Elevator Mechanic Exam
Traction Elevator Systems Practice Questions
160 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Elevator Mechanic Exam.
Master Traction 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 160 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
Q1.In a geared traction elevator, the hoist ropes are driven by:
A.A hydraulic cylinder pushing the car upB.A sheave (pulley) connected to a motor through a worm gear reducerC.A chain drive connected directly to the motorD.A rack-and-pinion gear attached to the guide railsB. A sheave (pulley) connected to a motor through a worm gear reducerExplanation: Geared traction elevators use a motor connected through a worm gear or helical gear reducer to a drive sheave. The hoist ropes wrap around the sheave and support the car and counterweight. The gear reducer allows a smaller, faster motor to develop sufficient torque. Gearless traction elevators connect the motor directly to the drive sheave, requiring a larger, slower motor but offering quieter, more efficient operation at higher speeds.
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Q2.What is the primary purpose of a counterweight in a traction elevator?
A.To apply tension to the hoist ropesB.To offset the weight of the car and partial load, reducing the motor's workC.To slow the car in an emergencyD.To maintain rope tension regardless of loadB. To offset the weight of the car and partial load, reducing the motor's workExplanation: The counterweight balances the weight of the empty car plus approximately 40–50% of the rated load. This significantly reduces the net load the motor must lift, improving energy efficiency. The counterweight travels in the opposite direction of the car — when the car goes up, the counterweight goes down and vice versa, with both sides of the rope on the drive sheave.
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Q3.The Elevator Industry Field Employees' Safety Handbook requires mechanics to use LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) before:
A.Answering a service callB.Performing any maintenance that exposes them to unexpected energization or movementC.Conducting a routine performance testD.Entering the machine roomB. Performing any maintenance that exposes them to unexpected energization or movementExplanation: OSHA's Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) and ASME A17.1 both require LOTO procedures before performing maintenance that could expose a worker to injury from unexpected startup or movement. This includes de-energizing and locking out main power, testing for zero energy, and applying personal locks before any maintenance work begins.
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