NEIEP 200 Final Exam | National Elevator Industry
Educational Program Course 200 Hoistway
Structures Study Guide & Exam Prep 2026/2027 |
Elevator Apprentice Training, Tools & Material
Handling, Rigging & Hoisting, Pit Structures, Guide
Rails, Rail Installation, Machine & Sheave
Installation, Control Equipment, Car &
Counterweight Assembly, Suspension Means,
Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: A mechanic needs to move a 500 kg elevator car vertically at a
constant speed of 1.5 m/s. If the efficiency of the hoist system is 85%, what is
the minimum electrical power input required by the motor to lift the car?
A. 7.35 kW
B. 8.65 kW
C. 9.75 kW
D. 10.5 kW
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 8.65 kW
Rationale: The power required to lift the car is P = F * v = (500 kg * 9.81 m/s²) * 1.5
m/s = 7357.5 W = 7.36 kW. This is the output power. With an efficiency of 85%, the
input power is P_in = P_out / Efficiency = 7.36 kW / 0.85 = 8.66 kW. Option B is the
closest correct value.
Question 2: In a geared traction elevator system, the primary function of the
traction sheave is to:
A. Support the weight of the counterweight.
B. Provide a braking surface for the emergency brake.
C. Transmit torque from the motor to the hoist ropes via friction.
D. Guide the hoist ropes into the machine room.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Transmit torque from the motor to the hoist ropes via
friction.
Rationale: The traction sheave is a grooved wheel mounted on the motor shaft. Its
primary function is to transmit the motor's torque to the hoist ropes through friction
between the ropes and the grooves, enabling the elevator car to move.
Question 3: The primary purpose of a counterweight in a traction elevator is
to:
A. Reduce the torque and power required from the motor.
B. Increase the speed of the car.
C. Act as a secondary brake.
D. Provide a guide for the car rails.
,CORRECT ANSWER: A. Reduce the torque and power required from the motor.
Rationale: The counterweight balances the weight of the car and a portion of the load.
This reduces the net force the motor must overcome, significantly lowering the required
torque and power consumption.
Question 4: According to ASME A17.1, the minimum factor of safety for
suspension ropes under static conditions is based on which of the following?
A. The number of ropes in the hoistway.
B. The rated speed of the elevator.
C. The type of controller used.
D. The building's height.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The rated speed of the elevator.
Rationale: ASME A17.1 specifies that the minimum factor of safety for suspension ropes
is a function of the elevator's rated speed and the type of rope. A table is provided that
correlates higher speeds with higher required factors of safety.
Question 5: A governor rope is responsible for activating the safety device. If
the car speed exceeds the tripping speed, what is the first mechanical action
that occurs?
A. The governor sheave brakes and stops rotating.
B. The governor jaw grips the governor rope.
C. The car safety clamps are applied to the rails.
D. The motor is disconnected from the power supply.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The governor sheave brakes and stops rotating.
Rationale: In a typical overspeed governor system, when the car reaches the tripping
speed, the centrifugal force on the flyweights within the governor causes a mechanism
to grip the governor sheave, stopping it. The car continues to move, which then pulls the
stationary governor rope and activates the car safety linkage.
Question 6: Which type of electrical motor is most commonly used in modern
high-rise, high-speed traction elevators due to its excellent speed control and
regenerative capabilities?
A. DC shunt motor
B. Induction motor with variable voltage and variable frequency (VVVF) drive
C. Single-phase AC motor
D. Stepper motor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Induction motor with variable voltage and variable
frequency (VVVF) drive
Rationale: VVVF drives allow for precise and smooth control of induction motor speed
over a wide range, enabling excellent ride quality and efficient regenerative braking,
making them the standard for modern high-rise installations.
,Question 7: In hydraulic elevator systems, the purpose of the oil is not only to
provide a fluid for pressure transmission but also to:
A. Cool the pump and valve components.
B. Provide electrical insulation to the pump.
C. Increase the density of the piston.
D. Act as a permanent lubricant for the cylinder walls.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Cool the pump and valve components.
Rationale: Hydraulic fluid circulates through the pump, valves, and cylinder, absorbing
heat generated by mechanical and hydraulic inefficiencies. The fluid carries this heat
away to the reservoir where it can dissipate, protecting the system components.
Question 8: The function of a roller guide in an elevator system is to:
A. Align the car with the hoistway opening.
B. Provide a low-friction, smooth ride and maintain proper car alignment along the rails.
C. Act as a secondary safety device in the event of a rope failure.
D. Reduce the weight of the car.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Provide a low-friction, smooth ride and maintain
proper car alignment along the rails.
Rationale: Roller guides use spring-loaded rollers that contact the rail surfaces. They
provide a much smoother and quieter ride than sliding guides by minimizing friction and
absorbing minor rail irregularities, while ensuring the car remains properly aligned.
Question 9: The "running clearance" in an elevator hoistway refers to the:
A. Space between the car and the counterweight.
B. Distance between the car door and the hoistway door.
C. Distance the car travels after the final terminal limit switch is activated.
D. Clearance between the car top and the overhead structure when the car is at the top
landing.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Clearance between the car top and the overhead
structure when the car is at the top landing.
Rationale: Running clearance, often referred to as "overhead clearance," is the minimum
vertical distance required by code between the top of the car and the lowest part of the
overhead structure or equipment in the hoistway when the car is at its highest terminal
landing.
Question 10: A 3-phase AC induction motor used in an elevator has a
nameplate rating of 20 HP, 460V, 32A, and a power factor of 0.8. What is its
efficiency?
A. 65%
B. 73%
, C. 82%
D. 89%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 82%
Rationale: Input power for a 3-phase motor is P_in = V * I * √3 * PF = 460 * 32 * 1.732 *
0.8 = 20,394 W. Output power is 20 HP * 746 W/HP = 14,920 W. Efficiency = P_out /
P_in = 14,,394 = 0.7316 or 73.2%. This is closer to option B (73%). Note: The
efficiency was recalculated to correct an error. The correct answer is B. 73%. Rationale:
Input power = 460V * 32A * 1.732 * 0.8 = 20,398W. Output power = 20HP * 746W/HP
= 14,920W. Efficiency = 14920/20398 = 0.7314 (73%).
Question 11: What is the primary purpose of an elevator's final terminal
stopping device?
A. To slow the car down to leveling speed.
B. To initiate the emergency brakes.
C. To remove power from the motor and brake if the car passes the terminal landing.
D. To prevent the doors from opening unless the car is at a landing.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To remove power from the motor and brake if the car
passes the terminal landing.
Rationale: The final terminal stopping device is an independent, last-resort safety
device. It is designed to open a contact that interrupts power to the motor and brake
circuit if the car over-travels the terminal landing, preventing a hazardous impact with
the buffer or pit.
Question 12: In a relay logic elevator controller, what is the function of a
"slow-down" relay?
A. To bring the car to a complete stop.
B. To initiate the door opening sequence.
C. To change the motor's speed from high speed to a lower speed for accurate stopping.
D. To activate the car's emergency lighting.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To change the motor's speed from high speed to a
lower speed for accurate stopping.
Rationale: When an elevator approaches a target floor, the slow-down relay is energized
by the selector or landing system. This relay changes the motor's speed command from
the high-speed winding/contactors to a slower speed winding/contactors, allowing for
smooth and accurate leveling.
Question 13: The deflection sheave in a traction elevator system is used to:
A. Change the direction of the hoist ropes.
B. Increase the traction between the ropes and the drive sheave.
C. Attach the ropes to the car hitch.
D. Measure the travel of the car.
Educational Program Course 200 Hoistway
Structures Study Guide & Exam Prep 2026/2027 |
Elevator Apprentice Training, Tools & Material
Handling, Rigging & Hoisting, Pit Structures, Guide
Rails, Rail Installation, Machine & Sheave
Installation, Control Equipment, Car &
Counterweight Assembly, Suspension Means,
Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: A mechanic needs to move a 500 kg elevator car vertically at a
constant speed of 1.5 m/s. If the efficiency of the hoist system is 85%, what is
the minimum electrical power input required by the motor to lift the car?
A. 7.35 kW
B. 8.65 kW
C. 9.75 kW
D. 10.5 kW
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 8.65 kW
Rationale: The power required to lift the car is P = F * v = (500 kg * 9.81 m/s²) * 1.5
m/s = 7357.5 W = 7.36 kW. This is the output power. With an efficiency of 85%, the
input power is P_in = P_out / Efficiency = 7.36 kW / 0.85 = 8.66 kW. Option B is the
closest correct value.
Question 2: In a geared traction elevator system, the primary function of the
traction sheave is to:
A. Support the weight of the counterweight.
B. Provide a braking surface for the emergency brake.
C. Transmit torque from the motor to the hoist ropes via friction.
D. Guide the hoist ropes into the machine room.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Transmit torque from the motor to the hoist ropes via
friction.
Rationale: The traction sheave is a grooved wheel mounted on the motor shaft. Its
primary function is to transmit the motor's torque to the hoist ropes through friction
between the ropes and the grooves, enabling the elevator car to move.
Question 3: The primary purpose of a counterweight in a traction elevator is
to:
A. Reduce the torque and power required from the motor.
B. Increase the speed of the car.
C. Act as a secondary brake.
D. Provide a guide for the car rails.
,CORRECT ANSWER: A. Reduce the torque and power required from the motor.
Rationale: The counterweight balances the weight of the car and a portion of the load.
This reduces the net force the motor must overcome, significantly lowering the required
torque and power consumption.
Question 4: According to ASME A17.1, the minimum factor of safety for
suspension ropes under static conditions is based on which of the following?
A. The number of ropes in the hoistway.
B. The rated speed of the elevator.
C. The type of controller used.
D. The building's height.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The rated speed of the elevator.
Rationale: ASME A17.1 specifies that the minimum factor of safety for suspension ropes
is a function of the elevator's rated speed and the type of rope. A table is provided that
correlates higher speeds with higher required factors of safety.
Question 5: A governor rope is responsible for activating the safety device. If
the car speed exceeds the tripping speed, what is the first mechanical action
that occurs?
A. The governor sheave brakes and stops rotating.
B. The governor jaw grips the governor rope.
C. The car safety clamps are applied to the rails.
D. The motor is disconnected from the power supply.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The governor sheave brakes and stops rotating.
Rationale: In a typical overspeed governor system, when the car reaches the tripping
speed, the centrifugal force on the flyweights within the governor causes a mechanism
to grip the governor sheave, stopping it. The car continues to move, which then pulls the
stationary governor rope and activates the car safety linkage.
Question 6: Which type of electrical motor is most commonly used in modern
high-rise, high-speed traction elevators due to its excellent speed control and
regenerative capabilities?
A. DC shunt motor
B. Induction motor with variable voltage and variable frequency (VVVF) drive
C. Single-phase AC motor
D. Stepper motor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Induction motor with variable voltage and variable
frequency (VVVF) drive
Rationale: VVVF drives allow for precise and smooth control of induction motor speed
over a wide range, enabling excellent ride quality and efficient regenerative braking,
making them the standard for modern high-rise installations.
,Question 7: In hydraulic elevator systems, the purpose of the oil is not only to
provide a fluid for pressure transmission but also to:
A. Cool the pump and valve components.
B. Provide electrical insulation to the pump.
C. Increase the density of the piston.
D. Act as a permanent lubricant for the cylinder walls.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Cool the pump and valve components.
Rationale: Hydraulic fluid circulates through the pump, valves, and cylinder, absorbing
heat generated by mechanical and hydraulic inefficiencies. The fluid carries this heat
away to the reservoir where it can dissipate, protecting the system components.
Question 8: The function of a roller guide in an elevator system is to:
A. Align the car with the hoistway opening.
B. Provide a low-friction, smooth ride and maintain proper car alignment along the rails.
C. Act as a secondary safety device in the event of a rope failure.
D. Reduce the weight of the car.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Provide a low-friction, smooth ride and maintain
proper car alignment along the rails.
Rationale: Roller guides use spring-loaded rollers that contact the rail surfaces. They
provide a much smoother and quieter ride than sliding guides by minimizing friction and
absorbing minor rail irregularities, while ensuring the car remains properly aligned.
Question 9: The "running clearance" in an elevator hoistway refers to the:
A. Space between the car and the counterweight.
B. Distance between the car door and the hoistway door.
C. Distance the car travels after the final terminal limit switch is activated.
D. Clearance between the car top and the overhead structure when the car is at the top
landing.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Clearance between the car top and the overhead
structure when the car is at the top landing.
Rationale: Running clearance, often referred to as "overhead clearance," is the minimum
vertical distance required by code between the top of the car and the lowest part of the
overhead structure or equipment in the hoistway when the car is at its highest terminal
landing.
Question 10: A 3-phase AC induction motor used in an elevator has a
nameplate rating of 20 HP, 460V, 32A, and a power factor of 0.8. What is its
efficiency?
A. 65%
B. 73%
, C. 82%
D. 89%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 82%
Rationale: Input power for a 3-phase motor is P_in = V * I * √3 * PF = 460 * 32 * 1.732 *
0.8 = 20,394 W. Output power is 20 HP * 746 W/HP = 14,920 W. Efficiency = P_out /
P_in = 14,,394 = 0.7316 or 73.2%. This is closer to option B (73%). Note: The
efficiency was recalculated to correct an error. The correct answer is B. 73%. Rationale:
Input power = 460V * 32A * 1.732 * 0.8 = 20,398W. Output power = 20HP * 746W/HP
= 14,920W. Efficiency = 14920/20398 = 0.7314 (73%).
Question 11: What is the primary purpose of an elevator's final terminal
stopping device?
A. To slow the car down to leveling speed.
B. To initiate the emergency brakes.
C. To remove power from the motor and brake if the car passes the terminal landing.
D. To prevent the doors from opening unless the car is at a landing.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To remove power from the motor and brake if the car
passes the terminal landing.
Rationale: The final terminal stopping device is an independent, last-resort safety
device. It is designed to open a contact that interrupts power to the motor and brake
circuit if the car over-travels the terminal landing, preventing a hazardous impact with
the buffer or pit.
Question 12: In a relay logic elevator controller, what is the function of a
"slow-down" relay?
A. To bring the car to a complete stop.
B. To initiate the door opening sequence.
C. To change the motor's speed from high speed to a lower speed for accurate stopping.
D. To activate the car's emergency lighting.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To change the motor's speed from high speed to a
lower speed for accurate stopping.
Rationale: When an elevator approaches a target floor, the slow-down relay is energized
by the selector or landing system. This relay changes the motor's speed command from
the high-speed winding/contactors to a slower speed winding/contactors, allowing for
smooth and accurate leveling.
Question 13: The deflection sheave in a traction elevator system is used to:
A. Change the direction of the hoist ropes.
B. Increase the traction between the ropes and the drive sheave.
C. Attach the ropes to the car hitch.
D. Measure the travel of the car.
