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MD Elevator Mechanic practice questions

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Question 1Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under ASME A17.1/CSA B44, what is the minimum required headroom above the elevator car when the car is at its highest landing, with the car at rest and the buffer compressed?

  1. 12 inches (305 mm)
  2. 36 inches (914 mm)
  3. 24 inches (610 mm)
  4. 18 inches (457 mm) Correct answer.

Explanation

A17.1 sets the top-of-car refuge clearance so that a person on the car top is protected from the overhead machinery. The minimum headroom measured from the car top to the nearest overhead obstruction when the car is at its highest point is 18 inches (457 mm). This clearance must be verified at the highest landing with buffers fully compressed.

Question 2Elevator and escalator code compliance

According to A17.1, what is the minimum required pit depth for a passenger elevator with a rated speed of 200 fpm?

  1. 5 feet 0 inches Correct answer.
  2. 4 feet 0 inches
  3. 6 feet 0 inches
  4. 7 feet 0 inches

Explanation

Pit depth is a function of rated speed in A17.1 Table 2.1. The code establishes minimum pit depths based on speed to protect personnel in the pit. For a 200 fpm car, the required pit depth is at least 5 feet 0 inches, measured from the pit floor to the landing sill.

Question 3Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the purpose of the governor on a traction elevator?

  1. To control the door operator timing during passenger loading
  2. To mechanically trip the safety device and stop the car if it overspeeds Correct answer.
  3. To regulate the speed of the car under normal running conditions
  4. To maintain tension on the hoist ropes during acceleration

Explanation

The governor is an overspeed detection device. If the car exceeds a set percentage of rated speed, the governor rope grips and trips the safeties, which wedge against the guide rails. The governor does not govern normal running speed; that is a function of the drive system.

Question 4Elevator and escalator code compliance

A hydraulic elevator has a rated speed of 150 fpm. Per A17.1, what is the maximum permitted distance the car may travel before the overspeed valve must trip?

  1. The car must stop within 12 inches of travel
  2. There is no distance limit for hydraulic overspeed valves
  3. The car must stop within 36 inches of travel
  4. The car must stop within 24 inches of travel Correct answer.

Explanation

For hydraulic elevators, the overspeed valve must stop the car within a limited distance after it is tripped. The code requires the car to stop within 24 inches (610 mm) of travel when the overspeed valve actuates. This limit protects passengers from excessive fall in the event of a hydraulic failure.

Question 5Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the minimum required clearance between the car and the hoistway enclosure for a passenger elevator?

  1. 1/2 inch (13 mm) Correct answer.
  2. 3/4 inch (19 mm)
  3. 2 inches (51 mm)
  4. 1 inch (25 mm)

Explanation

A17.1 requires a minimum clearance between the car and the hoistway enclosure to prevent rubbing and to allow for building movement. The minimum is 1/2 inch (13 mm) on each side. This clearance must be maintained under all conditions of car loading and building sway.

Question 6Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under A17.1, when must a car be provided with a firefighter's service Phase I recall?

  1. Only when the elevator serves more than five floors
  2. Only in jurisdictions that adopt the fire service section
  3. When the building is equipped with a fire alarm system and the elevator serves designated floors Correct answer.
  4. Only when the elevator has a rated speed above 500 fpm

Explanation

Phase I firefighter's service recall is required when the elevator serves a building with a fire alarm system and designated landing floors. The recall brings cars to the designated level so firefighters can take control. It is not triggered solely by speed or floor count.

Question 7Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the function of a buffer in an elevator system?

  1. To provide a mechanical stop for the governor rope
  2. To limit the upward travel of the car at the top landing
  3. To cushion the car or counterweight if it travels past the lowest landing Correct answer.
  4. To absorb vibration from the drive sheave during acceleration

Explanation

Buffers are energy-absorbing devices located in the pit beneath the car and counterweight. They decelerate the car or counterweight if it overtravels the lowest landing, protecting occupants and equipment. Buffers are sized based on the rated speed and total suspended load.

Question 8Elevator and escalator code compliance

A17.1 requires that the elevator machine room be provided with what minimum illumination at the floor level?

  1. 5 footcandles
  2. 30 footcandles
  3. 19 footcandles
  4. 10 footcandles Correct answer.

Explanation

The machine room must be illuminated so maintenance personnel can work safely. A17.1 requires a minimum of 10 footcandles at the floor level, measured with the room lighting on. The lighting circuit must be independent of the elevator power circuit.

Question 9Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the maximum allowable gap between the hoistway door and the car door when both are fully closed and at rest?

  1. 1/2 inch Correct answer.
  2. 3/8 inch
  3. 3/4 inch
  4. 1/4 inch

Explanation

The gap between the car door and the hoistway door must be limited so passengers cannot become entrapped. A17.1 sets a maximum of 1/2 inch (13 mm) between the doors when closed. Larger gaps create a trapping hazard for hands and fingers.

Question 10Elevator and escalator code compliance

In a traction elevator, what is the purpose of the counterweight?

  1. To limit the travel of the car at the top landing
  2. To balance the weight of the car and a portion of its rated load Correct answer.
  3. To provide emergency braking if the main brake fails
  4. To maintain tension on the governor rope

Explanation

The counterweight balances the car plus a percentage of the rated load, typically around 40 to 50 percent. This reduces the torque required from the machine and allows a smaller motor. It also reduces the energy needed to move the car.

Question 11Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the minimum required width of the clearance between the car platform and the hoistway sill for a passenger elevator?

  1. 1/2 inch
  2. 1 inch
  3. 3/4 inch
  4. 1/4 inch Correct answer.

Explanation

A17.1 requires a minimum clearance between the car platform sill and the hoistway sill to prevent a trip hazard and allow for building movement. The minimum is 1/4 inch (6 mm). This clearance must be maintained across the full width of the sill.

Question 12Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the rated load requirement for a passenger elevator car with a net inside area of 20 square feet?

  1. 3,000 pounds
  2. 1,500 pounds
  3. 2,000 pounds Correct answer.
  4. 2,500 pounds

Explanation

A17.1 Table 1.1 specifies the rated load based on car inside area. A car with 20 square feet of net area requires a rated load of 2,000 pounds. This table ensures the car is not overloaded relative to its floor area.

Question 13Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the purpose of the slack rope switch on a traction elevator?

  1. To detect a slack compensating rope and adjust tension
  2. To detect a slack governor rope and trip the safeties
  3. To detect a slack door operating rope and reverse the door
  4. To detect a slack or broken hoist rope and stop the machine Correct answer.

Explanation

The slack rope switch monitors the hoist ropes for loss of tension, which can indicate a broken or slack rope. If the rope goes slack, the switch opens the safety circuit and stops the machine. This prevents the car from falling or the rope from whipping.

Question 14Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under A17.1, what is the minimum required vertical clearance between the top car door and the hoistway door header when the car is at a landing?

  1. 2 inches
  2. 1 inch Correct answer.
  3. 3 inches
  4. 1/2 inch

Explanation

The vertical clearance between the top of the car door and the hoistway door header must be limited to prevent a hand from being caught. A17.1 requires a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm) at a landing. This clearance is checked with the car level at each landing.

Question 15Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the required stopping distance for a car safety device when tested at governor trip speed?

  1. There is no specified stopping distance for car safeties
  2. The car must stop within a distance that limits deceleration to a safe level Correct answer.
  3. The car must stop within 12 inches of travel
  4. The car must stop within 5 feet of travel

Explanation

A17.1 requires that the car safety stop the car within a distance that limits deceleration to a level safe for occupants. The exact stopping distance depends on the type of safety and the rated speed. The test is performed at governor trip speed to verify performance.

Question 16Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the function of the oil buffer on a hydraulic elevator?

  1. To provide a mechanical stop for the plunger at the top landing
  2. To regulate the hydraulic fluid pressure during ascent
  3. To cushion the car if it overtravels the lowest landing Correct answer.
  4. To absorb vibration from the power unit

Explanation

Oil buffers are used on hydraulic elevators to cushion the car if it overtravels the lowest landing. They absorb energy through the controlled flow of oil through an orifice. This protects occupants and equipment from a hard stop.

Question 17Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the minimum required clearance between the counterweight and the hoistway enclosure?

  1. 1 inch
  2. 1/2 inch Correct answer.
  3. 3/4 inch
  4. 2 inches

Explanation

A17.1 requires a minimum clearance between the counterweight and the hoistway enclosure to prevent rubbing. The minimum is 1/2 inch (13 mm) on each side. This clearance must be maintained under all conditions of loading and building movement.

Question 18Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the purpose of the emergency stop switch in the elevator pit?

  1. To stop the car at the top landing in an emergency
  2. To stop the governor from tripping during maintenance
  3. To stop the door operator during passenger loading
  4. To stop the car from moving while personnel are in the pit Correct answer.

Explanation

The pit emergency stop switch allows a mechanic in the pit to stop the car and prevent movement while working. It must be located so it can be reached from the pit floor. When opened, it removes power from the driving machine and the brake.

Question 19Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under A17.1, what is the maximum allowable speed for a freight elevator with a rated load of 4,000 pounds?

  1. 300 fpm Correct answer.
  2. 500 fpm
  3. 200 fpm
  4. 400 fpm

Explanation

A17.1 limits the rated speed of freight elevators based on rated load. For a 4,000 pound freight elevator, the maximum permitted speed is 300 fpm. This limit reflects the heavier construction and duty cycle of freight equipment.

Question 20Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the required minimum clearance between the car and the counterweight in the same hoistway?

  1. 2 inches Correct answer.
  2. 3 inches
  3. 4 inches
  4. 1 inch

Explanation

A17.1 requires a minimum clearance between the car and the counterweight to prevent collision or rubbing. The minimum is 2 inches (51 mm) between the car and the counterweight. This clearance must be maintained throughout the travel.

Question 21Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the function of the final limit switch on a traction elevator?

  1. To stop the car at the bottom landing under normal operation
  2. To slow the car before it reaches the top landing
  3. To stop the car if it travels past the normal terminal stopping point Correct answer.
  4. To prevent the doors from opening between floors

Explanation

The final limit switch is a backup device that stops the car if it travels beyond the normal terminal stopping point. It is independent of the normal stopping system and acts as a last resort. It prevents the car from striking the overhead structure or the buffers.

Question 22Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the minimum required clearance between the governor rope and any hoistway obstruction?

  1. 1 inch
  2. 3/4 inch
  3. 1/2 inch Correct answer.
  4. 1/4 inch

Explanation

A17.1 requires a minimum clearance between the governor rope and any hoistway obstruction to prevent rubbing. The minimum is 1/2 inch (13 mm). This clearance must be maintained throughout the travel of the car.

Question 23Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the required minimum height of the hoistway door when measured from the landing sill?

  1. 6 feet 8 inches Correct answer.
  2. 7 feet 0 inches
  3. 6 feet 0 inches
  4. 6 feet 6 inches

Explanation

A17.1 requires the hoistway door to be at least 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) high measured from the landing sill. This ensures passengers can pass through without striking their heads. The height must be maintained across the full width of the opening.

Question 24Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the purpose of the door interlock on a hoistway door?

  1. To detect passengers in the doorway and reopen the door
  2. To slow the door as it closes to prevent slamming
  3. To hold the door open for a set time during loading
  4. To prevent the car from moving unless the door is closed and locked Correct answer.

Explanation

The door interlock is a safety device that prevents the car from moving unless the hoistway door is closed and locked. It also prevents the door from opening unless the car is at that landing. This protects passengers from falling into the hoistway.

Question 25Elevator and escalator code compliance

A17.1 requires that the elevator machine room be kept free of what type of equipment?

  1. Electrical panels
  2. Fire suppression equipment
  3. Ventilation equipment
  4. Storage and unrelated equipment Correct answer.

Explanation

The machine room must be kept free of storage and unrelated equipment to allow safe access for maintenance. A17.1 requires the room to be dedicated to elevator equipment. This prevents obstructions and fire hazards.

Question 26Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under ASME A17.1/CSA B44, what is the maximum allowable clearance between the hoistway door and the car door when both are fully closed and at rest?

  1. 1/2 inch
  2. 1/8 inch
  3. 3/8 inch Correct answer.
  4. 1/4 inch

Explanation

A17.1 limits the gap between the hoistway door and the car door, when both are fully closed and at rest, to 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). This restriction prevents a passenger from reaching through the gap and reduces the risk of contact with moving parts in the hoistway.

Question 27Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under A17.1, what is the minimum required vertical clearance between the top car door and the hoistway door header when the car is at the landing?

  1. 4 inches
  2. 3 inches Correct answer.
  3. 1 inch
  4. 2 inches

Explanation

The code requires at least 3 inches of vertical clearance between the top of the car door and the hoistway door header. This clearance prevents the car door from striking the header during normal travel and leveling at the landing.

Question 28Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under A17.1, what is the rated load requirement for a passenger elevator car with a net inside area of 20 square feet?

  1. 1,500 pounds
  2. 2,500 pounds
  3. 3,000 pounds Correct answer.
  4. 2,000 pounds

Explanation

The A17.1 car area table assigns a rated load of 3,000 pounds to a passenger car with 20 square feet of net inside area. The table scales rated load with area to keep occupant density and structural loading within safe limits.

Question 29Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the function of the slack rope switch on a traction elevator?

  1. It tensions the governor rope during normal operation.
  2. It measures rope elongation to schedule replacement intervals.
  3. It detects loss of tension in the governor or suspension ropes and removes power. Correct answer.
  4. It records rope vibration data for maintenance trending.

Explanation

A slack rope switch senses when a governor or suspension rope loses tension, as can happen if the car is obstructed or a rope fails. It then opens the safety circuit to stop the machine and prevent further rope damage or uncontrolled movement.

Question 30Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under A17.1, what is the minimum required height of a hoistway door measured from the landing sill?

  1. 6 feet 6 inches
  2. 7 feet 6 inches
  3. 7 feet 0 inches
  4. 6 feet 8 inches Correct answer.

Explanation

A17.1 requires hoistway doors to be at least 6 feet 8 inches high measured from the landing sill. This height provides adequate head clearance for passengers entering and exiting the car.

Question 31Elevator and escalator code compliance

In a traction elevator, what is the primary purpose of the counterweight?

  1. It provides emergency braking if the machine brake fails.
  2. It limits the maximum speed of the car in the down direction.
  3. It balances most of the car and load weight to reduce motor torque demand. Correct answer.
  4. It tensions the compensation ropes during travel.

Explanation

The counterweight offsets the weight of the car plus roughly half the rated load, so the machine only has to overcome the imbalance and friction. This reduces motor size, energy use, and rope tension variation over the travel path.

Question 32Elevator and escalator code compliance

A17.1 requires the elevator machine room to be provided with what minimum illumination at floor level?

  1. 5 footcandles
  2. 15 footcandles
  3. 20 footcandles
  4. 10 footcandles Correct answer.

Explanation

The code requires at least 10 footcandles of illumination at the floor level of the machine room. Adequate lighting lets mechanics read nameplates, inspect components, and perform maintenance safely.

Question 33Elevator and escalator code compliance

When must a car be provided with firefighter's service Phase I recall under A17.1?

  1. When the building has a fire alarm system or the authority having jurisdiction requires it Correct answer.
  2. When the building is taller than 75 feet
  3. When the car speed exceeds 350 feet per minute
  4. When the elevator serves more than three floors

Explanation

Phase I recall is required where a building fire alarm system exists or where the authority having jurisdiction mandates firefighter's service. The feature returns cars to the designated landing when smoke is detected in the hoistway or machine room.

Question 34Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the minimum required clearance between the counterweight and the hoistway enclosure under A17.1?

  1. 1 inch
  2. 1/2 inch
  3. 2 inches
  4. 3/4 inch Correct answer.

Explanation

The code requires at least 3/4 inch of clearance between the counterweight and the hoistway enclosure. This gap accommodates guide rail alignment tolerances and prevents rubbing that could damage the enclosure or counterweight.

Question 35Elevator and escalator code compliance

What is the minimum required clearance between the car and the counterweight in the same hoistway?

  1. 3 inches
  2. 4 inches
  3. 1 inch Correct answer.
  4. 2 inches

Explanation

A17.1 requires at least 1 inch of clearance between the car and the counterweight when they pass in the same hoistway. This clearance prevents contact if the car or counterweight sways during travel.

Question 36Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under A17.1, what is the maximum allowable gap between the hoistway door and the car door when both are fully closed and at rest?

  1. 5/8 inch
  2. 1/2 inch
  3. 1/4 inch
  4. 3/8 inch Correct answer.

Explanation

The maximum gap between the hoistway door and the car door, both fully closed and at rest, is 3/8 inch. Limiting this gap reduces the chance of a passenger reaching into the hoistway or contacting moving parts.

Question 37Elevator and escalator code compliance

A mechanic is testing a car safety on a traction elevator and observes the stopping distance is longer than the A17.1 limit for the governor trip speed. Which condition is the most likely cause?

  1. The compensation rope is too short.
  2. The safety jaws are not gripping the guide rails with sufficient force. Correct answer.
  3. The door interlock is out of adjustment.
  4. The machine brake is set too tight.

Explanation

Excessive stopping distance with an overspeed safety usually means the safety jaws are not developing enough force on the guide rails, often from worn or misadjusted jaws or contaminated rail surfaces. The brake, interlock, and compensation rope do not govern safety stopping distance.

Question 38Elevator and escalator code compliance

A building adds a new fire alarm system that will cover the elevator lobby and hoistway. What firefighter's service requirement applies to the existing elevators under A17.1?

  1. Only Phase II operation is required; Phase I is optional.
  2. No change is needed because the elevators predate the alarm system.
  3. The requirement applies only if the building exceeds 100 feet in height.
  4. Phase I recall must be provided to return cars to the designated landing on alarm. Correct answer.

Explanation

When a building fire alarm system is installed or expanded to cover elevator areas, A17.1 requires firefighter's service Phase I recall for the elevators. Phase II in-car operation is an additional feature tied to Phase I, not a substitute for it.

Question 39Elevator and escalator code compliance

During a pit inspection, a mechanic finds the pit emergency stop switch is wired so that it only opens the door operator circuit. What is the code concern?

  1. The switch must remove power from the driving machine and prevent movement, not just the door circuit. Correct answer.
  2. The switch must be wired in parallel with the pit light.
  3. The switch must also activate the car alarm bell.
  4. The switch must be key-operated for all pit access.

Explanation

The pit emergency stop switch must stop the elevator and prevent unexpected car movement while a mechanic is in the pit. Wiring it only to the door operator leaves the driving machine energized and creates a serious hazard.

Question 40Elevator and escalator code compliance

A freight elevator with a rated load of 4,000 pounds is proposed for a speed of 300 feet per minute. What does A17.1 require?

  1. The speed is acceptable if the car is equipped with a governor.
  2. The speed must be reduced to no more than 250 feet per minute. Correct answer.
  3. The speed is acceptable if the buffer stroke is increased.
  4. The speed is acceptable because the load is under 5,000 pounds.

Explanation

A17.1 limits freight elevator speed to 250 feet per minute for a rated load in the 4,000 pound range, so 300 feet per minute is not permitted. Adding a governor or increasing buffer stroke does not raise the allowable speed limit.

Question 41Elevator and escalator code compliance

Under ASME A17.1/CSA B44, what is the minimum required clearance between the face of a hoistway landing door and the face of the car door when both doors are fully closed, measured where the doors pass?

  1. 1/2 inch
  2. 3/4 inch Correct answer.
  3. 1 1/2 inches
  4. 1 inch

Explanation

A17.1 requires a minimum of 3/4 inch between the hoistway door and the car door when both are closed, so that a person cannot reach through and release a landing-door interlock from inside the car. The dimension is measured between the door faces at any point where they overlap in the closed position.

Question 42Elevator and escalator code compliance

A mechanic is asked to verify the required clearance between the car platform sill and the hoistway edge of the landing sill at a floor where the car is not loaded. Under A17.1, what is the maximum permitted horizontal gap at that landing?

  1. 1 1/4 inches Correct answer.
  2. 2 1/2 inches
  3. 2 inches
  4. 1 1/2 inches

Explanation

A17.1 limits the horizontal distance between the car platform sill and the hoistway edge of the landing sill to 1 1/4 inches. The limit applies with the car at rest at the landing and unloaded, so the sill gap is checked in that condition.

Question 43Elevator and escalator code compliance

What does A17.1 require regarding the emergency operation and signaling device (alarm) provided in an elevator car?

  1. It must be silenced automatically after 30 seconds of operation.
  2. It must be powered from the normal lighting circuit only.
  3. It must be a two-way voice system in every building regardless of height.
  4. It must be operable without the car lighting and must sound at a continuously attended location. Correct answer.

Explanation

The code requires the car alarm to remain operable even if normal car lighting power is lost, and the audible signal must be perceptible at a building location where personnel are continuously on duty. This ensures a trapped passenger can summon help during a power failure.

Question 44Elevator and escalator code compliance

During a pit inspection the mechanic finds that the pit access ladder rungs are spaced 16 inches apart on center. What does A17.1 require for rung spacing on a fixed pit ladder?

  1. Rung spacing is not regulated for pit ladders
  2. Not less than 12 inches and not more than 18 inches on center
  3. Not more than 12 inches on center Correct answer.
  4. Not more than 16 inches on center

Explanation

A17.1 requires fixed ladder rungs used for pit access to be spaced not more than 12 inches on center. Sixteen inches exceeds that maximum, so the ladder would need to be reworked before acceptance.

Question 45Elevator and escalator code compliance

A hydraulic elevator is being installed with a plunger that extends into the pit. Which provision does A17.1 require to protect personnel in the pit from the moving plunger?

  1. A plunger that is chrome plated over its full length
  2. A guard or enclosure around the exposed plunger to prevent contact Correct answer.
  3. A pressure relief valve set above the car's rated load
  4. An oil temperature switch interlocked with the car gate

Explanation

Where the plunger or its guiding means extend into the pit, the code requires guarding so that a person in the pit cannot be struck or caught by the moving plunger. The guard must be arranged so it does not itself create a hazard.

Question 46Elevator and escalator code compliance

A new traction elevator is being accepted and the mechanic must confirm the car enclosure's resistance to fire. Which construction does A17.1 require for the car enclosure of a passenger elevator?

  1. Open at the top to permit smoke venting
  2. Enclosed with materials that meet the code's flame-spread and smoke-developed limits Correct answer.
  3. Fully noncombustible steel panels in every installation
  4. Lined with combustible acoustic panels rated for the car's rated load

Explanation

A17.1 requires the car enclosure to be enclosed with materials whose flame-spread and smoke-developed ratings fall within the limits stated in the code, so that a car fire does not propagate rapidly or fill the car with smoke.

Question 47Elevator and escalator code compliance

An inspector is reviewing the guarding of a machine room. Under A17.1, which requirement applies to the exposed rotating parts of the machine, such as the sheave and the motor coupling?

  1. They must be locked out whenever the room is occupied.
  2. They must be guarded against accidental contact. Correct answer.
  3. They must be guarded only where they are below 6 feet.
  4. They must be painted a contrasting color instead of guarded.

Explanation

A17.1 requires exposed moving machinery parts in the machine room to be guarded to prevent accidental contact by maintenance personnel. Painting or signage alone does not satisfy the guarding requirement.

Question 48Elevator and escalator code compliance

A building owner wants to install an escalator in a shopping mall. Which requirement does A17.1 impose on the escalator's handrail?

  1. The handrail must be stationary so passengers can steady themselves.
  2. The handrail speed must be adjustable by maintenance personnel only.
  3. The handrail must move at the same speed as the steps within a specified tolerance. Correct answer.
  4. The handrail must travel slightly faster than the steps to keep passengers upright.

Explanation

A17.1 requires the handrail to move in the same direction as the steps and at essentially the same speed, within a permitted tolerance, so that a passenger holding the handrail is not thrown off balance.

Question 49Elevator and escalator code compliance

A mechanic is evaluating an existing traction elevator where the car safety is applied by a governor. During the acceptance test the governor is tripped electrically while the car is running at rated speed. What response does A17.1 require from the car safety in this electrical tripping test?

  1. The safety must set only if the car is loaded to rated capacity.
  2. The safety must stop the car within 6 inches regardless of speed.
  3. The safety must not set, because electrical tripping is only a monitoring function.
  4. The safety must bring the car to a stop, and the deceleration must not exceed the code limit. Correct answer.

Explanation

A17.1 requires the car safety to function when the governor is tripped electrically at rated speed, bringing the car to a controlled stop with deceleration within the code's limits. The test verifies both that the safety sets and that the resulting stop is not excessively abrupt.

Question 50Elevator and escalator code compliance

A building is adding a new elevator and the design team asks whether the hoistway must be enclosed for its full height. Under A17.1, what is the general requirement for the hoistway enclosure of a passenger elevator?

  1. The hoistway must be enclosed on all sides for its full height by a fire-resistive enclosure. Correct answer.
  2. The hoistway need only be enclosed above the top landing.
  3. The hoistway enclosure is required only where the hoistway passes through a floor.
  4. The hoistway may be open to the building where the car is glass.

Explanation

A17.1 requires the hoistway of a passenger elevator to be enclosed on all sides for its full height with a fire-resistive construction, so smoke and fire cannot spread between floors through the hoistway. Openings are limited to those necessary for doors, access, and ventilation.