QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Hoistway and Pit Inspection Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a pit inspection, a QEI notes a permanently installed ladder. According to ASME A17.1, what is the minimum required horizontal distance between the ladder rungs and the nearest permanent object behind the ladder?
- 3.5 inches
- 4.5 inches (Correct answer)
- 6.0 inches
- 7.0 inches
Correct answer: 4.5 inches
ASME A17.1 requires a clear distance of not less than 4.5 inches from the ladder rungs to the nearest permanent object behind the ladder to ensure adequate footing for personnel.
Question 2: While inspecting a newly installed elevator pit, you find a single duplex receptacle. Which of the following is a critical requirement for this receptacle according to the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
- It must be located within 12 inches of the pit floor.
- It must be on a dedicated circuit shared only with the cab lighting.
- It must have Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection. (Correct answer)
- It must be a non-locking type receptacle.
Correct answer: It must have Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection.
NEC 620.24 requires that at least one 125-volt, single-phase, duplex receptacle in the pit be GFCI-protected for personnel safety. The pit lighting and receptacle must be on a separate branch circuit, and the lighting cannot be on the load side of the GFCI.
Question 3: An inspector is verifying hoistway door clearances on an elevator with swinging doors installed under ASME A17.1-2016. What is the maximum permitted clearance between the hoistway side of the landing door and the edge of the landing sill?
- 1/2 inch (13 mm)
- 1 inch (25 mm)
- 1.25 inches (32 mm)
- 3/4 inch (19 mm) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3/4 inch (19 mm)
For swinging doors, the ASME A17.1-2016 code, Section 5.3, mandates that the clearance between the hoistway side of the landing door and the landing sill edge shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19 mm).
Question 4: A QEI is performing an inspection in a building where Firefighters' Emergency Operation is provided. What is the minimum pumping capacity required for the sump pump in the elevator pit?
- 1,000 gallons per hour
- 2,000 gallons per hour
- 3,000 gallons per hour (Correct answer)
- 5,000 gallons per hour
Correct answer: 3,000 gallons per hour
ASME A17.1, Rule 2.2.2.5, specifies that for elevators with Firefighters' Emergency Operation, a drain or sump pump must be provided with the capacity to remove a minimum of 3,000 gallons per hour per elevator.
Question 5: Which of the following is generally prohibited from being installed inside an elevator hoistway, unless it is for the exclusive use of the elevator?
- Junction boxes for elevator signaling devices
- Guarded light fixtures for illumination
- Steam pipes for building heat (Correct answer)
- Traveling cables for car controls
Correct answer: Steam pipes for building heat
ASME A17.1 generally prohibits pipes, ducts, and wiring that are not used directly in connection with the elevator from being installed in the hoistway. Steam pipes present a particular danger due to the risk of discharge and heat affecting elevator operation and safety.
Question 6: During a pit inspection, the inspector must verify the condition and presence of required equipment. Which of the following is NOT a standard component an inspector would typically verify is present and in good condition within the pit?
- Car buffer(s)
- Pit stop switch
- Counterweight sheave (Correct answer)
- Governor rope tension sheave
Correct answer: Counterweight sheave
The counterweight sheave is typically located at the top of the hoistway or on the counterweight frame itself, not in the pit. The inspector would find the car buffer(s), pit stop switch, and often the governor rope tension sheave assembly within the pit area.
QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Hoistway and Pit Inspection Questions and Answers
During a pit inspection, a QEI notes a permanently installed ladder.
According to ASME A17.1, what is the minimum required horizontal distance between the ladder rungs and the nearest permanent object behind the ladder?