Elevator Mechanic Practice Exam

What is the minimum wire size used inside travelers?

1. #10awg

2. #12awg

3. #20awg

4. #24awg

The correct answer is: #10awg

The minimum wire size typically used inside travelers in elevator systems is #12 AWG. This size is chosen to ensure adequate current carrying capacity and to minimize voltage drop, which is especially important due to the potential length of the wire runs in traveler applications. Proper wire sizing is critical in maintaining the performance and safety of the elevator system. While #10 AWG is a larger wire size that could theoretically be used, it exceeds the minimum requirement. The elevation standards often dictate specific minimum sizes based on the load and expected usage, making #12 AWG the appropriate minimum size for reliable function while meeting safety regulations. The smaller sizes, such as #20 and #24 AWG, would not only fail to meet the minimum requirements but also risk overheating and malfunctioning under load.