GEORGIA ELEVATOR MECHANIC LICENSURE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES.pdf
Question 1 (Georgia State Law & Regulatory Authorities)
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. Title 8, Chapter 2), which state official/division oversees the
licensing of elevator mechanics and enforces safety inspections for conveyances?
• A) Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
• B) Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)
• C) Safety Engineering Division of the Safety Fire Commissioner
• D) Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards
Correct Answer: C) Safety Engineering Division of the Safety Fire Commissioner
• Rationale: In Georgia, the Safety Engineering Division under the Insurance and Safety
Fire Commissioner is statutory responsible for enforcing the Georgia Elevator Code,
issuing mechanics' licenses, issuing permits for installation/alteration, and conducting
mandatory annual inspections.
Question 2 (ASME A17.1 Safety Codes — Pit Safety)
Per ASME A17.1 / GA Elevator Code, what is the minimum required overhead clearance for a
technician standing on the car top, or pit refuge space clearance when the buffer is fully
compressed?
• A) 12 inches
• B) 24 inches
• C) 42 inches
• D) 60 inches (5 feet)
Correct Answer: C) 42 inches
• Rationale: ASME A17.1 Rule 2.4.12 requires an unobstructed refuge space in the pit and
on top of the car. When the elevator rests on fully compressed buffers, there must be a
, clear safety zone of at least 24 in. x 48 in. x 42 in. high (or a 24 in. diameter cylinder of
at least 42 in. height) to protect mechanics working in the pit.
Question 3 (Electrical Theory & Motors)
In a 3-phase AC elevator hoist motor, if two of the incoming phase lines (e.g., L1 and L2) are
interchanged, what will happen to the rotation of the motor?
• A) The motor will run at half speed.
• B) The motor rotation will reverse.
• C) The motor will short circuit and immediately trip the mainline breaker.
• D) The motor speed will double.
Correct Answer: B) The motor rotation will reverse.
• Rationale: Reversing any two power phases in a three-phase AC induction motor
reverses the rotating magnetic field, thereby reversing the direction of motor rotation.
Reverse phase relays/monitors are mandated by ASME A17.1 to prevent counter-
directional car travel.
Question 4 (Hydraulic Elevators — Safety Devices)
A hydraulic elevator exhibits "drift" (sinking slowly below the floor landing when parked).
Assuming no oil leak is visible anywhere in the machine room or pit, what component is most
likely failing?
• A) The overspeed governor.
• B) The check valve or main lowering valve seal inside the hydraulic control valve block.
• C) The rupture valve (velocity fuse).
• D) The relief valve setting is set too high.
Correct Answer: B) The check valve or main lowering valve seal inside the hydraulic control
valve block.
• Rationale: Internal hydraulic bypass across worn control valve seals, check valves, or
lowering valves permits fluid to leak back into the tank internally without external oil
spills, causing the jack cylinder pressure to drop and the car to drift down.
Question 5 (Traction Elevators — Ropes & Sheaves)
,When inspecting traction elevator hoist ropes (cables), what is the primary criterion for
condemning and replacing a wire rope according to ASME A17.6 / A17.1?
• A) Presence of surface rust that can be wiped off with a rag.
• B) A specific maximum number of broken wires within a given lay length or evidence of
crown breaks/reduction in diameter.
• C) The rope is more than 3 years old.
• D) Minor rouging (red oxide dust) with no wire breakage.
Correct Answer: B) A specific maximum number of broken wires within a given lay length or
evidence of crown breaks/reduction in diameter.
• Rationale: Rope retirement standards are defined by broken wire counts per rope lay
length (e.g., 12 to 24 broken wires depending on rope construction and groove profile),
excessive diameter reduction (valley breaks), or loss of metallic area due to internal
wear.
Question 6 (Ohm's Law & Circuit Calculations)
An elevator door operator motor coil has an internal resistance of 24 Ω and operates on
120 V DC. How much current flows through the circuit when energized?
• A) 0.2 A
• B) 2.8 A
• C) 5.0 A
• D) 2,880 A
Correct Answer: C) 5.0 A
𝑉
• Rationale: Using Ohm's Law (𝐼 = 𝑅):
120 V
𝐼= = 5.0 Amperes
24 Ω
Question 7 (Firefighters' Emergency Operation — Phase I & Phase II)
During Phase I Emergency Recall operation initiated by a hoistway smoke detector, where must
the elevator travel, and what happens to the door open/close sensors?
• A) Travels to the top floor and locks doors open; door safety edges remain fully
operational.
, • B) Travels non-stop to the designated recall level, opens doors, and disables door
protective re-opening devices (photoeyes/safety edges).
• C) Stops immediately at the nearest floor and shuts off all main power.
• D) Operates normally under manual attendant control only.
Correct Answer: B) Travels non-stop to the designated recall level, opens doors, and disables
door protective re-opening devices (photoeyes/safety edges).
• Rationale: ASME A17.1 Rule 2.27.3 dictates that Phase I recall forces all elevators non-
stop to the designated level (or alternate floor if smoke is at designated floor). Door re-
opening devices sensitive to smoke/heat (photoeyes, light curtains) are bypassed so
fire/smoke does not keep doors stuck open at intermediate landings.
Question 8 (Safety & Lockout/Tagout - OSHA / ASME)
Prior to entering an elevator pit or working on top of an elevator car, what is the mandatory first
safety action a mechanic must perform?
• A) Turn off the pit light.
• B) Test the pit stop switch / top-of-car inspection switch and verify the switch renders
the car inoperative.
• C) Lubricate the guide rails.
• D) Disconnect the governor cable.
Correct Answer: B) Test the pit stop switch / top-of-car inspection switch and verify the switch
renders the car inoperative.
• Rationale: Elevator safety rules dictate that before placing any body part in a hazardous
zone (pit or car top), the mechanic must engage the stop switch, verify the door
interlock, and confirm the elevator cannot move under normal automatic control.
Question 9 (Electrical Theory)
What type of meter connection must be used to measure current flow through an operating
door operator motor circuit?
• A) Voltmeter connected in parallel across the motor terminals.
• B) Ammeter connected in series with the circuit or using a clamp-on ammeter around
one conductor.
• C) Ohmmeter connected across the energized circuit.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES.pdf
Question 1 (Georgia State Law & Regulatory Authorities)
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. Title 8, Chapter 2), which state official/division oversees the
licensing of elevator mechanics and enforces safety inspections for conveyances?
• A) Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
• B) Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)
• C) Safety Engineering Division of the Safety Fire Commissioner
• D) Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards
Correct Answer: C) Safety Engineering Division of the Safety Fire Commissioner
• Rationale: In Georgia, the Safety Engineering Division under the Insurance and Safety
Fire Commissioner is statutory responsible for enforcing the Georgia Elevator Code,
issuing mechanics' licenses, issuing permits for installation/alteration, and conducting
mandatory annual inspections.
Question 2 (ASME A17.1 Safety Codes — Pit Safety)
Per ASME A17.1 / GA Elevator Code, what is the minimum required overhead clearance for a
technician standing on the car top, or pit refuge space clearance when the buffer is fully
compressed?
• A) 12 inches
• B) 24 inches
• C) 42 inches
• D) 60 inches (5 feet)
Correct Answer: C) 42 inches
• Rationale: ASME A17.1 Rule 2.4.12 requires an unobstructed refuge space in the pit and
on top of the car. When the elevator rests on fully compressed buffers, there must be a
, clear safety zone of at least 24 in. x 48 in. x 42 in. high (or a 24 in. diameter cylinder of
at least 42 in. height) to protect mechanics working in the pit.
Question 3 (Electrical Theory & Motors)
In a 3-phase AC elevator hoist motor, if two of the incoming phase lines (e.g., L1 and L2) are
interchanged, what will happen to the rotation of the motor?
• A) The motor will run at half speed.
• B) The motor rotation will reverse.
• C) The motor will short circuit and immediately trip the mainline breaker.
• D) The motor speed will double.
Correct Answer: B) The motor rotation will reverse.
• Rationale: Reversing any two power phases in a three-phase AC induction motor
reverses the rotating magnetic field, thereby reversing the direction of motor rotation.
Reverse phase relays/monitors are mandated by ASME A17.1 to prevent counter-
directional car travel.
Question 4 (Hydraulic Elevators — Safety Devices)
A hydraulic elevator exhibits "drift" (sinking slowly below the floor landing when parked).
Assuming no oil leak is visible anywhere in the machine room or pit, what component is most
likely failing?
• A) The overspeed governor.
• B) The check valve or main lowering valve seal inside the hydraulic control valve block.
• C) The rupture valve (velocity fuse).
• D) The relief valve setting is set too high.
Correct Answer: B) The check valve or main lowering valve seal inside the hydraulic control
valve block.
• Rationale: Internal hydraulic bypass across worn control valve seals, check valves, or
lowering valves permits fluid to leak back into the tank internally without external oil
spills, causing the jack cylinder pressure to drop and the car to drift down.
Question 5 (Traction Elevators — Ropes & Sheaves)
,When inspecting traction elevator hoist ropes (cables), what is the primary criterion for
condemning and replacing a wire rope according to ASME A17.6 / A17.1?
• A) Presence of surface rust that can be wiped off with a rag.
• B) A specific maximum number of broken wires within a given lay length or evidence of
crown breaks/reduction in diameter.
• C) The rope is more than 3 years old.
• D) Minor rouging (red oxide dust) with no wire breakage.
Correct Answer: B) A specific maximum number of broken wires within a given lay length or
evidence of crown breaks/reduction in diameter.
• Rationale: Rope retirement standards are defined by broken wire counts per rope lay
length (e.g., 12 to 24 broken wires depending on rope construction and groove profile),
excessive diameter reduction (valley breaks), or loss of metallic area due to internal
wear.
Question 6 (Ohm's Law & Circuit Calculations)
An elevator door operator motor coil has an internal resistance of 24 Ω and operates on
120 V DC. How much current flows through the circuit when energized?
• A) 0.2 A
• B) 2.8 A
• C) 5.0 A
• D) 2,880 A
Correct Answer: C) 5.0 A
𝑉
• Rationale: Using Ohm's Law (𝐼 = 𝑅):
120 V
𝐼= = 5.0 Amperes
24 Ω
Question 7 (Firefighters' Emergency Operation — Phase I & Phase II)
During Phase I Emergency Recall operation initiated by a hoistway smoke detector, where must
the elevator travel, and what happens to the door open/close sensors?
• A) Travels to the top floor and locks doors open; door safety edges remain fully
operational.
, • B) Travels non-stop to the designated recall level, opens doors, and disables door
protective re-opening devices (photoeyes/safety edges).
• C) Stops immediately at the nearest floor and shuts off all main power.
• D) Operates normally under manual attendant control only.
Correct Answer: B) Travels non-stop to the designated recall level, opens doors, and disables
door protective re-opening devices (photoeyes/safety edges).
• Rationale: ASME A17.1 Rule 2.27.3 dictates that Phase I recall forces all elevators non-
stop to the designated level (or alternate floor if smoke is at designated floor). Door re-
opening devices sensitive to smoke/heat (photoeyes, light curtains) are bypassed so
fire/smoke does not keep doors stuck open at intermediate landings.
Question 8 (Safety & Lockout/Tagout - OSHA / ASME)
Prior to entering an elevator pit or working on top of an elevator car, what is the mandatory first
safety action a mechanic must perform?
• A) Turn off the pit light.
• B) Test the pit stop switch / top-of-car inspection switch and verify the switch renders
the car inoperative.
• C) Lubricate the guide rails.
• D) Disconnect the governor cable.
Correct Answer: B) Test the pit stop switch / top-of-car inspection switch and verify the switch
renders the car inoperative.
• Rationale: Elevator safety rules dictate that before placing any body part in a hazardous
zone (pit or car top), the mechanic must engage the stop switch, verify the door
interlock, and confirm the elevator cannot move under normal automatic control.
Question 9 (Electrical Theory)
What type of meter connection must be used to measure current flow through an operating
door operator motor circuit?
• A) Voltmeter connected in parallel across the motor terminals.
• B) Ammeter connected in series with the circuit or using a clamp-on ammeter around
one conductor.
• C) Ohmmeter connected across the energized circuit.
