Conveyance Contractor Practice Exam
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. A C-7 contractor is installing a new hydraulic elevator in a two-story building. The soil
report indicates a high water table. What is the MOST critical consideration for the
installation?
a) The type of hydraulic fluid used
b) The material and corrosion protection of the jack casing
c) The color of the pit ladder
d) The brand of the door operator
Answer: b) The material and corrosion protection of the jack casing
*Rationale: In a high water table, the jack casing (the steel tube that houses the
hydraulic piston) is susceptible to external corrosion. If the casing corrodes and leaks, it
can lead to a catastrophic failure, environmental contamination, and loss of hydraulic
fluid. Proper cathodic protection or a heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant casing is
paramount per ASME A17.1 safety codes, overriding other considerations.*
2. According to the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, what
is the primary function of a final terminal speed limiting device (governor) on a traction
elevator?
a) To control the leveling speed at each floor
b) To prevent the car from over-speeding in the down direction
c) To lock the car doors when the car is not at the floor
,d) To provide a communication line to the machine room
Answer: b) To prevent the car from over-speeding in the down direction
Rationale: The governor is a mechanical safety device. If the elevator car descends at
excessive speed (overspeed), the governor activates, which mechanically trips the safety
devices on the car to clamp onto the guide rails, bringing the car to a stop. This is a critical
safety function distinct from door operations or normal speed control.
3. When installing a new conveyance system, a C-7 contractor discovers that the existing
hoistway dimensions are 2 inches narrower than the approved plans. The architect
refuses to modify the shaft. What is the contractor’s BEST course of action?
a) Proceed with the installation and “make it fit” by shaving down the car sling
b) File a change order and request a variance from the building department or elevator
safety board
c) Install a smaller, non-standard elevator without informing the owner
d) Abandon the project and forfeit the contract
Answer: b) File a change order and request a variance from the building
department or elevator safety board
Rationale: Deviations from approved plans require a formal change order and, if the
deviation impacts code compliance, a variance from the Authority Having Jurisdiction
(AHJ). Modifying safety components like the car sling is a code violation and unsafe. The
contractor must document the discrepancy and seek a legal remedy.
4. Which type of elevator is typically MOST energy-efficient and does not require a
separate machine room directly adjacent to the hoistway?
a) Hydraulic (holed)
b) Machine-Room-Less (MRL) traction
c) Winding drum
d) Pneumatic vacuum
Answer: b) Machine-Room-Less (MRL) traction
Rationale: MRL elevators use a gearless traction machine mounted in the hoistway
(typically at the top) and utilize a counterweight. They consume significantly less energy
,than hydraulic elevators (which have high pump motor draw) and eliminate the need for a
dedicated, large machine room, saving building space and construction costs.
5. A C-7 contractor is performing a modernization of an existing elevator. What is the
regulatory requirement regarding the existing hoistway door interlocks that are being
reused?
a) They must be replaced regardless of condition
b) They must be inspected and tested to ensure they meet current code
c) They are exempt from code updates because they are existing
d) They only need to be painted to match the new doors
Answer: b) They must be inspected and tested to ensure they meet current code
Rationale: During modernization, while the entire building may not need to be brought to
current code (depending on local adoption of retroactive requirements), critical safety
components like door interlocks (which prevent doors from opening when the car is not
present) must be verified to function safely. If they fail testing, they must be replaced to
meet modern safety standards.
6. For a hydraulic elevator, what is the purpose of a “plunger gripper”?
a) To smooth the ride quality during acceleration
b) To lock the car in place hydraulically if the car tries to overspeed downward
c) To prevent the car from drifting upward due to thermal expansion or valve leakage
d) To secure the jack casing to the bottom of the pit
Answer: c) To prevent the car from drifting upward due to thermal expansion or
valve leakage
Rationale: A plunger gripper (or “car gripper”) is a mechanical safety device specific to
hydraulic elevators. It clamps onto the piston (plunger) or the car structure to prevent
unintended upward movement (creep) caused by hydraulic fluid heating and expanding or
a leaking valve. This prevents the elevator from rising above the floor level when parked.
7. Who holds the ultimate authority for final inspection and approval of a new elevator
installation in the State of Nevada?
a) The local city building inspector
, b) The Nevada State Fire Marshal
c) The Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Safety Division (or designated elevator
inspector)
d) The project’s structural engineer
Answer: c) The Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Safety Division (or
designated elevator inspector)
Rationale: In Nevada, elevator safety is under the jurisdiction of the Safety Division of the
Division of Industrial Relations (DIR). They are responsible for enforcing ASME A17.1 and
issuing permits and certificates of operation. Local building departments often handle
structural aspects, but the final elevator safety inspection falls under the state authority.
8. When performing an alteration on an escalator, what safety measure MUST be
implemented to protect workers and the public according to OSHA and ASME
standards?
a) Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) of the main disconnect switch
b) Placing orange cones at the top and bottom
c) Reducing the speed of the escalator
d) Installing a temporary fire alarm system
Answer: a) Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) of the main disconnect switch
Rationale: Lockout/Tagout is the primary safety procedure to control hazardous energy.
For escalators, this involves isolating the electrical power source (main disconnect) and
physically locking it to prevent accidental startup while mechanics are working on the
truss, steps, or drive system. Cones and speed reduction do not protect against accidental
energization.
9. A C-7 contractor is bidding on a job that requires a “hole-less” hydraulic elevator.
What does “hole-less” refer to?
a) The elevator does not require a pit
b) The jack is not buried in a drilled hole in the ground; it is mounted inside the
hoistway
c) The hoistway does not require ventilation holes