Mixed Deck — All QEI Topics Flashcards

What is the minimum interior width and depth of an ADA-compliant elevator car per ADA Standards for Accessible Design?

Answer: 51 inches wide × 51 inches deep

ADA Standards require elevator car interiors to be at least 51 inches wide and 51 inches deep when a center-opening door is used, ensuring wheelchair turning room.

What is the primary purpose of QEI standards?

Answer: Guaranteeing elevator safety and compliance

QEI standards are designed to ensure elevator safety and compliance with industry regulations.

Construction standards for hoistways and enclosures

Answer: Hoistways and hoistway enclosures

This refers to the specific standards and requirements governing the construction of the elevator shafts (hoistways) and the surrounding structures (hoistway enclosures) within which elevators operate. These standards ensure the safety, durability, and structural integrity of the elevator's vertical pathway.

A QEI inspects a traction elevator machine room where sprinklers are installed. The inspector notes that the means to disconnect the main line power to the elevator (shunt trip) is activated by a smoke detector located at the top of the hoistway. Why is this a code violation?

Answer: Smoke detectors are not permitted to activate the shunt trip device.

ASME A17.1, Rule 2.8.3.3.2, and NFPA 72 require that the activation of the shunt trip device be initiated by a heat detector, not a smoke detector. This is to ensure power is cut immediately *before* the application of water from the sprinkler, which is predicted by high heat. A smoke detector could shut down the elevator prematurely, potentially trapping passengers before a fire has grown to the point of sprinkler activation.

Which standard governs the installation and inspection of vertical platform lifts and inclined platform lifts in the US?

Answer: ASME A18.1

ASME A18.1 (Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts) governs the design, installation, and inspection of vertical and inclined platform lifts.

A QEI is on top of an elevator car and measures the horizontal distance from the edge of the car top to the hoistway enclosure as 400 mm (approx. 16 in.). According to ASME A17.1 requirements for fall protection, what must be provided on this side of the car top?

Answer: A standard railing including a top rail, midrail, and toeboard.

ASME A17.1, Rule 2.14.1.7, mandates that where the free horizontal distance between the edge of the car top and the hoistway enclosure exceeds 300 mm (12 in.), a standard railing must be provided. This railing must consist of a top rail at a height of 1067 mm (42 in.), a midrail, and a toeboard to prevent falls.

What does QEI stand for in the elevator industry?

Answer: Quality Elevator Inspection

QEI stands for Quality Elevator Inspection, which is a certification program for elevator inspectors.

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)?

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.

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?

Answer: The disconnect must be located within sight of the motor controller.

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.

Which of the following is the primary purpose of the anti-slide devices required on escalator balustrade decks?

Answer: To discourage people from sitting or sliding on the balustrade.

Anti-slide devices are protrusions mounted on the balustrade decks specifically to deter individuals, particularly children, from sliding down them. This unsafe behavior presents a significant fall hazard, and these devices serve as a physical deterrent.

When inspecting a gearless traction machine, what component is directly responsible for creating stopping force?

Answer: The electromagnetic disc or drum brake mounted on the motor shaft

In a gearless machine, an electromagnetic disc or drum brake acts directly on the motor shaft to stop and hold the elevator car.

During a routine inspection of a hydraulic elevator, the QEI notices that the in-ground cylinder is not equipped with any form of corrosion protection. The elevator was installed in an area with a high water table. Which of the following is the MOST significant risk associated with this finding?

Answer: Catastrophic failure of the cylinder due to electrolysis and corrosion.

Unprotected in-ground hydraulic cylinders are susceptible to corrosion and electrolysis, which can degrade the integrity of the steel. This can lead to an abrupt and catastrophic failure, causing the elevator to fall uncontrollably. This poses a significant safety hazard, far outweighing other potential issues.

An inspector is measuring the horizontal clearance between the car platform sill and the hoistway enclosure. Which of the following measurements would be a violation of the standard running clearance specified in ASME A17.1?

Answer: 2.0 inches

ASME A17.1 generally limits the clearance between the car platform sill and the hoistway enclosure. While specific conditions can alter requirements, a 2.0-inch gap typically exceeds the maximum allowable running clearance, which is often cited as being between 1/2 inch and 1-1/2 inches, posing a potential hazard.

How does a QEI inspector confirm that rope end connections (shackles) are properly secured on a traction elevator?

Answer: By visually inspecting for proper wedge seating, safety pins, and absence of cracks or deformation

Inspectors visually examine each shackle for proper wedge seating, intact cotter pins or safety fasteners, and freedom from cracks, corrosion, or deformation.

Which component of the car assembly is primarily responsible for engaging the governor rope to initiate a safety stop in an overspeed condition?

Answer: The safety mechanism (safeties).

The safety mechanism, often referred to as the car safeties, is the component that is mechanically linked to the speed governor. When the governor detects an overspeed condition, it trips, causing the governor rope to activate the safety mechanism, which then clamps onto the guide rails to stop the car.

An inspector identifies a condition on an elevator that, while not an immediate code violation, represents a significant housekeeping and potential safety issue, such as a machine room with excessive dust and debris. Which of the following is the best way to document this finding?

Answer: Note the condition as a non-mandatory recommendation or advisory item in the inspection report.

An inspector's role includes identifying and reporting potential hazards, even if they aren't explicit code violations. Poor housekeeping can lead to fire hazards or slip-and-fall incidents. Documenting the condition as a formal recommendation or advisory item in the report creates a record, informs the building owner of the concern, and encourages corrective action without citing a non-existent violation.

According to ASME A17.1, what is the maximum rated speed for a standard escalator, measured along the centerline of the steps in the direction of travel?

Answer: 100 ft/min (0.51 m/s)

ASME A17.1, Requirement 6.1.4.1, states that the rated speed of an escalator shall not exceed 0.51 m/s (100 ft/min), measured along the centerline of the steps in the direction of travel.

After the successful completion of a periodic safety test (e.g., Category 1, 3, or 5), a test tag must be affixed to the equipment. According to ASME A17.1, which of the following pieces of information is required to be on this tag?

Answer: The date the test was performed and the identification of the person or firm that performed it.

ASME A17.1 requires that test tags provide a clear record of when a test was done and by whom. The tag must include the date of the test and the name of the person or firm that conducted it. This creates a traceable history of compliance and maintenance for the equipment.

Speed limit based on contact with rooftop door or cover, exceptions noted

Answer: Maximum rated speed

This refers to the highest speed at which an elevator is designed to operate safely, typically determined by the manufacturer and regulatory standards.

What door timing requirement does ADA set for elevator doors to remain open long enough for a person using a wheelchair to enter?

Answer: Doors must remain fully open for a minimum of 3 seconds

ADA Standards require elevator doors to remain fully open for a minimum of 3 seconds to allow adequate boarding time for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.