UTAH ELEVATOR MECHANIC EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*Core Domains*
*• Hoistway Structures*
*• Pit and Machine Room Safety*
*• Electrical Theory and Wiring*
*• Hydraulics and Pneumatics*
*• ASME A17.1 Safety Codes*
*• Governor and Safety Systems*
*• Doors and Interlocks*
*• Maintenance and Troubleshooting*
*Introduction*
*This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the proficiency and technical
readiness of candidates seeking licensure as elevator mechanics in the state of Utah.
The exam focuses on a rigorous blend of theoretical knowledge and practical
application, ensuring that mechanics can navigate the complexities of modern
conveyance systems safely and efficiently. Through a series of multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions, candidates are assessed on their understanding of
regulatory compliance, mechanical systems, and electrical logic. Emphasis is placed
on real-world decision-making and the critical application of ASME safety standards to
protect the public and maintenance personnel.*
SECTION ONE
1. What is the maximum allowable distance between the car sill and the landing sill
according to ASME A17.1?
A. 1 inch B. 1.25 inches C. 1.5 inches D. 2 inches
C. 1.5 inches
, Explanation: Safety codes specify that the clearance between the car platform sill and
the hoistway edge or landing sill must be no more than 1.5 inches to prevent tripping
hazards or objects falling into the hoistway.
2. A mechanic is performing a pressure test on a hydraulic elevator. If the system
pressure exceeds the working pressure by 50%, which component is primarily
responsible for preventing a rupture?
A. The check valve B. The blowout valve C. The relief valve D. The scavenging valve
C. The relief valve
Explanation: The relief valve is designed to bypass oil back to the tank if the pressure
exceeds a specific set point, typically 125% to 150% of working pressure, to prevent system
failure.
3. Which of the following electrical components is used to store an electrical charge?
A. Resistor B. Transistor C. Inductor D. Capacitor
D. Capacitor
Explanation: A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electronic component that stores
electrical energy in an electric field, often used for filtering or power factor correction in
elevator controllers.
4. When measuring the tension of hoist ropes, what is the maximum allowable
deviation between the most and least tense ropes?
A. 5% B. 10% C. 15% D. 20%
B. 10%
Explanation: ASME standards require that hoist rope tension be equalized within a 10%
margin of the average tension to ensure even wear on the drive sheave and consistent
performance.
5. What is the primary purpose of a "buffer" located in the elevator pit?
A. To stop a car traveling at normal speed B. To provide a cushioned stop for a descending
car that overtravels the bottom landing C. To prevent the car from hitting the overhead
beams D. To support the car during maintenance
B. To provide a cushioned stop for a descending car that overtravels the bottom landing
Explanation: Buffers are safety devices designed to absorb the kinetic energy of a car or
counterweight that moves beyond its normal limit of travel at the bottom of the hoistway.
6. In a three-phase AC motor, what happens if two of the three phases are swapped?
,A. The motor will burn out B. The motor will run at half speed C. The motor will reverse
direction D. The motor will not start
C. The motor will reverse direction
Explanation: Swapping any two leads in a three-phase system reverses the phase
sequence, which in turn reverses the direction of the magnetic field and the rotation of the
motor.
7. A mechanic observes "rouging" on a set of wire ropes. What does this usually
indicate?
A. Lack of lubrication and internal friction B. Excessive moisture in the hoistway C. Chemical
contamination D. Over-lubrication
A. Lack of lubrication and internal friction
Explanation: Rouging is the appearance of red dust (iron oxide) on the surface of wire
ropes, signifying that the internal wires are rubbing together without sufficient lubrication,
causing fretting corrosion.
8. What is the required minimum overhead clearance for a car in the top of the
hoistway when the buffer is fully compressed?
A. 1 foot B. 2 feet C. 3.5 feet D. 5 feet
B. 2 feet
Explanation: Code requires a minimum refuge space, often calculated to at least 2 feet of
clearance, to ensure a technician on the car top is not crushed if the car overtravels into the
overhead.
9. Which type of safety is required for an elevator with a rated speed of 150 feet per
minute (fpm)?
A. Type A B. Type B C. Type C D. Type D
B. Type B
Explanation: Type A safeties are generally for speeds under 150 fpm (instantaneous),
while Type B safeties (gradual wedge or flexible guide clamp) are required for higher speeds
to decelerate the car smoothly.
10. A "Step Level" switch on an escalator is designed to detect:
A. Over-speeding B. Handrail slippage C. A step that has dropped or sagged D. Obstructions
at the combplate
C. A step that has dropped or sagged
, Explanation: The step level switch is a safety device that stops the escalator if a step
drops below its normal path, preventing it from crashing into the combplate or causing
passenger injury.
11. What is the standard voltage used for most elevator control circuits in the United
States?
A. 12V DC B. 120V AC C. 240V AC D. 480V AC
B. 120V AC
Explanation: While DC and low-voltage AC are used for logic, the standard industry
control circuit voltage for relays and switches has traditionally been 110-120V AC for
reliability and compatibility.
12. The "top-of-car" operating device must include which of the following?
A. A telephone B. An emergency stop switch C. A floor selector knob D. A load weighing
bypass
B. An emergency stop switch
Explanation: Safety regulations mandate that a car-top station must have an emergency
stop switch that, when activated, disconnects power to the motor and applies the brake to
protect the mechanic.
13. How often must a Category 1 inspection (annual) be performed on a traction
elevator?
A. Every 6 months B. Every 12 months C. Every 3 years D. Every 5 years
B. Every 12 months
Explanation: Category 1 tests are the annual routine inspections and tests required by
ASME A17.1 to ensure the ongoing safety and functionality of the elevator system.
14. What does the term "Governor Tripping Speed" refer to?
A. The speed at which the car is designed to travel B. The speed at which the car is leveled C.
The speed at which the governor mechanically engages the safety ropes D. The speed at
which the buffer is struck
C. The speed at which the governor mechanically engages the safety ropes
Explanation: The governor tripping speed is a set velocity (higher than the rated speed)
at which the governor grips the cable to trigger the car safeties during an overspeed
condition.
15. When working in a pit that has been flooded, what is the first priority?
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*Core Domains*
*• Hoistway Structures*
*• Pit and Machine Room Safety*
*• Electrical Theory and Wiring*
*• Hydraulics and Pneumatics*
*• ASME A17.1 Safety Codes*
*• Governor and Safety Systems*
*• Doors and Interlocks*
*• Maintenance and Troubleshooting*
*Introduction*
*This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the proficiency and technical
readiness of candidates seeking licensure as elevator mechanics in the state of Utah.
The exam focuses on a rigorous blend of theoretical knowledge and practical
application, ensuring that mechanics can navigate the complexities of modern
conveyance systems safely and efficiently. Through a series of multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions, candidates are assessed on their understanding of
regulatory compliance, mechanical systems, and electrical logic. Emphasis is placed
on real-world decision-making and the critical application of ASME safety standards to
protect the public and maintenance personnel.*
SECTION ONE
1. What is the maximum allowable distance between the car sill and the landing sill
according to ASME A17.1?
A. 1 inch B. 1.25 inches C. 1.5 inches D. 2 inches
C. 1.5 inches
, Explanation: Safety codes specify that the clearance between the car platform sill and
the hoistway edge or landing sill must be no more than 1.5 inches to prevent tripping
hazards or objects falling into the hoistway.
2. A mechanic is performing a pressure test on a hydraulic elevator. If the system
pressure exceeds the working pressure by 50%, which component is primarily
responsible for preventing a rupture?
A. The check valve B. The blowout valve C. The relief valve D. The scavenging valve
C. The relief valve
Explanation: The relief valve is designed to bypass oil back to the tank if the pressure
exceeds a specific set point, typically 125% to 150% of working pressure, to prevent system
failure.
3. Which of the following electrical components is used to store an electrical charge?
A. Resistor B. Transistor C. Inductor D. Capacitor
D. Capacitor
Explanation: A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electronic component that stores
electrical energy in an electric field, often used for filtering or power factor correction in
elevator controllers.
4. When measuring the tension of hoist ropes, what is the maximum allowable
deviation between the most and least tense ropes?
A. 5% B. 10% C. 15% D. 20%
B. 10%
Explanation: ASME standards require that hoist rope tension be equalized within a 10%
margin of the average tension to ensure even wear on the drive sheave and consistent
performance.
5. What is the primary purpose of a "buffer" located in the elevator pit?
A. To stop a car traveling at normal speed B. To provide a cushioned stop for a descending
car that overtravels the bottom landing C. To prevent the car from hitting the overhead
beams D. To support the car during maintenance
B. To provide a cushioned stop for a descending car that overtravels the bottom landing
Explanation: Buffers are safety devices designed to absorb the kinetic energy of a car or
counterweight that moves beyond its normal limit of travel at the bottom of the hoistway.
6. In a three-phase AC motor, what happens if two of the three phases are swapped?
,A. The motor will burn out B. The motor will run at half speed C. The motor will reverse
direction D. The motor will not start
C. The motor will reverse direction
Explanation: Swapping any two leads in a three-phase system reverses the phase
sequence, which in turn reverses the direction of the magnetic field and the rotation of the
motor.
7. A mechanic observes "rouging" on a set of wire ropes. What does this usually
indicate?
A. Lack of lubrication and internal friction B. Excessive moisture in the hoistway C. Chemical
contamination D. Over-lubrication
A. Lack of lubrication and internal friction
Explanation: Rouging is the appearance of red dust (iron oxide) on the surface of wire
ropes, signifying that the internal wires are rubbing together without sufficient lubrication,
causing fretting corrosion.
8. What is the required minimum overhead clearance for a car in the top of the
hoistway when the buffer is fully compressed?
A. 1 foot B. 2 feet C. 3.5 feet D. 5 feet
B. 2 feet
Explanation: Code requires a minimum refuge space, often calculated to at least 2 feet of
clearance, to ensure a technician on the car top is not crushed if the car overtravels into the
overhead.
9. Which type of safety is required for an elevator with a rated speed of 150 feet per
minute (fpm)?
A. Type A B. Type B C. Type C D. Type D
B. Type B
Explanation: Type A safeties are generally for speeds under 150 fpm (instantaneous),
while Type B safeties (gradual wedge or flexible guide clamp) are required for higher speeds
to decelerate the car smoothly.
10. A "Step Level" switch on an escalator is designed to detect:
A. Over-speeding B. Handrail slippage C. A step that has dropped or sagged D. Obstructions
at the combplate
C. A step that has dropped or sagged
, Explanation: The step level switch is a safety device that stops the escalator if a step
drops below its normal path, preventing it from crashing into the combplate or causing
passenger injury.
11. What is the standard voltage used for most elevator control circuits in the United
States?
A. 12V DC B. 120V AC C. 240V AC D. 480V AC
B. 120V AC
Explanation: While DC and low-voltage AC are used for logic, the standard industry
control circuit voltage for relays and switches has traditionally been 110-120V AC for
reliability and compatibility.
12. The "top-of-car" operating device must include which of the following?
A. A telephone B. An emergency stop switch C. A floor selector knob D. A load weighing
bypass
B. An emergency stop switch
Explanation: Safety regulations mandate that a car-top station must have an emergency
stop switch that, when activated, disconnects power to the motor and applies the brake to
protect the mechanic.
13. How often must a Category 1 inspection (annual) be performed on a traction
elevator?
A. Every 6 months B. Every 12 months C. Every 3 years D. Every 5 years
B. Every 12 months
Explanation: Category 1 tests are the annual routine inspections and tests required by
ASME A17.1 to ensure the ongoing safety and functionality of the elevator system.
14. What does the term "Governor Tripping Speed" refer to?
A. The speed at which the car is designed to travel B. The speed at which the car is leveled C.
The speed at which the governor mechanically engages the safety ropes D. The speed at
which the buffer is struck
C. The speed at which the governor mechanically engages the safety ropes
Explanation: The governor tripping speed is a set velocity (higher than the rated speed)
at which the governor grips the cable to trigger the car safeties during an overspeed
condition.
15. When working in a pit that has been flooded, what is the first priority?
