NEIEP 200 Final Exam | NEIEP Hoistway
Structures 200 Study Guide & Exam Prep
2026/2027 | Elevator Apprentice Training, Rigging
& Hoisting, Tools & Material Handling, Pit
Structures, Guide Rail Installation & Alignment,
Machine & Sheave Installation, Elevator Control
Equipment, Car & Counterweight Assembly,
Suspension Means, Safety Procedures, Practice
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: Which of the following is the primary purpose of a machine room
less (MRL) elevator system?
A. To increase the maximum travel height
B. To eliminate the need for a separate machine room
C. To reduce the number of required car doors
D. To operate without counterweights
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To eliminate the need for a separate machine room
Rationale: The primary advantage and defining characteristic of an MRL elevator is the
elimination of a dedicated, separate machine room. The machinery is instead housed
within the hoistway, saving building space and construction costs.
Question 2: According to ASME A17.1, what is the minimum clearance
required between the car sill and the hoistway door sill?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 1 1/2 inches
D. 1/4 inch
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 1/2 inch
Rationale: ASME A17.1 mandates a specific maximum horizontal gap. The code requires
that the clearance between the car sill and the hoistway door sill does not exceed 1/2
inch to prevent tripping hazards and ensure safe passenger transfer.
Question 3: In a traction elevator, what component is directly responsible for
converting electrical energy into mechanical torque?
A. The drive sheave
B. The traction motor
C. The reduction gear
D. The brake coil
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The traction motor
Rationale: The traction motor is the prime mover. It takes electrical energy and converts
it into rotational mechanical torque to turn the drive sheave.
,Question 4: Which type of elevator door operator is most commonly used for
high-speed, high-rise applications due to its rapid acceleration and smooth
operation?
A. Hydraulic door operator
B. Pneumatic door operator
C. Linear induction door operator
D. Belt-driven door operator
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Belt-driven door operator
Rationale: Belt-driven door operators, often with variable frequency drives, are favored
in high-speed applications for their ability to provide smooth, rapid acceleration and
deceleration curves, and precise control over door speed and torque.
Question 5: What is the function of the overspeed governor in an elevator
system?
A. To control the speed of the car during normal operation
B. To activate the safety brakes if the car exceeds a predetermined speed
C. To signal the controller to slow down near the top floor
D. To monitor the door closing speed
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To activate the safety brakes if the car exceeds a
predetermined speed
Rationale: The overspeed governor is a purely mechanical safety device. If the car's
downward speed exceeds a set threshold (typically 15% over contract speed), the
governor grips the governor rope, which in turn actuates the safety plank to stop the car.
Question 6: The primary function of the car buffer is to:
A. Guide the car along the guide rails
B. Absorb the kinetic energy of the car in the event of an overspeed at the bottom of the
hoistway
C. Counterbalance the weight of the passengers
D. Provide a landing signal to the controller
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Absorb the kinetic energy of the car in the event of an
overspeed at the bottom of the hoistway
Rationale: Buffers are located in the pit and serve as the final safety device to arrest a
descending car. They are designed to absorb the car's kinetic energy and bring it to a
safe, gradual stop, preventing a collision with the pit floor.
Question 7: In the context of elevator electrical theory, what is the primary
purpose of a contactor?
A. To provide a visual indication of power
B. To amplify a low-current signal to control a high-current motor circuit
,C. To convert AC to DC power
D. To provide overload protection for the wiring
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To amplify a low-current signal to control a high-
current motor circuit
Rationale: A contactor is a heavy-duty relay used to switch high-power circuits, such as
the main motor. It uses a low-current control signal to energize a coil, which closes the
contacts to allow high current to flow to the load.
Question 8: What material is most commonly used for the construction of
elevator hoistway guide rails to minimize friction and wear?
A. Cast iron
B. Stainless steel
C. Teflon-coated aluminum
D. Rolled steel (T-rail)
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Rolled steel (T-rail)
Rationale: Guide rails are almost exclusively made of cold-drawn or rolled steel, forming
a T-shape. This provides a strong, hard, and rigid surface for the guide shoes to travel
against, minimizing friction and wear under load.
Question 9: Which device is used to automatically compensate for rope
elongation and changes in car weight to maintain proper counterweight
clearance?
A. A rope gripper
B. A car top governor
C. A compensating rope or chain
D. A slack cable switch
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A compensating rope or chain
Rationale: A compensating rope or chain is attached to the bottom of the car and the
counterweight. It offsets the weight of the main hoist ropes as the car travels, ensuring
that the weight differential between the car and counterweight remains relatively
constant throughout the entire travel.
Question 10: According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), elevator feeder
conductors must be protected from overcurrent. What is the typical maximum
setting for the overcurrent protection device?
A. 125% of the motor full-load current
B. 150% of the motor full-load current
C. 200% of the motor full-load current
D. 100% of the motor full-load current
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 125% of the motor full-load current
, Rationale: NEC guidelines for elevator motors generally allow the overcurrent protection
device to be set to a maximum of 125% of the motor's full-load current rating. This
allows the motor to handle temporary starting currents without nuisance tripping.
Question 11: What is the effect on the elevator speed if the drive sheave
diameter is increased while the motor RPM remains constant?
A. The elevator speed will increase.
B. The elevator speed will decrease.
C. The elevator speed will remain the same.
D. The elevator torque will decrease, but the speed will not change.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The elevator speed will increase.
Rationale: The linear speed of the elevator car is directly proportional to the drive
sheave's circumference and, consequently, its diameter. For a given rotational speed
(RPM), a larger diameter sheave will move the ropes a greater linear distance per
revolution, increasing the car's speed.
Question 12: The purpose of a commutator in a DC motor is to:
A. Generate the magnetic field for the stator
B. Provide a mechanical connection to the power supply
C. Reverse the direction of current flow in the armature windings to maintain
unidirectional torque
D. Change the motor speed by varying the voltage
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reverse the direction of current flow in the armature
windings to maintain unidirectional torque
Rationale: The commutator is a rotary electrical switch that periodically reverses the
current direction in the rotor windings. This ensures that the magnetic forces act in the
same direction on the rotor as it turns, producing a consistent rotational torque.
Question 13: In a hydraulic elevator system, what is the function of the shut-
off valve located on the tank?
A. To release pressure in the event of an emergency
B. To isolate the pump from the rest of the system for maintenance
C. To control the flow of oil to the cylinder
D. To filter the hydraulic fluid
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To isolate the pump from the rest of the system for
maintenance
Rationale: The tank shut-off valve is a manually operated valve, typically a ball valve,
used to isolate the pump and power unit from the cylinder and piping. This is crucial for
safe maintenance, allowing work to be done on the pump without draining the entire
hydraulic system.
Question 14: The term "leveling" in an elevator system refers to the:
Structures 200 Study Guide & Exam Prep
2026/2027 | Elevator Apprentice Training, Rigging
& Hoisting, Tools & Material Handling, Pit
Structures, Guide Rail Installation & Alignment,
Machine & Sheave Installation, Elevator Control
Equipment, Car & Counterweight Assembly,
Suspension Means, Safety Procedures, Practice
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: Which of the following is the primary purpose of a machine room
less (MRL) elevator system?
A. To increase the maximum travel height
B. To eliminate the need for a separate machine room
C. To reduce the number of required car doors
D. To operate without counterweights
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To eliminate the need for a separate machine room
Rationale: The primary advantage and defining characteristic of an MRL elevator is the
elimination of a dedicated, separate machine room. The machinery is instead housed
within the hoistway, saving building space and construction costs.
Question 2: According to ASME A17.1, what is the minimum clearance
required between the car sill and the hoistway door sill?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 1 1/2 inches
D. 1/4 inch
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 1/2 inch
Rationale: ASME A17.1 mandates a specific maximum horizontal gap. The code requires
that the clearance between the car sill and the hoistway door sill does not exceed 1/2
inch to prevent tripping hazards and ensure safe passenger transfer.
Question 3: In a traction elevator, what component is directly responsible for
converting electrical energy into mechanical torque?
A. The drive sheave
B. The traction motor
C. The reduction gear
D. The brake coil
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The traction motor
Rationale: The traction motor is the prime mover. It takes electrical energy and converts
it into rotational mechanical torque to turn the drive sheave.
,Question 4: Which type of elevator door operator is most commonly used for
high-speed, high-rise applications due to its rapid acceleration and smooth
operation?
A. Hydraulic door operator
B. Pneumatic door operator
C. Linear induction door operator
D. Belt-driven door operator
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Belt-driven door operator
Rationale: Belt-driven door operators, often with variable frequency drives, are favored
in high-speed applications for their ability to provide smooth, rapid acceleration and
deceleration curves, and precise control over door speed and torque.
Question 5: What is the function of the overspeed governor in an elevator
system?
A. To control the speed of the car during normal operation
B. To activate the safety brakes if the car exceeds a predetermined speed
C. To signal the controller to slow down near the top floor
D. To monitor the door closing speed
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To activate the safety brakes if the car exceeds a
predetermined speed
Rationale: The overspeed governor is a purely mechanical safety device. If the car's
downward speed exceeds a set threshold (typically 15% over contract speed), the
governor grips the governor rope, which in turn actuates the safety plank to stop the car.
Question 6: The primary function of the car buffer is to:
A. Guide the car along the guide rails
B. Absorb the kinetic energy of the car in the event of an overspeed at the bottom of the
hoistway
C. Counterbalance the weight of the passengers
D. Provide a landing signal to the controller
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Absorb the kinetic energy of the car in the event of an
overspeed at the bottom of the hoistway
Rationale: Buffers are located in the pit and serve as the final safety device to arrest a
descending car. They are designed to absorb the car's kinetic energy and bring it to a
safe, gradual stop, preventing a collision with the pit floor.
Question 7: In the context of elevator electrical theory, what is the primary
purpose of a contactor?
A. To provide a visual indication of power
B. To amplify a low-current signal to control a high-current motor circuit
,C. To convert AC to DC power
D. To provide overload protection for the wiring
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To amplify a low-current signal to control a high-
current motor circuit
Rationale: A contactor is a heavy-duty relay used to switch high-power circuits, such as
the main motor. It uses a low-current control signal to energize a coil, which closes the
contacts to allow high current to flow to the load.
Question 8: What material is most commonly used for the construction of
elevator hoistway guide rails to minimize friction and wear?
A. Cast iron
B. Stainless steel
C. Teflon-coated aluminum
D. Rolled steel (T-rail)
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Rolled steel (T-rail)
Rationale: Guide rails are almost exclusively made of cold-drawn or rolled steel, forming
a T-shape. This provides a strong, hard, and rigid surface for the guide shoes to travel
against, minimizing friction and wear under load.
Question 9: Which device is used to automatically compensate for rope
elongation and changes in car weight to maintain proper counterweight
clearance?
A. A rope gripper
B. A car top governor
C. A compensating rope or chain
D. A slack cable switch
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A compensating rope or chain
Rationale: A compensating rope or chain is attached to the bottom of the car and the
counterweight. It offsets the weight of the main hoist ropes as the car travels, ensuring
that the weight differential between the car and counterweight remains relatively
constant throughout the entire travel.
Question 10: According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), elevator feeder
conductors must be protected from overcurrent. What is the typical maximum
setting for the overcurrent protection device?
A. 125% of the motor full-load current
B. 150% of the motor full-load current
C. 200% of the motor full-load current
D. 100% of the motor full-load current
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 125% of the motor full-load current
, Rationale: NEC guidelines for elevator motors generally allow the overcurrent protection
device to be set to a maximum of 125% of the motor's full-load current rating. This
allows the motor to handle temporary starting currents without nuisance tripping.
Question 11: What is the effect on the elevator speed if the drive sheave
diameter is increased while the motor RPM remains constant?
A. The elevator speed will increase.
B. The elevator speed will decrease.
C. The elevator speed will remain the same.
D. The elevator torque will decrease, but the speed will not change.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The elevator speed will increase.
Rationale: The linear speed of the elevator car is directly proportional to the drive
sheave's circumference and, consequently, its diameter. For a given rotational speed
(RPM), a larger diameter sheave will move the ropes a greater linear distance per
revolution, increasing the car's speed.
Question 12: The purpose of a commutator in a DC motor is to:
A. Generate the magnetic field for the stator
B. Provide a mechanical connection to the power supply
C. Reverse the direction of current flow in the armature windings to maintain
unidirectional torque
D. Change the motor speed by varying the voltage
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reverse the direction of current flow in the armature
windings to maintain unidirectional torque
Rationale: The commutator is a rotary electrical switch that periodically reverses the
current direction in the rotor windings. This ensures that the magnetic forces act in the
same direction on the rotor as it turns, producing a consistent rotational torque.
Question 13: In a hydraulic elevator system, what is the function of the shut-
off valve located on the tank?
A. To release pressure in the event of an emergency
B. To isolate the pump from the rest of the system for maintenance
C. To control the flow of oil to the cylinder
D. To filter the hydraulic fluid
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To isolate the pump from the rest of the system for
maintenance
Rationale: The tank shut-off valve is a manually operated valve, typically a ball valve,
used to isolate the pump and power unit from the cylinder and piping. This is crucial for
safe maintenance, allowing work to be done on the pump without draining the entire
hydraulic system.
Question 14: The term "leveling" in an elevator system refers to the:
