BS Practice Questions

If the street main provides 100 psi, and there is a loss of 10 psi due to friction between street and bldg, a faucet can be placed ________ feet high if the required pressure at the fixture is 10 psi.

184 ft - 80 psi to lift water to faucet - 80psi x 2.3 ft/psi = 184 ft

An office area has an avg continuous lighting load of 1,000 Watts. What is the energy cost of providing lighting to this area for a 12-hr day, based on a unit cost of 8 cents per kWh? __________ Dollars

$0.96

Emergency Lighting in means-of-egress areas must have an intensity of no less than ________ fc.

1 fc - Code requires min 1 fc at floor level for egress areas - .2 fc for theaters during performance, but must go to 1 fc when alarm is triggered - Exemptions for sleeping rooms

With 120 volt outlet, and hair dryer with resistance of 8 ohms, and power factor of 1, the wattage rating is _______.

1,800 watts V = R x I 120 = 8(I) I = 15 P = V x I x PF P = 120 x 15 x 1 = 1,800 watts

A wall has a U-value of 0.20. In order to reduce heat transmission through the wall, 1.5 inches of insulation having k-value of 0.30 is added. The R-value of the wall after adding the insulation is ____________.

10 - K-value is for a particular material - U-value is for an assembly - R-value is reciprocal of both - R-value of wall: 1/0.20 = 5 - R-value of material: 1/0.30 = 3.33 per inch 1.5 x 3.33 = 5 5 + 5 = 10

The resistance of a hair dryer that draws 11 Amps at 120 volts is ___________

10.9 Ohms - I=V/R - R=V/I 120 V / 11 A = 10.9 Ohms

The minimum SEER rating required for all new residential air conditioning units manufactured in the US is __________.

13 - SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - 13 is 30% increase from old rating of 10 - WTF???????????

In a non-sprinklered building, the max distance from a room to a fire stair exit is _______.

150' unless the building is sprinklered

If the voltage between the neutral and the peak of a three-phase current is 120 V, the voltage between the 2 phases is _______________

208 Volts V1 = V2 x (square root of 3) or 1.73 120 V x 1.73 = 208 V

For 1780 farmhouse in Virginia. 1500 SF. Owner wants central AC syst. Cooling capacity, rounded to nearest ton will be _________ tons.

3 tons - Guideline for older home is to assume 1 ton of cooling capacity for each 500 SF. - For new construction, 1 ton for each 1000 SF

The minimum exit corridor width is ________.

44"

If a lamp of 2400 cp intensity results in an illumination of 24 fc at 10 feet, the illumination at 20 feet is _________.

6 fc - According to the inverse square law, the illumination at 20 feet is (10/20)^2 that at 10 feet, or 1/4 of 24 fc, or 6 fc - I don't understand this but somehow guessed right?????

A table lamp is placed 5' from a wall. The wall has reflectance factor of 0.79. The intensity of the lamp is 2500 cd. The luminance of the wall is __________ cd/ft^2

79 cd/ft^2 Formula for Illuminance of the wall: E = I/d² (I=Luminous intensity) E = 2500 cd / 5 ft² E = 100 cd/ft² Formula for Luminance of the wall: L = ER (E = Illuminance) (R = Reflectance factor) L = (100 cd/ft²) (0.79) L = 79 cd/ft²

What is the minimum head clearance for an accessible route?

80" or 6'-8"

Production of which of the following refrigerants has been banned in the US? Choose 2: A. Halon B. CFC C. HFC D. HCFC E. VOC F. Freon

A + B - Both deplete the ozone layer - HFC's have high global warming potential - HCFC's to be phased out by 2030

The Cooling Load Temperature Differential (CLTD) approximates the effects of which 2 of the following? A. Radiation B. Conduction C. Convection D. Evaporation E. Latent heat

A, B NOT SURE THIS IS CORRECT

Which of the following plumbing fixture types is permitted to connect to a waste stack vent? (Choose all that apply) A. Bidet B. Utility sink C. Lavatory D. Water closet E. Bathtub F. Standpipe

A, B, C, E

For 100,000 SF University classroom bldg, area for boiler room and chilled water plant about 3000 SF. Which of the following criteria should be kept in mind when determining location and design of mech rooms? (Choose 3) A. Each mech room should have at least 1 exterior wall B. Boiler room should be adjacent to chilled water plant C. Rooms should be as square as possible D. Ceilings in both rooms should be at least 12' high E. Mech rooms must be placed on the ground floor F. Mech rooms should be equal in size

A, B, D - Boiler rooms + chilled water plants should be adjacent when possible, sometimes in the same room - Must have exterior wall for ventilation + access to fuel tanks - Ceilings typ. 12' min - Long and narrow, not square - Economical on ground floor, but not required

Sustainable architecture requires attention to which of the following bldg elements? Check all that apply: A. Solar shading devices B. Urban heat island effect C. Increased parking D. Fenestration and glazing E. Materials with natural colors F. Decorative water features

A, B, D - Materials w/ natural colors and decorative water features are often associated w/ sustainable architecture, but do not necessarily contribute to a project's sustainability

LEED is concerned with which of the following? Check all that apply. A. Indoor air quality B. Storm water C. Construction costs D. Tax benefits E. Innovative energy systems F. Aesthetic design

A, B, E - Construction costs and tax benefits are not part of the LEED system ITSELF, although some jurisdictions offer financial benefits for utilizing LEED

Which of the following statements are FALSE? (Choose the 2 that apply) A. Sensitivity to sound varies between sexes B. People are generally more sensitive to middle and high frequencies than to low frequencies for sounds of equal energy C. Most health young people can hear sounds in the range of 15 HZ to 25,000 HZ D. Practically all common sounds are made up of energy in a wide range of frequencies E. Speech is composed of frequencies in the range of 125 HZ to 8000 HZ F. Sensitivity to sound varies according to age

A, C - Range for most healthy young people = 20-30 HZ to 20,000 HZ

Resistance allowances for which of the following factors are included in the calculation of the U-value of a wall assembly? Check the 4 that apply: A. Unvented air spaces B. Orientation C. Bldg components D. Interior air film E. Exterior air film F. Bldg type

A, C, D, E

Which of the following pipe materials are satisfactory for a domestic water supply system? A. Copper B. Lead C. Cement-lined cast iron D. Plastic E. Galvanized steel F. Aluminum

A, C, D, E - Copper, Cement-lined cast iron, Plastic, galvanized steel - Lead is toxic and cannot withstand high pressure - Aluminum cannot withstand high pressure

Given an exist. bldg, which of the following factors are relevant to life-cycle costing? Check the 4 that apply: A. Maintenance cost B. Land costs C. Salvage value D. Estimated lifespan E. Initial installation cost F. Repair costs

A, C, D, F

Client is concerned that the HVAC syst. will create too much noise and disturb tenants. What 3 strategies can the architect employ to best reduce the noise created from the HVAC system? A. Mount the equip. on isolators B. Place the ducts directly against floor joists and beams C. Locate equipment away from occupied spaces D. Run ducts thru crawl space instead of overhead E. Use flexible connections at ducts and pipes

A, C, E

Which of the following items are required for plumbing waste-drainage systems? Check the 3 that apply: A. Trap B. Vacuum breaker C. Vent D. Meter E. Cleanout F. Pump

A, C, E

In selecting elevators for a multistory office bldg, which of the following factors should be considered in determining the capacity or number required? Check all that apply: A. Height of the bldg B. Location of dry standpipes C. Weight of the bldg equipment D. Emergency evacuation standards E. Number of occupants @ highest floor F. Bldg functions and schedule

A, C, E, F - Must provide vertical transport for large, heavy items, like furnishings and transformers - Capacity of cab determined by heaviest item to reasonably be moved - Emergency evacuation standards have no influence, as elevators are NEVER used as fire evacuation

Which of the following are characteristics of a VAV system? Check all that apply. A. Conserves fan energy during light loads B. Modulates the supply air temp very closely C. Requires no return air duct D. Is easily adaptable to changing zones or adding zones in the future E. Allows different areas to be heated and cooled simultaneously F. Allows control of temp in each zone

A, D, F - VAV systems are supplied from centralized fans, so return air ducting is necessary - Easy to add zones, requires tapping into main supply duct w/ additional VAV unit - Each VAV unit has its own thermostat, so temp can be controlled in each zone separately

Which of the following fixtures or types of equipment must have their waste outlets equipped with air gaps adequate to prevent contamination due to any possible backup of sewage through the waste piping? Check the 2 that apply: A. Refrigerators B. Heat recovery units C. Water closets D. Bathtubs E. Sterilizers F. Waste interceptors

A, E - CONTAMINATION is the issue - Sterilizer is typ. in hospitals - As per IPC plumbing code, Floor drains within walk-in coolers shall be indirectly connected to sewage system with an air gap

A 3-phase motor draws 9A current at 208 V. The power factor is 75%. What is the power generated? A. 1.4 kW B. 2.4 kW C. 3.6 kW D. 4.2 kW

A. 1.4 kW P = VI(pf) [P = Power in watts] P = (208 V)(9 A) (0.75) P = 1404 W = 1.4 kW

Installing a sprinkler system in new construction increases the total construction cost by approximately A. 1.5% B. 5% C. 9% D. 15%

A. 1.5% - According to NFPA, adds 1-1.5% - Retrofitting an existing structure is much more

With 120 volt outlet, and hair dryer with resistance of 8 ohms, the current flow thru the hair dryer is ______ amps. A. 15 B. 6.7 C. 1.5 D. 0.67

A. 15 I=V/R

If a lamp of 1,200 candlepower intensity results in an illumination of 12 footcandles at 10 feet, what is the illumination at 20 feet? A. 3 fc B. 6 fc C. 12 fc D. 24 fc

A. 3 fc - According to the inverse square law, the illumination at 20 feet is (10/20)^2 of that at 10 feet, or 1/4 the value of the intensity at 10 feet - 12 fc / 4 = 3 fc

Teacher is lecturing at front of a classroom. Student in front row, 3' from teacher, perceives 65 dB. What is the decibel level for back row, 12' from teacher? A. 53 dB B. 56 dB C. 59 dB D. 65 dB

A. 53 dB - level decreases 6 dB for every doubling of distance

A loud office has noise level intensity of 10 dB. To reduce by 50%, as perceived by human ear, noise level would have to be reduced by A. 8 dB B. 17 dB C. 35 dB D. 70 dB

A. 8 dB - Not 10 dB??????? - 20 db difference is more like 100 times as loud

The sound intensity in an office has been reduced from 55 dB to 47 dB. This modification is considered: A. A substantial reduction in noise, resulting in a comfortable office environment B. An unnecessary change, since, the office did not require modification to begin with C. A slight reduction in noise, leaving the office with an unacceptably high noise level D. A significant reduction in noise, but the noise level is still like a factory

A. A substantial reduction in noise, resulting in a comfortable office environment - Reduction of 8 dB is significant equivalent to about 50% reduction in noise - Average office has 50 dB rating - 55 = noisy, 47 = comfortable

Which of the following domestic hot water heating systems would yield the lowest operating costs for a duplex residential unit? A. Active closed-loop solar B. Direct-fired storage tank C. Ground-source heat pump D. Tankless instantaneous

A. Active closed-loop solar - No fuel costs - Ground-source heat pump would not supply enough heat for domestic use, they are for heating the home, not the water

To improve transmission loss of an exist. partition separating 2 rooms in the most economical way, what modifications should the architect recommend? The partition is 4" metal studs 24" O.C. w/ 5/8" gyp. both sides. No penetrations. A. Add resilient channels to one side of the wall and attach a single layer of gyp. to the channels. Glue an additional layer of gyp. to the other side B. Add sound-absorbing panels to the noisy side of the partition, add an additional layer of gyp. to the opposite side C. Remove 1 layer of gyp. and install sound-attenuating insulation, and replace wall finish w/ sound-deadening board and a finish layer of gyp. D. Cover one side w/ additional layer of gyp. and add 2 additional layers of gyp. to the other side

A. Add resilient channels to one side of the wall and attach a single layer of gyp. to the channels. Glue an additional layer of gyp. to the other side - Best way to improve TL is to add mass and resiliency to partition. - Removing the finish is not economical for the results obtained - Sound absorbing panels only improve sound on source side

Flashover occurs when: A. All the materials reach combustion temperature at once B. One building's roof ignites the next building's roof C. A fire thought to be extinguished restarts itself from the embers D. High temperatures trigger a sprinkler head

A. All the materials reach combustion temperature at once - Hot air + smoke from small or smoldering fires often heat the ceiling evenly but slowly. When temperature finally goes above ignition, it does so for the entire ceiling at once

Which of the following would NOT cause a change in enthalpy? A. An increase in the velocity of the air movement B. A decrease in relative humidity C. An increase in the dry bulb temperature D. An increase in the absolute moisture content

A. An increase in the velocity of the air movement - Enthalpy = The amount of heat in the air (in HVAC terms) In physics, it is the total heat content of a system - There is no change in enthalpy due solely to air movement

Which type of plastic pipe is suitable for use as a hot water supply line? A. CPVC B. ABS C. PVC D. PE

A. CPVC - Good for both hot and cold water supply lines, does not support combustion, so may also be used for sprinkler syst. in some places - ABS - Rigid black pipe used for drainage lines, resistant to household chemicals - PVC - Cold water supply, waste pipes, and conduit. Not for compressed gas or for outside (except with UV resistance) - PE - Cold water supply, natural gas, sprinkler syst, waste lines, great in COLD, good for exterior

High voltages are used in commercial bldgs because: A. Conductors and conduit can be smaller B. A wider variety of loads can be accommodated C. Commercial bldgs require more power D. Transformers can step down the voltage to whatever is required

A. Conductors and conduit can be smaller - As voltage increases, current decreases and system provides the same amount of power - The rest are not true?????????

By what process does insulating glass lose heat? A. Convection B. Conduction C. Conductance D. Radiation

A. Convection - Air circulating within the glass picks up heat from the warm side and transfers it to the cold side, where it is lost by conduction through the glass - Even if airspace is evacuated, there is still some air present

In a temperate zone, what will typically drive the duct design of the HVAC system? A. Cooling system B. Dehumidification C. Heating system D. Sling psychrometer

A. Cooling system - In winter, heating system will probably pump 110 degree air into room to keep it at 68 degrees. That's a temp difference of 42 degrees - In summer, cooling syst. will probs pump 55 degree air into room to keep it at 75 degrees. - Smaller temp difference means more cfm in order to keep room in comfort zone

Doubling the mass of a theoretical wall causes its sound transmission to: A. Decrease by 6 dB B. Increase by 6 dB C. Decrease by 3 dB D. Increase by 3 dB

A. Decrease by 6dB

Evaporative coolers are inexpensive, relatively effective, and popular. However, they... A. Do not actually change the heat content of the indoor air B. Require a relatively high amount of energy to operate C. Produce a cooler feeling by reducing the humidity in the air D. Are not particularly effective in hot, arid climates

A. Do not actually change the heat content of the indoor air - By increasing the relative humidity of the space, occupants feel cooler, but no change in total heat of the air - Require little energy to run a fan and water supply

Which system always has both heated and chilled air running though it? A. Double duct system B. Multizone system C. Fan coil system D. VAV system

A. Double duct system - 2 ducts, one hot, one cold, controlled by dampers and mixed in mixing box at each room - Multizone is similar, but mixing boxes are in mech room, and pre-mixed air is sent to each zone

Which of the following energy sources would be the most economical option for heating a small residential bldg in Washington state? A. Electricity B. Natural gas C. Oil D. Steam

A. Electricity - Electricity is cheap in the Northwest - Natural gas popular in Midwest - Oil common in the Northeast - Steam only in Urban areas or byproduct of production

Using the Design Day temperatures in the qc formula gives us information for which of the following? A. Equipment sizing B. Life cycle costing C. Latent heat values D. Yearly weather versus a reference temperature

A. Equipment sizing - Design Days are expressly used for equipment sizing - Design day temperatures can only refer to a particular moment in time, eliminating B + D

Which of the following uses the latent heat of evaporation to transfer heat? A. Evaporative chiller B. Multizone system C. Unitary system D. Variable air volume system

A. Evaporative chiller - Uses latent heat of evaporation to transfer heat to the outside air

Which of the following types of conduit is best for use when connecting to a motor? A. Flexible metal conduit B. Electric metallic tubing C. Intermediate metal conduit D. Rigid steel conduit

A. Flexible metal conduit - Good b/c it can "give" w/ the movement of the machinery, good choice for anywhere w/ vibration or lack of a straight line

Assuming that the capacity of each type of plant is the same, which type of HVAC system occupies the most space within the bldg? A. Forced air B. Radiant C. Hydronic D. Unitary

A. Forced air - B/c size of unit and amount of ductwork

Which of the following bldg types would have the highest percentage of total construction cost allocated for HVAC? A. Full-service, sit-down restaurant B. Climate controlled mini-warehouse C. Hospital D. Parking garage

A. Full-service, sit-down restaurant - Restaurant about 40% for kitchen ventilation and multizone climate control for dining areas - Hospital about 20% - Mini-warehouse about 10%

The National Electric Code (NEC) contains regulations concerning the number and placement of receptacles in residential dwelling units. Which of the following is NOT one of these regulations: A. Hallways less than 6 feet long do not require receptacles B. In any continuous length of wall, receptacles cannot be further apart than 12 feet C. A required kitchen receptacle must not be higher than 18" above countertop. D. Except in bathrooms, any wall at least 2' long must have a receptacle

A. Hallways less than 6' long do not require receptacles - All dwelling unit spaces require receptacles (including hallways) - A receptacle is required on any wall 2' or greater in length (Except in bathrooms)

FLW's Solar Hemicycle House is an early example of passive solar heating. Although displaying unusual energy awareness for its time, the design does NOT take advantage of: A. High ceilings to promote convection for summer cooling B. Locating North face of bldg underground for insulation C. Utilizing solar radiant heat in floors and walls of the house D. Elongating the plan in an East-West direction to maximize solar heat gain

A. High ceilings to promote convection for summer cooling - Large areas of glazing face South, allows winter sun's radiant heat to be absorbed by the floor and interior north wall - Ceilings are fairly low - Cooling in summer achieved by overhangs that block sun and large door openings on south elevation that allow breezes to pass freely through the bldg

Reverberation time is I. The time required for a sound to decay 60 dB in a space II. Time it takes for an echo to return III. Longer in a dead space, shorter in a live space A. I B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

A. I - Reverberation time = Time required for a sound to decay 60 dB in a space - Return time for an echo depends on distance to reflecting surface, and only vaguely related to reverberation time - Reverberation time is SHORTER in dead space

If the MRT (mean radiant temperature) is low, which way does the comfort zone shift? I. Toward higher ambient temperatures II. Toward lower ambient temperatures III. Toward lower relative humidities A. I B. II C. III D. II, III

A. I - The ambient air temperature must make up for the radiant loss to the surroundings

The microclimate of a site around a bldg can be controlled by which of the 2 following factors? I. Albedo II. Conductivity III. Orientation of the bldg IV. Radiation A. I + II B. I + IV C. II + III D. III + IV

A. I + II - Albedo of a surface is the fraction of radiant energy received that is reflected. Low albedo materials absorb radiant energy - Conductivity also affects microclimate (ex. concrete has high conductivity, causes heat island effect)

Which of the following systems can be used if each zone must have a separate utility bill? I. Unitary system II. Heat pump system III. Double duct system A. I, II B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

A. I, II - Both a unitary system and heat pump system can have a meter on each unit for separate billing

CLTD Approximates the effects of which of the following? I. Radiation II. Conduction III. Convection IV. Latent heat A. I, II B. II, III C. III, IV D. I, III

A. I, II - CLTD (Cooling Load Temperature Difference) = Cooling load calculation method, approximates total heat gains thru bldg envelope for sizing HVAC equip. - CLTD is based on wall mass, orientation, and color, which relate to conduction and radiation

What is the logarithmic measure of the intensity of a sound relative to a reference intensity in watts/sq-meter or watts/sq-cm? A. IL B. SPL C. STC D. NC

A. IL - IL = Intensity level - Intensity of sound is measured in Watts/sq-cm by we generally deal with intensity level, which is measured in decibels (named after Alexander Graham Bell)

Which of the following lighting systems is most appropriate for a computer lab space? A. Indirect B. Semi-indirect C. Semi-direct D. Direct

A. Indirect - Minimize glare or reflections on monitors - Semi-direct good for offices, classrooms, shops, and other work areas

Which of the following fire detection devices will sense the products of combustion, whether or not the fire is very large? A. Ionization detector B. Smoke detector C. Sprinkler head w/ fusible link D. Heat detector

A. Ionization detector - Will detect invisible products of combustion - Smoke detector only detects smoke of significant density - Fusible link melts when hot enough - Heat detector may only be triggered after another part of the space is already well involved in the fire

A graywater system would most appropriately be integrated into a A. Laundromat B. Office bldg C. Residence D. Restaurant

A. Laundromat - Most appropriate when ratio of non-potable to potable water needs is relatively high - Laundromat would produce a great amount of wastewater that could be captured for other purposes. - Uses water not containing organic waste for irrigation or flushing toilets

A material would make a good solar collection panel if it has: A. Low emissivity in one wavelength and high absorptivity in another B. High emissivity in one wavelength and low absorptivity in another C. High emissivity in one wavelength and low emissivity in another D. High absoptivity in one wavelength and low absorptivity in another

A. Low emissivity in one wavelength and high absorptivity in another - Emissivity usually the same as the absorptivity at a given wavelength - Black surfaces have higher emissivity+absorptivity than white or shiny surfaces (heat up + cool off rapidly) - Selective surfaces have high absorptivity in one wavelength (usually solar) and low emissivity in another (usually infared), which means that the material stores incoming solar radiation w/o releasing it as infared (good for solar panel)

Which of the following terms mean brightness? A. Luminance B. Glare C. Illumination D. Radiation

A. Luminance - Illumination means the amount of light arriving at a surface, not leaving it

Which of the following is a type of perimeter security system? A. Photoelectric cells B. Pressure sensors C. Ultrasonic sensors D. Photoelectric beams

A. Photoelectric cells - Pass beam from point to point, sound alarm when beam is broken - Photoelectric beams - Ifrared beams from point to point, alarm when beam is broken

The goal of a lightning protection system is to: A. Provide a continuous path to the ground for a lightning strike B. Prevent a lightning strike C. Prevent damage to computer equipment D. Attract lightning

A. Provide a continuous path to the ground for a lightning strike - Route energy from strike to a point where it's least likely to damage mechanical, electrical, and computer systems or cause a fire

Light reflectors and refractors are designed to... A. Provide a specific distribution of light B. Reduce glare C. Reduce veiling reflections D. Increase visibility

A. Provide a specific distribution of light - Also can reduce glare but not primary function - Increased visibility usually from additional light

Insolation is an example of A. Radiation B. Conduction C. Convection D. Latent heat transfer

A. Radiation - Insolation = solar gain, a form of radiation

Select the INCORRECT statement. A. Relative humidity is the best measure of thermal comfort B. People feel more comfortable in the winter if the MRT is high C. There are differences in comfort level among different ethnic groups D. The range of comfortable dry-bulb temperatures is dependent on air movement

A. Relative humidity is the best measure of thermal comfort - Effective temperature is a better indicator - OTHER PART OF THE BOOK SAID "It is popularly believed that factors such as nationality can influence levels of thermal comfort, but it has been proven that they have little to no effect" (page 75) - WTF?????????????????????

Which elevator operating system would be the most appropriate choice for a 4-story luxury apartment building w/ 2 passenger elevators? A. Selective collective operation B. Computerized system control C. Single automatic push-button control D. Collective control

A. Selective collective operation - Answers up calls on up trip, answers down calls on down trip, good for multiple cars - Computerized system control = complex + expensive - Single automatic push-button control answers 1 call at a time - Collective control - answers all calls w/o differentiating up + down, very inefficient, rarely used

The percentage of solar heat transmitted by a given pane of glass compared to that transmitted by clear glass is called A. Shading coefficient B. Clear coefficient C. Insulation D. Insolation

A. Shading coefficient

Which of the following statements is true? A. Smoke detector covers should be used in areas under construction B. Ionization detectors should be installed in a restaurant kitchen C. Smoke detectors may be installed in ductwork in lieu of installation in occupied areas of a building D. Spot heat detectors can detect a fire before any other type of detector

A. Smoke detector covers should be used in areas under construction - Protect detectors from damage, accumulating dust, and from sounding false alarms

The principal advantage is the use of moving ramps is: A. Speed B. Comfort C. Safety D. Convenience

A. Speed - If one continues to walk along the moving ramp, one's speed will be doubled

One component of a plumbing system common to every bldg is a A. Stack vent B. Vent stack C. Backflow preventer D. House trap

A. Stack vent - Every stack must have one of these - Vent stack is separate vent connected to waste or soil stack, usually in multi-story bldgs, but not all bldgs - Backflow preventer is not required in many plumbing installations

What is the likely result of excessively acidic water in piping? A. Steel pipe will corrode B. Plastic pipe will fill w/ encrustations C. Copper pipe will rust D. Steel pipe will plug up with depositions

A. Steel pipe will corrode - Copper pipe never rusts

Which of the following factors is LEAST important to be considered to achieve good acoustic environment in a space? A. The texture of the materials in the space B. The volume of the space C. The use to which the space is put D. The type of noise to which the space is subjected

A. The texture of the materials in the space - Should not be equated with the material's absorption or likely acoustic performance

Single-duct, variable air volume systems are more energy efficient than constant air volume systems b/c in VAV systems... A. The use of variable-pitch blades or variable-speed fans allows air volume to be modulated from zero to the required demand B. Fans run at their most efficient speed at all times and air volume is controlled by manual dampers C. Duct sizes can be reduced, thus saving initial and financial costs D. Lower-voltage equipment is needed

A. The use of variable-pitch blades or variable-speed fans allows air volume to be modulated from zero to the required demand - I guess this would occur at the VAV box at each zone? - Maybe thermostat-controlled dampers, not manual dampers??

A type of power delivered with 3 separate circuits that have frequencies 120 degrees out of phase with each other is A. Three-phase service B. Single-phase service C. Alternating current D. Direct current

A. Three-phase service - Three-phase power is generated by putting three loops on the shaft and keeping them as separate circuits. If the loops are evenly spaced around the circumference of the shaft, the sine wave current generated is shifted by 1/8 of a cycle (or 120 degrees) between each circuit

A variable speed mixer motor is most likely a: A. Universal motor B. DC motor C. Three-phase induction motor D. Synchronous AC motor

A. Universal motor - Universal motors are the typical motors in small appliances, like mixers and drills, and allow variable speeds, runs on either AC or DC

Which of the following systems can provide heating and cooling to different zones simultaneously? A. Variable Air Volume (VAV) system with electric reheat B. 2-pipe syst C. Single duct constant volume D. None of the above

A. Variable Air Volume system w/ electric reheat - Accommodates thermal changes by varying the flow of supply air into a conditioned space - Providing an electric reheat allows the temp of the air to be increased when needed at each mixing box, allowing the system to either heat or cool a given zone

Doubling the distance from a source to the receiver would result in a: A. drop of 6 dB B. gain of 6 dB C. drop of 3 dB D. gain of 3 dB

A. drop of 6 dB

Which type of glass would be the most appropriate choice for a locations in the northeastern United States? A. low-e B. reflective C. tinted D. triple-pane

A. low-e - Low U-value, allows heat gain without much heat loss - Reflective + tinted would reduce gain in summer, but not have enough gain in winter - Triple-pane not as efficient as low-e???? REALLY??

Which of the following represents an extremely acidic pH reading? A. pH = 5 B. pH = 9 C. pH = 7 D. pH = 17

A. pH = 5 - Lower = more acidic - 7 = neutral - 17 does not exist

Which of the following features are required in an elevator car in order for the car to comply with the ANSI handicapped standards? Check all that apply: A. Handrails @ the perimeter of the car B. Self-leveling device C. Door reopening device D. Emergency communication system E. 36" high car control buttons F. Hard, non-slip floor surface

B, C - All public elevators must comply / ANSI handicapped standards - Self-leveling device must align cars w/ landing within 1/2" tolerance - Do not require emergency communication - Car control buttons up to 54" AFF - Any stable, regular floor finish - Handrails commonly found in elevators do not contribute to compliance w/ ANSI

IAQ may be adversely affected by which of the following? Check all that apply: A. Solar orientation B. Ventilation rate C. Smoking D. Bldg materials E. Prevailing winds F. Exterior temperature

B, C, D

The time of day affects which of the following factors? Check all that apply: A. The declination angle B. The altitude angle C. The azimuth angle D. The intensity of the sun E. The speed of transit

B, C, D - Declination angle is the angle of the sun north or south of the earth's equator, changes throughout the year, maximum on summer and winter solstices, is affected only by time of the year, not the time of the day

Which of the following hydronic systems are parallel? Check all that apply: A. 1 pipe B. 2 pipe C. 3 pipe D. 4 pipe E. 5 pipe

B, C, D - The one pipe is run in series, while, 2, 3, 4 are parallel systems - 5 pipe systems are not used

In which of the following ways do freight elevators generally differ from passenger elevators? Check all that apply: A. Never used by people B. Slower C. Greater weight capacity D. Require fewer safety features E. Doors operate differently F. Physically larger

B, C, E - May have different types of doors (In what way???)

Which of the following features an evaporator coil and a condenser coil? Check all that apply: A. Fan coil system B. Heat pump system C. Refrigeration cycle D. VAV unit E. Air handler unit F. Water heater

B, C, E - Others have neither - Fan coil just uses hot or cold water from pipe? Not packaged unit?

The zonal cavity method of calculating average illumination of a work surface depends on which variables? (choose 4) A. Angle of light B. Dirt accumulation C. Efficacy of the lamp D. Lumens per lamp E. Room size F. Wall reflectance

B, D, E, F - Includes coefficient of utilization (The ratio of lumens received on work surface to lumens leaving lamp) - NOT the same as efficacy (watts to output)

Select the correct statements (choose 4) A. Dry-pipe sprinkler systems are more efficient than wet-pipe systems B. Siamese connections serve both sprinklers and standpipes C. The hazard classification does not necessarily affect sprinkler layout D. Standpipes must be provided within stairways or within vestibules of smokeproof enclosures E. Standpipes are required in bldgs four or more stories high and those exceeding 150' F. Sprinkler piping can be either copper or plastic

B, D, E, F - Type of sprinkler system has nothing to do with efficiency - Sprinkler spacing is ALWAYS dependent on which hazard classification exists

Client worried about HVAC noise. Which of the following would you suggest? Check 4 that apply: A. Dampers B. Duct lining C. Chiller D. Absorption cooling tower E. Base isolators F. Radiant floor / cool beam G. Remote location RTU

B, E, F, G

To minimize glare, the brightness ratio between a task and its adjacent surroundings should be limited to approximately: A. 1 : 1/2 B. 1 : 1/3 C. 1 : 1/5 D. 1: 1/10

B. 1 : 1/3 - The max ideal brightness level ratio should be under 1 : 1/3

In an elevator lobby, what is the minimum desirable distance between opposing banks of elevators? A. 8' B. 10' C. 12' D. 14'

B. 10' - Allows sufficient space for passengers to gather, small enough for person to see all the elevators while waiting for a car

Spotlight shining perpendicularly to wall 15' away has candlepower output of 3500 cd. Wall finish has reflectance of 75%. What is the luminance of the wall @ the point where wall is perpendicular to the direction of light? A. 4.90 fL B. 11.7 fL C. 15.6 fc D. 55.7 fc

B. 11.7 fL - First find the footcandle (lux) level of light shining on the wall: - E = I/d² - E = 3500/(15 ft)² - E = 15.56 fc - Then multiply by reflectance to find the brightness - (15.56 fc)(0.75) = 11.7 fL DO I REALLY NEED TO KNOW THIS?

For room w/ standard window whose head is 8' AFF, daylighting could be used for illumination for a distance from the window of approximately A. 8' B. 12' C. 16' D. 20'

B. 12' - W/o light shelf, 1.5x the head height. W/ light shelf, 2-2.5x the head height

If a wet standpipe system is installed, every point on every floor must be within how many feet of a connection? A. 75' B. 130' C. 150' D. 200'

B. 130' The hose is 100' long and every point on the floor must be reached by a 30' spray from that hose

In designing a concert hall, the acoustical engineer would, most likely, recommend a reverberation time of approximately A. zero B. 2 seconds C. 5 seconds D. ten seconds

B. 2 seconds - Modern concert halls serve many different types of music, and seek the best compromise - acceptable median reverb times is 1.5 - 2 seconds - Shorter produces a dry and lifeless sound - Longer produces overlapping, muddy sounds - zero is unrealistic and unattainable

If the voltage between the neutral and the peak of a 3-phase current is 120 volts, what is the voltage between 2 phases? A. 120 volts B. 208 volts C. 240 volts D. 277 volts

B. 208 volts V1 = V2 x √3 V1 = 120v x 1.73 = 208v

What is the desirable interval for elevators in a high-rise office bldg? A. 5 seconds B. 30 seconds C. 2 minutes D. 5 minutes

B. 30 seconds - Accepted standard for good service - Avg time between successive departures of cars from main floor/lobby

What is the minimum required clear distance from the face of an electrical panel to the nearest obstruction? A. 24" B. 36" C. 48" D. 72"

B. 36" - As per NEC, min of 36" must be maintained in front of an electrical panel to facilitate safe access and servicing

The recommended luminance level necessary for routine office work, such as reading + writing, is... A. 30 footcandles B. 50 footcandles C. 70 footcandles D. 150 footcandles

B. 50 footcandles - Luminance levels = amount of light w/o regard to quality - 30 fc - Rough assembly work - 70 fc - Drafting rooms - 150 fc - Engraving work

What safety device on an electric elevator provides life safety protection in the event of a power failure? A. A governor B. An automatic brake C. The interlocks D. The car bumpers

B. An automatic break - Main brake is mounted on the motor shaft of the elevator machine and stops the car automatically in case of power failure - The governor measures and limits the elevator speed - The interlocks prevent the lobby door from opening when the elevator car is elsewhere - The car bumpers, located at the bottom of the shaft, stop the car if it should over-travel at low speed

Which type of conduit may not be embedded in concrete? A. Rigid conduit B. Armored cable C. Electrical metallic tubing D. Flexible metal conduit

B. Armored cable - Armored cable, which consists of pre-wrapped set of wires encased in interlocking metal spiral armor, is factory assembled and cannot be underground or in concrete

Which of the following devices is used to depressurize a space to test for air infiltration? A. Nanometer B. Blower door C. Flow hood D. Duct blower

B. Blower door - A fan, mounted to a door frame, pressurize or depressurize bldg to measure infiltration or leakage - Nanometer - measures differences in pressure between 2 spaces - Flow hood - Placed over register or diffuser to measure output - Duct blower

The intensity of a light source is measured in what units? A. Lumens B. Candlepower C. Footcandles D. Lamberts

B. Candlepower - Rate of flow of light is measured in lumens - Footcandle is a unit of illumination equal to one lumen per square foot - Lambert is a unit of luminance or brightness

Which of the following statements is NOT true of a heat pump? A. Works in the same manner as an air conditioner B. Cannot deliver more heat energy than the energy required to run the pump C. Works only between certain temperature ranges D. Often used in conjunction w/ a recirculating heat sink

B. Cannot deliver more heat energy than the energy required to run the pump - Moves heat from one point to another - Reversed air conditioner - Several heat pumps often operate in conjunction w/ same heat sink, recirculated within large bldg or complex

An inlet into the drainage system for surface drainage is referred to as what? A. Inlet box B. Catch basin C. Catchment D. Culvert

B. Catch Basin - Culvert = A tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railroad

Which of the following is NOT a factor in Zonal Cavity Method calculations? A. Area of the space B. Ceiling height C. Maintenance schedule for fixtures D. Coefficient of utilization

B. Ceiling height - Zonal Cavity Method calculates # of fixtures required to produce a specified # of footcandles - Formula involves # of fixtures, lamps per fixture, lumens per lamp, Lumen depreciation factor, Dirt depreciation factor, Coefficient of utilization, and area of the space - Formula is on NCARB sheet

If the air gap is in question, then it is likely that you will be required to install a... A. Regulator B. Check valve C. Filter D. Thermal break

B. Check valve - Air gap is the separation between supply water (ex. faucet) and waste water (ex. sink full of dirty water) - If you have spray nozzle, and drop it into the full sink, it can contaminate supply, so you are required to have check valve to prevent that

With regard to effective acoustical design, select the INCORRECT statement: A. Spaces that are designed as pure geometrical spaces should be avoided B. Concave wall surfaces within spaces are preferable to convex wall surfaces C. Reverberation is rarely a problem in a very small space D. In very large spaces, reverberation time can be as long as half a minute

B. Concave wall surfaces within spaces are preferable to convex wall surfaces - Convex surfaces diffuse sound effectively - Circular and cube spaces can lead to acoustical "hot spots" or repeated reflections of sound - Reverberation can be 30 seconds in cathedrals and train stations

Electric baseboard heaters transfer heat through A. Radiation B. Convection C. Conduction D. Evaporation

B. Convection - Air in contact w/ heater becomes warmer and rises, cooler air falls and it heated

Which of the following piping materials are heated when 2 pieces are joined? A. Steel B. Copper C. Iron D. Plastic

B. Copper - Copper is soldered, which relies on heat to melt the flux and solder

Which type of photovoltaic cell produces the most power? A. Thin-film B. Crystalline C. Polycrystalline D. Amorphous

B. Crystalline - Most power, most cost - Polycrystalline - Less power, less cost - Thin-film/Amorphous, Less power, can be applied to other materials

In calculating solar heat gain, what value must be known in addition to the area of the glass? A. Mean radiant temperature B. Design cooling factor C. Equivalent temperature difference D. Coefficient of heat transfer

B. Design cooling factor - Equivalent temperature difference is used to calculate heat gain thru bldg envelope, like walls or roof

Which of the following is NOT related to the definition of a degree day? A. History of outside temperature B. Design day temp C. Reference temp D. Number of hours per day at a given temp

B. Design day temp - That is a temperature which is lower than the outdoor temp experienced on 98% of days in a location. Not directly related

Which of the following can be used most effectively to limit low-frequency sounds in an HVAC system? A. Turning vanes B. Duct lining C. Mufflers D. Dampers

B. Duct lining - Isn't this bad for IAQ though?? Is that irrelevant to the question??

The greatest degree of protection from cold winter winds can be achieved with A. Airlocks B. Earth sheltering C. Green roofs D. Landscaping

B. Earth sheltering - Airlocks only protect door openings

Which type of fixture is assigned the greatest number of fixture units? A. Lavatory B. Flush-valve water closet C. Washing machine D. Flush-tank water closet

B. Flush-valve water closet - Flush-valve WC (public) uses 10 fixture units - Flush-tank (public) uses 5 - Washing machine = 1.4-3 - Lavatories = 2

Reflected sound paths that converge into certain areas of rooms is a condition known as A. Echoing B. Focusing C. Flutter D. Diffusion

B. Focusing - Convergence of reflected sound paths (often caused by concave surfaces, like domes or vaults) - Flutter = Repeated echoes bouncing back and forth between 2 nonabsorbent parallel surfaces

Which of the following is NOT a backflow preventer? A. Double check valve B. Gate valve C. Vacuum breaker D. Air gap fitting

B. Gate valve

Which of these is the most important concern in relation to a private water supply? A. Fixture pressure B. Hardness C. Friction loss D. Yield

B. Hardness - Affects quality and taste of the water, and the longevity of the pluming system - May require water-softening or filtration system

Among the following factors, which are considered distinct advantages in the use of escalators? I. Operate continuously II. Low power consumption III. Dependable in the event of a fire IV. They are architecturally flexible V. Relatively quiet A. I, II, IV B. I, II, V C. I, II, III D. III, IV, V

B. I, II, V - NOT dependable in fire, mechanism may fail - Not flexible, usually custom and almost never moved

Rank the following walls in the order of their ability to stop the transmission of sound (best to worst): I. Concrete wall II. Stud wall w/ plaster on both faces III. Stud wall w/ plaster and extra layer of acoustical tile on both faces A. III, II, I B. I, III, II C. II, III, I D. III, I, II

B. I, III, II - Mass is most important factor in stopping transmission of sound (concrete has most) - Acoustical tile will reduce reflection, but have minimal effect on transmission - Slight increase in mass makes it a little better

Which of the following statements is correct? I. Rain water is slightly acidiic II. Rain water is slightly alkaline III. Rain water tends to corrode metal pipes IV. Rain water is often less healthful than ground water A. I, III B. I, III, IV C. II D. II, III, IV

B. I, III, IV - Acidic, corrodes metal pipes - Contaminants may be absorbed into rain water, while ground water tends to be partially filtered of such contaminats

Sensitivity to the nuances of site conditions is key to sustainable design. Which of the following are site conditions the architect should examine in the design process? I. Solar orientation II. Decorative landscaping III. Scale and style of adjacent structures IV. Ground water conditions A. I, II B. I, III, IV C. I, III D. All of the above

B. I, III, IV - Landscape design for purely visual impact is not part of sustainable design, should be functional as well

For emergency exiting of handicapped people from the upper stories of a multi-story bldg, an appropriate method would be the use of: I. Elevators connected to heat responsive call buttons II. Safe refuge areas within rated stairwells III. Ramps to the ground floor A. I B. II C. III D. II or III

B. II - Elevator should NEVER be used as emergency exit, b/c shaft conducts smoke + flames like chimney - Providing ramps to ground is impractical, ok for low-rise bldgs - Refuge areas must be located out of the direct pathway so as not to reduce the required exit width of the stairway

Which of the following are true about GLARE? I. Glare is always a reflection II. Glare is always an extreme contrast in brightness III. Glare is always a very high illumination A. I B. II C. III D. I, II, III

B. II - Glare comes from high contrast - Can occur at low light levels - Can come directly from source, not only reflections

A downfeed system is different from a pneumatic system in that a downfeed system... I. is necessary only when street main pressure would not supply the upper floors II. is not pressurized III. has no storage tank A. I B. II C. III D. I, III

B. II - I. is true of both downfeed and pneumatic systems - II is true only of downfeed (What is a pneumatic plumbing system?????)

To provide five light switches for a large room, we need: I. Two-way switches II. Three-way switches III. Four-way switches A. I, II B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

B. II, III - When more than 2 switches are necessary, 2 of the switches must be 3-way and the remaining must be 4-way (WHY??????)

Halon has notable flame-extinguishing capabilities, as well as which of the following characteristics? I. Its use is appropriate for all classes of fire II. Embers can reignite when the gas dissipates III. It does not harm bldg contents IV. Its use requires audible and visible warnings for people to leave the area A. I B. III C. II, III D. I, II, IV

B. III - Does not leave any damage or residue - Suppresses all fires except class D (combustible metals) - Nontoxic at normal concentrations - CO2 systems require occupants to leave, and embers may reignite

Which of the following can produce a change in state? A. Sensible heat only B. Latent heat only C. Sensible and latent heat D. none of the above

B. Latent heat only - Adding latent heat produces a change in state of water and other substances

What combination of lighting would be the most appropriate choice for a women's clothing store? A. Color-improved mercury lamps with metal halide accent lighting B. Limited natural daylight, warm white deluxe fluorescent for general illumination, and tungsten halogen for accent lighting C. Incandescent general lighting w/ low-voltage accent lighting on displays D. Daylighting for general illumination and incandescent fixtures for dressing areas and display lighting

B. Limited natural daylight, warm white deluxe fluorescent for general illumination, and tungsten halogen for accent lighting - Best balance - Daylight has excellent color rendering but will damage delicate fabrics (so limited is good) - Warm white fluorescents would be energy efficient and provide pleasant overall light - Tungsten halogen good for jewelry and featured items - Incandescents throughout is too inefficient

Which type of HID lamp must be installed in a specified burning position? A. Mercury vapor B. Metal halide C. High-pressure sodium D. Low-pressure sodium

B. Metal halide - Sensitive to orientation, lose efficiency and lumen power if not installed correctly - All Metal Halide lamps are designated w/ proper burning position: base-up, base-down, horizontal, or universal - Other HID lamps can be installed in any orientation

For an art school at major university, which combo of daylight and electric lighting is most appropriate for the studios? A. South-facing windows and incandescent recessed lights B. North-facing windows and skylights and fixtures w/ high-CRI fluorescent lamps C. Windows to the E + W and fluorescent fixtures in coves @ perimeter of studio D. North-facing skylights and metal halide lamps @ each workstation

B. North-facing windows and skylights and fixtures w/ high-CRI fluorescent lamps - Need even daylight - Task lighting should also be provided

Which of the following would have the most stringent requirements for fire alarm and fire suppression systems? A. Motel B. Nursing home C. Office building D. Print shop

B. Nursing home - Group 1 (institutional) occupancy, w/ limited mobility occupants, requires extensive alarm and sprinkler systems - Others are not required to have sprinkler systems

Exit stairwell in a 2-story office bldg of Type IV construction requires minimum rating of: A. One-half hour B. One hour C. Two hour D. Three hour

B. One hour - Bldgs of Type IV and under 5 stories are required to have 1 hour rating - All components: Walls, doors, jambs, etc. - Assures occupants have 1 hour to exit bldg

The area of operable windows required in a naturally ventilated building is based on which of the following factors? A. # of required air changes per hour B. Percentage of the floor area being ventilated C. An area of opening given in the mechanical code D. A minimum volume per minute given in ASHRAE standards

B. Percentage of the floor area being ventilated - Area of operable windows in naturally ventilated bldg = % of floor area being ventilated - IBC requires min openable area to the outdoors be 4% of floor area

The section of the soil stack that is located above the highest plumbing fixture in a bldg is called the: A. Vent stack B. Stack vent C. Cleanout D. Vacuum breaker

B. Stack vent - VENT STACK is a collection of vents from a number of fixtures

The mean radiant temperature relates to A. Air temperature B. Surrounding surface temperatures C. Body temperature D. All of the above

B. Surrounding surface temperatures - The MRT is defines as the weighted average of the surrounding surface temperatures

Some passive solar systems employ a conventional-type greenhouse that is attached to a structure. Which of the following statements about this system is INCORRECT? A. This system also employs a thermal storage wall B. This system is virtually the same as a thermal storage wall system C. Is easily added to the South wall of an existing bldg D. Allows one to grow fresh vegetables throughout the year

B. System is virtually the same as a thermal storage wall system - It is direct AND indirect, while a thermal wall storage system is only indirect - Direct because it has a functional space to grow vegetables throughout the year in almost any part of the country

Which of the following would NOT be appropriate for fire protection in an elementary school? A. Ionization detector B. Temperature rise detector C. Photoelectric detector D. None of the above

B. Temperature rise detector - Would not give early enough warning to the occupants

Illumination is best defined as A. The amount of light generated by a source B. The amount of light falling on one square foot of a surface C. The amount of light reflected from one square foot of a surface D. The amount of light flowing through a hypothetical one-foot square located one foot from a one-candlepower source

B. The amount of light falling on one square foot of a surface - Measured in footcandles - A = Luminous Intensity (candlepower) - C = Luminance (footLamberts) - D = Luminous Flux (lumens)

Which of the following statements about fiber optics is FALSE? A. Fiber optics is predominantly used in the telecommunications industry B. There is a greater signal loss with fiber than with copper cables C. Single-mode fiber optics has more capacity for transmitting info than multimode fiber D. Fiber optics uses light pulses to transmit information

B. There is a greater signal loss with fiber than with copper cables - Single-mode = direct path, more info, more cost - Multi-mode = Zig-zag path, reflects off the interior of the core, less info less cost

Two adjacent rooms are separated by an acoustical partition. Room B has a noise producing sound. Noise reduction in Room A is dependent on all of the following EXCEPT: A. Area of the partition B. Thickness of the partition C. Transmission loss of the partition D. Absorption of surfaces in room A

B. Thickness of the partition - Transmission Loss (TL) = Difference (in dB) between the sound incident on a barrier in source room and sound power radiated into receiving room - Noise Reduction (NR) = Difference in (in dB) between intensity levels in 2 rooms separated by a barrier w/ a given TL

Adding white to a color pigment results in a A. Shade B. Tint C. Hue D. Chroma

B. Tint - Adding white makes it lighter and is called a "tint" - Adding black makes it darker, called a "shade" - Value is characteristic of pigment that describes its lightness or darkness - Hue defines color - Chroma defines saturation

Which of the following statements is FALSE? A. The absorption coefficient of a room should be between 0.2 and 0.5 B. To produce a clearly noticeable reduction in noise, the absorption in a room should be doubled C. Even a small hole in 10'x10' partition can make it effectively useless for blocking sound D. In large rooms, absorptive treatments applied to the ceiling are more effective than wall treatments

B. To produce a clearly noticeable reduction in noise, the absorption in a room should be doubled - Only 3 dB reduction, barely perceptible - Absorption should be tripled, 5 dB difference, noticeable, justifies cost of adding material

Which material has the greatest specific heat? A. Concrete B. Water C. Adobe D. Gypsum

B. Water - Specific heat is the amount of Btu to raise one unit of mass one degree - Water is 5x concrete, 3x adobe, 1.5x gypsum

Water hammer is most likely to occur when A. the incorrect type of valve is used B. Water suddenly stops b/c the flow is turned off C. Expansion joints are not installed in water lines D. Water flows backwards against a check valve

B. Water suddenly stops b/c the flow is turned off - Occurs when valve is suddenly turned off and causes the water to stop, forcing the pipes to shake

A standard gas furnace has all of the following except A. a flue B. a damper C. a combustion chamber D. filters

B. a damper - Only a special energy-saving furnace would have a damper than automatically closes when the furnace is off

A sound composed of only 1 frequency is known as a A. chord B. tone C. note D. pitch

B. tone - Note represents a specific frequency of wavelength - Pitch is the # of complete wave forms per second

Which of the following are attributes of High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps? Check the 3 that apply: A. They are known for mid-range efficacy B. They are suited for interior applications C. The time to reach full light output is 2-15 minutes D. They have longer life than filament lamps E. They include mercury vapor and metal-halide but not high-pressure sodium F. They use a ballast like fluorescent lights

C, D, F - Known for high efficacy - Suited for outdoor use - Include High-pressure sodium (HPS)

Which of the following statements about energy conservation is correct? I. Because North and West sides of a bldg are often subject to cold winds, entrances here should be avoided II. A square bldg will usually experience less heat gain or loss than a rectangular bldg of equal area III. Heat transmission thru glass can be reduced to a level comparable to that of a solid wall by using double or triple glazing IV. Reducing the lighting level in a bldg also reduces the amount of heating and cooling required for the bldg A. All of the above B. II, III C. I, II D. I, III

C, I, II - Triple glazing (0.40) still not as good a U-value as solid wall (0.10-0.20) - Reducing lighting level increases the amount of heating required and decreases the amount of cooling required (IV incorrect)

A new 50,000 SF office bldg has a total construction cost of $120/SF. What is the reasonable coast estimate for the bldg's electrical and mechanical systems? A. $500,000 B. $1,000,000 C. $1,800,000 D. $3,000,000

C. $1,800,000 - Mechanical + electrical systems would be about 30% of the total construction cost

What is an escalator's typical travel speed? A. 50 ft/min B. 75 ft/min C. 100 ft/min D. 150 ft/min

C. 100 ft/min

Which of the following represents a highly alkaline pH reading? A. 2 B. 7 C. 12 D. 17

C. 12 0-7 = Acidic 7 = Neutral 7-14 = Alkaline

If the public water service provides water at 100 psi, and there is a friction loss of 15 psi between the street and the bldg, what is the highest floor on which a faucet may be placed if the faucet requires 15 psi? Assume each floor is 12' high. A. 8 stories B. 9 stories C. 13 stories D. 14 stories

C. 13 stories - Loss of no more than 70 psi - If 1 psi = 2.31' then 12' = 5.19 psi - 70/5.19 = 13.4 so 13 stories OR - 70 psi x 2.3' = 161' - 161/12 = 13.4

The minimum fresh air ventilation rate recommended by ANSI/ASHRAE is A. 5 cfm/person B. 10 cfm/person C. 15 cfm/person D. 20 cfm/person

C. 15 cfm/person

Spray-on fireproofing and insulation containing asbestos are likely to be found only in bldgs constructed before A. 1968 B. 1970 C. 1973 D. 1978

C. 1973 - Year that the EPA banned asbestos fireproofing and insulation

According to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, showerheads are required to dispense a maximum of: A. 1.0 gal/min B. 1.6 gal/min C. 2.5 gal/min D. 3.6 gal/min

C. 2.5 gal/min - Fixtures that use less are permitted + encouraged - New toilets use maximum of 1.6 gal per flush - New urinals use max 1.0 gal per flush

The max acceptable IL for a hospital is: A. 100 dB B. 70 dB C. 40 dB D. 10 dB

C. 40 dB - Acceptable for hospital or quiet office - 10 dB is not a practical level - 70 dB definitely too loud

The flush control for a handicapped accessible urinal is a maximum of how many inches above the floor? A. 36" B. 40" C. 44" D. 48"

C. 44"

In areas of unobstructed forward reach, light switches and thermostats may be located a maximum of A. 42" AFF B. 44" AFF C. 48" AFF D. 54" AFF

C. 48" AFF - As per ADA guidelines

In order for their benefits to be clearly noticeable, changes to a partition assembly must reduce the sound transmission by: A. 1 dB B. 3 dB C. 5 dB D. 10 dB

C. 5 dB - Clearly noticeable - 3 dB barely noticeable - 1 dB almost imperceptible - 10 dB is half or 2x as loud

What is typically the maximum height building that can utilize an upfeed water supply system? A. 20' - 30' B. 30' - 40' C. 50' - 60' D. 70' - 80'

C. 50' - 60' - Upfeed systems typ. work in bldgs up to 40'-60' - Depends on static head, pressure @ main (40-80 psi)

The recommended speed of a passenger elevator in a 20-story bldg should be about: A. 200 ft/min B. 300 ft/min C. 800 ft/min D. 1000 ft/min

C. 800 ft/min - See table on page 174

dB level on busy NYC street is 90. Cab driver blows horn, 95 dB. What is the total sound intensity level? A. 91 dB B. 91.2 dB C. 96.2 dB D. 185 dB

C. 96.2 dB - If difference is 4-8 dB, add ~1 to the higher number

Which of the following statements is correct? A. Dry pipe sprinkler syst. causes less water damage when discharging and is preferable to wet pipe B. A POC detector responds only to invisible gasses C. A fire alarm should be both audible and visible D. A dry standpipe should be connected to a dependable water source at all times

C. A fire alarm should be both audible and visible - POC = Products of combustion, and responds to both visible and invisible gases - Dry standpipe is not connected to water source until fire occurs, when fire department connects in to a hydrant via a pumper

What is a demand surcharge? A. Negative charge which builds up in a circuit when the current is too great B. The copper side of a capacitor C. A method by which utilities attempt to reduce the need for new power plants D. The factor that triggers a circuit breaker

C. A method by which utilities attempt to reduce the need for new power plants - Based on peak usage, and encourages the customer to reduce those peaks. Reduced peaks reduce the need for new power plants

What is the optimal location for an elevator machine room? A. Beside the elevator on the lowest level of the bldg B. Adjacent to the electrical room C. Above the hoistway D. Adjacent to the mech room

C. Above the hoistway - At least as wide as the elevator shaft, generally more than 12' deeper than hoistway

What factor affects both reverberation time and loudness in enclosed spaces? A. Acoustical intensity B. Transmissivity C. Absorptivity D. Frequency

C. Absorptivity

Information regarding the minimum # of plumbing fixtures required for various occupancies may be found in... A. Bldg codes B. Plumbing codes C. Both bldg and plumbing codes D. The local authority having jurisdiction

C. Both bldg and plumbing codes - Usually in Plumbing codes, often reproduced in bldg codes

Which of the following bldgs would be a good application of Demand-controlled Technology A. Pet store B. Locker room C. Bowling alley D. Dry cleaner

C. Bowling alley - Demand-controlled Ventilation (DCV) uses CO2 sensor to adjust ventilation according to occupancy - Good for occupancy levels that vary greatly, not for constantly occupied spaces or for spaces w/ odors/contaminants that need to be constantly exhausted

Designing a large 3-story multi-wing university office structure, you would probably use a... A. Central air handler unit B. Individual fan coil units C. Central chiller, chilled water loop D. DX rooftop unit

C. Central chiller, chilled water loop - Easiest to get heat or cold long distances through bldg w/o taking up too much space - Ductwork would use far too much space

In the event of emergency, which of the following elevator safety mechanisms will activate first? A. Spring buffers B. Safety rail clamps C. Centrifugal governor D. Final limit switches

C. Centrifugal governor - Sets brake and shuts off power - If car keeps going, safety rail clamps wedge against guide rails to stop the car smoothly - Final-limit switches activate if elevator overruns the safe limits of travel up or down - Buffers at the bottom cushion the elevator as it stops, but cannot stop a falling car

Which part of the refrigeration cycle is the hottest? A. Evaporator B. Compressor C. Condenser D. Valve

C. Condenser - The high pressure coil, which is hottest and gives off the most heat

Which of the following is dependent on orientation? A. Radiation B. Conduction C. Convection D. Latent heat transfer

C. Convection - Only heat transfer process in which direction makes any difference, and only process in which relative height would make a difference - WTF???? WHY NOT RADIATION????

Which factor is dependent on bldg height? A. Calculation of fixture units B. Size of pressure tank C. Determination of static head D. Capacity of the submersible pump

C. Determination of static head

Select the correct statement from the following: A. Max elevator traffic in a bldg is generally computed at several different times during the day B. Elevator traffic generally reaches max peak during lunch time C. Elevator capacity is computed on the basis of car size D. Elevator capacity is computed on the basis of travel speed

C. Elevator capacity is computed on the basis of car size - Office bldg usually reaches peak at lunch time, but hotels are in the morning/evening/checkout time, and hospitals are during visiting hours - Elevator traffic is computed based on the number of passengers in a five minute span (figured for peak periods)

Which of the following systems can be combined with a four-pipe hydronic system? A. Double duct system B. Multizone system C. Fan coil system D. Unitary system

C. Fan coil system - Four-pipe system can bring the heating and cooling capacity to the coils in the fan coil system

The presence of which of the following is considered LEAST harmful in potable water supply? A. Carcinogens B. High acidity C. Flourine (do they mean FLOURIDE?) D. Magnesium

C. Flourine - Flourine (not FLOURIDE?) is added to municipal water systems to reduce tooth decay - High acidity rarely harms people, but will corrode pipes - Magnesium causes hard water

The major advantage to low voltage incandescent lamps is that the lamps A. are much brighter for a given wattage B. Last much longer C. Focus and aim their light more accurately D. Can run at higher temperatures

C. Focus and aim their light more accurately - Low voltage lamps have smaller filaments, and therefore allow more precise optical control of light placement

What is the unit which measures the amount of light striking a surface (the illumination)? A. Candlepower B. Lumen C. Footcandle D. FootLambert

C. Footcandle - Footcandle is the measure of illumination - Candlepower measures power at its source - Lumen measures flux (what is that again?) - FootLambert measures reflected or transmitted brightness

Which of the following units would be used to measure the brightness of daylight coming through a window? A. Footcandle B. Candela C. Footlambert D. Candlepower

C. Footlambert - Unit for the brightness (or luminance) of a surface and takes into account the transmittance properties of the glass - Footcandle is the light incident on a transmitting or reflecting surface - Candlepower is measure of luminous intensity - Candela is SI unit for candlepower

In remodeling an exist. school w/ steam heat system and no A.C, intent is to create separate living units. Which of the following systems is probably the best choice for the bldg? A. Double duct forced air syst, which would provide each unit either heating or cooling, independent of the other units B. VAV syst, which would be the most effective, even if one unit is being heated while an adjacent unit is being cooled C. Heat pump syst, which would not require the addition of ductwork, and would allow each unit to be heated or cooled, as desired D. Multizone syst, which would provide for different temp zones w/ less space required than any of the others

C. Heat pump syst, which would not require the addition of ductwork, and would allow each unit to be heated or cooled, as desired - Steam heat pipes may be used for the heat sink, or can be replaced w/ new pipes @ same size - All other options require major modifications b/c of adding ductwork - Double duct syst would provide most flexibility for different units Multizone has a separate branch for each unit

Which system uses a heat sink and often balances itself without utilizing a boiler or chiller? A. Unitary system B. Multizone system C. Heat pump system D. Variable Air Volume system

C. Heat pump system - Uses a heat sink connected to several pumps - Heat sink = A passive heat exchanger that transfers heat to a fluid medium, often air or liquid coolant, where it is dissipated away - If one zone is cooling and one is heating, then system can balance itself without a boiler or chiller, can happen fairly often in mild climates

Human body temperature is regulated by: A Pituitary gland B. Thyroid gland C. Hypothalamus D. Skin

C. Hypothalamus - Acts as a thermostat within the human body - Regulates distribution of blood - Also controls goosebumps and shivering

A degree day is directly related to: I. The weather in an area over a period of time II. A reference temperature III. A design day A. III B. II, III C. I, II D. I, III

C. I, II - Degree day measures temp over period of time against a reference temp (65 F) - Design Day = A theoretical day that is "worse", either hotter or colder than 98% of the days @ a site, allows us to size the plan to cover most days

Which of the following have a significant effect on heat gain? I. Motors and equipment II. Sunlight III. People IV. Fluorescent V. Humidity A. II, III B. II, III, V C. I, II, III, IV D. I, II, III, IV, V

C. I, II, III, IV - Humidity does not affect heat gain - All others produce heat

Which of the following systems can be used if each zone is to be billed separately? I. Heat pump system II. Multizone system III. Unitary system A. I, II B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

C. I, III - Heat pump and unitary systems can have a meter on each unit - Multizone has one plant serving all zones, difficult to meter separately

Planning phase of sustainably designed project should include which elements? I. Native landscaping that is aesthetically pleasing and functional II. Designing structures in the floodplain that can resist the forces of flood waters III. Consideration of sun orientation, topographic relief, and scale of adjacent buildings IV. Locating projects within existing neighborhoods adjacent to public transport A. I, II B. I, III C. I, III, IV D. All of the above

C. I, III, IV - Placing structure in floodplain, even that can resist floodwater, is not desirable

Which of the following precautions should be taken if aluminum conductors are used in a bldg? I. Leads should be cleaned prior to making connections II. Special conduit should be specified III. Licensed electricians should be required to perform the installation IV. All joints should be soldered V. Larger sizes will be needed than if copper conductors were used A. II, V B. I, II, III C. I, III, V D. II, III, V

C. I, III, V - B/c of oxidation, leads must be cleaned - Aluminum conductors must be larger to carry the same amperage

In an overhead power district, the power company may provide service... I. Underground II. Overhead III. Underground if the owner provides the conduit between the bldg and the power pole IV. Underground if the conduit is encased in concrete A. II only B. I, II, III, IV C. II, III D. III, IV

C. II, III - In an underground power district, power company must provide service underground to bldgs - In an overhead power district, only need to provide service overhead - BUT, if bldg owner wants underground service, power co. can elect to give him service if owner provides the conduit - Conduit only needs to be encased in concrete if power is at a very high voltage

Which approaches would be appropriate for passively cooling a bldg in New Mexico? I. Evaporative cooler II. Roof ponds III. Using bldg materials w/ high thermal mass IV. Courtyards w/ fountains A. I, II B. I, III C. II, III, IV D. I, II, III, IV

C. II, III, IV - Evaporative cooler is an active system

Codes limit the number of conductors permitted in a conduit for which of the following reasons? I. To maintain maximum ampacity II. To control heat buildup in the conduit III. To minimize problems w/ harmonic currents IV. To prevent damage to the conductors when they are pulled through the conduit A. I, III B. II, III C. II, IV D. III, IV

C. II, IV - Conductors can be damaged if too many are pulled through a small conduit - Harmonic currents are only a problem w/ unconventional loads like computers, electronic ballasts, etc.

The comfort zones generally ranges from 73 F to 77 F and between 20% humidity and 60% humidity (RH). If intake air in the system is 80 F and 10% RH, how should this air be treated to conform to zone standards? I. Remove latent heat from the air II. Remove sensible heat from the air III. Add moisture to the air A. I B. II C. III D. I, III

C. III Add moisture to the air - Removing latent heat means removing moisture - Removing sensible heat would make the dry bulb temp OK but humidity would still be below comfort levels

The Ahwahnee Principles include which of the following ideas? I. Communities w/ only residential use should be relegated to areas outside the central business district II. Preserved open spaces should be either wildlife habitats or recreational areas III. Transportation planning should include roads, pedestrian paths, bike paths, and mass transit syst. IV. Job creation and economic diversity is a desired goal A. I B. II, III, IV C. III, IV D. None of the above

C. III, IV - Mixed use encouraged - Open space is for more than wildlife and recreation, also for: Environmental education, storm water retention, flood control, wetlands drainage, etc.

Walls of new coffeeshop are rich pumpkin orange. What type of lighting will provide the best overall color rendering and accent the orange walls? A. Cool white fluorescent B. Warm white fluorescent C. Incandescent D. Daylight

C. Incandescent - Warm white fluorescent next best choice - rendering not as good, but better lifespan + efficiency - Daylight tends to make things seem bluish and will give the orange a grayer appearance (REALLY?)

Which of the following best describes a 2-pipe system? A. Hot water flows in one pipe and chilled water flows in another pipe B. The North side of a bldg can be heated and the South side can be cooled simultaneously C. It requires one pump only D. It requires a hot water and chilled water pump

C. It requires one pump only - A 2-pipe system handles EITHER hot supply + return OR cold supply + return - A single pump pumps the water through a boiler or chiller, cannot do simultaneously

Three-phase, four-wire electrical systems in modern buildings serve: A. Lighting B. Power C. Lighting and power D. Motors

C. Lighting and power - 3-phase system has at least 3 wires, identified by voltage between any 2 wires, 480 V being common. Sometimes neutral wire provided - Voltage between neutral and any other wire is equal to phase-to-phase voltage divided by 1.73 (480/1.73 = 277) - 3-phase loads, such as motors and transformers, can be connected to the 3-phase wires, and single-phase loads can be connected between any 2-phase wires, or between any phase wire and the neutral wire, depending on the voltage rating of the load. - Therefore , system can serve all lighting and power needs.

A footlambert is the unit of A. Candlepower B. Illuminance C. Luminance D. Luminous intensity

C. Luminance - Luminous flux per unit of projected area - Takes into account reflectance and transmittance of materials and direction from which they are viewed

A new office 80,000 SF office bldg is projected to cost $10,000,000. Approximately what percentages of the construction budget should be allocated to the mech and elect systems costs? A. M 5%, E 5% B. M 15%, E 5% C. M 15%, E 15 % D. M 25%, E 15%

C. M 15%, E 15% - For bldg this size, - For smaller office bldgs, M 10%, E 10%

What criteria are used in specifying the max noise level in a given space under a given set of conditions? A. PWL B. NRC C. NC D. NR

C. NC - Nose criteria, or NC curves (see page 156

Select the INCORRECT statement A. A health center would probably use no. 4 or no. 5 fuel oil B. Heat pumps rely on solar energy more than on electricity C. Natural gas has a higher heating value than does propane D. Electricity is not a good choice for powering boilers in remote areas

C. Natural gas has a higher heating value than does propane - Propane has heating value of 2500 Btu/cubic foot - Natural gas 1050 Btu/cubic foot - HOW WOULD I KNOW THIS?

What would be the best passive cooling strategy during the summer in a hot-humid climate? A. Design series of pools and fountains to cool by evaporation B. Broad overhangs to shield glass and outdoor activites from the sun C. Orient the bldg to catch summer breezes D. Use light-colored surfaces to reflect sunlight and reduce solar gain

C. Orient the bldg to catch summer breezes - Other choices help, but not as much

Which of the following is NOT a component of a data cabling network? A. Hub B. Switch C. Panelboard D. Patch panel

C. Panelboard - A Panelboard is part of electrical system, not a data network - Hubs and switches are network devices used as centralized points in a wired network. They control, manage, and direct communications traffic - A patch panel allows temporary + flexible connection between 2 systems or subsystems

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be included in a typical transformer specification? A. Sound level in dB B. Type of cooling medium C. Physical dimensions D. Voltage

C. Physical dimensions - Specs should include Type, phase, voltage, kVA (kilovolt-ampere) rating, sound level, and insulation class - Size usually determined by technical criteria, particularly capacity and insulation type - size of units varies greatly

The flow of electricity is affected by all of the following, EXCEPT: A. Potential B. Current C. Power D. Resistance

C. Power - Flow of electricity identified by Ohm's law: I=V/R - I= current, V=potential, R=Resistance - Power is a measure of work and not a factor in the flow of electricity

The primary purpose of a plumbing fixture vent is to: A. Permit escape of water vapor from the piping system B. Prevent leakage of sewer gas into occupied spaces C. Prevent siphoning of the trap seal D. Allow access of a plumber's snake to clear obstruction

C. Prevent siphoning of the trap seal - As fixture is used, change in pressure within the pipe siphons the water out of the trap, rendering the trap ineffective. - Fixture vent equalizes the pressure in the pipe - Air is drawn down the vent rather than water up from the trap

Which of the following strategies would effectively reduce the noise caused by duct system w/o reducing airflow? A. Specify duct liners for all supply and return ducts B. Specify 90 degree bends in short duct runs C. Provide an active noise-cancelling system emitting out-of-phase noise D. Specify fiberglass baffles

C. Provide an active noise-cancelling system emitting out-of-phase noise - System analyzes noise from the blowers and other components and synthesizes a noise that is exactly out of phase w/ the mechanical noise, cancelling each other out

What is the name of the sensing surface of the eye? A. Lens B. Iris C. Retina D. Cilia

C. Retina - Lens focuses - Iris adjusts amount of light - No cilia in the eye

The uppermost curved line on the psychrometric chart represents: A. Humidity ratio B. Enthalpy C. Saturated air D. Specific volume

C. Saturated air - Represents 100% humidity / dew point

Which is the best measure to use when evaluating how well a window assembly prevents heat gain? A. Daylight factor B. Shading coefficient C. Solar heat gain coefficient D. Window-to-wall ratio

C. Solar heat gain coefficient - Amount of solar heat gain through window to the amount striking the window - Includes frame and glass spacer - Shading coefficient is similar, but doesn't include frame

The CRI of a fluorescent light source tells us whether the... A. Source is warm or cool in color rendition B. Source is energy efficient C. Source matches the color of an incandescent source at the same temperature D. Source has a long lamp life

C. Source matches the color of an incandescent source at the same temperature - Often confused with temperature itself (blueish vs yellowish) - Independent of lamp life, but better CRI tends to be less efficient + shorter lived

Doctor office in rural area is dependent on private water source. Well is ~150' deep. What type of well pump is appropriate? A. Suction pump B. Turbine pump C. Submersible pump D. Venturi pump

C. Submersible pump - Common choice for small bldgs, residences w/ well water - Pump below water table, pumps to pressure tank - Suction pumps for shallow wells <25' - Jet pumps / Venturi pumps for 25' - 100' - Turbine pumps for very deep wells w/ high capacity

A 3-wire transformer means that: A. The primary winding is one of three input options B. The transformer generates 3-phase current C. The secondary winding allows 2 different voltage takeoffs D. There is a tertiary winding

C. The secondary winding allows 2 different voltage takeoffs - 3 wires from the secondary (what is this?) of a 3-wire transformer: a line, the neutral, and the opposite line. The secondary winding has 2 options for connection: one line to the other line, or either line to neutral - WTF I don't understand any of this???????????

Which of the following statements about noise reduction between 2 rooms is FALSE? A. Noise reduction is improved w/ an increase in the transmission loss of the wall separating the 2 rooms B. The stiffness of the separating wall has some effect on noise reduction C. To improve noise reduction, place absorptive materials on both sides of the separating wall D. An increase in wall area separating the 2 rooms is detrimental

C. To improve noise reduction, place absorptive materials on both sides of the separating wall - This would only decrease noise level in the "noisier" room - Area of separating wall matters

Which of the following types of copper pipe is most commonly used for supply lines in bldg plumbing systems? A. Type DWV B. Type K C. Type L D. Type M

C. Type L - Type L is most commonly used for bldg supply lines - K is heaviest, used for underground supply pipe - M is thinnest, only for low pressure

Select the incorrect statement: A. Several plastics used for cold water piping, but only PVCD (CPVC?) may be used for hot water supply (where allowed by code) B. Steel pipe is more labor intensive and requires more space in plumbing chases than copper pipe C. Type M pipe is normally specified for most interior plumbing D. ABS is suitable for water supply

C. Type M pipe is normally specified for most interior plumbing - Type M is only used for low-pressure piping - Type L is most commonly used in plumbing - I think this is a typo. PVCD = Saran wrap. CPVC is for hot water piping

For 100,000 SF office bldg energy analysis, rank the following energy-consuming components from highest to lowest: I. Heating II. Cooling III. Domestic hot water IV. Vertical transportation V. Lighting VI. HVAC fans A. I, II, V, VI, III, IV B. II, I, VI, V, IV, III C. V, I, II, VI, IV, III D. V, VI, II, I, III, IV

C. V, I, II, VI, IV, III - Lighting 35% - Heating 26% - Cooling 17% - HVAC fans 11% - Vertical transport 8% - Domestic hot water 4%

HVAC system for a nursing home, owner wants each patient to control temp in each room, quiet system, and minimal maintenance. Which system is the most appropriate? A. Packaged terminal units B. Fan coil terminals C. Variable Air Volume D. Single duct, constant air volume

C. Variable air volume - A and B have individual control but are not as quiet and have as low maintenance

A partition with a sound transmission class rating of 55 dB would be: A. Very good at stopping reflected sound B. Barely acceptable at stopping transmitted sound C. Very good at stopping transmitted sound D. Barely acceptable at stopping reflected sound

C. Very good at stopping transmitted sound - The STC is comparatively high, so good at stopping transmitted sound - STC says nothing about absorptivity or reflected sound

The Indian Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico, illustrates which of the following climatic design principles? A. Daylighting B. Sun shading C. Volume utilization D. Wind effect

C. Volume utilization - Cubes have the greatest volume for least amount of surface area

The most common type of sprinkler system used for fire suppression is A. Preaction B. Deluge C. Wet-pipe D. Dry-pipe

C. Wet-pipe - Preaction has early alarm, which is activated when water fills pipes but before sprinkler discharge, good for sensitive bldg contents, allow for manual suppression - Deluge are used where rapid fire spread is anticipated (ex. garage and aircraft hangars)

A calculation of heat loss includes: A. qc, qCLTD, qp, and qm B. qc, qCLTD, qs, and ql C. qc, qs, and qi D. qs, qi, and qr

C. qc, qs, and qi - qCLTD is always heat gain - D contains qr, which is gain from sun - WTF is this dumb question?

Given 3 parallel paths, 2 paths with a resistance of 4 ohms, and one with a resistance of 2 ohms, what is the total net resistance? A. 0.125 ohms B. 10 ohms C. 1.25 ohms D. 1.0 ohms

D. 1.0 ohms R = 1 / (1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3) R = 1 / (1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2) R = 1.0 ohms

To what height will 50 psi of pressure lift a 3-inch diameter column of water? A. 4'-2" B. 50' C. 100' D. 115'

D. 115' - 1 psi can lift a column of water 2.3' - 50 psi x 2.3' = 115' - This is independent of the size of the pipe or column of water

With back to back public toilet rooms, having wall-hung toilets, how much space should there be between the 2 walls of the plumbing wall? A. 12" B. 16" C. 18" D. 24"

D. 24" - 12" for toilets on only one side - 16" for floor mounted fixtures

For a 15-story office bldg w/ 10,000 SF gross area per floor, which of the following electrical distribution systems would best meet the developer's requirement and be most economical in terms of initial cost as well as later operational cost? A. 120/208-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire B. 120/240-volt, single-phase, 3-wire C. 120/240-volt, three-phase, 3-wire D. 277/408-volt, three-phase, 4-wire

D. 277/408-volt, three-phase, 4-wire

For folding partition in ballroom divided into meeting rooms. Normal speech should not be heard from other side. Amplified speech acceptable to be faintly heard. What should the partition's STC rating be? A. 25-30 B. 30-35 C. 35-40 D. 40-45

D. 40-45

Surface of water tank is 100' above the lowest fixture in a bldg. Ignoring friction loss, the pressure available at the lowest fixture is about A. 23 psi B. 31 psi C. 36 psi D. 43 psi

D. 43 psi - Yes, this formula works in downfeed systems too

What is the diameter of an R-40 bulb? A. 2.5" B. 3.2" C. 4" D. 5"

D. 5" - An R-40 bulb is 40 x 1/8" or 5" in dia.

Roof is 40' x 80'. Resistance is 38 SF-hr-F/Btu. Design equivalent temp is 44 degrees F. Design temp is -5 degrees F. Desired to maintain 70 degrees F inside. Heat loss is most nearly: A. 3700 Btu/hr B. 5500 Btu/hr C. 5800 Btu/hr D. 6200 Btu/hr

D. 6200 Btu/hr Formula: Btu/hr = (U)(A)(ΔT) Also: U = 1/R Btu/hr = (1/38)(40x80)(70- -5) Btu/hr = (0.026)(3200)(75) Btu/hr = 6200

A 7-story office bldg is to have a VAV system. Bldg will have 105,000 SF net area, and 126,000 gross area. About how much space should be the minimum area allowed for the HVAC system? A. 2500 SF B. 3800 SF C. 6300 SF D. 7600 SF

D. 7600 SF - For most midsize bldgs, all-air or air-water systems need about 3%-9% of gross area - Office bldgs are in the middle, use 6%

Which of the following is true about escalators? A. Can be counted as a means of egress B. Structural support is required at both ends and at intermediate bracing points C. Emergency power is required for all escalators D. All are installed at angle of 30 degrees from horizontal

D. All are installed at angel of 30 degrees from horizontal - NEVER counted as egress - it is unprotected

Sustainable design is primarily concerned with which of the following issues? I. Economics II. Aesthetics III. Environment IV. Mech. systems A. III B. I, II, III C. I, III D. All of the above

D. All of the above - Holistic approach, design team should examine all (Aesthetic, really?)

Which of the following statements regarding conduit embedded in concrete slabs is FALSE? A. Min concrete cover over conduit should be at least 3/4" B. Conduit should always be placed in lower half of the structural slab C. Outside diameter of the conduit should be no larger than 1/3 the thickness of the slab D. Aluminum conduit may be used instead of steel when it is fully embedded in the the slab

D. Aluminum conduit may be used instead of steel when it is fully embedded in the slab - Should NOT be used in concrete slabs b/c it reacts w/ ingredients in admixtures and causes spalling + cracking - Should be placed in tension part of the slab, etc.

Which conduit system is unacceptable for embedding in concrete? A. Rigid conduit B. Flex conduit C. IMC conduit D. Armored cable

D. Armored cable - WHY????????

Air filtration, which comprises an integral part of all HVAC systems, has as its principal purpose the elimination of: A. Offensive odors B. Unpleasant mechanical noises C. Interior pollutants D. Atmospheric particles

D. Atmospheric particles - Prevent atmospheric dust, particles, and pollen from entering HVAC syst. - Filters generally placed where fresh air enters the equipment, so it protects the equipment and promotes more efficient operation

The Energy Cost Budget Method, as defined in ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, would be recommended for all of the following types of bldgs EXCEPT: A. Bldg that utilizes passive solar heating B. Convenience store operating 24/7 C. Office bldg powered with photo-voltaic panels D. Bldg w/ no mechanical system

D. Bldg w/ no mechanical system - Compare annual cost of bldg to that of a baseline bldg - Complies if less than baseline, must be used for LEED credits - Cannot be used w/o mech. syst. - Other approaches: - System Performance Method - complex calculations of microclimate - Prescriptive Criteria Method - Quick calcs, but more restrictive

Which color represents the highest Kelvin temperature and the shortest wavelength? A. Red B. Yellow C. Green D. Blue

D. Blue - The "warm colors come from LOWER Kelvin temps. Psychologically warm colors happen to be generated by lower temperatures than the psychologically cool colors

The max usable speed of an elevator is generally limited by: A. Considerations of safety B. Car capacity C. Counterweight/load ratio D. Building height

D. Building height - Max usable speed varies from 300 ft/min to 1,800 ft/min and is limited by bldg height, as acceleration and deceleration require a substantial distance

Which type of pipe is typically used for sanitary lines in nonresidential bldgs? A. PVC B. Copper C. ABS D. Cast iron

D. Cast iron - Non-corrosive in most soils, resists waste abrasion, muffles sound, economical cost/labor - PVC for supply, sometimes for sanitary lines, but not exterior - Copper for supply - ABS for residential drainage lines

A power distribution system is to be specified for an open office area. Which of the following is the most flexible and economical alternative? A. Access floor systems B. Underfloor raceway system C. Cellular metal floor raceways D. Ceiling raceway system w/ pole raceways

D. Ceiling raceway system w/ pole raceways - This is the least expensive - Access floor system has 2'x2' panels on adjustable pedastals above floor. Unlimited flexibility but very expensive and unjustified unless extensive changes are expected (like a computer room) - Underfloor raceway system = parallel rectangular metal raceways laid on the structural slab and covered w/ concrete - Cellular metal floor raceway is similar, but part of the structure (decking?) - Both are tapped when connection required

Which of the following types of standpipe connections are intended for use by bldg occupants? A. Class I only B. Class II only C. Class I and Class II D. Class II and Class III

D. Class II and Class III - Class I: Dry standpipes - Class II: 1-1/2"connection with hose for occupants - Class III: 1-1/2" connection for occupants, and 2-1/2" connection for firefighters

School is planned near major highway. What site planting strategy would most reduce the amount of highway noise reaching the school? A. Deciduous trees and low shrubs B. Evergreen trees C. Deciduous trees D. Combo of deciduous and evergreen trees

D. Combo of deciduous and evergreen trees WTF????????? WHY WOULDN'T JUST EVERGREEN BE BETTER?????? - Also, planting trees on an earth mound would be even more effective

Which of the following materials, in a layer 1" thick, will have the lowest R-value? A. Snow B. Air (w/ foil on both sides of the airspace) C. Batt fiberglass insulation D. Concrete

D. Concrete - Snow is actually better - Batt insulation is next? - Air w/ reflective surfaces is the best?

Which of the following HVAC systems would have the highest operating cost for a large office bldg? A. Single-zone, constant volume B. Variable air volume C. Double-duct, constant volume D. Constant volume reheat

D. Constant volume reheat

Designing a large single story manufacturing bldg air supply system, you would probably use a... A. Central air handler unit B. Individual fan coil units C. Central chiller, chilled water loop D. DX rooftop units

D. DX rooftop units - Refrigeration, air handling, and heat rejection all in one unit, blows air directly into bldg, can easily move it later on if owner decides

When is the solar load at its lowest in North America? A. March 21 B. June 21 C. Sept 21 D. Dec 21

D. Dec 21 - Shortest day of the year, sun @ lowest point in sky

The sun's seasonal relationship with the earth is described by: A. Altitude angle B. Profile angle C. Azimuth angle D. Declination angle

D. Declination angle - The declination angle is the angle of the earth's axis in comparison to the position of the sun - Altitude + azimuth describe location of the sun in relationship to specific point on earth - Profile angle is the angle of the shadow that is cast by an overhang

What system or equipment uses only evaporation and no compression to cool water? A. Double duct system B. Fan coil system C. Unitary system D. Evaporative chiller

D. Evaporative chiller - Also called cooling tower - Compression systems use evaporation and condensation in a closed loop

Which HVAC system would be the most appropriate choice for a hospital? A. Multizone B. High-velocity dual duct C. Variable air volume D. Fan coil with supplementary air

D. Fan coil with supplementary air - System that exhausts all return air is needed - All other systems return air to the AHU and reuses some of it

Which type of lamp typically has the longest life span? A. Incandescent B. Fluorescent C. Metal Halide D. High-pressure sodium

D. High pressure sodium - ~24,000 hr, same for Mercury Vapor - Incandescent ~2,000 hr - Fluorescent + Metal Halide 10,000 - 20,000 hr

CLTD (Cooling Load Temperature Differential) includes the effects of all of the following, EXCEPT A. Time lag B. Radiation C. Conduction D. Humidity

D. Humidity - CLTD is the model that used the equation: qc = (U)(A)(ΔT) but substitutes CLTD for (ΔT) - CLTD adjusts for radiation and time lag in the basic conduction formula - WTF I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS

For 3-story commercial bldg with max height of 45 feet, architect wants constant roof silhouette w/ no projections above the 4-ft high parapet. The architect should choose: A. Electric elevator w/ geared traction and operating machinery at the basement level B. Gearless electric elevator with operating machinery in an 4' high penthouse C. Hydraulic elevator w/ operating machinery in a 4' high penthouse D. Hydraulic elevator w/ operating machinery in the elevator pit

D. Hydraulic elevator w/ operating machinery in the elevator pit - Bldgs less then 50' high (or 5 stories) generally have hydraulic, rather than electric elevators. - Require no penthouse - Simpler + less expensive to install

Which of the following are required to have a siamese connection at the base? I. Wet standpipes II. Dry standpipes III. Wet sprinkler systems A. I, II B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

D. I, II, II - All are required to have siamese connection at the base, so the fire department can add water to the system

Which of the following are true about fluorescent lighting? I. More efficient than incandescent II. Can have different CRI ratings, depending on phosphors III. Does not run on 12 volt DC current A. I, II B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

D. I, II, III - All true, yo

Which of the following systems can provide simultaneous heating and cooling to different rooms within the same zone? I. Single duct constant volume with electric reheat system II. Double duct system III. Fan coil system A. I, II B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

D. I, II, III - Electric reheat system normally cools, but can heat when the resistance coil is on

Given a concrete room with concrete walls, floors, and ceilings, adding carpeting and drapes does which of the following? I. Increases the absorptivity of the room II. Decreases the reverberation time of the room III. Decreases the intensity of the sound that a small motor would make in the room A. I B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

D. I, II, III - Increasing absorptivity decreases both reverberation time and the volume (The volume???)

Which of the following is true about a ground fault interrupter? I. It is a form of protection against short circuits II. It may be actuated even when there is no equipment switched on in the circuit III. It can completely disconnect a circuit A. I, II B. II, III C. I, III D. I, II, III

D. I, II, III - Specifically designed to pick up low level electrical short circuits

The resistance of a layer of construction in a wall relates to which of the following? I. The temperature gradient within the wall II. The conduction through the wall III. The conductivity of the material composing the layer A. I B. II C. III D. I, II, III

D. I, II, III - The resistance determines the temp gradient and the conduction, and is determined by the conductivity.

Infiltration is calculated using which method(s)? I. Design day method II. Air change method III. Crack method A. I B. II C. III D. II, III

D. II, III - Air change method = Must know # of air changes per hour in bldg - Crack method = Formula using the total linear feet of joints in all the windows in the space under consideration (room or whole bldg)

Which 3 of the following factors would be most important in selecting an HVAC system for a small 1-story shopping mall in Arizona? It will have 40k SF of rentable area around a courtyard I. Flexibility II. Climatic zone III. Economics IV. The tenant's preference V. The bldg scale A. I, II, V B. I, III, IV C. II, III, IV D. II, III, V

D. II, III, V - It would have relatively fixed sizes of rental spaces, so flexibility would not be most important - Tenant mix would probably not be know at time of design, so their preference could not be solicited

Rank the following materials in the order of their ability to absorb sound (best to worst): I. Carpet II. Plaster III. Acoustical tile A. III, II, I B. I, III, II C. II, III, I D. III, I, II

D. III, I, II - Acoustical tile > Carpet

Which 3 statements about drainage are correct? I. Drains should always slope at a minimum of 1/8" per ft II. The vent stack extends through the roof III. Vents help prevent the drainage of water from traps IV. The house drain cannot also serve as the bldg sewer V. Cleanouts are always a necessary part of a drainage system A. I, II, V B. I, III, IV C. II, III, V D. III, IV, V

D. III, IV, V - Slope of drains depends on size of pipe - Vent stack MAY extend through roof but is not required. Often, it connects with the stack vent above the highest fixture served by the stack - House drain is within bldg to point 3' outside - House sewer is from that point to the main line/septic tank

Which of the following statements about forced-air HVAC systems is NOT true? A. Forced-air systems are so named for the fan that forces air through supply ducts B. Forced-air systems pressurize bldgs to eliminate infiltration C. Supply ducts are insulated on the inside for sound and outside for temperature D. In harsh climates, outside air intake should be limited to reduce costs

D. In harsh climates, outside air intake should be limited to reduce costs - Requires fresh air to be mixed w/ return air - Supply heated or cooled air efficiently by means of fan and ductwork, keep bldg positively pressurized to eliminate infiltration - Very noisy, especially near unit, so insulated inside for sound, and also outside for temp

The Natural Step is an approach to the environment that follows which principles? I. Biosphere affecting humans is relatively stable and resilient zone that includes 5 miles into earth crust and 5 miles into troposphere II. Improved tech. has dramatically increased # and quantity of available natural resources III. Toxic substances released into sea or atmosphere will only influence areas adjacent to source IV. Using recycled bldg materials is adequate sustainable design approach A. I B. II C. II, IV D. None of the above

D. None of the above - IV not correct: Recycling is helpful, but just the beginning

Of the following piping materials, which has the highest coefficient of expansion? A. Glass B. Cast iron C. Steel D. Plastic

D. Plastic

What is the single number often used to evaluate the acoustic qualities of a partition? A. Noise reduction coefficient B. Sound absorption coefficient C. Noise insulation class D. Sound transmission class

D. Sound transmission class (STC) - Gives designer a quick way to evaluate types of tested partitions in the common frequency ranges

What is the likely result of excessively hard water in piping? A. Steel pipe will corrode B. Plastic pipe will fill w/ encrustations C. Copper pipe will rust D. Steel pipe will plug up with depositions

D. Steel pipe will plug up with depositions - Plastic pipe not as subject to deposition as steel pipe

Air barriers are designed to stop infiltration and exfiltration caused by all of the following EXCEPT A. Wind pressure B. Stack pressure C. HVAC fan pressure D. Vapor pressure

D. Vapor pressure - The others can influence infiltration and exfiltration - Vapor pressure does not cause air movement, it's a movement of moisture

A bldg in a temperate climate will need to heat and cool different spaces at the same time. To minimize energy use, the best devices to employ are A. Energy recovery ventilators B. Heat pipes C. Recuperative fuel economizers D. Water-loop heat pumps

D. Water-loop heat pumps - Use continuous flow of temperate water to extract heat from areas that need to be cooled an add heat to areas that need to be heated, using very little, if any additional energy - Energy recovery ventilators work best in areas w/ large difference between indoor and outdoor temps - Recuperative fuel economizer is another type of of system that uses hot exhaust gas to preheat incoming water or air, saves energy by increasing efficiency of the heating plant, but would not be as effective

Which of the following is NOT a recommended connection for a 3-phase transformer? A. Delta to delta B. Delta to wye C. Wye to delta D. Wye to wye

D. Wye to wye - Rarely used b/c they can cause problems with harmonics and can interfere with communication systems within the bldg - I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS

Which of the following is NOT used to disinfect water to make it potable? A. Chlorination B. Ozonation C. Ultraviolet light D. Zeolite process

D. Zeolite process - Used to soften water that has high mineral content

Doubling the number of sources at a given intensity would result in a: A. drop of 6 dB B. gain of 6 dB C. drop of 3 dB D. gain of 3 dB

D. gain of 3 dB

Which of the following formulas is NOT a factor in determining cooling load? A. qr = (SG)(SC)A B. qm = 1500(BHP) C. qCLTD = UA(CLTD) D. qc = UAΔT

D. qc = UAΔT - Formula for conduction and factor in determining heating load - Others represent internal heat gains