BALLAST BS

What is High-Intensity Discharge?

(HID) lamps include mercury vapor, metal halide, and high and low pressure sodium. In the mercury vapor lamp, an electric arc is passed through high pressure mercury vapor, which causes it to produce both ultraviolet light and visible light, primarily in the blue-green band. For improved color rendition, various phosphors can be applied to the inside of the lamp to produce more light in the yellow and red bands. Mercury lamps have a moderately high efficacy, in the range of 30 lm/w to 50 lm/w, depending on the voltage and the type of color correction included.

What is Noise Reduction?

(NR) the arithmetic difference, in decibels, between the intensity levels in two rooms separated by a barrier of a given transmission loss. Noise reduction is dependent on the transmission loss of the barrier, the area of the barrier, and the absorption of the surfaces of the receiving room.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

(SBS) describes a condition in which building occupants experience a variety of health-related symptoms that cannot be directly linked to any particular cause. Generally, symptoms disappear after the occupants leave the building. Symptoms may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; dry mucous membranes and skin; erythema (redness of the skin); mental fatigue and headache; respiratory infections and cough; hoarseness of voice and wheezing; hypersensitivity reactions; and nausea and dizziness.

What are External Load Dominated Buildings?

(also known as skin-load dominated buildings) Are those whose energy use is determined mainly by heat loss or gain through the exterior envelope (or skin). These types of buildings generally have few occupants per unit area and a small amount of heat gain from lighting, equipment, and people. Examples of these types of buildings include houses, apartments, condominiums, and warehouses.

What components do nearly all solar heating systems have?

- Solar Collector - Storage Tank - Associated piping to move the fluids - A backup heater

What does a basic electric circuit consist of ?

- a conductor - the actual flow of electrons (current) - an electrical potential difference to cause the electrons to move (voltage) - Some type of resistance to the flow of electrons.

What are the three type of artificial light sources?

-Incandescent -Fluorescent -High-Intensity Discharge

What are the four main stages of a products life? (LCA)

-Raw Material Acquisition -Manufacturing -Use and Maintenance -Disposal

How much area should be allocated for a mechanical space given the building is medium to large size using an all-water?

1 - 3% of building footprint *room needs to be 12-18 feet high

What two purposes do plumbing vents serve?

1) Allow sewage gases to escape 2) Alleviate built up pressure

What are the four basic causes of poor indoor air quality?

1) Chemical contaminants from indoor sources 2) Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources 3) Biological contaminants 4) Poor ventilation

Why are Air Barriers important?

1) It conserves energy by conditioning unwanted infiltrating air until it meets indoor requirements and preventing conditioned indoor air from being lost to exfiltration. 2) It blocks out infiltrating air, which may contain pollutants. 3) By controlling air movement an air barrier helps minimize the migration of moisture, which can condense and contribute to mold growth and degradation of building materials.

What are the four factors that affect the amount of absorption of a porous type of sound absorber?

1) Material's thickness 2) Material's density 3) Material's porosity 4) the orientation of the fibers in the material. A porous sound absorber should be composed of open, interconnected voids.

What are the three required conditions needed for mold spores to grow?

1) Moisture 2) A Nutrient 3) A temperature range from 40°F to 100°F. *Nutrients are simply organic materials - which can include wood, carpet, the paper coating of gypsum wallboard, paint, wallpaper, insulation, and ceiling tile. The only way to prevent mold since nutrients are prevalent everywhere is to prevent moisture.

What are the four plastic types used for cold water piping?

1) PE polyethylene 2) ABS acrilylonitrile-butadiene styrene 3) PVC polyvinyl chloride 4) PVDC polyvinyl dichloride Of these, only PVDC is suitable for hotwater

What are the three primary ways sound can be controlled?

1) Reducing the level of the sound source 2) Modifying the absorption in the space 3) Introducing non-intrusive background sound to mask the sound.

What are the three types of Rigid Steel Conduit?

1) Rigid Steel Conduit - the heaviest and is connected to junction boxes and other devises with threaded fittings. 2) Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) has thinner walls but the same outside diameter as rigid steel conduit. 3) Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) is the lightest of the three and is installed with special pressure fittings because it is too thin to thread. It is easier and faster to install but cannot be used in hazardous areas.

What are the 3 classifications of Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

1) Sick Building Syndrome 2) Building-Related Illnesses 3) Multiple Chemical Sensitivities *Problems with asbestos, lead, and radon are serious, long-term problems and are generally not grouped with these three classifications.

What are the three different types of equipment that a indirect or direct water heating system could use?

1) Storage Tank - the same tank is used to both heat the water and store for used. 2) Tankless System - Water is quickly heated as it is needed and sent to where it is needed. 3) Circulating System - the water is heated in one place and stored in a separate tank until it is needed.

What are the three grades of Copper?

1) Type K - has the greatest thickness and comes in straight lengths (hard temper) or in coils (soft temper). 2) Type L - has thinner walls than Type K and also comes in straight lengths or coils. It is the grade most commonly used for the majority of the plumbing system in a building. 3) Type M - is the thinnest of the three types and is available in straight lengths (hard temper) only. It is only used where low pressure is involved, such as branch supply lines, chilled water systems, exposed lines in heating systems, and drainage piping.

What are the four types of sprinkler systems?

1) Wet-pipe system 2) Dry-pipe system 3) Preaction 4) Deluge

What are the three basic qualities of sound?

1) velocity 2) frequency 3) power

What is the heating value, generally, for natural gas?

1,050 btu/ft³

What is the minimum slop on a roof for drainage?

1.5%

What is Noise Insulation Class?

(NIC) a single-number rating of noise reduction

What are the four classes of fire extinguishers?

*These classes correspond to the four fire types. Type A - Involve ordinary combustibles of paper, wood, and cloth. Fire extinguishers for these fires contain water or water-based agents. Type B - Fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, solvents, and paints. Extinguishers contain smothering types of chemicals like carbon dioxide, foam, and halogenated agents. Type C - Fires involve electrical equipment, and the corresponding extinguisher contains nonconductive agents. Type D - Fires involve combustible metals.

What should an average absorption coefficient of a room be?

0.20

What are the four broad categories for maintaining good indoor air quality?

1) Eliminate or reduce the sources of pollution 2) Control the ventilation of the building 3) Establish good maintenance procedures 4) Control occupant activity as it affects IAQ

What are the four basic types of fire detection devices?

1) Ionization detector 2) Photoelectric detectors 3) Rise-of-temperature detectors 4) Flame detectors

What is the typical slope range of a gutter?

1/16 in/ft - 1/2 in/ft

What is the minimum distance a leaching field should be from a building?

10 ft

What is the wavelength spectrum of visual light?

400nm - 700 nm (violet to red light)

What is the maximum allowed pressure in a buildings plumbing system regarding fixtures?

45 - 60 psi *Therefore, the maximum height of a zone is 60 divided by 0.434 psi, or about 138 ft. Beyond this, pressure-reducing valves are required.

How much of a building must use salvaged, refurbished, or reused materials, products, and furnishings to receive LEED credit?

5% of the total of all building materials *10% gets additional credit

What is the minimum distance a septic tank should be from a well?

50 ft

What is an Economizer Cycle?

A HVAC system that uses outdoor air when it is cool enough to mix with recirculated indoor air. This reduces the energy required for refrigeration and is useful when the outdoor air temperature is about 60°F.

What is Plastic Lumber?

A wood-plastic composite that is a mixture of recycled plastic resin (usually polyethylene) combined with wood fiber, which can be recycled material. It is commonly used for decking, fencing, and other outdoor applications as it does not rot, absorb water, or crack and can be worked with standard woodworking saws and carbide blades.

What is The Visible Light Transmittance?

Also known as VLT, is the percentage of light that passes through a glazing material.

What Class of Ballast would be appropriate for a library?

Class A (highest rating for silent ballast) *Class F is the suitable for noisy environments.

When is the Winter Solstice?

December 21st Maximum tilt and shortest day of the year.

IF the surface is perpendicular to the direction of the source, the illumination is determined by the formula....

E = I / d²

What tree is more effective blocking wind, deciduous or evergreen?

Evergreen Evergreens should certainly be used for blocking winter winds.

How are frequencies generally measured? (in regards to sound)

For convenience, measurement and analysis is often divided into eight octave frequency bands identified by the center frequency. These are 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz.

How much sound intensity will a hairline crack convey in a partition?

Generally 6 dB

What is a Low-Pressure Sodium Lamps?

Have an even higher efficacy about 150 lm/W, but produce a monochromatic light of a deep yellow color. Therefore, they are suitable only for uses where color rendition is not important, such as street lighting.

What is a Downfeed System?

If the building is too tall for an upfeed system of the water main does not have enough pressure then water from the main is pumped to storage tanks near the top of the building or at the top of the zone served and flows by gravity to the fixtures.

What does it mean when someone says a light is 3100K?

It is a rating based on the temperature in degrees to which a black-body radiator would have to be heated to produce that color. In this instance 3100K would be a warm white light.

What is a Pressure Relief Valve?

Safety devises designed to open when pressure exceeds some predetermined maximum. They are used on water heaters and similar equipment where excessively high pressures could cause damage or explosion.

What are Rise-of-Temperature Detectors?

Sense the presence of heat and can be set to trip an alarm when a particular temperature is reached in the room. The major disadvantage is that flames must usually be present before the alarm temperature is reached. By that time it may be too late, because a fire can smolder and produce deadly smoke long before it reaches the flame stage.

What is the Sabin Formula?

T = 0.05 ( V / A ) The formula that relates reverberation time to a room's volume and total acoustical absorption.

What is a Power Factor?

The phase difference between voltage and current in an alternating current circuit.

What is Efficacy?

The ratio of luminous flux emitted to the total power input to the source and is measured in lumens per watt.

What is Attenuation?

The reduction of sound

What is Psychrometry?

The study of the water vapor content of air.

How much PSI is required to push water up 1 foot?

approx. 0.433 psi

What is ASTM E2129?

the American Section of the International Association for Testing Materials (by the way). Standard Practice for Data Collection for Sustainability Assessment of Building Products.

What is the minimum slope for a horizontal drain?

1/4 in/ft for pipes < 3 in diameter 1/8 in/ft for pipes > 3in diameter *Changes in direction must be made with easy bends rather than right-angle fittings.

At what velocity does the water in pipes become too noisy?

10 ft/sec *In sound sensitive environments 6 ft/sec may be too noisy

How much PSI does a flush valve need?

10 psi - 20 psi

How is sound intensity calculated?

10 times the common logarithm of the ratio of a quantity to a reference quantity of the same kind, such as power, intensity, or energy density. It is often used as the unit of sound intensity according to the following formula. IL = 10 log I / Io IL = sound intensity Io = minimum sound intensity audible to the average human ear (10^-16 W/cm²)

What is the minimum distance a leaching field should be from a well?

100 ft

What is the range of human hearing?

10^-16 W/cm² to 10^-3 W/cm² or 0 - 130 decibels (0 being nothing heard and 130 being painful)

What is the velocity of sound at sea level?

1130 ft/sec

How much PSI does a shower need?

12 psi

What quantity of electrical current are outlet circuits typically supplied in Residential?

15 A, but 20 A for kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, and dining room.

What does ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommend for minimum outdoor air ventilation?

15 cfm/person (Cubic feet per minute) - 60 cfm *absolute minimum is 15 cfm *20 cfm/person is recommended for office spaces *60 cfm/person is used for smoking lounges

What is the minimum height outlets are suppose to be at for wheelchair access?

15 in above the ground

When was Lead-based paint banned?

1978

What is the heating value of propane?

2,500 btu/ft³

What is often considered maximum for energy demand for a building (Illuminating Engineering Society establishes limits for building types)

2.3 W/ft²

What is generally the maximum transmission loss for a wall with 1% open area?

20 dB

How much of a building needs to be constructed from local material to obtain LEED credit?

20% of building materials and products that are manufactured regionally within a radius of 500 mi. Additional credit is available for using 50% or more of local materials and products.

How much sensible heat does one human produce?

225 Btu/hr The occupants of a building produce two kinds of heat: sensible heat and latent heat in the form of moisture from breathing and perspiration. Sensible heat gain from occupants can be assumed to be about 225 Btu/hr although this varies slightly with occupancy type. Total sensible heat is calculated by multiplying the number of occupants by 225 btu/hr.

Problem: How much pressure is lost in static head at a fixture 40 ft above a water main with a pressure of 45 psi? Ignoring friction loss, how much pressure is available to operate a fixture at this level? *0.434 psi is equivalent to 1 ft

27.64 psi 40 ft x (0.434 lbf/in²/ft) = 17.36 psi 45 psi - 17.36 psi = 27.64 psi

For preliminary sizing of low-pressure duct space, how much square footage of the building footprint should be reserved for ducts?

3 - 6 ft² for every 1000 ft²

How much area should be allocated for a mechanical space given the building is medium to large size using an all-air or air/water system?

3% - 9% of building footprint *room needs to be 12-18 feet high

What is the heating value of electricity?

3,413 Btu/kW

What is generally the maximum transmission loss for a wall with 0.1% open area (cracks, holes, etc.)?

30 dB

What is a comfortable range of humidity? What is tolerable?

30% - 65% 20% - 70%

Approximately how much of the buildings energy consumption comes from Electrical Lighting?

30% to 40% In extreme cases it can reach 50% - this highlights the importance of daylighting.

What frequencies is the human ear most sensitive to?

3000 Hz to 4000 Hz

What is the maximum distance a flush toilet can be from a water tank if the toilet needs at least 15 psi?

35 ft 15 psi / 0.434 psi (pressure needed to move water one foot). *In reality, distance would have to be slightly less due to friction.

How much energy does the human body give off while at rest, walking, and strenuous exercises?

400 BTU/hr, 700-800 BTU/hr, and 2000 BTU/hr

What is an acceptable range for wind speed?

50 ft/min to about 200 ft/min

What is a typical pressure from a water main?

50 psi *Anywhere from 40-80 psi. If the pressure is too high, a pressure-reducing valve is used between the water main and the building meter.

How much of construction, demolition, and land-clearing debris must be diverted from landfill to recycling or donation to charitable organizations to receive LEED credit?

50%

How much does sound decrease if you double the distance between you and the source?

6 dB; however this is not true for enclosed spaces. *In a room, sound level decreases very near the source as it does in free space, but then it begins to reflect, and it levels out at a particular intensity.

What is the general comfort range in temperature? What is tolerable?

69°F - 80°F 60°F - 85°F

What is the pH level of normal drinking water?

7 *pH is on a scale of 0-14 where anything below 7 is considered acidic and anything above is considered alkaline.

In renovation or adaptive reuse projects, how much of the existing building must be maintained to receive LEED credit?

75% of the existing building structure and shell, excluding window assemblies and nonstructural roofing. *Additional credit is also given for using at least 50% of the non-shell areas such as walls, doors, floor coverings, and ceiling systems.

What reflectance percentages should ceilings, walls, and ceilings have?

80% for ceilings (more effective with light shelves) 50% to 70% for walls 20% to 40% for floors The wall facing the window should always be as light as possible to improve light distribution.

What is the temperature of the surface of skin of an average human?

85°F

At what absorption ratio is a material considered reflective?

<0.2

At what absorption ratio is a material considered sound absorbing?

>0.2

How do you calculate total absorption?

A = Sa Coefficient of absorption times the area of the material.

A room 15 ft by 20 ft with a 9 ft ceiling has a carpeted floor with a 44 oz carpet on pad (a = 0.40), gypsum board walls, and a gypsum board ceiling (a = 0.05). What would be the noise reduction achieved by directly attaching acoustical tile with a given NRC of 0.70 to the ceiling?

A = Sa NR = 10 log A2 / A1 The original total absorption of the room is floor: (15ft)(20ft) = (300ft²)(0.40) = 120 sabins walls: (2ft)(15ft)(9ft) = (270ft²)(0.05) = 14 sabins (2ft)(20ft)(9ft) = 360 ft²)(0.05) = 18 sabins ceilings: (15ft)(20ft) = (300 ft²)(0.05) = 15 sabins total = 167 sabins The absorption after treatment is ... ceiling: (15ft²)(20 ft²) = (300 ft²)(0.70) = 210 sabins Subtracting 15 from the old value and adding 210 as a new value, the net total is 362 sabins. NR = 10 log(362/167) = 10 log2.17 = 3.4 dB Increasing the absorption by this amount helps a little, but the difference would be just perceptible.

What is a heat pipe?

A Energy Recovery Ventilator that is self-contained device that transfers sensible heat energy from hot exhaust air to cool outdoor air. As the hot exhaust air passes over the heat pipe, it vaporizes a refrigerant inside the pipe, which passes to the area of cool incoming air. As the refrigerant condenses, it gives off heat to the incoming air, warming it. The refrigerant then passes back to the hot side by capillary action through a wick material in the heat pipe. For heat pipes to work, the incoming and outgoing air streams must be adjacent.

What is a Metal Halide Lamp?

A High-Intensity Discharge Lamp that Produces 50 lm/W to 100 lm/W and are similar to mercury lamps except that halides of metals are added to the arc tube. This increase the efficacy and improves color rendition but decreases lamp life.

What is a High-pressure sodium Lamp?

A High-Intensity Discharge Lamp that produces light by passing an electric arc through hot sodium vapor. The arc tube must be made of a special ceramic material to resist attack by the hot sodium. High-pressure sodium lamps have efficacies from 80 lm/W to 140 lm/W, making them one of the most efficient lamps available. Color rendition is also acceptable for a wide variety of applications.

What are flutter echos?

A buzzing sound of high frequencies that result from hard surfaces in small rooms.

What is a switchgear?

A central electrical distribution center for large buildings that consist of an assembly of switches, circuit breakers, and cables or busducts that distribute power to other parts of the building. *A transformer and metering are also often included with the switchgear. The equipment is usually housed in a separate room, depending on the type of transformer used and the security required.

What is Hydrologic Soil Group? (HSG)

A classification system developed by the natural Resource Conservation Service in which soils are categorized into four runoff potential groups. These groups range from A soils, with high permeability and little runoff production, to D soils, which have a high runoff potential.

What is a Flat-Plate Collector?

A collector in an Active Solar Energy System. Consists of a network of pipes located on an absorptive black surface with low emissivity below a covering of glass or plastic. The pipes carry the heat transfer fluid, which is generally water with antifreeze but can also be air or other liquids.

What is a Focusing Collector?

A collector in an Active Solar Energy System. Consists of parabolic-shaped reflectors that focus the incoming radiation to a single pipe that carries the heat-transfer medium. Because the reflectors focus the sun's energy, focusing collectors operate at a much higher temperature than do flat-plate collectors. However, they must be continuously aimed at the sun for maximum benefit, so they are usually attached to mechanisms that automatically track the path of the sun.

What is Formaldehyde?

A colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is used in the preparation of resins and adhesives most commonly found in particleboard, wall paneling, furniture, carpet adhesives, and other glues used in the construction and furnishings industry. Formaldehyde is designated as a probable human carcinogen and causes irritant effects of the eyes and respiratory tract.

What is radon?

A colorless, odorless, tasteless, naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soils, rock, and water throughout the world. Radon causes lung cancer, with most of the risk coming from breathing air contaminated with radon and its decay products. Most radon exposure occurs in places where it accumulates, such as homes, schools, and office buildings, so most remedial work is done in existing buildings. Testing for radon is easy and can be done by a trained contractor or by homeowners with kits available in hardware stores or through the mail. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that remedial action be taken if a radon level over 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) is found.

What is a Building Automation System?

A computer-based integrated system used to monitor and control building systems. The systems included in a BAS will vary depending on the complexity of the building and the needs of the owner, but they typically include HVAC, energy management, lighting control, life safety, and security.

What is Energy Management System (EMS)?

A computer-based system used to monitor and control facility energy use. An EMS is typically part of a building automation system.

What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MSC)?

A condition brought on by exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other chemicals. People with MCS may develop acute, long-term sensitivity that shows symptoms each time they are exposed to the chemicals. These sensitivities can remain with some people for the rest of their lives. In many cases only a slight exposure to the chemical can be enough to produce symptoms.

What is a trap in regards to a plumbing system?

A configuration of piping located before every fixture to prevent sewage gases from entering the building by a simple water seal.

What is a Fixture Unit?

A design factor. It is equal to one cubic foot of water drained in a 1 1/4 in over one minute. One cubic foot of water is roughly 7.48 gallons.

What is a Plumbing Vacuum Breaker?

A device designed to prevent siphonage by closing when backward water pressure is present.

What is an Actuator?

A device in a building control system that receives commands from a controller and activates a piece of equipment..

What is a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)?

A device that detects small current leaks and disconnects the hot wire to the circuit or appliance. *If current leaks are present but grounding alleviates the hazard then these defects will go unnoticed without a GFI.

What is a Split-Wired Receptacle?

A duplex receptacle with one outlet energized at all times but the other controlled by a wall switch. Allows lamps and other devices that normally plug in to be controlled with a switch.

What is discount rate in regards to the value of money?

A factor used to convert future costs to their equivalent present values (inflation).

What is the light loss factor?

A fraction that represents the amount of light that will be lost due to several additional factors. Among these are lamp lumen depreciation, which is light loss with age, and luminaire dirt depreciation, which is light loss due to accumulated dirt on the lamps based on the kind of environment in which they operate.

What is a Psychrometric Chart?

A graphical representation of the complex interactions between heat, air, and moisture.

What is an Extensive Green Roof?

A green roof that uses soil less than 6 inches supporting meadow grasses, sedums, herbs, and perennials.

What is an Intensive Green Roof?

A green roof that uses thicker soil and support complex landscapes, including shrubs and small trees along with ponds and fountains.

What are Water-Loop Heat Pumps?

A heating and cooling system that uses a series of heat pumps for different zones of abuilding, which are all connected to the same piping system of circulating water. The water loop is maintained at a temperature between 60°F and 90°F. When some zones are cooling and dumping heat into the loop and other zones are heating and extracting heat from the loop no additional energy has to be added or removed. Only when most of the units are in the same mode does the water in the loop have to be cooled or heated with a cooling tower or boiler. Automatic valves at the cooling tower and boiler direct the water as required.

What is Vermiculite?

A hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-ironsilicate that resembles mica. It is separated from mineral ore that contains other materials, including the possibility of asbestos. When heated during processing, vermiculite expands into worm-like pieces. In construction, it is used for pour-in insulation, acoustic finishes, fire protection, and sound-deadening compounds. Vermiculite obtained from a mine in Montana is known to contain some amount of asbestos. The mine was closed in 1990. It is still mined at other locations, but those have low levels of contamination. The current concern is with loose, pour-in insulation used in attics and concrete blocks.

What is a Drywell?

A large porous, underground container where water collects and seeps into the soil.

What is an Air Chamber regarding plumbing?

A length of pipe installed above the connection to the facet that cushions the surge of water (water hammer) by means of a pressurized piston.

What is Direct Glare and how can it be resolved?

A light source in the field of vision that causes discomfort and interference with the visual task. For most situations, the critical zone for direct glare is in the area above a 45° angle from the light source. This is because the field of vision includes an area approx. 45° above a horizontal line. Many direct glare problems can be solved by using a luminaire with a 45° cutoff angle or by moving the luminaire out of the offending field of view.

What is Reflected Glare?

A light source is reflected from a viewed surface into the eye. If it interferes with the viewing task, it is also called veiling reflection. The effect of reflected glare is to decrease the contrast of the task and its background. For example, a strong light on paper with pencil writing can bounce off the relatively reflective graphite making it almost as bright as the paper, and effectively obsuring the writing.

What is an Autoclaved Aerated Concrete block (AAC)?

A lightweight, precast concrete made with aluminum powder as an extra ingredient, hardened in molds, and cured in an autoclave. It is formed into blocks, typically 10 in by 25 in and in thicknesses of 4 in, 8 in, or 10 in. It can easily be cut and shaped with normal woodworking tools. ACC is used for non-load-bearing residential and light commercial walls. It provides excellent insulation value, reduced air infiltration, and improved acoustic qualities. ACC also requires less cement than does standard concrete.

What is semidirect lighting?

A majority of the light is down while a small percentage is toward the ceiling. Obviously, fixtures for this type of system must be surface mounted or suspended.

What is a Shock Absorber regarding plumbing?

A manufactured device that is probably spring loaded to absorb the spike in pressure of a water hammer.

What is a coproduct?

A marketable by-product from a process. Materials traditionally considered to be waste but that can be used as raw materials in a different manufacturing process are considered coproducts.

What is emissivity?

A measure of an objects ability to absorb and then radiate heat. Technically, the emittance of an object is the ratio of the radiation emitted by a given object or material to that emitted by a block body at the same temperature. Shiny objects or materials have very low emissivity, so they do not absorb or radiate heat as well as block objects. The shiny foil on many insulation materials is an example of the use of emissivity to reduce heat transfer.

What is Articulation index?

A measure of speech intelligibility calculated from the number of words read from a selected list that are understood by an audience. A low articulation index (less than 0.15) is desirable for speech privacy, whereas a high articulation index (above 0.6) is desired for good communication.

What are degree days?

A measure of the approx average yearly temperature difference between the outside and the inside in a particular location. The number of degree days for a day is found by taking the difference between an indoor temperature of 65°F and the average outside temperature for a 24-hour period. For example, if the 24-hour average is 36°F, then the number of degree days is 65 - 36 = 29. The values for each day of the year are added to get the total number of degree days for the year. Degree days are used to calculate yearly fuel consumption, to size some passive solar energy systems, and to factor into other heating computations.

What is Spectral Energy Distribution?

A measure of the energy output at different wavelengths, or colors.

What is a met?

A met is the energy produced per unit of surface area per hour by a seated person at rest. One met is 18.4 Btu/hr-ft²

What is Thermal Energy Storage?

A methodology towards energy system where water, ice, or rock beds are used to store excess heat or coolness for use at a later time.

What is Sisal Wall Covering?

A natural material made from the fiber of the henequen plant. The branches are harvested and the fiber extracted, dyed, and spun into yarn. Although fairly rough and not suitable for wet areas, sisal wall covering (and floor covering) is durable, low maintenance, and reduces sound reflection and transmission.

What is ISO 14000?

A non-governmental organization comprised of national standards bodies from over 120 countries.

What is a curtain board?

A piece of construction suspended a minimum of 6 ft from the ceiling that restricts the passage of smoke and flame during a fire's initial stages.

What are the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)?

A private scientific organization established to advance both public and private sectors toward more environmentally sustainable policies.

What is GreenGuard Certification?

A program that helps manufacturers create and buyers identify and trust products. All certified products must meet stringent emissions standards based on established chemical exposure criteria. Certification is broadly recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs and building codes around the world.

What is the Octave Band?

A range of frequencies in which the upper frequency is twice that of the lower.

What is a Reheat (Constant Volume) System?

A reheat system takes return air and fresh outdoor air and cools and dehumidifies the mixture, which is then distributed in a constant volume at low temperature throughout he building. At or near the spaces to be conditioned, the air is reheated as required by the cooling load of the space. Reheating of the air is accomplished most often with heated water, but it can also be done with electricity. If the reheating equipment is located near the conditioned space, the unit is called a terminal reheat system. If the reheating coils are located in ductwork to serve an entire zone, the unit is called a zone reheat system. Thermostats control valves in the water supply line to regulate the temperature. *The advantages of the reheat system are that humidity and temperature can be carefully controlled, and that the low supply temperature equates to smaller duct sizes and lower fan horse power. However, a reheat system does use more energy than some systems because the primary air volume must be cooled most of the time, then reheated.

Generally speaking, how much will a row of trees decrease an incoming wind's velocity?

A row of trees of a certain height will decrease the velocity of the wind between 30% and 40% at a distance about five times the height of the trees. Trees planted next to a building may reduce wind velocity between 20% and 60%, depending on the density of the trees.

What is a Short Circuit?

A short circuit is an electrical circuit that allows a current to travel along an unintended path with no or a very low electrical impedance.

What is the Impact Insulation Class?

A single-number rating of a floor-ceiling's impact on sound performance. *Value can be increased by adding carpet.

What is Impact Insulation Class?

A single-number rating of a floor-ceiling's impact sound transmission performance at various frequencies.

What is a Passive Solar Circulation System?

A solar heating system that relies on gravity and the thermosiphoning action of heated water. They are simple and low cost systems, but their storage tanks must be placed above the solar collectors, and the points of use must be close to the storage tank.

What is a Active Solar Circulation System?

A solar heating system that relies on pumps to circulate the heat-collecting fluid. These systems are much more flexible and reliable but add costs for equipment and operation.

What is Home energy rating system? (HERS)

A standardized system for rating the energy efficiency of residential buildings using the HERS Council Guidelines and the Mortgage Industry HERS Accreditation Procedures. A HERS score is a numeric value between 0 and 100 indicating the relative energy efficiency of a given home as compared with the HERS Energy-Efficient Reference Home.

What is Thermochromic Glazing?

A switchable glazing that changes darkness in response to temperature. Like photochromic glazing, this technique offers less control than electrochromic glazing does.

What is Electrochromic Glazing?

A switchable glazing that consists of a multilayered thin film, applied to glass, that changes continuously from dark to clear as low-voltage electrical current is applied. This type of glazing allows variable transmittance in the visible portion of the spectrum while reflecting in the infrared spectrum, thereby reducing solar heat gain. The voltage can be controlled manually or automatically.

What is Photochromic Glazing?

A switchable glazing that darkens under the direct action of sunlight, in the same way that some sunglasses do. As the light intensity increases, the window becomes darker. Although offering the advantage of automatic action, this type of glazing does not offer the control of electrochromic glazing. For example, there could be times when clear glazing is desirable, such as on a cold, sunny day.

What is a Transition-Metal Hydride Electrochromics?

A switchable glazing that makes it possible to have a glazing material that changes from transparent to reflective. These products are based on coatings of nickel-magnesium instead of the oxides used in other electrochromic materials.

What is Demand Control Ventilation?

A system designed to adjust the amount of ventilation air provided to a space based on the extent of the occupancy. The system normally uses carbon dioxide sensors but may also use occupancy sensors or air quality sensors.

What are Ground-Coupled Heat Exchangers?

A system that heats or cools air by circulating it through pipes buried in the ground. In the sumer the air can be used directly if the outdoor air is higher than the ground temperature. In the winter the system can preheat air for an energy recovery ventilator (to prevent frosting) or for a standard fan-coil heating unit. Ground-coupled heat exchangers are typically only suitable for low-rise buildings. Their disadvantage is the long runs of pipes they require for efficient operation. Because the air is fored through the pipes, the energy saved with the system must outweigh the energy required to run the fans.

What is indirect lighting?

A system that throws all the light toward a reflective ceiling where it illuminates the room by reflection.

What is a Trombe Wall?

A thermal storage wall that is internally placed behind south facing glazing with vents at the top and bottom to allow thermocirculation. They are constructed of masonry, water containers or phase change materials. They collect heat during the day and release it at night. *One note: this is a form of indirect gain system which require 4 times more mass than direct gain system (heat absorbed through apertures by concrete slab floors).

What is a Phon?

A unit of loudness level of a sound equal to the sound pressure level of a 1000 Hz tone judged to be as loud.

What is a Ton of Refrigeration?

A unit used to describe the capacity of a refrigeration system. It is the cooling effect obtained when 1 ton of 32°F ice melts to water at 32°F in 24 hours. This is equivalent to 12,000 Btu/hr. In general, the required capacity of a refrigeration machine can be determined by dividing the total heat gain in Btu/hr by 12,000.

What is Coefficient of Performance? (COP)

A unitless number that is a rating of the efficiency of heating or cooling equipment. It is derived by dividing the steady-state rate of energy output (or the rate of heat removal, in the case of cooling equipment) of the equipment by the steady-state rate of energy input to the equipment. The output and input values must be in equivalent units such as watts out to watts in.

What is a gate valve?

A valve that seats a metal wedge against two metal parts of the valve. It is used where control is either completely on or off. Because there are no turns, it has a low friction loss.

What is a check valve?

A valve that works automatically and allows water flow in only one direction where, for example, backflow might contaminate a potable water supply.

What is a Soil Stack?

A vertical stack or plumbing pipe that contains human waste from toilets.

What is a Waste Stack?

A vertical stack or plumbing pipe that contains waste other than human waste.

What is Fly Ash?

A waste material obtained from coal-fired power plants. It is used to increase concrete strength, decrease permeability, reduce temperature rise during placement, increase sulfate resistance, and improve the workability of concrete. It can be used to reduce the total amount of cement needed. In high-volume fly ash concrete, between 40% and 50%, and sometimes as much as 65% of the portland cement can be replaced by fly ash.

What is Mean Radiant Temperature?

A weighted average of the various surface temperatures in a room and the angle of exposure of the occupant to these surfaces, as well as of any sunlight present.

Is wet bulb temperature greater or lower than dry bulb?

A wet bulb temperature thermometer is wrapped in a wet cloth so that evaporation can take place which gives a cooling effect therefore the wet bulb temperature is ALWAYS lower than the dry bulb... UNLESS the humidity is 100% in which case evaporation does not take place and the two temperatures are the same.

What is grounding?

A wire that terminates in the earth, foundation, or to a buried cold water pipe. The purpose is for preventing dangerous potential shocks to a person if they were to touch an appliance with a short circuit.

What side of the insulation should the vapor barrier be placed?

ALWAYS the warmer side (the side facing the inside).

What are allowable levels of Formaldehyde?

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) = 0.1 ppm (parts per million) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) = 0.75 ppm in an 8-hour time period with a 2 ppm 15-minute short-term exposure. Greenguard Certified = 0.05 ppm The problems associated with formaldehyde can most easily be solved by minimizing the source, using two or three coats of sealants, or airing out the building before occupancy.

With a standard window, how far does the effective daylighted zone extend?

About 1.5 times the window head height into the room. With a light shelf, the effect daylighted zone is from 2.0 to 2.5 times the window head height.

What is a panel resonator?

Absorbs low-frequency energy while reflecting mid- and high- frequency energy.

What is a Deluge Sprinkler System?

Activates all the sprinkler heads in an area at once, regardless of where the fire is. All the sprinkler heads are open and the pipes are empty. Upon activation of an alarm, valves automatically open, flooding the space. Deluge systems are used in high-hazard areas where fire is likely to spread rapidly.

What is Variable Air Volume System?

Air is heated or cooled as required in a central plant and distributed to the building as a constant temperature through a single duct. At each zone, a thermostat controls a damper that varies the volume of conditioned air entering the space to respond to the user's needs. Dampers on the return air side of the system allow variable amounts of fresh air (up to 100%) to be introduced into the building for ventilation and for cooling when outdoor conditions make it unnecessary to mechanically condition the air. This system is somewhat limited in its ability to compensate for extremes in simultaneous heating and cooling demands in a building, but it offers a very efficient means of air conditioning large internal load dominated buildings.

How does air movement make a otherwise unbearable hot environment comfortable?

Air movement tends to increase evaporation and heat loss through convection.

What is an Air-Water System?

Air-Water Systems rely on a central air system to provide humidity control and ventilation air to conditioned spaces. However, the majority of the heating and cooling is provided by fan coil units in each space. Air-water systems are often used where return air cannot be recirculated, such as in hospitals and laboratories. In these cases, 100% outside air is supplied, and return air is completely exhausted to the exterior. With an induction system, air is supplied throughout the building under high pressure and velocity to each induction unit where the velocity and noise are attenuated before the air passes overt the coils and is heated or cooled as required. The water supply system may be either a two- or four-pipe system. Thermostatic control is provided by regulating the amount of water flowing through the coils. Another type of air-water system uses a fan-coiled unit for primary heating and cooling but has separate air supply to provide humidity control and ventilation.

What is a ballast?

All fluorescent lamps have a ballast, a device that supplies the proper starting and operating voltages to the lamp and limits the current. Because ballasts proudce noise and heat, their correct selection is critical for a successful lighting design. Ballasts are sound rated by letters. Class A is appropriate for spaces with the lowest ambient noise levels, and Class F is suitable only for noise environments.

What are Water-to-Water Heat Exchangers?

Also called "Runaround Coils", use water or some other liquid transfer medium to exchange heat. The main advantage of this type of system is that the incoming and exhaust air streams do not have to be adjacent. In winter operations, this type of system simply pumps a heat transfer fluid from coils over which the hot exhaust air passes to coils over which the cool incoming air passes. In summer, the flow uses the cooled indoor air to reduce the temperature of the hot incoming air. These types of systems are commonly used in large buildings and eliminate the possibility that incoming air could be contaminated with exhaust air. The efficiency of water-to-water heat exchangers ranges from 50% to 70%.

What is Energy Recovery Ventilators?

Also called air-to-air exchangers: reclaim waste energy from the exhaust air stream and use it to condition the incoming fresh air. Three conditions should be met... 1) Fresh air intake must be kept as far away from the exhaust outlet as possible, to avoid sucking contaminated indoor air back into the building. 2) Exhaust air that contains excessive moisture, grease, or other contaminants should be separated from the heat exchanger air. 3) Cold winter conditions, a defroster in the device may be needed to prevent the condensate in the exhaust air from freezing.

What is an Indirect Solar Heating System?

Also called an "closed-loop system", uses a separate fluid for collecting heat, which is then transferred to the domestic hot water. *Advantage is protection from freezing because heat-collecting fluid can contain antifreeze and can operate at lower pressure than that required for domestic hot water; however heat exchanger is required reducing efficiency.

What is a Direct Solar Heating System?

Also called an "open-loop system" where the water used in the building is the same water that is heated in the solar collectors. *Advantage is simplicity of design, high efficiency but are subject to freezing.

What is an Energy Transfer Wheel(s)?

Also called enthalpy heat exchanger, it is an energy recovery ventilator that transfers heat between two air streams through the use of a heat exchanger wheel consisting of small openings through which the air passes. The wheels are impregnated with lithium chloride or other proprietary substances. They are typically used in commercial buildings. The advantage of energy transfer wheels over other types of heat exchangers is that they can transfer latent heat (humidity) as well as sensible heat.

What is the Window-to-Wall Ratio?

Also known as WWR, is the net glazing area in a room or space divided by the gross exterior wall are. It does NOT include window frames or mullions.

What is a Batch System?

Also known as a breadbox heater, heats water directly in a black-painted tank inside a glazed box. This passive system is simple, but it is subject to freezing and nighttime heat loss.

What is White Noise?

Also known as acoustical perfume or random noise. Speakers are placed in the ceiling of a space and connected to a sound generator that produces a continuous, unnoticeable sound at particular levels across the frequency spectrum. The sound generator can be tuned to produce the frequencies and sound levels appropriate to mask the undesired sounds. White sound is often used in open offices to provide speech privacy and to help mask office machine noise.

What is Flexible Metal-Clad Cable?

Also known by the trade name BX, consists of two or more plastic-insulated conductors encased in a continuous spiral-wound strip of steel tape. It is often used in remodeling work because it can be pulled through existing spaces with a building.

What is a Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable?

Also known by the trade name Romex, consists of two or more plastic-insulated conductors and ground wire surrounded by a moisture-resistant plastic jacket. This type of cable can be used in wood-frame residential buildings and those not exceeding three stories, as long as it is used with wood studs and protected from damage by being concealed behind walls and ceilings. Because it does not require conduit, it is inexpensive to install.

What is the coefficient of transmission?

Also transmittance, it is the ratio of total transmitted light to the total incident light expressed as a percentage. Clear glass has a transmittance between 70% and 85%. Remainder of the light is either reflected or absorbed.

What is Displacement Ventilation?

An air distribution system in which supply air originates at floor level and rises to return air grilles in the ceiling. Because the supply air is delivered close to users, it does not have to be cooled as much, resulting in energy savings. Displacement ventilation is a good system for removing heat generated by ceiling-level lights and for improving indoor air quality, because these systems typically use a high percentage of outdoor air.

What is an All-Water System?

An all-water system uses a fan coil unit in each conditioned space. The fan coils are connected to one or two water circuits. Ventilation is provided with openings through the wall where the fan coil unit is located, from interior zone air heating, or by simple infiltration. In a two-pipe system, either hot or chilled water is pumped through one pipe and returned in another. In a four-pipe system, one circuit is provided for chilled water and one for hot water. There are two supply pipes and two return pipes. A three-pipe system uses a single return pipe for both hot and cold water. *All-water systems are an efficient way to transfer heat and are easily controlled, with a thermostat in each room regulating the amount of water flowing through the coils. However, humidity control is not possible at the central unit.

What is a leaching field?

An area where effluent seeps from the drain tiles into the soil.

What is Operative Temperature?

An average of the air temperature of a space and the mean radiant temperature (MRT) of the space. It can be measured with a globe thermometer, which is a thermometer inside a black globe. This type of thermometer can account for both the air temperature and radiant effects from surrounding surfaces.

What are Series Circuits?

An electric circuit where the loads are place in the circuit one after another. The current, I, remains constant throughout the circuit, but the voltage potential changes, or drops, across each load. *Notice that if one load is removed in a series circuit (a light bulb burned out) then the entire circuit is opened. This fact and the problem of voltage drops across individual loads are two reasons series circuits are not used in building construction.

What is voltage?

An electrical potential difference to cause the electrons to move.

What are Extract-Air Windows?

An extract-air window uses a double-paned insulated glass unit over which another pane of glass is placed on the inside of the building. Air is drawn up between the inside pane and the main window unit and is extracted into the return air system. This has the effect of warming the glass in winter and cooling it in summer to maintain a comfortable radiant temperature and eliminate the need for a separate perimeter heating system.

What is a Reflector Lamp?

And Parabolic Aluminized Reflectors (PAR) lamps contain a refelctive coating built into the lamp. This increases the efficiency of the lamp and allows more precise beam control. Both are available in flood (wide) and narrow (spot) beam dispersal patterns. PAR lamps are made with heavier glass and are also suitable for outdoor use.

What is a Elliptical Reflector Lamp? (ER)

Are an improved version of R lamps. They provide a more efficient throw of light from a fixture by focusing the light beam at a point slightly in front of the lamp before it spreads out. Its spread is slightly smaller than that of an R lamp. The design is used for downlights with deep baffles or with small openings so that less of the light's output is trapped in the fixture.

What are Cellular Metal Floors?

Are apart of the structural floor. They are essentially metal decking designed for use as cable raceways. Cellular floors differ from underfloor ducts in that the cells are closer together. Alternating cells can be used for power, telephone, and signal cabling. Cellular floors also have preset locations that can be easily tapped to install electrical outlets, telephone jacks, and computer outlets.

What are Internal Load Dominated Buildings?

Are those whose energy use is driven by high heat gain from occupants, lighting, and equipment. Examples of these types of buildings include office buildings, hospitals, retail stores, schools, and laboratories. In must cases, building shape for internal load dominated buildings influences the energy efficiency less than it would for external load dominated buildings. The exception would be if the building shape were being used for extensive daylighting or other passive or active energy conservation techniques.

What is double glazing often filled with to improve insulation quality?

Argon gas A double-glazed unit with argon gas in a 1/4 in space has a U-value of ab out 0.52 Btu/ft²-hr-°F. However, the gas can leak out over time at a rate of approx. 0.5% to 1% per year.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral found in certain types of rock formations. After mining and processing, asbestos consists of very fine fibers. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs), and mesothelioma ( a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity). Oral exposure may be associated with cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. In buildings, exposure generally comes from asbestos that has become friable (easily crumbled) or that has been disturbed accidentally or by construction activities. Although generally not a problem in new construction, asbestos can be found in many types of existing building materials, including pipe and blown-in insulation, asphalt flooring, vinyl sheet and tile flooring, construction mastics, ceiling tiles, textured paints, roofing shingles, cement siding, caulking, vinyl wall coverings, etc.

When does an echo occur?

Assuming a sound speed of 1130 ft/sec, an echo will occur whenever the reflected sound path exceeds the direct sound path by 70 ft or more.

What is effective temperature?

Attempts to combine the effects of air temperature, humidity, and air movement.

Why would energy conservation regarding energy systems pose a problem for IAQ (Indoor air quality)?

Buildings that save on energy costs often have tightly sealed envelopes and reuse the same conditioned air.

How can biological contamination in water be treated?

By chlorination.

What is the Clean Air Act of 1970?

CAA, This law regulates air emissions from area, stationary, and mobile sources. the law authorized the EPA to establish the National Ambient Air Quality Standards to protect public health and the environment. It has been amended several times since 1970 to extend deadlines for compliance and add other provisions.

What is Synthetic Gypsum?

Chemically identical to natural, mined gypsum but is a by-product of various manufacturing industrial. The main source of synthetic gypsum in North America is flue-gas desulfurization. This is the process whereby power-generating plants remove polluting gases from their stacks to reduce emission of harmful materials into the atmosphere. (sulfur dioxide: main ingredient for synthetic gypsum)

What are Volatile Organic Compounds? (VOC)

Chemicals that contain carbon and hydrogen and that vaporize at room temperature and pressure. They are found in many indoor sources, including building materials and common household products. Common sources of VOCs in building materials include paint, stains, adhesives, sealants, water repellents and sealers, particleboard, furniture, upholstery, and carpeting.

What is Switchable Glazing?

Chromogenic (involving the production of color or pigments, in particular) fenestration products that change their characteristics based on particular environmental conditions or through human intervention.

What are the three classes of Standpipes?

Class I - A drystandpipe system without a directly connected water supply and equipped with 2 1/2 in outlets for use by fire department personnel. Class II - A wet-standpipe system directly connected to a water supply and equipped with 1 1/2in outlets and hoses intended for use by building occupants. Class III - A combination system directly connected to a water supply and equipped with both 1 1/2 in and 2 1/2 outlets.

What is a Halogenated Agent?

Commonly referred to as halon, are used where water might damage the contents of a room, like in computer installations. Halon is a gas that chemically inhibits the spread of fire. However, halon is a CFC gas that can damage the ozone layer, so alternate extinguishing agents will be used in the future.

What is Compressive Refrigeration?

Compressive refrigeration is based on the transfer of heat during the liquefaction and evaporation of a refrigerant. As a refrigerant in a gaseous form is compressed, it liquefies and release latent heat as it changes state. As the same liquid expands and vaporizes back to a gas, it absorbs latent heat from the surroundings into the gas.

What is a cavity resonator or "Helmholtz" resonator?

Consist of a large air space with a small opening. As the sound strikes the resonator, the air mass inside the construction resonates at a particular frequency where the absorption is very great. A common type of cavity resonator is a concrete block wall constructed of special masonry units with narrow slits opening into the cavity of the block.

What is an incandescent lamp?

Consists of a tungsten filament placed within a sealed bulb containing an inert gas. When electricity is passed through the lamp the filament glows, producing light.

What are Fluorescent Lamps?

Contain a mixture of an inert gas and low pressure mercury vapor. When the lamp is energized, a mercury arc is formed that creates ultraviolet light. This invisible light, in turn, strikes the phosphor-coated bulb, causing the bulb to fluoresce and produce visible light. The three types of fluorescent lamps are preheat, rapid start, and instant start, according to their circuitry. Preheat lamps have been supplanted by rapid-start types. These lamps maintain a constant low current in the cathode that allows them to start within about 2 sec. Instant-start lamps use a voltage high enough to start the arc in the tube directly without preheating of the cathode.

What is a root barrier?

DeepRoot Tree Root Barriers are patented mechanical guides that redirect tree roots down and away from hardscapes, preventing costly root damage while preserving the health and beauty of mature trees. ... Disruptive roots are cleanly cut and removed; linear Root Barrier is then installed.

What is a High-Rise?

Defined as a building with a floor area more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

What is Building-Related Illness (BRI)?

Describes a condition in which the health-related symptom or symptoms of a building's occupants are identified and can be directly attributed to certain building contaminants. In the case of BRI, the symptoms do not immediately improve when the occupant leaves the building. Legionnaires' disease is an example of BRI. *Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria. It does not spread from person to person. Instead, the bacteria spreads through mist, such as from air-conditioning units from large buildings.

What does F40T12WW/RS mean?

Describes a fluorescent lamp, 40 W, tubular, 12/8" in diameter, warm white color, with a rapid start circuit. *Size is always described in eighths

What are photoelectric cells?

Detects when the beam has been broken, by either a door opening or someone's passing through an opening. These can be surface mounted, but they are more secure and look better if provisions are made to recess them in the partition or other construction.

What are Interceptors in regards to a plumbing system?

Devices that collect foreign matter at the source instead of allowing it to enter the sewer system. Some of the more common types include grease traps, plaster traps, and lubricating oil traps. Intercepters have provisions for periodic cleanout of the foreign matter.

What is Direct Expansion?

Direct Expansion (DX) or incremental unit that passes nonducted air, which is to be cooled, over the evaporator and back into the room. The condenser uses outdoor air directly, so DX systems are typically placed in an exterior wall. Smaller units with 1/3 ton to 2 ton capacities are adequate for individual rooms, whereas larger units with more than a 2 ton capacity can serve several rooms in a single zone. With the addition of a heating coil, a DX system can serve both heating and cooling functions. Ventilation comes directly from the outside. Direct expansion units can be through-wall types, roof mounted, or packaged.

What is the difference between dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature?

Dry-bulb temperature is measured with a standard thermometer. Wet-bulb temperature is measured with a sling psychrometer, a device that consists of a thermometer with a most cloth around the bulb. The thermometer is swung rapidly in the air, causing the moisture in the cloth to evaporate. In dry air, the moisture evaporates rapidly and acquires latent heat, which produces a low wet-bulb temperature and the dry-bulb temperature indicates low relative humidity. In moist air, less moisture evaporates from the cloth, so the wet-bulb temperature is higher.

What is an ionization detector?

During a fire, it responds to products of combustion-ionized particles rather than to smoke. Ionization detectors are not appropriate where fires may produce a lot of smoke but few particles. Because they can detect particles from a smoldering fire before it bursts into flames, these devices are considered early warning detectors.

For surfaces that are not perpendicular to the source, the formula for finding the illumination on the horizontal surface is....

E = I cos Θ / d²

What is Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer?

EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber), a type of synthetic rubber, is an elastomer characterized by a wide range of application (water proofing).

What power source do Compressive Chillers use?

Electricity

What is a Phase Change Material?

Eutectic slats that change from a solid to a liquid at a fairly low temperature, around 70°F. They store large amounts of heat because they store latent heat as they undergo the phase change from solid to liquid. At night, the heat is released as they change state from liquid to solid.

Why are floor drains required to have deeper seals than other types of traps?

Floor drains are seldom used, special care must be taken so that the water seal does not evaporate and allow sewer gases to penetrate the building.

What is a Dual Condenser Chiller?

For refrigeration equipment, two condensers are used instead of one. When building heating is not needed, a heat rejection condenser sends heat to the cooling towers. When heat is needed, a separate heat recovery condenser sends excess heat to fan coil units or other devices. The building automation system controls how the system operates based on outdoor temperature and heating and cooling needs of the building. Another option is to use multiple chillers with units of varying sizes instead on one large chiller. This options allows the system to operate more efficiently by using the best sized chiller for the load.

What is the House Sewer?

From a point 3ft outside the building to the main sewer line or private disposal system. *Cleanouts are provided at the intersections of the stacks and house drain to allow for maintenance of the drain.

What is the primary difference between Furnaces and Boilers?

Furnaces burn either gas or oil to heat air, which is then distributed throughout the building. Boilers use fuel to heat water, and the steam or hot water is used to distribute heat.

What is a good range for an Effective Aperture?

Generally, an EA between 0.20 and 0.30 provides good daylighting. Thus, if the glazing has a low VLT, the size of the window should be increased. For best uniform light distribution, use continuous windows (instead of punched windows) with solid wall between them.

What are Super Windows?

Glazing units that combine two low-e coatings with gas-filled cavities between three layers of glass. With a U-value of 0.15 Btu/ft²-hr-°F or less, these units can actually gain more thermal energy than they lose over a 24-hour period in winter.

What is a tank system regarding graywater?

Graywater is held around coils of cold water after use to extract heat from it.

What is the difference between Green Seal and Greenguard?

Green Seal develops environmental standards for products based on a life-cycle approach that analyzes a product's energy use, resource use, emissions to air, water, and land, and health impacts of the product. Greenguard evaluates the products to make sure they meet acceptable IAQ pollutant guidelines and standards.

How low does a flat interior paint's VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) need to be in order to obtain LEED credit?

Green Seal standards state that flat interior paint cannot exceed 50 g/L.

How long should an HVAC system be operated at full capacity after a new building is substantial completed?

HVAC system should be operating at full capacity for two weeks to reduce the emissions due to outgassing chemicals and moisture.

What is Design Cooling Load Factor?

Heat gain through glazing can be a very significant factor. It is calculated by multiplying the area of the glazing by the design cooling load factor (DCLF). Like the design equivalent temperature difference, the DCLF take into account several variables that affect how solar heat gain occurs, including the type of glazing, the type of interior shading, and the outdoor design temperature. Design cooling load factors are also published ASHRAE.

What is an All-Air System?

Heats spaces by conditioned air alone. Heat is transported to the space with supply and return air ducts. The most basic type of all-air system is the constant volume single duct system.

What is a Direct-Contact Water Heater?

Heats water by passing hot gases directly through the water. Natural gas is burned to provide the flue gases that transfer sensible and latent heat to the water. As a further efficiency, a heat exchanger on the combustion chamber reclaims any heat lost from the chamber. Although the gases are in direct contract with the water, the water is considered safe for human consumption. These types of heaters can be up to 99% efficient when the inlet water temperature is below 59°F. They have the added advantage of producing low emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. Because direct-contact water heaters are a high-cost alternative, they are best used where there is a continuous demand for hot water, such as for food processing, laundries, and industrial purposes.

What is a Phase Change System?

Hot water systems can take advantage of phase-change materials as the collector fluid (solid, liquid, gas) that store latent heat as well as sensible heat.

What is the relation of current, voltage, and resistance described in a formula?

I (current) = V (voltage) / R (Resistance)

How can Power be used to find Sound Intensity? (formula)

I = P / 4πr²

What would the sound level be in a room of eight type-writers, each producing 73 dB?

ILtotal = 73 dB + 10 log 8 = 82 dB

What is the formula for adding several sources of identical sound intensity value?

ILtotal = ILsource + 10 log (number of sources)

What is a Plumbing Air Gap?

If the potable water outlet was below the highest level of the overflow of a sink or tub, contaminated water in the sink could be siphoned back into the potable water supply lines. To prevent this, faucets are always mounted with their outlets at least 2 in above the highest possible level of waste water.

What is Deadband?

In a building control system, the range of temperature within which neither heating nor cooling is called for.

What is an upflow, downflow, and horizontal furnace?

In an upflow furnace, the return air is supplied at the bottom of the unit and the heated air is delivered to the bonnet above the furnace where it is distributed through ductwork. A downflow furnace operates in exactly the opposite way and is used in cases where ductwork is located in a basement or crawl space and the furnace is located on the first floor. A horizontal furnace is designed to be used in areas where headroom is limited, such as in crawl spaces. A horizontal furnace is designed to be used in areas where headroom is limited such as in crawl space.

What is the Daylight Factor? (DF)

In architecture, a daylight factor (DF) is the ratio of the light level inside a structure to the light level outside the structure.

What is Diffuse Reflection?

Is a result of a uniformly rough surface reflecting light in all different directions. It appears uniformly bright and the image of the source cannot be seen.

Where is it appropriate to install a Class III standpipe?

It MUST be installed in buildings where the floor level of the highest story is more than 30 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 ft below the highest level of fire department access.

What is an Active Solar Energy System?

It collects, stores, and distributes solar energy by means of pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, and other mechanical equipment. Three key components 1) The collector: Either a flate-plate collector or focusing collector. 2) A storage device: Usually water for water systems or rock beds for air systems. Phase change materials can also be used, but are more expensive. 3) Distribution components are the same as for standard HVAC systems: ducts for air, pipes for water, and associated fans, pumps, registers, and control devices.

What is a Flat-Plate Heat Recovery Unit?

It is an energy recovery ventilator that has two separate ducts of various designs - one for incoming air and one for exhaust air of various designs-separated by a thin wall that facilitates the heat transfer.

What does a rainwater collection system consist of?

It is composed of a water collection system, a storage cistern, and a water distribution system. The water collection system is commonly the roof area of the building. If a roof is used, the materials should be selected to avoid contamination of the water or the addition of sediment. Good choices are metal, clay, and concrete tile. Avoid using asphalt shingles or lead-containing materials such as flashing. Steep roofs are better than low-sloped roofs because they are scoured by winds and collect less dust and debris. Devices can be used to divert the first flush of water during a rainfall, to prevent it from entering the cistern.

What is Gypsum Wallboard made of?

It is manufactured with 100% recycled content for its paper faces and with some recycled content for the corc. Some manufacturers mix recycled newspaper with gypsum as the core material. In addition, about 7% of the industry's total use of gypsum is synthetic gypsum.

What is the Load Factor in regards to electrical demands?

It is the ratio of the average power used to the maximum power demand.

What is Amplitude in regards to electricity?

It is the voltage in an AC which can be represented as a sine wave. In America AC is produced at a frequency of 60 cycles per second or 60 Hz. In Europe its 50 Hz.

What is a steradian?

It is used in three-dimensional geometry, and is analogous to the radian which quantifies planar angles.

When is the Summer Solstice?

June 21st Maximum tilt and longest day of the year.

What is a Light Pipe?

Light Pipes are round or square tubes with highly reflective interior coatings that extend from the roof to the space to be lighted. Sunlight is captured through a clear plastic dome and directed down to a translucent diffusing plate at the bottom. Light pipes are available in diameters from 10 in to 16 in. These devices are a relatively inexpensive way to bring natural light to the interior of a building, but their obvious limitation is that they only work in a space near the roof.

What is a Tungsten Halogen Lamp?

Light is produced by the incandescence of the filament, but there is a small amount of a halogen, such as iodine or bromine, in the bulb with the inert gas. Through a recurring cycle, part of the tungsten filament is burned off as the lamp operates, but it mixes with the halogen and is redeposited on the filament instead of on the wall of the bulb as in standard incandescent lamps. This results in a longer bulb life, low lumen depreciation over the life of the bulb, and a more uniform light color. Because the filament burns under higher pressure and temperature, the bulb is made from quartz and is much smaller than standard incandescent lamps.

What are the three classifications for identifying a building's fire risk?

Light, ordinary, and extra hazard. *Provided by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

Where are manholes located?

Located at every change in direction and at intervals of 150 ft.

What is the Thousand Circular Mil?

MCM is nomenclature for sizing any cable larger than 4/0 gauge. A circular mil is a derived area measurement representing the square of the cable diameter in thousandths of an inch (mil). *The MCM cable sizes are 250, 300, 400, and 500.

What is Linoleum?

Made from natural, renewable products, including linseed oil, rosin, cork powder, and pigments. It is a durable floor material and is biodegradable, waterproof, fire resistant, naturally antibacterial, and does not generate static electricity. When used with low-VOC adhesives it emits only low levels of contaminants, less than those of vinyl flooring.

When is the Spring Equinox?

March 21st

What is the articulation class?

Measures open office acoustics by giving a rating of system component performance and does not account for masking sound. *Key here is component. Does not test out an assembly or actual office just one material.

What is a Percolation Test?

Measures the amount of time it takes water in a test hole to drop 1 in. The test is usually carried out to establish what minimum lengths of piping in leaching fields are required in order to handle the predicted volume.

What is the articulation index?

Measures the performance of all the elements of a particular configuration working together: ceiling absorption, space dividers, furniture, light fixtures, partitions, background masking system, and HVAC systems. It is used to objectively test speech privacy of open office spaces, either in the actual space or in a laboratory mock-up of the space. (rating is 0 - 1.00 with 1.00 being absolutely no privacy).

What are Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)?

Mixtures of synthetic organic chemicals with physical properties ranging from oily liquids to waxy solids. PCBs were used in many commercial and industrial applications, including building transformers, fluorescent light transformers, paints, coatings, and plastic and rubber products. PCBs are known to cause cancer and other adverse health effects afflicting the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system. Because of concerns regarding the toxicity and persistence of PCBs in the environment, their manufacture and importation were banned in 1977 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976.

What is Polyvinyl Chloride?

More commonly known as PVC, poly vinyl or vinyl, is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer, after polyethylene and polypropylene. Often used in construction for waterproof membranes, plumbing, flooring tiles, door frames, etc...

How does one calculate heat loads from lighting?

Multiply the total wattage load of the building's lighting by 3.41. Heat gains from lighting can be found by using the fact that one watt equals 3.41 Btu/hr. For fluorescent and other discharge lights, the energy used by the ballast must also be included. A rule of thumb is to multiply the Btu/hr generated by these types of fixtures by 1.25.

What is a Vent Stack?

Multistory Buildings may have this type of piping that is completely separate to vent plumbing OR may connect to the stack vent above.

How do you calculate the Noise Reduction after increasing the Sound Absorption in a space?

NR = 10 log A2 / A1 A1 = total original room absorption in sabins A2 = total room absorption after increase of absorption

A conference room and an office are separated by a common wall 13 ft long and 9 ft high with an STC rating of 54. The total absorption of the office has been calculated to be 220 sabins. What is the total noise reduction from the conference room to the office?

NR = TL + 10 log ( A / S ) NR = 54 + 10 log 220 sabins / (9 ft)(13 ft) = 54 + 10 log 1.88 = 54 + 2.7 = 57 dB

How is Noise Reduction calculated?

NR = TL + 10 log ( A / S ) TL - Transmission Loss A - Metric Sabins (total acoustical absorption) S - area of barrier or component between rooms in meters. One metric sabin equals 10.76 English sabins.

What power source do Absorption Chillers use?

Natural Gas *Can be powered by hot water from solar collectors.

What are the efficiencies of natural gas, propane, no. 2 oil, anthracite coal, and electricity respectively?

Natural Gas: 70 - 80% Propane: 70 - 90% No. 2 Oil: 65 - 85% Anthracite coal: 65-75% Electricity: 95-100%

What pressures are desirable in what zones when a building is on fire?

Negative pressure is desirable in the area with the fire (exhaust on max and supply shut off). Positive pressure is desired for all other areas especially where occupants are waiting for rescue (supply on max and exhaust shutoff).

How does one calculate the number of luminaires required in a room to maintain a given illumination level?

Number of luminaires = (footcandles)(area of room) / (number of lamps)(lumen per lamp)(CU)(LF)

How is Impedance represented as a formula?

Ohm's law to calculate AC circuit I = V / Z (impedance)

What is a clo?

One clo is equal to the typical American man's business suit or about 0.15 clo/lbm of clothing.

What is ASHRAE Standard 90.1?

Otherwise known as Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. This is a voluntary industry standard that gives information on minimum energy efficiency standards, building envelope requirements, zone isolation, floor, ceiling, and roof insulation, and power allowance calculation.

What is a Direct Upfeed Pumping System?

Otherwise known as a water supply system that is "tankless". Several pumps are used together controlled by a pressure sensor. When demand is light, only one pump operates to supply the needed pressure. As demand increases and is detected by the pressure sensor, another pump automatically starts.

What is Reactance in regards to electricity?

Part of the electrical resistance in an alternating current circuit, caused by inductance and capacitance.

What is Fee in Lieu?

Payment of money by a developer in place of meeting all or part of stormwater performance standards.

What are Standpipes?

Pipes that run the height of a building and provide water outlets at each floor to which fire fighting hoses can be connected. They are located within the stairway or, in the case of pressurized enclosures, within the vestibule.

What is a Stack Vent?

Piping that extends past the highest fixture and extends past the roof to vent.

What is Green Seal, GS-11?

Product Standard for Paints

What is Green Seal, GS-13?

Product Standard for Windows

What are Underfloor Ducts?

Proprietary steel raceways cast into a concrete floor at regular spacing, usually about 4, 5, or 6 ft. Feeder ducts run perpendicular to the distribution ducts and carry power and signal wiring from the main electrical closet to each distribution duct. Preset inserts are placed along the distribution ducts at close intervals, and these are tapped wherever an outlet or telephone connection is required.

What is direct lighting?

Provides all light out pout on the task. *A recessed fluorescent luminaire is an example of direct lighting.

What is the formula to show the relationship of conductance and resistance?

R = 1 / C

How much is reverberation reduced when doubling the sound absorption in a room?

Reduces by one-half

What is the "clear sky" condition in regards to sound?

Referring to the concept of having an absorptive ceiling so that there is no sound being reflected.

What is an Alternating Current?

Refers to the direction of an electric current. When a conductor is moved in a magnetic field an AC is created. Depending on which direction the conductor was moved establishes whether the current is positive or negative.

What is Absorption Cooling?

Refrigeration by absorption produces chilled water and is accomplished by the loss of heat when water evaporates. This evaporation is produced in a closed system by a salt solution that draws water vapor from the evaporator. As the salt solution absorbs water, it dilutes and must be regenerated by boiling off the water and returning the strong salt solution to the absorber. This is most often done with steam, but it can also be done with high temperature water produced by solar collectors. The water boiled off in the generator is returned to a liquid state in the condenser and then returned to the evaporator. Both the condenser and absorber require condensing water, which removes the waste heat and carries it to cooling towers. Absorption systems are less efficient that compressive systems and are most often used when waste heat is available for energy input to the generator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R84hLprO5s

What is a Thermosiphon System?

Relies on the natural movement of heated water to circulate the water in a passive, open-loop system. This system is also simple, but the storage tanks must be located above the collectors, and the piping must be kept simple to minimize pipe friction. To address the problem of freezing, a variation of this method uses a closed loop system with antifreeze fluid.

What is a Pressure Reducer or Pressure Regulator regarding plumbing?

Required on fixtures if the pressure if 60 psi or above.

What is are Intumescent Materials?

Respond to fire by expanding rapidly, insulating the surface they protect or filling gaps to prevent the passage of fire, heat, and smoke. They are available in the form of strips, caulk, paint, and spreadable putty. For example, a strip of intumescent material placed along the edge of one of a pair of fire doors will expand and seal the crack, substituting for an astragal that would otherwise be required. Intumescent paints can be applied to protect normally flammable wood.

What is a Flame Detector?

Responds to infrared or ultraviolet radiation given off by flames. However, like rise-of-temperature detectors, they do not give an early warning of smoldering fires.

How do you add two sources of sound when the decibel levels are different?

Rule of Thumb: - If the difference between the two values is 0 to 1 then add 3 to the higher value. - If the difference is 2 or 3 dB then add 2 dB -If it is 4 to 8 dB then add 1 dB -9 dB or more then 0 dB *Because decibels are logarithmic, they cannot be added directly.

What is a Glass Break Detector?

Senses when a window has been broken or cut by using either metallic foil or a small vibration detector mounted on the glass.

When is the Fall Equinox?

September 21st

What is a Comfort Chart?

Shows graphically on a chart the comfortable range of dry-bulb temperature and humidity simultaneously.

What is a drainage field?

Similar in nature to a leaching field, but is used to carry away excessive storm water away from the foundations of the building. Allows water to seep into the ground.

What is an angle valve?

Similar to the globe valve except on an angle 90° - used for hoses.

What is a Passive Solar Energy System?

Simply means that solar energy is collected, stored, and distributed without the use of mechanical equipment.

What is the American Wire Gauge (AWG)?

Sizing of conductors that range from 16 gauge (0.0508 in diameter) to 0000 (4/0) gauge (0.460 in diameter). *A single insulated conductor no. 6 AWG or larger, or several conductors assembled into a single unit, is referred to as cable. Conductors no. 8 AWG or smaller are called wire.

What is the Inverse Square Law in regards to sound intensity and distance?

Sound intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. I1 / I2 = r2² / r1²

What is Stack Pressure and what affect does it have on a building?

Stack pressure is caused by a difference in atmospheric pressure at the top and bottom of a building due to temperature differences. In cold climates, cold air at the bottom of a building flows in and rises as it warms. The opposite occurs in warm climates with air conditioned buildings.

What is a Multizone System?

Supplies air to a central mixing unit where separate heating and cooling coils produce hot and cold air streams. These are mixed with dampers controlled by zone thermostats, and the resulting tempered air is delivered to the zones. *Multizone units offer the same advantage as dual-duct systems in that simultaneous cooling and heating of different zones can be accommodated. The main disadvantage is that the amount of duct space increases rapidly as more zones are added. This system is usually only used for medium sized buildings or where a central mixing units is located on each floor.

What is the formula for Reverberation time?

T = 0.05(V / A) V - volume of room A - total acoustical absorption

There are many times when a partition will comprise two or more types of constructions, for example, a door in a wall or a glass panel in a wall. The combined transmission loss can be found by the this formula.....

TLcomposite = 10 log (total area / (sum of "t") x S t = coefficient of transmission loss S = area of barrier or component between rooms In finding the value of t, if the value of the transmission loss of individual materials is known, the following formula can be used.. t = 10^-(TL/10)

What is the combined transmission loss of a wall 9 ft high and 15 ft long with a 3 ft by 7 ft door in it? Assume the TL of the wall is 54 dB and that the door, with full perimeter seals, is 29 dB

TLcomposite = 10 log (total area / (sum of "t") x S total wall area: (9 ft)(15 ft) = 135 ft² area of door: 21 ft² area of partition: 135 ft - 21 ft = 114 ft² t of partition = 10^-5.4 t of door = 10^-2.9 TLcomposite = 10 log (135 / (10^-5.4)(114) + (10^-2.9)(21) = 10 log 5012 =37 dB

What is ASHRAE?

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

What variables does the Effective Aperture combine?

The Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) AND The Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR)

What is conductivity, "k" when referring to material properties?

The amount of heat lost through 1 ft² of a 1" thickness of the material when the temperature difference is 1°F.

What is Conductance, "C", when referring to material properties?

The amount of heat lost through 1 ft² of any thickness other than 1" (conductivity) when the temperature difference is 1°F.

What is diffraction?

The bending of sound waves around an object or through an opening. Diffraction explains why sounds can be heard around corners and why even small holes in partitions allow so much sound to be heard.

What is Ampacity?

The current carrying capacity of a conductor which is reliant on its size, the type of insulation around it, and the surrounding temperature.

What is Illuminance?

The density of luminous flux incident on a surface in lumens per unit area. One lumen uniformly incident on 1 ft² of area produces an illuminance of 1 fc.

What is Transmission Loss?

The difference, in decibels, between the sound power incident on a barrier in a source room and the sound power radiated into a receiving room on the opposite side of the barrier. The transmission loss varies with the frequency being tested.

What does the word Photovoltaics mean?

The direct conversion of sunlight into electricity.

What is the Coefficient of Utilization? (CU)

The efficiency of the luminaire (represents the fact that not all of the lumens produced by the lamps reach the work surface). The CU is a number from 0.01 to 1.00.

What is Luminance?

The luminous flux per unit of projected area and unit solid angle leaving a surface, either reflected or transmitted. By definition, the unit (in SI measurements now commonly used) is the candela per square meter (cd/m²), also called the nit. In the older inch-pound system, the unit is the footlambert, where 1 footlambert is 1/π candlepower per square foot. Luminance takes into account the reflectance and transmittance properties of materials and the directions in which they are viewed. Thus, 100 lux stricking a 1 m² surface with 50% reflectance would result in a luminance of 50 candelas per square meter. Luminance is sometimes called brightness, although brightness includes the physiological sensation of the adaptation of the eye, whereas luminance is the measurable state of object luminosity.

What is a Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System?

The most common sprinkler system that is constantly filled with water and responds immediately to a rise in temperature at any sprinkler head from 135°F to 170°F.

What is water hammer?

The noise caused when a valve or faucet is closed quickly, causing the water moving in the system to stop abruptly and the pipes to rattle. It can be solved with air chambers, shock absorbers, or pressure reducers.

What is Resistance, "R", when referring to material properties?

The number of hours needed for 1 BTU to pass through a material of a given thickness when the temperature differential is 1°F.

How much sound is transmitted through a wall with a 1 in² opening and is 100 ft² in area?

The opening will transmit as much sound as the entire wall would have allowed if it did not have the hole.

What is the Balance-Point Temperature?

The outdoor temperature at which a building makes a transition from a heating need to a cooling need.

What is a House Drain?

The plumbing piping used to drain within the building and to a point 3 ft outside the building.

What is static head?

The pressure required to overcome loss of pressure due to friction within ducts (measured in mm of water).

What is Energy in regards to electricity?

The product of power and time, also called work.

What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?

The ratio of annual fuel output energy to annual input energy. This includes nonseasonal pilot light input losses.

What is Energy Efficiency Ratio? (EER)

The ratio of net cooling capacity in Btu/hr to the total rate of electrical input in watts under designated operating conditions.

What is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?

The ratio of the solar heat gain through a fenestration to the total solar radiation incident on the glazing. Solar heat gain includes directly transmitted solar heat and absorbed solar radiation, which is then reradiated, conducted, or convected into the space. The rating includes the effects of the frame and glass spacer. The SHGC is a value between 0.0 and 0.87.

What is Shading Coefficient (SC)?

The ratio of the solar heat gain through a glazing product to the solar heat gain through an unshaded 1/8 in thick, clear, double-strength glass under the same set of conditions. Value between 0.0 and 1.0.

What is Impedance?

The resistance in an alternating current (AC) circuit, measured in ohms.

What water flow bears more friction, one that is in a larger sized pipe or smaller?

The smaller pipe will bear more friction.

What is a viewed angle?

The solid angle formed between the measuring position and the outer edges of the object. For example, when sitting close to a fireplace, a person experiences relatively high radiant heat because the fireplace occupies a large angle of view relative to the body. When the person sits across the room, the same fireplace occupies a much smaller angel of view, so it will not feel as warm.

What is a Recuperative Gas Boiler?

The system recovers the sensible and latent heat from the high heat of exhaust flue gases that would normally be discharged to the atmosphere. Recuperative gas boilers are designed to cool flue gas temperatures enough to achieve condensation. The reclaimed heat is used to preheat the cold water entering the boiler or to preheat combustion air. Efficiencies can be increased from a high of only 83%, with standard gas boilers, up to 95%. Some systems also have reduced emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. Installation is also easier that with standard flues because, since the final emitted flue gases are cool, plastic vent pipe can be used.

What is Superinsulation?

The technique of providing higher levels of insulation than normally used, tightly sealing all joints and cracks, and preventing any thermal bridges between the outside and inside, such as through studs. All portions of the building are carefully detailed so that every piece is insulated. Gaps, such as electrical outlets on exterior walls, are avoided or placed inside the insulation. In many cases, exterior walls have to be made thicker than required to accommodate the added insulation. For homes this means using 2 x 6 studs instead of 2 x 4 studs.

What is Reverberation Time?

The time it takes the sound level to decrease 60 dB after the source has stopped producing the sound.

What is enthalpy and what does it represent in a psychrometric chart?

The total amount of both sensible and latent heat in the air-moisture mixture. The enthalpy line is used to determine the total amount of heat that must be either removed (in cooling) or added (in heating) from conditioned air. This is more than just the heat represented by air temperature (sensible heat), because the latent heat contained in the moisture in the air must also be removed or added.

What is Embodied Energy?

The total energy required to extract, produce, fabricate, and deliver a material to a job site, including the collection of raw materials, the energy used to extract and process the raw materials, transportation from the original site to the processing plant or factory, the energy required to turn the raw materials into a finished product, and the energy required to transport the material to the job site.

What is an Ampere?

The unit flow of electrons in a conductor equal to 6.251 X 10^18 electrons passing a given section in 1 sec

What is a Sabin?

The unit of absorption; theoretically, 1 ft² of surface having an absorption coefficient of 1.00.

What is a Watt?

The unit of electrical power.

What is a Volt?

The unit of electromotive force or potential difference that will cause a current of 1 A (electrical current) to flow through a conductor whose resistance is 1.

What is a Lumen?

The unit of luminous flux equal to the flux in a unit solid angle of 1 steradian from a uniform point source of 1 candlepower. On a unit sphere (1 ft radius), an area of 1 ft² will subtend an angle of 1 steradian.

What is Candlepower?

The unit of luminous intensity approx. equal to the horizontal light output from an ordinary wax candle.

What is an Ohm?

The unit of resistance in an electrical circuit.

What is a dBA?

The unit of sound intensity measurement that is weighted to account for the response of the human ear to various frequencies.

What is the heating value of oil?

There are five grades of oil: no.1, no.2, no.4, no.5 light, no.5, no.6. *The lower the number the more refined the oil is. The heat value for no. 2 oil is from 137,000 Btu/gal to 141,000 Btu/gal and that for no. 5 is from 146,8000 Btu/gal to 152,000 Btu/gal.

Where do you locate thermal insulation and acoustical insulation in relation to the duct wall?

Thermal insulation is placed on the outside of the duct and acoustical insulation is placed on the inside given that it is encapsulated.

What are Photoelectric Detectors?

They respond to smoke, which obscures a light beam in the device. These are useful where potential fires may produce a great deal of smoke before bursting into flames.

What is task-ambient lighting?

This approach to lighting design recognizes that it is inefficient to try to illuminate an entire room to the level required for individual tasks scattered around the room. Instead, a general background level of illumination is provided, and separate light fixtures are used to increase the light levels at individual workstations.

Where can an architect find emission test data from a manufacturer?

This can be found in the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). OSHA regulations require all manufacturers to develop and supply MSDSs for their products if they contain chemicals.

What is the Color Rendering Index?

This is a measure of how closely the perceived colors of an object illuminated with a test source match the colors of the object when it is illuminated with daylight of the same color temperature. The maximum CRI rating is 100, so a light source with a rating of 85 or more is very good.

How is Low-Emittance Glass, or Low-E Glass, beneficial?

This is double glazing with a thin film or coating placed somewhere in the glazing cavity. The film or coating allows both visible and near-infrared radiation to be transmitted through the glass. However, as objects in the room are heated and emit long-wave radiation, the film or coating prevents the loss of this heat, instead, the heat is reflected back into the room. When used with an argon gas fill to reduce convection, low-e window units provide a very efficient fenestration. For example, a double-glazed unit with argon gas in a 1/4 in space with a low-e coating (e = 0.15) has a U-value of about 0.36 Btu/ft²-hr-°F. With a 1/2 in space, the U-value drops to approximately 0.28 Btu/ft²-hr-°F.

What is the recovery rate regarding water heaters?

This is the number of gallons per hour of cold water that the heater can raise to the desired temperature.

What is the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976?

This law was enacted to give the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to track and regulate over 75,000 industrial chemicals produced or imported into the United States. It allows the EPA to ban the manufacture and import of those chemicals that pose an unreasonable risk.

What is Top Lighting?

Top Lighting with daylight involves using light pipes, skylights, roof monitors, sawtoothed roofs, or sloped glazing. Providing another source of daylight is advantageous because it is easier to evenly distribute the light, and because daylight can be provided to a larger portion of the building.

What is the difference between transmission loss and actual noise reduction?

Transmission loss is the difference (in decibels) between the sound power incident on a barrier in a source room and the sound power radiated into a receiving room on the opposite side of the barrier (often simulated in laboratories). Noise reduction is the arithmetic difference (in decibels) between the intensity levels in two rooms separated by a barrier of a given transmission loss.

What is Spectrally Selective Glazing?

Transmits a high proportion of the visible solar spectrum while blocking heat from the infrared portion of the spectrum, up to 80%. Used with a low-e coating, a double-glazed window can achieve an SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) of approx. 0.25. These types of glazing materials are especially good for buildings that have a long cooling season and that require high light levels.

What is Transparent Insulation?

Transparent Insulation consists of a relatively thick layer of polycarbonate honeycomb material, acrylic foam, or fiberglass sandwiched between layers of glazing. It is used to admit light while providing a high degree of insulation. It can also be used over another thermal mass material to trap solar heat and then slow the loss of the stored heat back into the atmosphere. Although good for diffusing light, transparent insulation cannot be used where a view is desired.

What is Moveable Insulation?

Typically used on windows that provide passive solar heating. The insulation is removed during sunlight hours and replaced at night or during cloudy weather to prevent heat loss. This type of insulation can be manually operated, power operated, or set to work automatically. Common types of moveable insulation include roll-down shutters, insulated shades, swinging panels of insulation, and expanded polystyrene beads blown between panes of glass.

What is a Dry-Pipe Sprinkler System?

Used in areas that are subject to freezing. The pipes are filled with compressed air or nitrogen until one or more heads are activated, allowing water to flow.

What is a Magnetic Contact Alarm?

Used on doors and windows to either sound an alarm when the contact is broken or send a signal to a central monitoring and control station.

What is a glove valve?

Used where water flow is variably and frequently controlled, such as with faucets or hose bibbs. A handle operates a stem that compresses a washer against a metal seat. Because the water must make two 90° turns, the friction loss in this type of valve is high.

What is an Underfloor Raceway?

Utilized when outlets must be changed frequently. The two variants of this are Underfloor Ducts and Cellular Metal Floors.

How is Wattage described as a formula?

W = V x I *A useful mnemonic way of remembering it is to think of PIE, or P = IE, power (wattage) equals current (I) times electromotive force (E), which is voltage.

How is power represented in AC circuits?

W = VI (power factor)

What is Evaporative Cooling?

Water dropped over pads or fin tubes through which outdoor air or water is circulated. As the free water is evaporated to vapor, heat is drawn from the air or circulating water, which is then distributed to the indoor spaces. This type of cooling only works in hot-arid climates where the outdoor air has a low enough humidity level to allow the moistened air to evaporate. It is more economical than refrigeration cooling in some instances because it uses only one motor instead of three. An evaporative cooler is also simpler in construction and operation because it needs no refrigerant line and uses fewer parts.

What is a Pre-Action Sprinkler System?

Water is allowed into the system before any sprinkler head has opened. At the same time an alarm is activated. This system is used where damage from water might result. The early alarm allows the fire to be put out before any sprinkler head opens.

What is an Upfeed System?

Water supply system that uses pressure in the water main directly to supply the fixtures.

What is a Siamese Connection?

Water valve that allows firefighters to connect hoses to during the case of a fire.

What is Hard Water?

Water with high concentrations of calcium and magnesium salts. If untreated, it can cause clogged pipes and corrosion of boilers.

What is Turbidity?

Water with suspended material such as silt, clay, and organic material. Although it is not hazardous, turbidity is unpleasant and can be treated by filtration.

What is a Roof Pond?

Water-filled bags on the roof of a building that store heat. In winter during the day, the bags heat up. At night, insulation is moved over the roof pond, which loses its heat downward into the building. The same system can be reversed in the summer to cool the building by radiation. During the night the insulation is removed from the pond, so the heat collected from the building during the day is lost upward, away from the building.

What and how is heat transmission calculated?

When a building assembly consists of more than one material, the value used to calculate heat loss is the coefficient of heat transmission, "U". However, the value of U is not simply the sum of all the conductances of the individual materials. Instead, the coefficient of heat loss must be calculated according to the formula. U = 1 / ΣR *Sigma refers to the total addition The amount of heat loss through one unit of area of bulding material or assembly is dependent on the coefficient of heat transmission of the material or assembly and the temperature differential between the inside and outside. For an entire area of one type of material, this value is multiplied by the total area to get the total heat loss. The formula is 1 = UAΔt *Delta refers to the difference - determined by subtracting the outdoor design temperature from the desired indoor temperature. In order to calculate the heat loss for an entire room or building, the heat losses of all the different types of assemblies walls, windows, roofs, and so forth - must be determined and then added together.

What is a Dynamic Buffer Zone?

When a new outer layer of glazing is built around an existing building. These types of systems are constructed primarily to prevent and control condensation that may result from remodeling and upgrading the existing building with higher humidity levels. In this type of system the space between the existing building and the new facade is ventilated with dry, preheated air during winter months.

How is white light achieved?

When a source emits approx. equal quantities of energy over the entire visible spectrum.

What is Design Equivalent Temperature Difference (DETD)?

When calculating heat gain through a building envelope - This value, calculated through complex formulas, takes into account the air temperature differences, effects of the sun, thermal mass storage effects of materials, colors of finishes exposed to the sun, and the daily temperature range.

What is a busbar?

When high currents are involved, the use of very large cables becomes expensive and awkward to tap into for transformers and branch circuits. Instead, rectangular of copper, called busbars, are used. When several busbars are assembled in a special metal housing, it is called a busduct or busway.

What is Specular Reflection?

When light hits a smooth, polished surface, such as a mirror, and directs a significant amount of the light in a direction away from the surface. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

What is a Sump Pump?

When plumbing fixtures must be below the level of the house drain and house sewer a device that collects the sewage is installed and pumps it to a higher level where it can flow by gravity into the sewer.

Describe the process for space heating in conjunction with Solar Heating?

When solar energy is used for space heating, either air or water can be used for the transfer medium. If air is used, the heated air is circulated to a rock bed, normally under the building, where the heat is stored. At night, fans circulate cool air over the rock bed, where the air warms and is distributed to the building. If water is used as the transfer medium, it is stored in a large tank and then, when needed, it is pumped to baseboard heaters, radiant panels, or a heat exchanger in a forced air furnace.

Describe the process for water heating in conjunction with Solar Heating?

When solar energy is used for water heating it may be in either an open loop or closed loop. In an open loop, the water to be used is heated directly in the solar collector. In a closed loop, water or some other transfer medium is heated in the collector and circulated to a heat exchanger where the actual water to be used is heated by the transfer medium. A closed loop is often employed because antifreeze can be added to the water that circulates through the collectors.

What is High-Velocity Dual Duct System?

Where more flexibility is required, a high-velocity dual-duct system can be used. This system provides two parallel ducts, one with hot air and one with cool air. These two streams of air are joined in a mixing box in proportions to suit the temperature requirements of the conditioned space. A thermostat controls pneumatic valves in the mixing box to create the proper mixture. *Inherently inefficient because both hot and cool air have to be supplied winter or summer, and previously cooled air may need to be heated or previously heated air may need to be cooled. In addition, the high velocity requires larger, more powerful fans to move the air, which requires more energy. Finally, the high velocity can cause noise problems in the ductwork.

What is wind pressure and what affect does it have on a building?

Wind pressure puts positive pressure on the side of the building it is hitting and negative pressure at the corners and on the lee side (side opposite of the wind).

Can Solar Energy be used for cooling?

Yes Solar energy can be used for cooling if high enough temperatures are reached in the transfer medium. The heated water is used as the energy source for absorptive cooling.

In what 3 ways can the human body lose energy?

convection, evaporation, and radiation *Conduction as well although it is a very small portion. 1) Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid, either a gas or liquid. This occurs when the air temperature surrounding a person is less than the body's skin temperature, around 85°F. The body heats the surrounding air, which rises and is replaced with cooler air. 2) Heat loss through evaporation occurs when moisture changes to a vapor as a person perspires or breathes. 3) Radiation is the transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic waves from one surface to a colder surface. The body can lose heat to a cooler atmosphere or to a cooler surface. 4) Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects of different temperatures.

How are Frequency and Velocity in regards to sound related?

f = c / w c - velocity f - frequency w - wavelength

Sensible Heat

heat that causes a change in temperature of a substance but not a change of state.

Latent Heat

heat that causes a change of state of a substance, such as the heat required to change water into steam.

What is Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)?

is a scalar representation of the amount of sound energy absorbed upon striking a particular surface. An NRC of 0 indicates perfect reflection; an NRC of 1 indicates perfect absorption. *It is the average of a material's absorption coefficients at the four frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz rounded to the nearest multiple of 0.05.

How much noise reduction does doubling the sound absorption of a room?

only 3 dB

What is the equation to determine if there is adequate pressure for a building?

pressure at most remote fixture + pressure loss from static head + pressure loss by friction in piping and fittings + pressure loss through water meter + = total street water main pressure

What is ASTM E1991?

the American Section of the International Association for Testing Materials (by the way). Standard Guide for Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Building Materials/Products

What is ASTM E2114?

the American Section of the International Association for Testing Materials (by the way). Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings.

What is the British Thermal Unit?

the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 lbm (pound mass) of water by 1°F.