QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Code and Regulation Compliance Questions and Answers — 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?
- The clearance is compliant as it exceeds 300 mm (12 in.).
- The clearance is non-compliant and requires correction. (Correct answer)
- The measurement is only relevant for oil buffers, not spring buffers.
- The clearance is compliant because the refuge space is located elsewhere.
Correct answer: The clearance is non-compliant and requires correction.
ASME A17.1, Rule 2.4.1.1, requires a minimum vertical clearance of 600 mm (24 in.) between the pit floor and the lowest part of the car platform assembly when the car is on its fully compressed buffer. A measurement of 550 mm is less than this required minimum and is therefore a non-compliant condition that must be corrected.
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?
- A full-height solid guard extending 2100 mm (83 in.) from the floor.
- A single handrail positioned at 900 mm (35 in.) above the floor.
- A standard railing including a top rail, midrail, and toeboard. (Correct answer)
- A permanent yellow warning line painted 150 mm (6 in.) from the edge.
Correct answer: A standard railing including a top rail, midrail, and toeboard.
ASME A17.1, Rule 2.14.1.7, mandates that where the free horizontal distance between the edge of the car top and the hoistway enclosure exceeds 300 mm (12 in.), a standard railing must be provided. This railing must consist of a top rail at a height of 1067 mm (42 in.), a midrail, and a toeboard to prevent falls.
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?
- They must be enclosed in a rigid metal conduit for their entire length.
- They must contain a minimum of 25% spare conductors for future use.
- They must be supported by their steel core when the hang length exceeds 200 ft.
- They must be listed as elevator cable and possess flame-retardant characteristics. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: They must be listed as elevator cable and possess flame-retardant characteristics.
NEC 620.41 requires traveling cables to be listed for the purpose, which means they are tested for the unique flexing demands of elevator use and must be flame-retardant. While steel core support is required for long hang lengths (typically over 200 ft), the fundamental requirement for all traveling cables is being properly listed and flame-retardant. They are inherently flexible and not run in rigid conduit.
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?
- "DANGER - HIGH VOLTAGE - ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT"
- "ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM - AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" (Correct answer)
- "CAUTION - AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT MAY START AT ANY TIME"
- "RESTRICTED AREA - ELEVATOR MACHINERY"
Correct answer: "ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM - AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY"
ASME A17.1, Rule 2.7.9.1, explicitly requires a sign on the machine room access door that reads "ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM - AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" or equivalent wording, with letters of a specific minimum height. This signage serves to both identify the space and restrict access to qualified individuals.
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?
- The disconnect should only be activated by the building's main fire alarm panel.
- Smoke detectors are not permitted to activate the shunt trip device. (Correct answer)
- The disconnect must be activated by a manual switch in the fire command center.
- The smoke detector must be located in the machine room, not the hoistway.
Correct answer: Smoke detectors are not permitted to activate the shunt trip device.
ASME A17.1, Rule 2.8.3.3.2, and NFPA 72 require that the activation of the shunt trip device be initiated by a heat detector, not a smoke detector. This is to ensure power is cut immediately *before* the application of water from the sprinkler, which is predicted by high heat. A smoke detector could shut down the elevator prematurely, potentially trapping passengers before a fire has grown to the point of sprinkler activation.
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?
- The date the test was completed.
- The elevator's rated load capacity. (Correct answer)
- The name of the person or firm who performed the test.
- The applicable test category performed.
Correct answer: The elevator's rated load capacity.
ASME A17.1, Section 8.11, outlines the requirements for periodic test tags. The tag must include the date of the test, the name of the person or firm performing it, and the specific test category (e.g., Cat 1, Cat 5). The elevator's rated load capacity is permanent design data found on the crosshead data plate, not on the periodic test tag.
QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Code and Regulation Compliance Questions and Answers
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?