QEI Doors, Gates, and Entrances 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum kinetic energy limit for a power-operated car or hoistway door moving in the closing direction per ASME A17.1?
- 2.5 ft-lb
- 7 ft-lb (Correct answer)
- 10 ft-lb
- 15 ft-lb
Correct answer: 7 ft-lb
ASME A17.1 limits the kinetic energy of closing doors to 7 ft-lb (9.5 J) to minimize injury potential when a passenger is struck by a closing door panel.
Question 2: What is the function of a car door restrictor (car door restriction device)?
- To limit the opening speed of the car door operator
- To prevent the car door from opening more than a few inches when the car is not within the landing zone (Correct answer)
- To restrict unauthorized entry to the hoistway from inside the car
- To limit the maximum force output of the door operator motor
Correct answer: To prevent the car door from opening more than a few inches when the car is not within the landing zone
A car door restrictor prevents the car door from opening more than approximately 4 inches when the car is outside the landing zone, protecting passengers inside the car from falling into the hoistway.
Question 3: When inspecting power-operated landing doors, what key safety parameters must the inspector assess?
- Door panel color and surface material composition
- Kinetic energy and average closing force compliance with code-specified limits (Correct answer)
- Minimum door opening speed to prevent nuisance reopening
- Total number of door cycles recorded since the last inspection
Correct answer: Kinetic energy and average closing force compliance with code-specified limits
The inspector must verify that door kinetic energy and average closing force remain within ASME A17.1 limits, as these parameters determine the injury potential from door contact during closing.
Question 4: What is the 'unlocking zone' as it relates to hoistway door interlocks?
- The area where maintenance personnel can disable all interlocks for service access
- The vertical zone above and below a landing within which the hoistway door interlock can be released (Correct answer)
- The designated storage location for emergency door keys at each floor
- The electrical zone where door circuits connect to the elevator controller
Correct answer: The vertical zone above and below a landing within which the hoistway door interlock can be released
The unlocking zone is the vertical range above and below each landing floor within which the hoistway door interlock can be released, permitting door opening as the car approaches or slightly departs from the floor.
Question 5: Which component on the car door physically engages with the landing door mechanism when the car arrives at a floor?
- Car door safety edge
- Car door vane or clutch pick (Correct answer)
- Door operator controller board
- Car gate electrical contact switch
Correct answer: Car door vane or clutch pick
The car door vane (or clutch pick) projects outward from the car door and engages with a roller on the landing door interlock assembly when the car arrives at a floor, transferring motion from the car operator to the hoistway door.
Question 6: What must an inspector verify about the physical condition of hoistway door panels and frames during a periodic inspection?
- Paint finish is consistent in color and sheen throughout all landings
- Panels and frames are free from damage, warping, or loose components that could impair operation (Correct answer)
- Steel panels have been updated to aluminum construction for reduced weight
- Vision glass panels are installed at all hoistway landings
Correct answer: Panels and frames are free from damage, warping, or loose components that could impair operation
The inspector must verify that hoistway door panels and frames are free from damage, warping, or loose parts that could cause the door to bind, fail to seal the hoistway, or create a safety hazard.
Question 7: In what direction must a hinged (swinging) hoistway door open per ASME A17.1?
- Into the hoistway only
- Away from the hoistway, toward the landing side (Correct answer)
- In either direction if equipped with proper safety interlocks
- Perpendicular to the elevator travel direction only
Correct answer: Away from the hoistway, toward the landing side
Swinging hoistway doors must open away from the hoistway (toward the landing) so the door does not project into the shaft during operation, protecting equipment and passengers.
QEI Doors, Gates, and Entrances 2
What is the maximum kinetic energy limit for a power-operated car or hoistway door moving in the closing direction per ASME A17.1?