QEI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield QEI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the anti-slide devices required on escalator balustrade decks? → To discourage people from sitting or sliding on the balustrade.
2. Which of the following is a key component of QEI inspections? → Testing elevator emergency brakes
3. What is the function of the rope equalizer in a traction elevator? → To distribute load evenly among all hoist ropes
4. Which of the following is generally prohibited from being installed inside an elevator hoistway, unless it is for the exclusive use of the elevator? → Steam pipes for building heat
5. What is the maximum gap permitted between the elevator car sill and the hoistway landing sill per ASME A17.1 for accessibility and safety? → 3/4 inch
6. What is the ASME A17.1 requirement for traction elevator counterweight balance relative to the car? → Counterweight equals car weight plus 40% to 50% of rated load
7. Regulations for elevator capacity and loading per Section 2.16. → Capacity and Loading
8. What is the purpose of the secondary sheave (deflector sheave) in a traction elevator roping system? → To redirect the ropes to achieve the correct geometry between the car and counterweight
9. What is the maximum rated capacity for a LULA elevator under ASME A17.1? → 1,400 lbs
10. Which of the following components is unique to a roped hydraulic elevator system when compared to a conventional direct-acting hydraulic elevator? → A governor and safeties.
11. Which standard governs the installation and inspection of vertical platform lifts and inclined platform lifts in the US? → ASME A18.1
12. Which organization is responsible for developing and maintaining QEI standards? → American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
13. Which federal law most directly mandates accessible elevator service in new commercial construction in the United States? → The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
14. Construction standards for hoistways and enclosures → Hoistways and hoistway enclosures
15. What type of rope construction is most commonly specified for traction elevator hoist ropes? → Independent wire rope core (IWRC) ropes
16. What is the primary purpose of QEI standards? → Guaranteeing elevator safety and compliance
17. When inspecting a gearless traction machine, what component is directly responsible for creating stopping force? → The electromagnetic disc or drum brake mounted on the motor shaft
18. According to ASME A17.1, what is the primary purpose of the annual relief valve test on a hydraulic elevator? → To confirm the valve prevents system pressure from exceeding a safe limit.
19. Which ASME A17.1 section covers private residence elevators (PRE)? → Section 5.4
20. What does 'rope lay' refer to when evaluating wire rope condition on a traction elevator? → The length along the rope in which each wire strand completes one full helical twist
21. What documentation is provided after a QEI inspection? → Inspection report and compliance certificate
22. What is the required mounting height range for elevator control buttons per ADA Standards for side-reach approach? → 15 to 48 inches above the floor
23. What parameter must a QEI inspector verify when checking drive sheave groove condition? → Groove wear and undercut depth relative to manufacturer limits
24. What condition requires the immediate removal of a wire rope from service according to ASME A17.1? → Six or more broken wires in one rope lay
25. During an inspection from the car top, you are evaluating the required refuge space. Which of the following scenarios would be a code violation? → A permanently installed light fixture is located within the designated refuge space area.
26. Device not provided if rise is 6.1 m or less, conforms to specific regulations when required → Top-of-car operating device
27. In a 2:1 roping arrangement, how does the car speed compare to the rope speed at the drive sheave? → Car speed is half the rope speed
28. What role does ASME A17.1 play in QEI standards? → Establishing uniform safety requirements for elevators
29. What is the maximum average closing force permitted for power-operated hoistway doors per ASME A17.1? → 30 lbf
30. What does a 'traction loss' condition occur when in a traction elevator? → The friction between the hoist ropes and drive sheave is insufficient to move the car