QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Code and Regulation Compliance Questions and Answers

Question 1

An inspector is verifying the bottom car clearance of a traction elevator.
With the car resting on its fully compressed spring buffers, the measurement from the pit floor to the lowest structural member of the car platform is 550 mm (approx. 21.5 in.).
What does this finding indicate?

Accepted Answer

The clearance is non-compliant and requires correction.

Answer

The clearance is compliant as it exceeds 300 mm (12 in.).

Answer

The measurement is only relevant for oil buffers, not spring buffers.

Answer

The clearance is compliant because the refuge space is located elsewhere.

Question 2

A QEI is on top of an elevator car and measures the horizontal distance from the edge of the car top to the hoistway enclosure as 400 mm (approx. 16 in.). According to ASME A17.1 requirements for fall protection, what must be provided on this side of the car top?

Accepted Answer

A standard railing including a top rail, midrail, and toeboard.

Answer

A full-height solid guard extending 2100 mm (83 in.) from the floor.

Answer

A single handrail positioned at 900 mm (35 in.) above the floor.

Answer

A permanent yellow warning line painted 150 mm (6 in.) from the edge.

Question 3

An inspector is examining the traveling cables for a new elevator installation. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 620, which of the following is a primary requirement for these cables?

Accepted Answer

They must be listed as elevator cable and possess flame-retardant characteristics.

Answer

They must be enclosed in a rigid metal conduit for their entire length.

Answer

They must contain a minimum of 25% spare conductors for future use.

Answer

They must be supported by their steel core when the hang length exceeds 200 ft.

Question 4

According to ASME A17.1, which of the following text is required on a sign posted on the access door to an elevator machine room?

Accepted Answer

"ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM - AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY"

Answer

"DANGER - HIGH VOLTAGE - ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT"

Answer

"CAUTION - AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT MAY START AT ANY TIME"

Answer

"RESTRICTED AREA - ELEVATOR MACHINERY"

Question 5

A QEI inspects a traction elevator machine room where sprinklers are installed. The inspector notes that the means to disconnect the main line power to the elevator (shunt trip) is activated by a smoke detector located at the top of the hoistway. Why is this a code violation?

Accepted Answer

Smoke detectors are not permitted to activate the shunt trip device.

Answer

The disconnect should only be activated by the building's main fire alarm panel.

Answer

The disconnect must be activated by a manual switch in the fire command center.

Answer

The smoke detector must be located in the machine room, not the hoistway.

Question 6

While reviewing maintenance records, a QEI inspects the metal tag for the most recent Category 5 periodic test. According to ASME A17.1, which of the following pieces of information is NOT required to be on the periodic test tag?

Accepted Answer

The elevator's rated load capacity.

Answer

The date the test was completed.

Answer

The name of the person or firm who performed the test.

Answer

The applicable test category performed.