QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Safety and Emergency Devices Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A QEI is inspecting an elevator installed under ASME A17.1-2019 or later. What is a key requirement for the in-car emergency communications system to ensure accessibility for all passengers?
- A high-decibel audible alarm that can be heard from the main egress lobby.
- A two-way voice communication system that automatically dials 911.
- A means for two-way message display for passengers who are hearing or speech-impaired. (Correct answer)
- An emergency phone that is connected via a dedicated copper landline only.
Correct answer: A means for two-way message display for passengers who are hearing or speech-impaired.
ASME A17.1-2019 introduced significant updates to emergency communications, mandating a visual, text-based, two-way communication method to assist passengers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. This ensures all passengers can communicate during an entrapment.
Question 2: During a Category 5 safety test on a traction elevator, the governor overspeed switch must be tested. According to ASME A17.1, what is the primary function of this switch when it operates?
- To mechanically apply the car safeties directly to the guide rails.
- To initiate a controlled shutdown of the building's main power.
- To send a signal to the fire alarm control panel.
- To remove power from the driving-machine motor and brake. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To remove power from the driving-machine motor and brake.
The governor overspeed switch is an electrical switch that operates before the governor mechanically trips the safeties. Its function is to remove power from the elevator's driving-machine motor and brake as a first means of stopping an overspeeding car.
Question 3: A QEI is on top of an elevator car and must verify the requirements for the top emergency exit. Which of the following is a standard requirement for the top emergency exit cover according to ASME A17.1?
- It must be secured by a lock that can only be opened with a special tool from the car top.
- It must open inward to prevent interference with hoistway equipment.
- It must be equipped with an electrical device that prevents elevator operation if the cover is open. (Correct answer)
- It must have a minimum clear opening of 200 square inches.
Correct answer: It must be equipped with an electrical device that prevents elevator operation if the cover is open.
ASME A17.1 requires that every top emergency exit cover be provided with an electrical device that prevents the elevator from operating if the cover is opened more than a specified small distance (e.g., 2 inches). This ensures the car cannot run while the exit is unsecured.
Question 4: An inspector is evaluating the Firefighters' Emergency Operation (FEO) on an automatic elevator. During Phase II (In-Car) operation, what is the expected behavior of the power-operated doors when the 'DOOR OPEN' button is pressed and then released before the doors are fully open?
- The doors will remain in their current position until another button is pressed.
- The doors will continue to open fully and then remain open.
- The doors will automatically re-close. (Correct answer)
- The doors will reverse direction and close, but only after a 5-second delay.
Correct answer: The doors will automatically re-close.
ASME A17.1, Rule 2.27.3.3 specifies that during Phase II operation, the power-operated doors shall be controlled only by a continuous-pressure 'DOOR OPEN' button. If the button is released before the doors are fully open, they must automatically re-close. This gives firefighters precise control and protection from hoistway hazards.
Question 5: According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 620, when an elevator's disconnecting means is designated as supplying an emergency system load, what additional protection is required at that disconnecting means?
- A phase-reversal monitoring relay.
- A ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI).
- A surge protective device (SPD). (Correct answer)
- An arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI).
Correct answer: A surge protective device (SPD).
NEC Article 620.51(E) explicitly states that where any of the disconnecting means for an elevator has been designated as supplying an emergency system load, surge protection shall be provided. This protects the critical elevator controls from voltage transients.
Question 6: While performing an inspection in a hoistway pit, a QEI must verify the location and operation of the pit stop switch. Which of the following is a requirement for this device under ASME A17.1?
- It must be a momentary push-button type.
- It must be located within 6 inches of the pit ladder.
- It must be a maintained-contact type that is manually opened and closed. (Correct answer)
- It can be reset automatically by the controller upon exiting the pit.
Correct answer: It must be a maintained-contact type that is manually opened and closed.
The pit stop switch is a critical safety device that must be of the manually operated, maintained-contact type. This means it stays in the 'STOP' position until it is physically and intentionally returned to the 'RUN' position, preventing accidental restarting of the elevator while personnel are in the pit.
QEI - Qualified Elevator Inspector Safety and Emergency Devices Questions and Answers
A QEI is inspecting an elevator installed under ASME A17.1-2019 or later.
What is a key requirement for the in-car emergency communications system to ensure accessibility for all passengers?