CO Elevator Contractor Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of an elevator governor?
A) Control the doors
B) Measure the building height
C) Limit the speed of the elevator
D) Operate the hoist motor
Rationale: The governor is a safety device that limits the elevator
speed to prevent accidents.
2. Which type of elevator does not require a machine room?
A) Traction elevator
B) Hydraulic elevator
C) Machine-room-less (MRL) elevator
D) Freight elevator
Rationale: MRL elevators have compact machinery integrated into
the hoistway, eliminating the need for a separate machine room.
3. What is the standard elevator pit depth for a passenger elevator?
A) 24 inches
B) 36 inches
C) 42 inches
D) 48 inches
Rationale: Most passenger elevators require a pit depth of 42 inches
to accommodate buffers and allow safe maintenance access.
4. Which type of rope is typically used for traction elevators?
A) Synthetic fiber rope
B) Wire rope with a single strand
C) Steel wire rope
D) Nylon rope
, Rationale: Steel wire ropes provide the strength and durability
necessary for traction elevators.
5. What is the minimum door reopening device force for passenger
elevators?
A) 10 lbs
B) 15 lbs
C) 30 lbs
D) 50 lbs
Rationale: The reopening device must resist at least 30 lbs of force to
prevent injury.
6. Which component converts electrical energy into mechanical energy in
an elevator?
A) Governor
B) Door operator
C) Motor
D) Counterweight
Rationale: The motor drives the hoist mechanism, moving the
elevator car.
7. What is the primary purpose of an elevator buffer?
A) Hold the car in place
B) Absorb energy if the elevator overruns
C) Operate the doors
D) Measure car speed
Rationale: Buffers act as a shock-absorbing device at the bottom of
the shaft.
8. Which device prevents an elevator car from falling if the hoist ropes
fail?
A) Limit switch
B) Buffer
C) Safety brake
D) Car guide rail
Rationale: Safety brakes engage the rails to stop the car in case of
rope failure.
9. Which type of elevator system uses hydraulic fluid to raise the car?
A) Traction
B) Hydraulic
C) Roped-hydraulic
, D) Pneumatic
Rationale: Hydraulic elevators use a piston and fluid pressure to
move the car.
10. What is the purpose of a car door interlock?
A) To operate the car lights
B) To control the hoist motor
C) To prevent the elevator from moving when doors are open
D) To operate the emergency alarm
Rationale: The interlock ensures the elevator cannot move while
doors are open, enhancing safety.
11. Which code governs the installation and maintenance of elevators
in the United States?
A) NEC
B) ASME A17.1 / CSA B44
C) NFPA 70
D) IBC
Rationale: ASME A17.1 (and CSA B44 in Canada) provides
standards for safety and installation.
12. In a traction elevator, what balances the weight of the car?
A) Governor
B) Hydraulic cylinder
C) Counterweight
D) Hoist motor
Rationale: The counterweight reduces energy needed to lift the car by
balancing its weight.
13. Which type of elevator control ensures smooth start and stop?
A) Relay control
B) Manual control
C) Variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) drive
D) Hydraulic control
Rationale: VVVF drives provide smooth acceleration and
deceleration.
14. What is the purpose of an elevator pit ladder?
A) Operate the elevator
B) Inspect the counterweight
C) Provide maintenance access in the pit
D) Measure pit depth
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of an elevator governor?
A) Control the doors
B) Measure the building height
C) Limit the speed of the elevator
D) Operate the hoist motor
Rationale: The governor is a safety device that limits the elevator
speed to prevent accidents.
2. Which type of elevator does not require a machine room?
A) Traction elevator
B) Hydraulic elevator
C) Machine-room-less (MRL) elevator
D) Freight elevator
Rationale: MRL elevators have compact machinery integrated into
the hoistway, eliminating the need for a separate machine room.
3. What is the standard elevator pit depth for a passenger elevator?
A) 24 inches
B) 36 inches
C) 42 inches
D) 48 inches
Rationale: Most passenger elevators require a pit depth of 42 inches
to accommodate buffers and allow safe maintenance access.
4. Which type of rope is typically used for traction elevators?
A) Synthetic fiber rope
B) Wire rope with a single strand
C) Steel wire rope
D) Nylon rope
, Rationale: Steel wire ropes provide the strength and durability
necessary for traction elevators.
5. What is the minimum door reopening device force for passenger
elevators?
A) 10 lbs
B) 15 lbs
C) 30 lbs
D) 50 lbs
Rationale: The reopening device must resist at least 30 lbs of force to
prevent injury.
6. Which component converts electrical energy into mechanical energy in
an elevator?
A) Governor
B) Door operator
C) Motor
D) Counterweight
Rationale: The motor drives the hoist mechanism, moving the
elevator car.
7. What is the primary purpose of an elevator buffer?
A) Hold the car in place
B) Absorb energy if the elevator overruns
C) Operate the doors
D) Measure car speed
Rationale: Buffers act as a shock-absorbing device at the bottom of
the shaft.
8. Which device prevents an elevator car from falling if the hoist ropes
fail?
A) Limit switch
B) Buffer
C) Safety brake
D) Car guide rail
Rationale: Safety brakes engage the rails to stop the car in case of
rope failure.
9. Which type of elevator system uses hydraulic fluid to raise the car?
A) Traction
B) Hydraulic
C) Roped-hydraulic
, D) Pneumatic
Rationale: Hydraulic elevators use a piston and fluid pressure to
move the car.
10. What is the purpose of a car door interlock?
A) To operate the car lights
B) To control the hoist motor
C) To prevent the elevator from moving when doors are open
D) To operate the emergency alarm
Rationale: The interlock ensures the elevator cannot move while
doors are open, enhancing safety.
11. Which code governs the installation and maintenance of elevators
in the United States?
A) NEC
B) ASME A17.1 / CSA B44
C) NFPA 70
D) IBC
Rationale: ASME A17.1 (and CSA B44 in Canada) provides
standards for safety and installation.
12. In a traction elevator, what balances the weight of the car?
A) Governor
B) Hydraulic cylinder
C) Counterweight
D) Hoist motor
Rationale: The counterweight reduces energy needed to lift the car by
balancing its weight.
13. Which type of elevator control ensures smooth start and stop?
A) Relay control
B) Manual control
C) Variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) drive
D) Hydraulic control
Rationale: VVVF drives provide smooth acceleration and
deceleration.
14. What is the purpose of an elevator pit ladder?
A) Operate the elevator
B) Inspect the counterweight
C) Provide maintenance access in the pit
D) Measure pit depth
