Elevator Mechanic Exam Review
Questions and Answers with Complete
Solutions
A contractor wants to raise the car speed from 100fpm to 125fpm, it currently has a 12″ sheave.
What sheave is required? ✔✔Diam=12″ 12/4=3″ 25fpm=3″ 100fpm + 25fpm= 12″+3″= 15″
sheave
A MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) burns out. You replace it, but cannot read voltage or resistance.
What should you do? ✔✔Replace it with a larger MOV
On a Ward-Leonard circuit the break is set, but the motor is trying to slip through the break.
What is the issue? ✔✔Suicide Circuit
You have an old DC motor and are adding an SCR drive, what do you do to the interpoles?
✔✔Leave the interpoles alone. When adding a SCR drive to the generator, the series loop is
removed, as are the 3 resistors. Everything else remains the same
A hydro runs up with no load, but will not run with a full load. What is the issue? ✔✔The relief
valve is set too low

Runby for a 1:1 hits the CWT buffer 4″ below the top landing. CWT runby should be set at 18″.
How much should the ropes be shortened? ✔✔22″
You need to work on a freight door retiring cam, you LOTO the main line but there is still power
on the cam. What circuit is still hot? ✔✔Door Operator Disconnect/ Main Line Disconnect
The contractor requests that the vertical center of a Rack and Pinion hoist be moved. How do you
do this? ✔✔Adjust Tie Downs and Wall Ties
Working pressure on a Hydro is 400psi. What is the maximum relief valve setting? ✔✔400psi x
150%= 600psi
What must be installed on a false car before operation? ✔✔Spring Loaded Safeties.
There is slight arcing between the brush and commutator. What action must be taken? ✔✔None.
Heavy arcing=Light brush pressure. Heavy bush pressure=mechanical wear

If rigging gear is roped 3:1 and a BEAM CLAMP is used to lift a 6,000lb load. What is the beam
capacity? ✔✔18,000lbs. Beam capacity is cut in half with use of clamp, when rigging all blocks,
rope, and clamps will be Equal to the lowest load rating
How much resistance is measured over a normally closed switch? ✔✔1.2ohms. should be zero,
but will never be that low
A car traveling in the hoistway always stops at the same spot and blows a fuse. What causes this?
✔✔Traveling cable has a cut/exposed wire or a short
How is a class 1 yearly buffer test preformed? ✔✔Car at bottom landing and on inspection, jump
out direction and final limits. With pit clear, run down to compress buffers, buffers should fully
extend within 90 seconds.
5yr: Full load Full speed
CWT: Full speed Empty
How many strain supports are required on a 350ft raceway? ✔✔4. 1 every 100ft
How is stainless steel drilled out? ✔✔Slow speed and constant pressure

What is the required amount of retainer clips for wedge shackles and what is the spacing?
✔✔Minimum 2 clips. 1st at a maximum 4x the diameter of the rope
2nd at a maximum 8x the diameter above the 1st clip
A 300ohm resistor burns out, but you don’t have another one. How can you make one? ✔✔2
600ohm resistors in parallel is 300ohms. Resistance is half of highest resistor in parallel circuit.
3 225ohm resistors in parallel is 75ohms.
When cutting laminated panels, which direction should the finish side face? ✔✔Finish side
facing the cutting edge of the tool. Blade will burr the backside
How do you cut a finished floor? ✔✔Cutting blade away from finished side
A 480vac stepdown 240vac transformer is connected to a 3 phase rectifier, what is the output
voltage? ✔✔320vac
3 phase full wave = 1.33x output voltage
A car is loaded with 125% and sinks, why? ✔✔Slipping through the break

Elevator Mechanic Exam Latest 2023
Already Passed
Which relay do you need to Order
710 Pg, 7 ✔✔A Latching relay: Used for call registration,direction selection or as selector relays
Two types are: Set/Rest are electrical and Mechanical Latching relays
Need to know latching relay symbol, Its a box with shaded triangle in lower right hand corner.
Know the formula for RPM
435 Pg. 5 ✔✔RPM = 60 ∙ ƒ ÷ P÷2 =
Step 1. 60 x Frequency (Hz.) =
Step 2. Poles ÷ 2 =
Take answer 1 and ÷ by answer 2 =
Know what a Megger is and what it does

636 Pg. 13 ✔✔If you are referring to a megohm meter, it is a test of the insulation properties of
such things as electric wiring, motor windings and high power antenna mounts.
We use a “megger” or “meg out” electrical wiring and equipment to see if it is shorted to ground
or the frame in any way.
The megger uses much higher voltages to check resistance than a normal Volt-ohm meter.
Minimum resistance is 1 Meg Ohm
Shunt Overloads
425 All Pages ✔✔(1) A parallel connection. (2) A resistive element placed across the terminals
of an armature to bypass a portion of the current. (3) A flexible electrical conductor designed to
conduct current around the mechanical joint between two conductors. (4) The resistive element
(Usually of very low resistance) used in parallel with a DC ammeter movement to bypass a
calibrated portion of the total circuit current.
You are using a Temp Run Box and you get shocked! Why!

520 Pg. 4 ✔✔Bad Ground
Bridal Hitch
128 Pg 17 ✔✔The bridle hitch can consist of two,three, or four single hitches (fig. 3-22), used
together to form a bridle hitch for hoisting an object
A sling with two legs used to lift a 1,000 pound object will have 500 pounds of the load on each
leg when the sling angle is 90 degrees. The load stress on each leg increases as the angle
decreases; and if the sling angle was 30 degrees lifting the same 1,000 pound object, the load
will be 1,000 pounds on each leg. Try to keep all sling angles greater than 45 degrees; sling
angles approaching 30 degrees are considered extremely hazardous and must be avoided at all
cost.
Scaffolding, You have 32′ of rise, you are using 3×5 scaffolding. Where will the tie off points be
?
140 PG. 287-288 ✔✔Scaffolding should be tied to the structure using

9 wire or tie-in devices. The first vertical tie

should be at the maximum height of 4 times the

narrowest base dimension. Additional ties are not
to exceed 26′ vertically. Maximum horizontal
distance between ties is not to exceed 30′.
How much should Counterweight way?
240 Pg. 14 ✔✔Counterweights (Typically) are hung to counter balance the weight of the car
PLUS 40% of Capacity Load.
Pulling Spare Wires (Example) 10% of 52 Wires
515 Pg.26 ✔✔Note: We do not use wire smaller than #20 in travelling cables and #24 outside
travelers.
Largest wires are feeders to Hoist /Pump motor
We always have 10 % spares
10% of 52 = 5.2
On a calculator Multiply the percent 10 by the number you have and ÷ by 100
10 X 52 ÷ 100 = 5.2

Mechanics Exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
** An MOV burns out, you replace it but cannot read voltage or resistance. What should you do?
✔✔Replace it with a larger one (630)

• On a Ward-Leonard circuit, the brake is set but the motor is trying to slip through the brake.
  What circuit is the issue? ✔✔Suicide circuit (425)
  ** A Hydro runs up with no load but does not run up with a full load. What is the issue? ✔✔The
  relief valve is set too low (805)
  ** Runby for a 1:1 car hits the CWT buffer 4″ below the top landing. The CWT runby should be
  set at 18″. How much should the ropes be shortened? ✔✔22″ for 1:1.
  For a 2:1 with the same issue is 44″.
  ** You need to work on a freight door retiring cam. You LOTO the mainline disconnect but
  there is still power to the cam. What circuit is still hot? ✔✔Mainline disconnect (535)

** The contractor requests that the vertical center of the Rack and Pinion hoist be moved. How is
this accomplished? ✔✔Adjust Tie downs/Wall ties (805)
** Working pressure on a Hydro is 400 PSI. What is the correct Relief Valve Setting? ✔✔600
PSI Max. (805)
400 psi x 150% = 600 psi
** A contractor wants to raise the car speed from 100 FPM to 125 FPM. It currently has a 12″
sheave. What size sheave is required? ✔✔15″
(125 /100 = 1.25 1.25 x 12 = 15)
** There is slight arcing at the Brushes and Commutator. What actions must be taken? ✔✔None.
(430)
“Heavy arcing is due to light brush pressure. Mechanical wear indicates heavy brush pressure.
** How much resistance is normally measured across a normally closed switch ? ✔✔1.2 ohms or
1 to 2 ohms

** A car traveling in the hoistway always stops at the same point and blows a fuse. What is the
problem? ✔✔Traveling cable has a cut or short
** How is a Class 1 (yearly) buffer test performed? ✔✔At slow speed and the buffer must return
in 90 seconds. (555) *(60 seconds is acceptable) (90 seconds is code)
5 year test (Class 5) is car at rated load and speed. Buffer must return in 90 seconds. CWT at
rated speed and buffer must return in 90 seconds.
** How many Strain Supports are required on a 350′ raceway? ✔✔4
One for every 100′
** How is Stainless steel drilled out? ✔✔Slow speed and constant pressure (205)
** What are the required amount of clips for Wedge Shackles and what is their spacing? ✔✔At
least 2, with the first being 4 times the diameter of the rope from the top of shackle.
Second is 8 times the diameter of the rope from the first.
** Car is loaded with 125% and sinks. Why? ✔✔Slipped through the brake.

Elevator Mechanic Questions and
Answers Graded A+
ASME ✔✔American Society of Mechanical Engineers
DOSH ✔✔Division of Occupational Safety and Health
LADBS ✔✔Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
Alteration made to conveyance shall comply with ASME A17.1-204 Section ✔✔8.7
The seismic section of ASME A17.1-2004 and alterations made to conveyances must also
comply with this section ✔✔8.4
What must be submitted to the applicable Division Elevator office prior to beginning
construction or alterations on a conveyance
Title 8 Sec 3000 ✔✔Letter of Intent
When shall Category One Tests on conveyances be completed

Title 8 Sec 3141.6 ✔✔Once every 12 months
What shall be provided on all conveyances regardless of the existence of an emergency stop
switch
ASME A17.1-2004
2.27.1.2 ✔✔Audible signaling device
When are Hoistway door unlocking devices on all conveyances required
Title 8 Sec 3141.7
ASME A17.1-2004
2.12.6 ✔✔Prohibited
What section should Group IV platform lifts and stairway chairlifts shall comply with ✔✔ASME
A18.1-2003
When setbacks or projections exceed this number of inches, occur in the enclosure wall, the top
of the setback or projection shall be beveled at an angle not less than 75 degrees with the
horizontal
ASME A17.1-2004

2.1.6 ✔✔4 inches
At what height shall the hoistway enclosure of a Group IV elevator be Unperforated
ASME A17.1-2004
2.1.1.2.2 ✔✔79 inches
For elevators installed after June 5, 1947, there shall be installed in the pit of each elevator where
the pit extends below the sill of the pit access door a fixed vertical ladder. How many inches
below the sill?
ASME A17.1-2004
2.2.4.2 ✔✔35 inches
On a Group IV elevator, what is the minimum pit lighting illumination that should be provided at
the pit floor
ASME A17.1-2004
2.2.5.1 ✔✔10 fc (foot candles)

For Group IV elevators that are not fully enclosed, how high of protection should be provided on
the hoistway sides that are located 59 inches or less from elevator equipment in areas accessible
to other than elevator personnel
ASME A17.1-2004
2.2.1.3 ✔✔94.5 inches
Permanent means shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of what?, in the elevator pit
ASME A17.1-2004
2.2.2.3 ✔✔Water
In place of a sump pump, what else shall be provided on elevators equipped with Firefighters’
Emergency Operation
ASME A17.1-2004
2.2.2.5 ✔✔Drain
On a Group IV elevator, how far shall a pit ladder extend no less than how many inches above
the sill of the access door
ASME A17.1-2004
2.2.4.2 ✔✔48 inches

Mechanic Exam Questions and Answers
Rated A
E=_ ✔✔IR P=_ ✔✔IE
Pie r^2 = ✔✔Area of a circle
231 in^3 /__ ✔✔gal. 25.4mm/ ✔✔in.
2.2kg/ ✔✔lb
3 phase rectifier output = ✔✔1.33 x input
single phase output = ✔✔0.9 x input

RMS (effective voltage) = ✔✔0.707 (PEAK V)
TC = ✔✔R x C (5)???
RPM = ✔✔60 (frequency) / (poles/2)
door overlap minimum = ✔✔5/8″ min
door gaps maximum = ✔✔3/8″ max
Gibs minimum = ✔✔1/4″ min
Gate Switch maximum = ✔✔2″
Passenger Sill to Sill _ to _” ✔✔1/2 to 1-1/2″

Platform Lift Sill _ to ” ✔✔3/8″ to 3/4″
Moving Walk maximum = ✔✔12 degree max
Governors (Car Trip Speed = & Overspeed Switch =) ✔✔Car trip speed 15-20%
greater than contract speed.
Overspeed Switch less than or equal to 90-95% of trip speed
CWT (__%) ✔✔Up to 10% greater than car trip speed
1) A contractor wants to raise the car speed from 100FPM to 125FPM. It currently has a 12″
sheave. What size sheave is required? ✔✔15″
—-Diam = 12, 12″/4=3, 25FPM=3in : 100FPM + 25FPM = 12″+3″ =15″
2) An MOV (metal oxide varistor) burns out. You should replace it, but cannot read the Voltage
or resistance. What should you do? ✔✔Replace it with a larger MOV. (630)

Elevator mechanics exam questions and
answers graded A+
What’s the equation for the volume of the cylinder? ✔✔V (volume)= pi multiplied by R squared
multiplied by the height
Example: radius is 6″ height is 30
V=3.1416•6•6•30
A drill draws a current (I) of 4.5 amps and resistance of 16.0 ohms, how do You find the
power(watts)? ✔✔P=I squared (amps) multipled by R(resistance)
Example:P=4.5•4.5•16.0
4.5•4.5=20.25
20.25•16.0=324
P=324
What is the equation for distance? ✔✔D=R•T
D(distance=R(rate) multiplied by T(time)
What is the equation for pressure? ✔✔pressure = force/area

P(pressure)= F(force) divided by A(area)
What is the equation For voltage? ✔✔E=I•R
voltage (E) = current(I) x resistance(R)
What is the equation for current or amps (i)? ✔✔I=E/R
i (current in Amps)
R=(resistance in ohms)
E(volts)
What is the equation for series voltage? ✔✔Et=E1=E2=E3
ET(total voltage)
What is the equation for series resistance? ✔✔Rt=R1+R2+R3
R=resistance
What is the equation for series current? ✔✔It=i1=i2=i3
it=total current in amps

I=current in amps
How do you calculate resistance of a wire? ✔✔R=P•L/A
R=resistance of the wire
P= resistivity constant of the wire
L=length of the wire
A=cross sectional area of the wire
What is the equation for parallel voltage? ✔✔Et=E1=E2=E3
E=voltage
ET=total voltage
What is the equation for parallel current? ✔✔iT=i1+i2+i3
I=current in amps
iT=total current in amps
What is the equation for parallel resistance? ✔✔RT= 1 divided by 1/R1 + 1/R2 +1/R3
Add each fraction (1/R1-1/R3)

Elevator final exam questions and
answers already passed
Which of the following is a term used to describe a body harness used in conjunction with a
shock absorbing lanyard? ✔✔Personal fall arrest system
A mechanic is working on a construction job, and finds the carpenter using a powder activated
tool to anchor wall track. Of the following, which precaution should the mechanic take?
✔✔Wear hearing protection
Which is the best way to communicate with your coworkers while you are in the machine room
and they are working in the pit? ✔✔Two-way radio
A mechanic hurts their back while lifting a heavy box. A doctor diagnoses a “strain”. What type
of Injury did they sustain? ✔✔Muscle stretched beyond limits
You are about to step to a car top. After activating the top of car stop switch and the inspection
switch, what is the next step to verify that they work? ✔✔Close the hoist way doors and set up a
hall call

What safety device might you encounter in a hydraulic elevator pit? ✔✔Plunger gripper
What is the most serious consequence of incorrect lifting? ✔✔Spinal injury
What is called the “silent killer” ✔✔The counter weight
A mechanic needs to ride on the car top, but a top-of car operating device is not available. What
should the mechanic do? ✔✔Establish communication with a qualified person in the car
You are about to perform routine maintenance on an elevator. After applying a lock and a tag,
what step should you take? ✔✔Verify no power with appropriate test equipment
When does ASME A17.1 require a pit ladder to be installed? ✔✔When pit depth exceeds 35″
A mechanic is taking a trouble call in a dumbwaiter, and realizes he must stand on the car top,
what should the dumbwaiter be equipped with? ✔✔Car safeties

When working around electricity, which of the following safety precautions should be followed?
✔✔Remove jewelry and metal frames glasses
When are elevator constructors permitted to ride inside a 400lb. Capacity dumbwaiter ✔✔They
are not permitted to ride inside any dumbwaiter
Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring adequate lighting at a work site? ✔✔You
Your mechanic asks you to perform a job site inspection and you find a serious OSHA violation.
Who would you notify first? ✔✔Your mechanic
What are the two most common causes of accidents to members of the general public on
elevators? ✔✔Trips and falls, and being struck by the doors
Before shortening a governor rope, what safety steps should be taken? ✔✔LOTO and support
tension sheave
You aren’t sure if a particular hoistway is considered a permit-required confined space. Where
can you find more information? ✔✔OSHA 29 CFR 1926 code

Final Exam Elevator Questions and
Answers Graded A+
wrench used for rail installation ✔✔spud wrench
The minimum clearance form the floor to the suspended ceiling is:
a. 80″
b. 96″
c. 7’3″
d. 8’2″ ✔✔a. 80″
what should you be aware of when removing a cab for replacement?
a. The weight that is to be removed from the ceiling.
b. The original weight and counterbalancing.
c. How much the cab was out of square.
d. Cover the panels so they do not get banged up. ✔✔b. The original weight and
counterbalancing.
When fans are used on modernization jobs for exhausting fumes, what statement is correct?

a. They’re to keep you cool, not for exhausting fumes.
b. They should direct the fumes into the hoistway.
c. They should direct the fumes into the pit.
d. They should direct the fumes to the outside. ✔✔d. They should direct the fumes to the outside.
The star symbol is used on the COP for what?
a. To show where the floor buttons are located.
b. To designate the main floor.
c. To make the door buttons stand out.
d. To show the alarm bell location. ✔✔b. To designate the main floor.
Using a laminate stop strip against the fence on a table saw:
a. Keeps the laminate straight to the blade.
b. Keeps the laminate from lifting off the blade.
c. Keeps the laminate from slipping under the fence.
d. Keeps the laminate from going over the fence. ✔✔c. Keeps the laminate from slipping under
the fence.

The contact adhesives must be __ before final bonding:
a. 85 degrees
b. Dry
c. Wet to touch
d. Cold ✔✔b. Dry
What is the most important piece of equipment you have when using a power saw?
a. Combination blade
b. Safety glasses
c. Wood rule
d. Framing square ✔✔b. safety glasses
When using a circular saw, which of the following is correct?
a. Never start the cut until the blade is turning full RPM
b. The base is not adjustable for cutting depth
c. Circular saw blades range from 10 to 16 inches
d. Remove the retractable guard before cutting ✔✔a. Never start the cut until the blade is turning
full RPM

What is used to make crosscuts on a table saw?
a. Push stick
b. Rip fence
c. Miter gauge
d. Larger Blade ✔✔c. Miter saw
When making crosscuts with a radial arm saw which statement is correct?
a. Push the wood slowly into the blade.
b. Restrain the blade from moving too fast.
c. Rotate and lock the blade parallel to the guide.
d. Adjust the blade 1/4″ above to cutting surface ✔✔b. Restrain the blade from moving too fast
What are the two things a compound mitre saw does best at the same time?
a. moving it around and setting it up is fast.
b. You can cut left and right at the same time.
c. Tilting the blade 45 degrees and pivoting the table 45 degrees gives you a 90 degree square
cut.