Elevator Mechanic Practice Exam

The primary step when preparing to replace a resistor on an out-of-service elevator car is to ensure proper safety protocols are followed, which includes Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and verifying that there is no voltage present in the system. This is critical because safety is the top priority in any maintenance operation, especially when dealing with electrical components. Before any maintenance work can proceed, confirming that the system is completely de-energized and secured against accidental activation is necessary to prevent electrical shocks or other hazardous situations.

Checking the car's service history, while useful for understanding past issues and maintenance patterns, does not address the immediate safety concerns that precede any physical work on the elevator equipment. Additionally, inspecting the resistor or ordering a replacement resistor can occur only after ensuring that safety protocols have been effectively put in place. Therefore, the most logical and safe first step is to guarantee that the equipment is properly tagged and de-energized.