Minnesota Elevator Constructor Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. An elevator counterweight is primarily used to
A. Increase car speed
B. Balance the weight of the car and part of the load
C. Control door operation
D. Reduce electrical grounding
B. Balance the weight of the car and part of the load
The counterweight reduces the motor load by balancing the car mass
plus a portion of rated load, improving efficiency and traction
performance.
2. The primary safety code governing elevators in the United States is
A. NEC Article 430
B. OSHA 1926
C. ASME A17.1
D. ANSI Z87.1
, C. ASME A17.1
ASME A17.1 provides comprehensive safety requirements for
elevator design, installation, operation, and inspection.
3. Governor in an elevator system is designed to
A. Control lighting
B. Regulate door timing
C. Activate safety gear during overspeed
D. Increase motor torque
C. Activate safety gear during overspeed
The overspeed governor triggers the safety mechanism if the
elevator exceeds safe speed limits.
4. Traction elevators primarily rely on
A. Hydraulic fluid pressure
B. Friction between ropes and sheave
C. Magnetic levitation
D. Pneumatic air pressure
B. Friction between ropes and sheave
Traction systems use friction between hoist ropes and the drive
sheave to move the elevator car.
5. The function of a buffer in a pit is to
A. Stop doors from closing
B. Absorb impact energy if the car overtravels
C. Control motor speed
, D. Balance electrical load
B. Absorb impact energy if the car overtravels
Buffers reduce shock loads if the elevator car or counterweight
moves beyond its intended travel limits.
6. A hoistway is best defined as
A. Machine room wiring system
B. The elevator shaft enclosure
C. Control panel housing
D. Door operator mechanism
B. The elevator shaft enclosure
The hoistway is the vertical shaft where the elevator car and
counterweight travel.
7. Which component guides the elevator car along the hoistway?
A. Governor rope
B. Guide rails
C. Brake drum
D. Limit switch
B. Guide rails
Guide rails ensure smooth and stable vertical movement of the
elevator car and counterweight.
8. Hydraulic elevators are typically used for
A. Very high-rise buildings
B. Low to mid-rise buildings
, C. Aircraft carriers
D. Underground mining shafts only
B. Low to mid-rise buildings
Hydraulic systems are cost-effective for shorter travel distances and
lower-rise structures.
9. The main purpose of an emergency stop switch is to
A. Increase speed
B. Disable lighting
C. Immediately halt elevator operation
D. Reset door timers
C. Immediately halt elevator operation
Emergency stops cut power or control circuits to bring the elevator to
a controlled stop in emergencies.
10. The function of a selector in elevator control is to
A. Choose direction only
B. Determine car position and landing calls
C. Control lighting circuits
D. Operate door locks manually
B. Determine car position and landing calls
Selectors manage floor positioning and ensure correct response to
hall and car calls.
11. Wire ropes in elevator systems must be regularly inspected for
A. Color fading
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. An elevator counterweight is primarily used to
A. Increase car speed
B. Balance the weight of the car and part of the load
C. Control door operation
D. Reduce electrical grounding
B. Balance the weight of the car and part of the load
The counterweight reduces the motor load by balancing the car mass
plus a portion of rated load, improving efficiency and traction
performance.
2. The primary safety code governing elevators in the United States is
A. NEC Article 430
B. OSHA 1926
C. ASME A17.1
D. ANSI Z87.1
, C. ASME A17.1
ASME A17.1 provides comprehensive safety requirements for
elevator design, installation, operation, and inspection.
3. Governor in an elevator system is designed to
A. Control lighting
B. Regulate door timing
C. Activate safety gear during overspeed
D. Increase motor torque
C. Activate safety gear during overspeed
The overspeed governor triggers the safety mechanism if the
elevator exceeds safe speed limits.
4. Traction elevators primarily rely on
A. Hydraulic fluid pressure
B. Friction between ropes and sheave
C. Magnetic levitation
D. Pneumatic air pressure
B. Friction between ropes and sheave
Traction systems use friction between hoist ropes and the drive
sheave to move the elevator car.
5. The function of a buffer in a pit is to
A. Stop doors from closing
B. Absorb impact energy if the car overtravels
C. Control motor speed
, D. Balance electrical load
B. Absorb impact energy if the car overtravels
Buffers reduce shock loads if the elevator car or counterweight
moves beyond its intended travel limits.
6. A hoistway is best defined as
A. Machine room wiring system
B. The elevator shaft enclosure
C. Control panel housing
D. Door operator mechanism
B. The elevator shaft enclosure
The hoistway is the vertical shaft where the elevator car and
counterweight travel.
7. Which component guides the elevator car along the hoistway?
A. Governor rope
B. Guide rails
C. Brake drum
D. Limit switch
B. Guide rails
Guide rails ensure smooth and stable vertical movement of the
elevator car and counterweight.
8. Hydraulic elevators are typically used for
A. Very high-rise buildings
B. Low to mid-rise buildings
, C. Aircraft carriers
D. Underground mining shafts only
B. Low to mid-rise buildings
Hydraulic systems are cost-effective for shorter travel distances and
lower-rise structures.
9. The main purpose of an emergency stop switch is to
A. Increase speed
B. Disable lighting
C. Immediately halt elevator operation
D. Reset door timers
C. Immediately halt elevator operation
Emergency stops cut power or control circuits to bring the elevator to
a controlled stop in emergencies.
10. The function of a selector in elevator control is to
A. Choose direction only
B. Determine car position and landing calls
C. Control lighting circuits
D. Operate door locks manually
B. Determine car position and landing calls
Selectors manage floor positioning and ensure correct response to
hall and car calls.
11. Wire ropes in elevator systems must be regularly inspected for
A. Color fading