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

NEC 620.51(C) requires the disconnecting means to be located within sight of the motor controller. This is a critical safety requirement to ensure that a technician working on the controller can visually confirm that the power source has been de-energized.

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

NEC 620.85 explicitly requires GFCI protection for 125V, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in elevator pits, machine rooms, machinery spaces, and on car tops, due to the increased risk of electrical shock in these potentially damp or grounded environments.

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 safety circuit is a series circuit of contacts that, when intact, allows power to be supplied to the motor and brake. If any contact in this series is opened, it immediately breaks the circuit that energizes the drive motor and the brake coil. This de-energizes the brake, causing it to set by spring force, and removes power from the motor, bringing the elevator to a stop.

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

ASME A17.1 specifies that Phase I Firefighters' Emergency Operation can be initiated in two ways: manually with a key switch in the lobby, or automatically by the activation of specific fire alarm initiating devices, such as smoke detectors located in elevator lobbies, the machine room, or the hoistway.

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

Both NEC Article 620 and ASME A17.1 require that traveling cables be suspended and supported to prevent placing mechanical strain on the electrical terminations and to prevent damage from twisting or rubbing. This is typically accomplished with a suspension device or hanger.

QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Practice Test

QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Practice Test

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