QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Machine Room Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A QEI performing a routine inspection of an elevator machine room notices that the lighting switch is located inside a locked closet adjacent to the machine room entrance. According to NEC 620.23, why is this a violation?
- The lighting control must be on a separate branch circuit from the receptacle outlets.
- The switch must be located within sight of the disconnecting means.
- The switch must be located on the lock jamb side of the machine room access door.
- The lighting switch must be located at the point of entry to the machine room. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The lighting switch must be located at the point of entry to the machine room.
NEC (NFPA 70) Article 620.23 requires that the machine room lighting switch be located at the point of entry. This is to ensure that anyone entering the space can immediately illuminate it for safety before proceeding. Placing it in a separate closet violates this direct accessibility requirement.
Question 2: During a periodic inspection of a traction elevator, the QEI needs to verify the functionality of the governor. As part of the procedure, the inspector must confirm the presence and condition of the governor rope. According to ASME A17.1, which of the following is a critical requirement for the governor rope?
- It must be the same size and material as the hoist ropes.
- It must be replaced every five years regardless of condition.
- It must be of the size, material, and construction specified by the governor manufacturer. (Correct answer)
- It must be lubricated with the same lubricant used for the guide rails.
Correct answer: It must be of the size, material, and construction specified by the governor manufacturer.
ASME A17.1 Requirement 8.6.3.4.1 specifies that the governor rope must be of the same size, material, and construction as what the governor manufacturer originally specified. Using a different type of rope could affect the tripping characteristics of the governor, compromising its function as a critical safety device.
Question 3: A building owner informs a QEI that they wish to use the elevator machine room for general storage of building maintenance supplies to save space. Which of the following best explains why this is prohibited under standard safety codes?
- Stored materials can obstruct access to disconnecting means and control panels. (Correct answer)
- The room's ventilation system is not designed for storing chemical products.
- It violates the fire rating of the machine room enclosure.
- Only elevator-related parts and tools are permitted to be stored in the machine room.
Correct answer: Stored materials can obstruct access to disconnecting means and control panels.
ASME A17.1 and NEC Article 620 prohibit using machine rooms for storage of materials not related to the elevator equipment because such items can create fire hazards, obstruct clear working space around critical equipment, and block access to the main line disconnects needed for emergency and maintenance procedures.
Question 4: A QEI is inspecting a newly installed hydraulic elevator machine room. The inspector notes that the room is consistently at a temperature of 110°F (43°C) due to poor ventilation. According to ASME A17.1, what is the primary hazard associated with this condition?
- It can cause the hydraulic fluid to expand and trip the pressure relief valve.
- It creates an uncomfortable working environment for maintenance personnel.
- It can lead to premature failure of solid-state electronic components in the controller. (Correct answer)
- It violates the energy efficiency requirements of the building code.
Correct answer: It can lead to premature failure of solid-state electronic components in the controller.
ASME A17.1 requires that machine rooms be provided with ventilation to maintain a temperature range suitable for the elevator equipment. High ambient temperatures, often above 104°F (40°C), can cause overheating and premature failure of sensitive electronic components within the elevator controller, leading to unreliable operation and potential shutdowns.
Question 5: Before beginning a detailed inspection of the driving machine and controller, what is the first critical safety procedure a QEI must perform after ensuring no passengers are in the car?
- Post warning signs on all landing entrances.
- Perform a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) on the main line disconnect. (Correct answer)
- Manually test the brake to ensure it is holding the car.
- Check the oil level in the gearbox or hydraulic reservoir.
Correct answer: Perform a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) on the main line disconnect.
The first and most critical step before working on or near elevator machinery is to de-energize the equipment by performing a proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure on the main line disconnect switch. This prevents the accidental startup of the equipment, which could cause severe injury or death.
Question 6: Which of the following must be provided on a separate, dedicated branch circuit within an elevator machine room, according to the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
- The driving machine motor and the controller.
- The car lighting and the machine room ventilation fan.
- The machine room lighting and receptacle outlets. (Correct answer)
- The fire alarm initiating device and the emergency communication system.
Correct answer: The machine room lighting and receptacle outlets.
NEC Article 620.23(C) requires that the machine room lighting and receptacle(s) be supplied by a separate, dedicated branch circuit. This ensures that power for illumination and tools is available even if the main power to the elevator driving machine is shut off for maintenance or due to a fault.
QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Machine Room Procedures Questions and Answers
A QEI performing a routine inspection of an elevator machine room notices that the lighting switch is located inside a locked closet adjacent to the machine room entrance.
According to NEC 620.23, why is this a violation?