QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Car and Counterweight Assemblies Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a routine inspection of a traction elevator, you observe that the counterweight guard is missing several bolts and appears loose. According to ASME A17.1, what is the primary safety concern this condition presents?

Accepted Answer

Risk of entanglement or injury to personnel working in the pit.

Answer

ASME A17.1 requires counterweight guards to protect against accidental contact. A loose or incomplete guard poses a significant risk of entanglement or crushing injury to any inspector or maintenance personnel who may be in the pit while the elevator is in motion.

Question 2

An inspector is measuring the horizontal clearance between the car platform sill and the hoistway enclosure. Which of the following measurements would be a violation of the standard running clearance specified in ASME A17.1?

Accepted Answer

2.0 inches

Answer

ASME A17.1 generally limits the clearance between the car platform sill and the hoistway enclosure. While specific conditions can alter requirements, a 2.0-inch gap typically exceeds the maximum allowable running clearance, which is often cited as being between 1/2 inch and 1-1/2 inches, posing a potential hazard.

Question 3

A QEI is inspecting a newly installed counterweight assembly. Which of the following is a critical inspection point to ensure compliance with safety standards?

Accepted Answer

All individual weights are secured within the frame by tie rods or another retaining method.

Answer

According to elevator safety codes, the individual filler weights of a counterweight must be securely contained within the frame. This is typically achieved with tie rods that pass through all the weights and are secured at both ends. This prevents the weights from shifting or falling out, which could cause a catastrophic failure.

Question 4

During an inspection from the car top, you are evaluating the required refuge space. Which of the following scenarios would be a code violation?

Accepted Answer

A permanently installed light fixture is located within the designated refuge space area.

Answer

The refuge space on top of an elevator car must be a clear, unobstructed area to protect personnel. No equipment, including permanent fixtures like lights or junction boxes, should be installed in the area designated as the refuge space, as it would impede its purpose in an emergency.

Question 5

Which component of the car assembly is primarily responsible for engaging the governor rope to initiate a safety stop in an overspeed condition?

Accepted Answer

The safety mechanism (safeties).

Answer

The safety mechanism, often referred to as the car safeties, is the component that is mechanically linked to the speed governor. When the governor detects an overspeed condition, it trips, causing the governor rope to activate the safety mechanism, which then clamps onto the guide rails to stop the car.

QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Practice Test

QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Practice Test

QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Car and Counterweight Assemblies Questions and Answers