Elevator Inspector Certification
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
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Question 1
What is the minimum required overhead clearance above the car crosshead when
the car is at the top terminal landing, measured from the highest point of the car
or its equipment to the overhead structure?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: B. 24 inches
Rationale: ASME A17.1/CSA B44 requires a minimum overhead clearance of 24
inches (610 mm) above the car crosshead or any car-mounted equipment when
the car is at its uppermost position. This clearance ensures safe space for
maintenance and prevents crushing hazards. Option A is insufficient, C and D
exceed the minimum but are not the standard requirement.
Question 2
Which device is designed to prevent the elevator car from moving upward if the
counterweight becomes wedged in the overhead?
A. Overspeed governor
B. Buffers
,C. Upward car overspeed protection device
D. Final terminal stopping device
Answer: C. Upward car overspeed protection device
Rationale: The upward car overspeed protection device (typically a mechanical
or electronic safety) is specifically required to arrest upward movement that
could result from counterweight jamming. The overspeed governor (A) primarily
acts downward; buffers (B) absorb impact; terminal stopping devices (D) limit
normal travel, not emergency overspeed.
Question 3
What is the maximum allowable gap between the car door and the hoistway door
sill under ASME A17.1?
A. 1/4 inch
B. 3/8 inch
C. 1/2 inch
D. 3/4 inch
Answer: C. 1/2 inch
Rationale: The maximum gap is 1/2 inch (13 mm) to prevent fingers or objects
from being caught. While 1/4 inch is tighter, it is not the maximum; 3/8 inch is
below the limit but not the maximum; 3/4 inch exceeds the allowable standard.
Question 4
In a traction elevator, what is the minimum number of suspension ropes or belts
required?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6
Answer: B. 3
Rationale: ASME A17.1 mandates a minimum of three suspension ropes or belts
,for traction elevators to provide redundancy. Two ropes (A) are insufficient; four
(C) or six (D) may be used but are not the minimum.
Question 5
What is the primary function of the buffer at the bottom of the hoistway?
A. To stop the car during normal operation
B. To absorb kinetic energy during an overspeed or terminal stop
C. To guide the car during travel
D. To counterbalance the car weight
Answer: B. To absorb kinetic energy during an overspeed or terminal stop
Rationale: Buffers are energy-absorbing devices designed to decelerate the car
or counterweight if it travels beyond the normal terminal limits. They do not
function during normal stops (A), guiding (C), or counterbalancing (D).
Question 6
Which type of buffer is permitted for elevators with a rated speed above 200
ft/min?
A. Spring buffer
B. Oil buffer
C. Rubber buffer
D. Solid buffer
Answer: B. Oil buffer
Rationale: Oil buffers (hydraulic) are required for speeds above 200 ft/min
because they provide controlled deceleration. Spring buffers (A) are limited to
speeds ≤ 200 ft/min; rubber (C) and solid (D) buffers are not permitted as
primary safety buffers per code.
Question 7
What is the minimum illumination level required inside the elevator car during
, normal operation?
A. 2 foot-candles
B. 5 foot-candles
C. 10 foot-candles
D. 20 foot-candles
Answer: B. 5 foot-candles
Rationale: ASME A17.1 requires a minimum of 5 foot-candles (54 lux) at the car
floor level during normal operation. Two foot-candles (A) is too low; 10 and 20
(C, D) exceed the minimum but are not mandated.
Question 8
The governor rope tension weight should be suspended at what minimum
distance from the pit floor when the car is at the bottom landing?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
Answer: B. 12 inches
Rationale: The tension weight must have at least 12 inches (305 mm) clearance
from the pit floor to prevent it from bottoming out and losing governor function.
Six inches (A) is inadequate; 18 and 24 (C, D) are not specified as minimums.
Question 9
What is the maximum permissible variation in brake lining thickness between the
two shoes of a drum brake?
A. 1/16 inch
B. 1/8 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 3/8 inch
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
Question 1
What is the minimum required overhead clearance above the car crosshead when
the car is at the top terminal landing, measured from the highest point of the car
or its equipment to the overhead structure?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: B. 24 inches
Rationale: ASME A17.1/CSA B44 requires a minimum overhead clearance of 24
inches (610 mm) above the car crosshead or any car-mounted equipment when
the car is at its uppermost position. This clearance ensures safe space for
maintenance and prevents crushing hazards. Option A is insufficient, C and D
exceed the minimum but are not the standard requirement.
Question 2
Which device is designed to prevent the elevator car from moving upward if the
counterweight becomes wedged in the overhead?
A. Overspeed governor
B. Buffers
,C. Upward car overspeed protection device
D. Final terminal stopping device
Answer: C. Upward car overspeed protection device
Rationale: The upward car overspeed protection device (typically a mechanical
or electronic safety) is specifically required to arrest upward movement that
could result from counterweight jamming. The overspeed governor (A) primarily
acts downward; buffers (B) absorb impact; terminal stopping devices (D) limit
normal travel, not emergency overspeed.
Question 3
What is the maximum allowable gap between the car door and the hoistway door
sill under ASME A17.1?
A. 1/4 inch
B. 3/8 inch
C. 1/2 inch
D. 3/4 inch
Answer: C. 1/2 inch
Rationale: The maximum gap is 1/2 inch (13 mm) to prevent fingers or objects
from being caught. While 1/4 inch is tighter, it is not the maximum; 3/8 inch is
below the limit but not the maximum; 3/4 inch exceeds the allowable standard.
Question 4
In a traction elevator, what is the minimum number of suspension ropes or belts
required?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6
Answer: B. 3
Rationale: ASME A17.1 mandates a minimum of three suspension ropes or belts
,for traction elevators to provide redundancy. Two ropes (A) are insufficient; four
(C) or six (D) may be used but are not the minimum.
Question 5
What is the primary function of the buffer at the bottom of the hoistway?
A. To stop the car during normal operation
B. To absorb kinetic energy during an overspeed or terminal stop
C. To guide the car during travel
D. To counterbalance the car weight
Answer: B. To absorb kinetic energy during an overspeed or terminal stop
Rationale: Buffers are energy-absorbing devices designed to decelerate the car
or counterweight if it travels beyond the normal terminal limits. They do not
function during normal stops (A), guiding (C), or counterbalancing (D).
Question 6
Which type of buffer is permitted for elevators with a rated speed above 200
ft/min?
A. Spring buffer
B. Oil buffer
C. Rubber buffer
D. Solid buffer
Answer: B. Oil buffer
Rationale: Oil buffers (hydraulic) are required for speeds above 200 ft/min
because they provide controlled deceleration. Spring buffers (A) are limited to
speeds ≤ 200 ft/min; rubber (C) and solid (D) buffers are not permitted as
primary safety buffers per code.
Question 7
What is the minimum illumination level required inside the elevator car during
, normal operation?
A. 2 foot-candles
B. 5 foot-candles
C. 10 foot-candles
D. 20 foot-candles
Answer: B. 5 foot-candles
Rationale: ASME A17.1 requires a minimum of 5 foot-candles (54 lux) at the car
floor level during normal operation. Two foot-candles (A) is too low; 10 and 20
(C, D) exceed the minimum but are not mandated.
Question 8
The governor rope tension weight should be suspended at what minimum
distance from the pit floor when the car is at the bottom landing?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
Answer: B. 12 inches
Rationale: The tension weight must have at least 12 inches (305 mm) clearance
from the pit floor to prevent it from bottoming out and losing governor function.
Six inches (A) is inadequate; 18 and 24 (C, D) are not specified as minimums.
Question 9
What is the maximum permissible variation in brake lining thickness between the
two shoes of a drum brake?
A. 1/16 inch
B. 1/8 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 3/8 inch
