QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Electrical Systems and Controls Questions and Answers

Question 1

An inspector notes that the main power disconnect for a traction elevator is located in an electrical closet adjacent to the machine room.
The disconnect is not visible from the location of the elevator controller.
According to NEC 620.51, why is this a violation?

Accepted Answer

The disconnect must be located within sight of the motor controller.

Answer

The disconnect is not rated for the motor horsepower.

Answer

The disconnect must be located inside the machine room, within 24 inches of the door.

Answer

The disconnect cannot be in a room with other electrical panels.

Question 2

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in which of the following elevator spaces must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel?

Accepted Answer

In the elevator pit and machine room.

Answer

Inside the car operating panel for maintenance tools.

Answer

On the exterior of the machine room door.

Answer

At the main lobby call station.

Question 3

What is the immediate and primary electrical function that occurs when any contact in the elevator's main safety circuit string (e.g., a hoistway door interlock, governor contact, or stop switch) is opened?

Accepted Answer

Power is removed from the drive motor and the brake coil, causing the brake to set.

Answer

The in-car emergency alarm is automatically activated.

Answer

The car leveling system is initiated to move the car to the nearest floor.

Answer

The car lighting circuit is switched to battery backup.

Question 4

Which of the following is a recognized method for initiating Phase I Firefighters' Emergency Operation, causing the elevator to return to a designated recall level?

Accepted Answer

Activating a smoke detector in an elevator lobby or machine room.

Answer

Pressing and holding both the 'DOOR OPEN' and 'DOOR CLOSE' buttons simultaneously.

Answer

Exceeding the rated load capacity of the elevator car.

Answer

A power failure followed by a switch to backup generator power.

Question 5

While inspecting the installation of traveling cables in a new traction elevator, a QEI observes that the cables hang freely from the car to the hoistway junction box with no intermediate support. Why is this a potential violation?

Accepted Answer

The installation lacks a means to prevent strain on the terminations and control twisting.

Answer

The cables are required to be encased in a rigid conduit.

Answer

The cables must be lubricated annually, and this installation prevents access.

Answer

Traveling cables are only permitted on hydraulic elevators.

Question 6

When more than one elevator's driving machine is supplied by a single feeder circuit, what is the primary requirement for the overcurrent protective devices in each elevator's disconnecting means, according to NEC 620.62?

Accepted Answer

They must be selectively coordinated with the supply-side overcurrent device.

Answer

They must all be of the same amperage rating.

Answer

They must be non-fusible disconnects.

Answer

They must all be located within a single, shared enclosure.