Elevator Mechanic Exam

Hydraulic Elevator Systems Practice Questions

140 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Elevator Mechanic Exam.

Master Hydraulic Elevator Systems to boost your score on the Elevator Mechanic Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 140 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.

  1. Q1.In a direct-acting hydraulic elevator, the jack is located:

    A.In the machine room, connected to the car by ropes
    B.Directly beneath the car in the pit, pushing the car up from below
    C.On the side of the hoistway, connected by a roping system
    D.Beneath the counterweight
    BDirectly beneath the car in the pit, pushing the car up from below

    Explanation: A direct-acting (holeless or in-ground) hydraulic elevator uses a single-acting cylinder (jack) installed directly beneath the car. The pressurized hydraulic fluid extends the plunger upward, lifting the car. Descent is controlled by releasing fluid back into the reservoir through the control valve. Holeless hydraulic systems use a telescoping jack that doesn't require an underground casing.

    Join 1,000+ users passing the Elevator Mechanic

  2. Q2.A hydraulic elevator car slowly lowers (drifts) by itself when stopped at a floor. The MOST likely cause is:

    A.Overloaded counterweight
    B.Leaking down valve or internal cylinder leak allowing fluid to bypass
    C.Low motor voltage
    D.Loose hoist rope
    BLeaking down valve or internal cylinder leak allowing fluid to bypass

    Explanation: Slow drift (downward creep) in a stopped hydraulic elevator is typically caused by a leaking down (lowering) valve that doesn't fully close, allowing fluid to slowly return to the reservoir. It can also be caused by an internal cylinder seal leak or a leaking check valve. This is a maintenance concern — excessive drift can cause a re-leveling issue or floor sill height non-compliance.

    Join 1,000+ users passing the Elevator Mechanic

  3. Q3.The pressure relief valve on a hydraulic elevator power unit is set to:

    A.The normal operating pressure required to lift the rated load
    B.125–150% of the working pressure, to prevent excessive pressure buildup
    C.The minimum pressure needed to hold the car at rest
    D.Whatever the pump manufacturer specifies, regardless of load
    B125–150% of the working pressure, to prevent excessive pressure buildup

    Explanation: The pressure relief valve (PRV) is a safety device that opens if system pressure exceeds a set point — typically 125–150% of the normal working pressure. This prevents damage to the cylinder, fittings, and pump unit from over-pressurization. The PRV must be checked and verified as part of periodic maintenance. It must not be used as a flow control device.

    Join 1,000+ users passing the Elevator Mechanic

Want all 800 questions?

Download VoltExam — $99.99 Lifetime

Offline access, 800+ questions, built-in calculators. One-time unlock, no subscription.

Download on the App Store

More Elevator Mechanic Exam Topics