Certified Escalator Maintenance Technician Exam With Actual
Questions & Verified Answers, Plus Explained Rationales/Expert
Verified For Guaranteed 100% Pass 2026/Latest Update/Instant
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1. What is the primary function of the escalator step chain?
A) To support the weight of the truss
B) To connect and move the steps through the entire escalator loop
C) To drive the handrail at a constant speed
D) To provide emergency lighting during a power failure
Answer: B
Rationale:
The step chain is a continuous loop that mechanically links the individual steps together. It transfers the
motive force from the drive machine to the step band, pulling the steps through the upper transition, the
incline, the lower transition, and the return path. Its tension, lubrication, and alignment are critical to
smooth, reliable operation.
2. Which component is directly responsible for transferring traction to the handrail?
A) The comb plate
B) The step roller
C) The handrail drive system
D) The skirt panel
Answer: C
Rationale:
The handrail drive system—typically consisting of a drive wheel, pressure rollers, and a belt or chain—grips
the inner surface of the handrail and pulls it at the required speed. The handrail must move at a speed
closely matched to the steps to ensure passenger stability.
3. What is the primary safety hazard associated with a missing or damaged comb tooth?
A) Increased motor current
,B) A gap where footwear or objects can become trapped
C) Reduced handrail speed
D) Excessive lubrication loss
Answer: B
Rationale:
The comb plate teeth engage with the step grooves to create a safe transition at the landing. If a tooth is
missing or broken, a gap is created at the step-to-landing interface. This gap can catch a shoe, loose clothing,
or an object, potentially causing a serious entrapment injury. Any missing or damaged comb tooth requires
immediate evaluation.
4. Before performing any maintenance inside the escalator truss, what is the most critical safety
step?
A) Removing the handrail
B) Increasing the inspection speed
C) Establishing proper lockout/tagout of all hazardous energy
D) Opening all access panels simultaneously
Answer: C
Rationale:
Escalators store both electrical and mechanical energy. Without proper lockout/tagout—de-energizing the
main disconnect, applying a personal lock and tag, and verifying the absence of energy—the escalator could
be started unexpectedly or move due to gravity or stored tension. Lockout/tagout is the fundamental
requirement for safe maintenance access.
5. Which component guides the step rollers and maintains the intended path of the steps?
A) The step tracks (guides)
B) The comb teeth
C) The handrail inlet
D) The skirt guard
Answer: A
Rationale:
The step tracks are precisely aligned rails that guide the step rollers through the entire loop. They control
the step's trajectory through the transitions and the incline, and they maintain the correct step level and gap
at the landings. Worn or misaligned tracks cause noise, vibration, and unsafe step-to-skirt clearances.
2
,6. According to ASME A17.1, what must be examined and tested during a Category 1 periodic
escalator test regarding the brake?
A) Only the brake coil resistance
B) The drive machine and brake, including a test of the brake torque
C) The brake lining color
D) The brake release lever only
Answer: B
Rationale:
ASME A17.1 Section 8.6.8.15.4 requires that the drive machine and brake be examined and tested, including
a test of the brake torque. This verifies that the brake can hold the rated load and stop the escalator within
the required distance, which is essential for preventing unintended movement or reversal.
7. What is the purpose of the broken drive-chain device?
A) To increase the drive chain tension
B) To detect a broken or excessively slack drive chain and stop the escalator
C) To lubricate the drive chain automatically
D) To measure the chain speed
Answer: B
Rationale:
If the main drive chain breaks or becomes excessively slack, the escalator loses its connection between the
machine and the step band. The broken drive-chain device detects this condition—often through a spring-
loaded arm or proximity switch—and immediately removes power, preventing uncontrolled movement or
damage.
8. What is the permissible maximum clearance between successive steps to detect excessive step-
chain wear or stretch?
A) 3 mm (0.125 in)
B) 6 mm (0.25 in)
C) 12 mm (0.5 in)
D) 25 mm (1.0 in)
Answer: B
Rationale:
ASME A17.1 requires periodic examination of the clearance between successive steps. The clearance must
3
, not exceed 6 mm (0.25 in). Excessive clearance indicates that the step chain has stretched or worn beyond
acceptable limits, which can cause unsafe step spacing, vibration, and potential derailment.
9. What is the primary purpose of the skirt obstruction device?
A) To detect an object caught between the step and the skirt panel and stop the escalator
B) To lubricate the skirt panel
C) To increase the handrail speed
D) To support the comb plate
Answer: A
Rationale:
The skirt obstruction device (or skirt brush/deflector) is designed to detect excessive lateral force or
displacement at the step-to-skirt interface. If an object becomes trapped, the device actuates a safety switch
that stops the escalator, reducing the severity of the entrapment.
10. What is the function of the reversal stop switch?
A) To prevent the escalator from operating in the reverse direction when it is intended to run upward
B) To reverse the direction of the handrail
C) To stop the escalator at the landings
D) To increase the motor speed during reversal
Answer: A
Rationale:
The reversal stop switch is a safety device that detects if the step band begins to move in the opposite
direction of the intended travel—typically due to a brake failure or a heavy load. It trips and stops the
escalator to prevent a dangerous reverse run. ASME A17.1 requires that it be tested by manual operation
during periodic inspections.
11. In a VVVF escalator control system, what does fault code E-01 typically indicate?
A) Overspeed condition
B) Reversal detection fault
C) Motor overload
D) Handrail speed mismatch
Answer: B
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Questions & Verified Answers, Plus Explained Rationales/Expert
Verified For Guaranteed 100% Pass 2026/Latest Update/Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of the escalator step chain?
A) To support the weight of the truss
B) To connect and move the steps through the entire escalator loop
C) To drive the handrail at a constant speed
D) To provide emergency lighting during a power failure
Answer: B
Rationale:
The step chain is a continuous loop that mechanically links the individual steps together. It transfers the
motive force from the drive machine to the step band, pulling the steps through the upper transition, the
incline, the lower transition, and the return path. Its tension, lubrication, and alignment are critical to
smooth, reliable operation.
2. Which component is directly responsible for transferring traction to the handrail?
A) The comb plate
B) The step roller
C) The handrail drive system
D) The skirt panel
Answer: C
Rationale:
The handrail drive system—typically consisting of a drive wheel, pressure rollers, and a belt or chain—grips
the inner surface of the handrail and pulls it at the required speed. The handrail must move at a speed
closely matched to the steps to ensure passenger stability.
3. What is the primary safety hazard associated with a missing or damaged comb tooth?
A) Increased motor current
,B) A gap where footwear or objects can become trapped
C) Reduced handrail speed
D) Excessive lubrication loss
Answer: B
Rationale:
The comb plate teeth engage with the step grooves to create a safe transition at the landing. If a tooth is
missing or broken, a gap is created at the step-to-landing interface. This gap can catch a shoe, loose clothing,
or an object, potentially causing a serious entrapment injury. Any missing or damaged comb tooth requires
immediate evaluation.
4. Before performing any maintenance inside the escalator truss, what is the most critical safety
step?
A) Removing the handrail
B) Increasing the inspection speed
C) Establishing proper lockout/tagout of all hazardous energy
D) Opening all access panels simultaneously
Answer: C
Rationale:
Escalators store both electrical and mechanical energy. Without proper lockout/tagout—de-energizing the
main disconnect, applying a personal lock and tag, and verifying the absence of energy—the escalator could
be started unexpectedly or move due to gravity or stored tension. Lockout/tagout is the fundamental
requirement for safe maintenance access.
5. Which component guides the step rollers and maintains the intended path of the steps?
A) The step tracks (guides)
B) The comb teeth
C) The handrail inlet
D) The skirt guard
Answer: A
Rationale:
The step tracks are precisely aligned rails that guide the step rollers through the entire loop. They control
the step's trajectory through the transitions and the incline, and they maintain the correct step level and gap
at the landings. Worn or misaligned tracks cause noise, vibration, and unsafe step-to-skirt clearances.
2
,6. According to ASME A17.1, what must be examined and tested during a Category 1 periodic
escalator test regarding the brake?
A) Only the brake coil resistance
B) The drive machine and brake, including a test of the brake torque
C) The brake lining color
D) The brake release lever only
Answer: B
Rationale:
ASME A17.1 Section 8.6.8.15.4 requires that the drive machine and brake be examined and tested, including
a test of the brake torque. This verifies that the brake can hold the rated load and stop the escalator within
the required distance, which is essential for preventing unintended movement or reversal.
7. What is the purpose of the broken drive-chain device?
A) To increase the drive chain tension
B) To detect a broken or excessively slack drive chain and stop the escalator
C) To lubricate the drive chain automatically
D) To measure the chain speed
Answer: B
Rationale:
If the main drive chain breaks or becomes excessively slack, the escalator loses its connection between the
machine and the step band. The broken drive-chain device detects this condition—often through a spring-
loaded arm or proximity switch—and immediately removes power, preventing uncontrolled movement or
damage.
8. What is the permissible maximum clearance between successive steps to detect excessive step-
chain wear or stretch?
A) 3 mm (0.125 in)
B) 6 mm (0.25 in)
C) 12 mm (0.5 in)
D) 25 mm (1.0 in)
Answer: B
Rationale:
ASME A17.1 requires periodic examination of the clearance between successive steps. The clearance must
3
, not exceed 6 mm (0.25 in). Excessive clearance indicates that the step chain has stretched or worn beyond
acceptable limits, which can cause unsafe step spacing, vibration, and potential derailment.
9. What is the primary purpose of the skirt obstruction device?
A) To detect an object caught between the step and the skirt panel and stop the escalator
B) To lubricate the skirt panel
C) To increase the handrail speed
D) To support the comb plate
Answer: A
Rationale:
The skirt obstruction device (or skirt brush/deflector) is designed to detect excessive lateral force or
displacement at the step-to-skirt interface. If an object becomes trapped, the device actuates a safety switch
that stops the escalator, reducing the severity of the entrapment.
10. What is the function of the reversal stop switch?
A) To prevent the escalator from operating in the reverse direction when it is intended to run upward
B) To reverse the direction of the handrail
C) To stop the escalator at the landings
D) To increase the motor speed during reversal
Answer: A
Rationale:
The reversal stop switch is a safety device that detects if the step band begins to move in the opposite
direction of the intended travel—typically due to a brake failure or a heavy load. It trips and stops the
escalator to prevent a dangerous reverse run. ASME A17.1 requires that it be tested by manual operation
during periodic inspections.
11. In a VVVF escalator control system, what does fault code E-01 typically indicate?
A) Overspeed condition
B) Reversal detection fault
C) Motor overload
D) Handrail speed mismatch
Answer: B
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