to require replacement due to this speed increase?

The machine room ventilation
The governor (Correct answer)
The hall lanterns
The car flooring

Correct answer: The governor

The governor must be replaced because its tripping speed is calibrated for the original contract speed, not the new higher speed.

Question 20: A PVC (polyvinyl chloride) casing is installed around a single-bottom hydraulic cylinder primarily to:

Increase the structural strength of the cylinder
Reduce heat loss from the hydraulic fluid
Contain any oil released from a cylinder leak and prevent soil contamination (Correct answer)
Protect the cylinder from seismic damage

Correct answer: Contain any oil released from a cylinder leak and prevent soil contamination

The PVC casing acts as a secondary containment vessel, capturing leaked fluid before it can contaminate surrounding soil or groundwater.

Question 21: When performing a governor rope inspection, a technician finds broken wires in one strand. Per ASME A17.1, the rope must be replaced if broken wires exceed:

10 broken wires across all strands in one lay
3 broken wires per strand across any 12-inch section
5% of the total wires in any rope lay (Correct answer)
2 broken wires per lay length in any strand

Correct answer: 5% of the total wires in any rope lay

ASME A17.1 requires governor rope replacement when broken wires exceed the code-specified threshold, commonly 5% of total wires in one rope lay.

Question 22: Per NEC 620.51, the main line disconnecting means for elevator equipment must be located:

In the pit to allow technicians to de-energize before pit entry
Inside the elevator car so occupants can shut off power in emergencies
In the machine room or machinery space, accessible only to qualified personnel (Correct answer)
At the building main service panel only, centralized for fire department access

Correct answer: In the machine room or machinery space, accessible only to qualified personnel

NEC 620.51 requires the main disconnecting means to be in the machine room or machinery space so that only qualified elevator technicians can de-energize the equipment.

Question 23: A passenger elevator installed in a new building covered by ADA must have a minimum weight capacity of how many pounds?

1,000 lbs (454 kg)
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
2,000 lbs (907 kg)
1,500 lbs (680 kg) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1,500 lbs (680 kg)

ADA Section 407.4.1 requires accessible elevators to have a rated load capacity of at least 1,500 lbs to accommodate power wheelchairs, scooters, and attendants.

Question 24: What effect does increasing the arc of contact (rope wrap angle) on the drive sheave have on traction?

Increases sheave wear only
Decreases traction by reducing rope contact time
Increases traction by allowing more friction area (Correct answer)
Has no effect on traction

Correct answer: Increases traction by allowing more friction area

A greater wrap angle increases the arc over which friction acts, exponentially increasing the maximum traction capacity per the Euler equation.

Question 25: What is the purpose of the elevator pit in a hoistway installation?

To provide clearance below the lowest landing for the car and buffer (Correct answer)
To store counterweight guide rails
To house the machine room equipment
To mount the governor device

Correct answer: To provide clearance below the lowest landing for the car and buffer

The pit provides the required clearance below the lowest landing to accommodate the car frame, buffers, and related equipment at the bottom of travel.

Question 26: What documentation practice is considered essential in Accessibility & ADA Compliance within the Certified Elevator Technician field?

Using shorthand notes that can be expanded later if needed
Completing all documentation at the end of the workday
Only documenting unusual events or complications
Recording actions, observations, and outcomes in real-time or as close to the event as possible (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recording actions, observations, and outcomes in real-time or as close to the event as possible

Real-time or near-real-time documentation in Accessibility & ADA Compliance ensures accuracy, provides a contemporaneous record, and is considered the gold standard for professional accountability and legal defensibility.

Question 27: What is the purpose of a 'motor thermistor' or thermal overload device embedded in the elevator motor windings?

Measure motor speed for the VFD feedback loop
Provide a reference signal for torque control
Detect excessive motor winding temperature and signal the controller to shut down (Correct answer)
Balance current between motor phases

Correct answer: Detect excessive motor winding temperature and signal the controller to shut down

Embedded thermistors change resistance with temperature; when winding temperature exceeds safe limits, the controller detects the resistance change and shuts down the motor.

Question 28: What documentation practice is considered essential in Hydraulic Elevator Systems within the Certified Elevator Technician field?

Recording actions, observations, and outcomes in real-time or as close to the event as possible (Correct answer)
Completing all documentation at the end of the workday
Only documenting unusual events or complications
Using shorthand notes that can be expanded later if needed

Correct answer: Recording actions, observations, and outcomes in real-time or as close to the event as possible

Real-time or near-real-time documentation in Hydraulic Elevator Systems ensures accuracy, provides a contemporaneous record, and is considered the gold standard for professional accountability and legal defensibility.

Question 29: What is the purpose of the slack rope device in a traction elevator?

To stop the elevator if hoist ropes lose tension, indicating a serious fault (Correct answer)
To take up rope stretch over time
To equalize tension between ropes
To measure rope elongation automatically

Correct answer: To stop the elevator if hoist ropes lose tension, indicating a serious fault

A slack rope switch detects loss of rope tension, which could indicate rope failure or car sitting on a buffer, and removes power from the machine.

Question 30: What is the purpose of a 'buffer stopping switch' in the elevator pit electrical circuit?

Activates the pit stop switch alarm
Opens the safety circuit when the car strikes an oil or spring buffer (Correct answer)
Resets the buffer oil level after compression
Cuts power to the pit lighting when the car is above the pit

Correct answer: Opens the safety circuit when the car strikes an oil or spring buffer

The buffer stopping switch opens the safety circuit when the car or counterweight contacts a buffer, cutting power and preventing further car movement.

Question 31: What is the consequence of operating a traction elevator with unequal rope tensions?

Overloading of some ropes and premature wear, reducing the overall safety margin (Correct answer)
Automatic speed regulation by the controller
Increased ride comfort due to load redistribution
Reduced energy consumption by the motor

Correct answer: Overloading of some ropes and premature wear, reducing the overall safety margin

Unequal tensions concentrate load on fewer ropes, reducing the effective safety factor and accelerating fatigue failure of the overloaded ropes.

Question 32: Which cable connects the elevator car and counterweight in a traction system?

Governor rope
Hoist rope (Correct answer)
Control wire
Tension pulley

Correct answer: Hoist rope

Hoist ropes connect the car to the counterweight and wrap around a drive sheave to enable vertical movement.

Certified Elevator Technician (CET)

The NAEC CET certification validates advanced knowledge and skill in elevator installation, maintenance, repair, and safety compliance. It is the professional benchmark for elevator technicians, covering electrical systems, mechanical systems, safety codes, and troubleshooting.

Questions

40 min

Time Limit

70%

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