Certified Escalator Maintenance Technician
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of an escalator handrail?
A. To power the escalator
B. To guide passengers safely
C. To control the speed of steps
D. To maintain the step alignment
B. To guide passengers safely
Rationale: Handrails provide a stable point for passengers to hold,
preventing falls and aiding balance.
2. How often should a full escalator inspection be conducted according
to typical safety standards?
A. Every month
B. Every 6 months
, C. Every week
D. Annually
B. Every 6 months
Rationale: Regular inspections, usually semiannual, are required to
ensure safe operation and identify potential mechanical issues.
3. Which component of an escalator drives the steps?
A. Step chain
B. Handrail
C. Balustrade
D. Comb plate
A. Step chain
Rationale: The step chain connects the steps to the drive mechanism
and moves them continuously.
4. What is the function of the comb plate on an escalator?
A. To support the handrail
B. To engage the steps at the landing
C. To lubricate the step chain
D. To control motor speed
B. To engage the steps at the landing
Rationale: Comb plates mesh with the step teeth at top and bottom
landings to prevent objects from getting trapped.
5. What is the common cause of step misalignment on an escalator?
A. Low lubrication
, B. Worn step chain or sprockets
C. Excessive motor speed
D. Loose handrail
B. Worn step chain or sprockets
Rationale: Worn chains or sprockets can cause steps to shift and
misalign, leading to safety hazards.
6. Which type of motor is most commonly used in escalators?
A. Induction motor
B. DC series motor
C. Stepper motor
D. Hydraulic motor
A. Induction motor
Rationale: Induction motors are reliable, efficient, and suitable for
continuous operation in escalators.
7. What safety device stops an escalator if excessive speed is detected?
A. Comb sensor
B. Step chain tension device
C. Overspeed governor
D. Handrail sensor
C. Overspeed governor
Rationale: The overspeed governor detects if the escalator exceeds
safe speed limits and stops the machine to prevent accidents.
, 8. What is the purpose of the skirt brushes on an escalator?
A. To clean the steps
B. To reduce the risk of entrapment
C. To support the handrail
D. To lubricate the step chain
B. To reduce the risk of entrapment
Rationale: Skirt brushes act as a physical and visual deterrent,
keeping passengers’ feet and clothing away from the step-skirt gap.
9. Which inspection is critical to prevent step chain failure?
A. Step surface cleaning
B. Step chain lubrication and wear check
C. Handrail tension adjustment
D. Skirt brush cleaning
B. Step chain lubrication and wear check
Rationale: Proper lubrication and inspection of the step chain
prevent wear, misalignment, and potential failure.
10. What type of braking system is commonly used in escalators?
A. Mechanical disc brakes
B. Magnetic brakes
C. Electromechanical brakes
D. Hydraulic brakes
C. Electromechanical brakes
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of an escalator handrail?
A. To power the escalator
B. To guide passengers safely
C. To control the speed of steps
D. To maintain the step alignment
B. To guide passengers safely
Rationale: Handrails provide a stable point for passengers to hold,
preventing falls and aiding balance.
2. How often should a full escalator inspection be conducted according
to typical safety standards?
A. Every month
B. Every 6 months
, C. Every week
D. Annually
B. Every 6 months
Rationale: Regular inspections, usually semiannual, are required to
ensure safe operation and identify potential mechanical issues.
3. Which component of an escalator drives the steps?
A. Step chain
B. Handrail
C. Balustrade
D. Comb plate
A. Step chain
Rationale: The step chain connects the steps to the drive mechanism
and moves them continuously.
4. What is the function of the comb plate on an escalator?
A. To support the handrail
B. To engage the steps at the landing
C. To lubricate the step chain
D. To control motor speed
B. To engage the steps at the landing
Rationale: Comb plates mesh with the step teeth at top and bottom
landings to prevent objects from getting trapped.
5. What is the common cause of step misalignment on an escalator?
A. Low lubrication
, B. Worn step chain or sprockets
C. Excessive motor speed
D. Loose handrail
B. Worn step chain or sprockets
Rationale: Worn chains or sprockets can cause steps to shift and
misalign, leading to safety hazards.
6. Which type of motor is most commonly used in escalators?
A. Induction motor
B. DC series motor
C. Stepper motor
D. Hydraulic motor
A. Induction motor
Rationale: Induction motors are reliable, efficient, and suitable for
continuous operation in escalators.
7. What safety device stops an escalator if excessive speed is detected?
A. Comb sensor
B. Step chain tension device
C. Overspeed governor
D. Handrail sensor
C. Overspeed governor
Rationale: The overspeed governor detects if the escalator exceeds
safe speed limits and stops the machine to prevent accidents.
, 8. What is the purpose of the skirt brushes on an escalator?
A. To clean the steps
B. To reduce the risk of entrapment
C. To support the handrail
D. To lubricate the step chain
B. To reduce the risk of entrapment
Rationale: Skirt brushes act as a physical and visual deterrent,
keeping passengers’ feet and clothing away from the step-skirt gap.
9. Which inspection is critical to prevent step chain failure?
A. Step surface cleaning
B. Step chain lubrication and wear check
C. Handrail tension adjustment
D. Skirt brush cleaning
B. Step chain lubrication and wear check
Rationale: Proper lubrication and inspection of the step chain
prevent wear, misalignment, and potential failure.
10. What type of braking system is commonly used in escalators?
A. Mechanical disc brakes
B. Magnetic brakes
C. Electromechanical brakes
D. Hydraulic brakes
C. Electromechanical brakes
