BALLAST BS EXAM
What is the difference between lux and footcandle?
None in what they measure which is the illuminance that falls onto a surface. Footcandle is imperial while lux is metric. One footcandle equals 10.764 lux. One lux equals 0.09 ftc.
What is the difference between Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Shading Coefficient?
Shading Coefficient is defined as the ratio of solar radiation at a given wavelength and angle of incidence passing through a glass unit to the radiation that would pass through a reference window of frameless 3.2mm (⅛ inch) Clear Float Glass. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient has replaced SC is most cases. is the successor to the shading coefficient used in the United States and it is the ratio of transmitted solar radiation to incident solar radiation of an entire window assembly. It ranges from 0 to 1 and refers to the solar energy transmittance of a window or door as a whole, factoring in the glass, frame material, sash (if present), divided lite bars (if present) and screens (if present).
What is Enthalpy?`
The total heat in a substance (both sensible and latent).
What is Air Changes per Hour?
is a measure of the air volume added to or removed from a space (normally a room or house) divided by the volume of the space.
What is Design Equivalent Temperature Difference (DETD)?
used for calculating heat gain through a building envelope, and takes into account air temperature differences, effects of sun, thermal mass storage effects of material, color of finishes, etc.
An architect is assisting with the renovation of a 1780 farmhouse in Virginia. The total floor area of the farmhouse is approximately 1500 ft². The owner requests a central air conditioning system. The cooling capacity required, rounded to the nearest ton will be ______ tons.
3 tons A good guideline when selecting a cooling system for an older home is to assume that approximately 1 ton of cooling capacity will be necessary for each 500 ft² of living space. This old farmhouse presumably has drafty windows and lots of air infiltration, so a 3 ton unit would be a reasonable choice. If this project were a residence of similar size but new construction, a more appropriate guideline would be about 1 ton for each 1000 ft² of floor area. New construction materials and methods, such as house wrap and vapor barriers, additional insulation, improved windows, caulking and sealants, and so on, make it much easier to control the environment within the residence and require less cooling capacity.
A table lamp is placed 5 ft from a wall. The wall is coated with paint with a reflectance factor of 0.79. The intensity of the lamp is 2500 cd. What is the luminance of the wall? (Fill in the blank) _______ cd/ft²
79 cd/ft² The illuminance of the wall is calculated from the luminous intensity, I, and the distance between the light source and the wall. E = I / d² = 2500 cd / (5 ft)² = 100 cd/ft² THE LUMINANCE of the wall is equal to the illuminance multiplied by the reflectance factor, R L = ER = (100 cd / ft²)(0.79) = 79 cd/ft²
The heat gain for a building has been calculated at 108,000 Btu/hr. A compressive refrigeration machine of ______ tons should be specified. (Fill in the blank)
9 tons A ton of air conditioning is equivalent to 12,000 Btu/hr. Dividing 108,000 by 12,000 gives 9 tons. Modern refrigeration has its roots in the ice-making industry. 12,000 Btu/hr is the amount of refrigeration needed to make on ton of ice per day from 32°F water.
A building may be awarded a LEED credit if the carpet installed meets the requirements of the A. CRI Green Label IAQ Program B. Greenguard Registry C. Green Seal Standards D. South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules
A A building can receive a LEED credit for using a carpet system that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Insititue's (CRI) Green Label Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Test Program. The product may be listed on the Greenguard Registry or have a Green Seal label, but neither designation qualifies for LEED credit for carpet systems. The South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules (SCAQMD) sets standards for VOC content of adhesives and sealants.
Which of the following devices would best control entry to a secure laboratory? A. card reader B. central station alarm C. photoelectric cell D. ultrasonic detector
A A card reader is on type of security device that is used to control access. Security systems are generally comprised of access controls, notification devices, and intrusion detectors. A central station alarm is a method of notification. Photoelectric cells and ultrasonic detectors are devices used for intrusion detection.
Which of the following principles is best exemplified by the "whispering arch" at Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri? A. focusing B. creep C. diffusion D. specular reflection
A A person standing along the marble wall near the entrance to Union Station and who is speaking softly can be heard clearly from across the lobby. The arch works because the sound is focused by the concave surfaces and directed into a specific part of the room - in this case, the niche on the other side of the lobby. Creep is the reflection of sound along a curved surface, such as a dome. The sound can be understood at points along the way but cannot be heard across the room. Diffusion is the opposite of focusing, where sound is scattered all around a room as it is reflected from convex surfaces. Specular reflection is the reflection of sound off hard, polished surfaces.
Problems with veiling reflections in a general-purpose workroom could best be reduced by A. substituting ambient light for direct light fixtures B. repositioning the light fixtures C. reducing the brightness of the light fixtures D. changing the type of lamps
A A veiling reflection is glare caused when the image of a light source is reflected from a viewing surface into the eye. The best way to reduce it is to provide general background illumination (ambient lighting) so the light sources are not concentrated in the area of the lamp. Repositioning the luminaires (or the task) can reduce veiling reflections, but only when the task is in a specific location in relation to the light source. In a general-purpose workroom this would not be feasible. Reducing the brightness of the light source would help, but would also reduce the illumination provided for the task. Changing the type of lamps would have little effect on reflected glare.
High voltages are used in commercial buildings because A. conductors and conduit can be smaller B. a wider variety of loads can be accommodated C. commercial buildings require more power D. transformers can step down the voltages to whatever is required
A As voltages increase, current may be decreased and the system will still provide the same amount of power. Lower currents require smaller conductors. For large commercial buildings, smaller conductors translate to less expense in conductors and conduit, as well as easier installation of smaller wires.
Electrical operating costs in a single-tenant commercial building can be minimized by using which of the following techniques? I. daylighting II. indirect lighting III. load control IV. multiple metering A. I and III only B. II and III only C. I, III, and IV only D. II, III, and IV only
A Daylighting can be used to reduce electrical lighting requirements. Load control is a way of avoiding peak-demand electrical charges by automatically or manually shutting off nonessential electrical loads before the peak demand is reached. Indirect lighting alone would probably not reduce power use; in fact, it may even increase power use because more wattage might be needed to achieve the required lighting level than would be needed with direct or task lighting. Multiple metering is only used for multi-tenant spaces and would not result in an overall cost savings for a commercial building.
A house is being designed for a suburban location. The nearest water main is one block away, about 300 ft, and the city has no plans to extend the line in the near future. City and county regulations do permit the drilling of wells. What action should the architect recommend to the client regarding the water supply? A. Estimate the cost of extending the municipal line, since the water quality is known and it would ensure a long-term supply. Consult with nearby property owners who plan to build in the area to see if they would be willing to share the cost of extending the line. B. Drill a test bore to determine the depth, potential yield, and water quality of a well, and compare this information with the cost of extending the municipal line. C. Assist the owner in petitioning the city to accelerate its plans for extending the water line to serve new development. D. Consult with nearby property owners who use wells and with well drillers to estimate the depth and yield of wells in the area. Compare the estimated cost and feasibility of drilling with the feasibility of extending the municipal line at the owner's cost.
A Even though the nearest water line is 300 ft away, the best recommendation would be to use city water, where the quality and quantity are known and a long-term supply is assured. Although nearby property owners might or might not be willing to share the cost, the owner would still be best advised to extend the line. Drilling a test bore could help determine the depth, potential yield, and water quality, but would cost almost as much as drilling a well. Petitioning the city to extend the line would be time-consuming and probably not successful if they had already decided against it. Asking nearby property owners who use wells about their experience would yield useful information, but even if the cost and water quality were acceptable, extending the municipal line would still be the preferred course of action.
Which of the following types of conduit is best suited 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 should be used to connect to a motor because it can "give" with the movement of the machinery. It is a good choice for any location where there is vibration or where it is impossible to use a straight run of rigid conduit.
A graywater system would most appropriately be integrated into a A. laundromat B. office building C. residence D. restaurant
A Graywater systems, when allowed by local building and health departments, are most appropriately used where the ratio of nonportable to potable water needs is relatively high. A laundromat would produce a great amount of wastewater that could be captured for other purposes. A graywater system captures wastewater - for example, from lavatories, washing machines, and other fixtures-that does not contain organic waster. The system then uses the water for irrigation or for nonpotable uses like flushing toilets.
By what process does insulating glass lose heat? A. convection B. conduction C. conductance D. radiation
A Heat loss and gain through glazing is complex and results from a combination of the effects of conduction, convection, and radiation,. Insulating glass consists of two or more layers of glazing separated by an airspace. Therefore, most heat loss through insulating glass is through convection, not conduction. The air circulating within the glass picks up heat on the warm side and transfers it on the cold side where it is lost by conduction through the glass to the outside. Even if the airspace is evacuated, there is still some air present.
Which of the following energy sources would be the most economical option for heating a small retail building in Washington state? A. electricity B. natural gas C. oil D. steam
A In the northwestern part of the United States, electrical generating facilities are plentiful and provide a relatively low-cost way to heat buildings. Natural gas is popular in the Midwest, while oil is commonly used in the northeastern part of the Untied States. Steam is not economical unless it is produced in a central facility for use in an urban area or is a by-product of other types of power generation.
Which type of plastic pipe is suitable for use as a hot water supply line? (know the abbrev.) A. CPVC B. ABS C. PVC D. PE
A Only CPVC (chlorinated polyvinly chloride) plastic pipe is suitable for use for both hot and cold water supply lines. This type of pipe is also sometimes referred to as PVDC, or polyvinyl dichloride. Because it does not support combustion, it may be used as an alternative to metal piping in some sprinkler systems as local codes permit. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is rigid, black pipe that is typically used for drainage lines. It is resistant to household chemicals such as laundry detergents, toilet bowl cleaners, and dishwashing soaps. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene) are acceptable for use as cold water supply lines where they are permitted by local building codes. PVC pipe can be used for potable water distribution, for waste pipes, and as conduit. PVC is available in different colors depending on its intended use: white, blue, or gray is generally for cold water supply lines, and green is for sewer service. PVC pipe should never be used to transmit compressed gases. It degrades with exposure to ultraviolet radiation, so when used where it will be exposed to sunlight it must be treated for UV resistance and coated with latex paint. PE pipe can be used for potable water or natural gas distribution, sprinkler systems, and waste lines. A significant advantage to PE pipe is its resistance to becoming brittle in cold temperatures, so it is an excellent choice for exterior applications.
The microclimate of a site around a building can be controlled by which two of the following factors? I. albedo II. conductivity III. orientation of the building IV. radiation A. I and II B. I and IV C. II and III D. III and IV
A The albedo of a surface material is the fraction of the radiant energy recieved on the surface that is reflected. Surfaces with low albedo, like grass, absorb radiant energy. The conductivity of a material is the rate of heat flow through it. Albedo and conductivity combined an affect the microclimate around a building. The orientation of the building does not affect microclimate to any appreciable degree, although it is important for daylighting design and design for passive solar heating. Radiation is the transmission of heat through space by means of electromagnetic waves. As such, radiation might heat a building due to a nearby hot surface, but not because of the air or climate around a building.
An existing partition separating two rooms is felt to be insufficient for reducing sound transmission. The partition consists of 4 in metal studs spaced 24 in on center with a single layer of 5/8 gypsum board on each side. There are no penetrations in the partition. To improve the transmission loss of the partition in the most economical way, which of the following modifications should the architect recommend? A. Add resilient channels to one side of the wall and attach a single layer of gypsum board to the channels. Glue an additional layer of gypsum board to the other side. B. Add sound-absorbing panels to the noisy side of the partition, and add an additional layer of gypsum board to the opposite side. C. Remove one layer of gypsum board, install sound-attenuating insulation, and replace the wall finish with a sound-deadening board and a finish layer of gypsum board. D. Cover one side of the partition with an additional layer of gypsum board, and add two additional layers of gypsum board to the other side.
A The best way of improving the transmission loss would be to add mass and resiliency to the partition. This can be accomplished economically by adding extra gypsum board and mounting one layer on resilient channels. Sound-absorbing panels would not affect the transmission loss; they would only affect the noise reduction in the room on the side where the panels were installed. Removing the wall finish would not be the most economical method for the results obtained by adding insulation and then replacing new wallboard over sound-deadening board. Adding the extra mass of three layers of gypsum board would not be as effective as using resilient channels with two additional layers of gypsum board as in option A.
During a design development presentation to the building committee of a middle school, one of the teachers expresses concern that there might be a noise problem between the classrooms shown in the partial plan. The larger classroom will be used for open discussions, movies, lab work, and other loud activities while the smaller space will be used primarily for individual study. Both classrooms are scheduled to have gypsum board partitions, vinyl tile floors, and suspended acoustical ceilings. *To paint the picture: Both classrooms have operable windows that open towards the center.. meaning the door swings right on the left side and vice versa. Rooms are separated by a wall. Rank the following possible design modifications, placing the most effective and economical suggestion first. I. Substitute carpeting for tile in both rooms. II. Move the operable windows nearest the separating wall so that they are further from it, and change the direction of their swings. III. Reroute the ductwork and conduit penetrations so that they pass through the separating wall above the suspended ceiling, and write specifications to direct that any remaining penetrations be tightly sealed. IV. Replan the layout so that there is a small audiovisual storage room between the classrooms. V. Add an extra layer of gypsum board to each side of the separating partition, and specify that the cavity be filled with sound-attenuating insulation. VI. Hire an acoustical consultant to determine the special frequency problems associated with the activities planned for the larger classroom, and design custom sound-absorbing surfaces and partitions accordingly. A) II, III, V, I, IV, VI B) III, II, V, I, VI, IV C) IV, II, III, V, VI, I D) V, III, II, I, IV, VI
A The simplest, least expensive suggestion during design development would be to reorient the operable windows so sound from one classroom did not reflect off an open window and on to an open window in the adjacent classroom. Also, during design development, it is an easy matter to coordinate routing of mechanical and electrical work to minimize acoustical problems. Moving the systems above the acoustical ceiling provides an additional layer of absorptive material between the equipment and the occupants. It is also less expensive to seal penetrations through the partition which are out of sight. The third priority would be to add the extra layers of gypsum board and sound-attenuating insulation to improve the transmission loss of the partition. For the small additional cost, sound transmission would be greatly reduced. Substituting carpeting for tile would help absorb noise in each room, but would not impact the transmission loss through the wall. The cost of the change to the floor finish would probably be more than the cost of adding the gypsum board and insulation, but would still be reasonable for the benefits obtained. Even though it would greatly limit sound transmission between the two rooms, and would be easy to do during the early planning stages, it does not make sense to place storage room between the rooms when the potential acoustical problem can be solved by other means. Least desirable or economical is hiring an acoustical consultant for only this situation. The anticipated acoustical challenges are not so unusual that the preceding steps would not sufficiently solve the problem.
Electrical equipment and fixtures should meet the standards of which testing agency? A. UL B. ASTM C. NEC D. IBEW
A Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent testing agency that verifies that equipment sold in United States and other countries meets their published minimum standards of safety. The National Electrical Code (NEC) or a similar code in effect in a jurisdiction will often specify that electrical system components be "UL Listed." This means that the product as a whole was tested in the laboratory. The UL symbol ( the letters UL with a circle around them ) is applied to the exterior of the product along with the word LISTED, a code number, and the product name. ASTM, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials but now know as ASTM International, is an organization that develops technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. IBEW is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a labor union representing those who work in the electrical and related industries.
Which of the following statements are FALSE? (Choose the two 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 healthy 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 and C Sensitivity to sound is not dependent on gender. The low end of sensitivity to sound is somewhere between 20 Hz and 30 Hz, but 15 Hz is too low to be heard, and the generally accepted upper limit is about 20,000 Hz, so 25,000 Hz would be too high to be heard.
Which of the following statements are true about electronic ballasts installed on fluorescent lamps? (Choose the two that apply) A. Flicker is less than with conventional ballasts. B. Lamps cannot start in temperatures below 40°F C. Noise is greater than with conventional ballasts. D. Lamps cannot be dimmed. E. Existing fixtures with conventional ballasts can be retrofitted with electronic ballasts. F. Electronic ballasts are less energy efficient.
A and E Electronic ballasts have many advantages over conventional ballasts. Many annoyances associated with fluorescent lamps, such as humming and flickering, are greatly reduced or eliminated with electronic ballasts. Electronic ballasts permit lamps to be operated at a wider range of temperatures - down to about 0°F and let lamps be dimmed more easily and economically. In addition, the ballast itself is smaller and lighter in weight and more energy efficient. Existing fixtures with conventional ballasts can be retrofitted with electronic ballasts to realize the advantages of newer technologies.
In what type of building would 120/208 voltage, three-phase power be appropriate? A. industrial B. small commercial C. residential D. large commercial
B 120/208, three phase power would be appropriate for a small commercial building. Residences typically have 120/240 voltage, single phase systems. Larger buildings with greater demand require higher-voltage, three-phase services.
A standard gas furnace has all the following EXCEPT A. a flue B. a damper C. a combustion chamber D. filters
B A standard gas furnace does not have a damper. Only a special energy-saving furnace would sometimes have a damper that automatically closes when the furnace is off.
Which would be the best location for a transformer for a large school building? A. on the power pole serving the building B. in a separate room near the exterior wall C. outside, on a transformer pad close to the main switchgear D. in a protective shed where power from the utility company enters the property
B A transformer vault near the exterior wall would be the best choice for protection, ventilation, and ease of installation and removal. A large school building would require high voltage service from the utility company and step-down transformers provided by the owner. This type of transformer could not be installed on a pole. Although the transformer could be placed on a pad outside the building, this would leave it exposed to possible vandalism and might present a danger to the students.
Adding white to a color pigment results in a A. shade B. tint C. hue D. chroma
B Adding white to a color pigment makes it lighter and the result is called a tint; adding black makes it darker and the result is called a shade. Value is a characteristic of a pigment that describes its lightness or darkness. Hue defines a color-red, blue, yellow, and so on. Chroma defines a color's saturation.
Which of the following types of lamps provides the best color rendition of skin tones? A. Cool-white fluorescent B. Incandescent C. Mercury vapor D. Metal Halide
B An incandescent lamp has a high color rendering index (CRI) and low color temperature, with a predominance of light in the red range. These characteristics give a complimentary rendering to skin tones. A cool white fluorescent lamp has more blue and green light in its spectral distribution and makes skin tones appear more gray and washed out. Both mercury vapor and metal halide lamps have poor color rendering indexes and are not appropriate for lighting areas where skin tone rendition is important.
An architect is designing an art school at a major university. Which combination of daylighting and electric lighting would be the most appropriate choice for the painting studios? A. south-facing windows and incandescent recessed lights B. north-facing windows and skylights and fixtures with high-CRI fluorescent lamps. C. windows to the east and west and fluorescent fixtures in coves at the perimeter of the studio D. north-facing skylights and metal halide lamps at each workstation
B Art studios require optimal color rendering and even daylight. The best combination of natural and artificial lighting techniques would be north-facing windows and skylights along with the best quality high-color rendering index lamps that the budget will allow. Task lighting should also be provided for the students' work area.
Which of the following building types 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 As a Group I (Institutional) occupancy, a nursing home would be required to have extensive alarm systems and be sprinklered throughout. Occupants of institutional buildings, such as hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes, often have limited mobility and require more warning and time to evacuate the building in case of fire.
Which of the following agricultural products is NOT used in the production of panel products? A. bagasse B. poplar C. rice straw D. wheat straw
B Bagasse (the residue from the processing of sugar cane) and rice straw are both alternative agricultural products that are made into panel products. Wheat straw is a little more common and is also used for straw particleboard.
Which of the following devices is used to depressurize a space to test for air infiltration? A. A nanometer B. A blower door C. A flow hood D. A duct blower
B Buildings that are well-sealed use energy more efficiently. All of the pieces of equipment listed are diagnostic tools used to measure how well a building is sealed, to quantify how much air is leaking in or out, and to identify the locations of leaks. A blower door is a fan that can be mounted in a door frame. It is used to pressurize or depressurize a building to measure air infiltration or leakage. A nanometer measures differences in pressure between two spaces. A flow hood is placed over a register or diffuser to measure output. A duct blower is similar to a blower door, but it is attached directly to the ductwork to check for leaks.
Which of these factors affects reverberation time? A. decibel level B. frequency C. room volume D. sound intensity
C A room's reverberation time is defined as the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB. Reverberation time is dependent on total room absorption and room volume. It is not affected by the sound's decibel level, frequency, or intensity.
A copy machine in an office workroom has a sound intensity level of 65 dB. A computer printer with a sound intensity level of 69 dB is added to the space. What will be the resulting sound intensity level? A. 69 dB B. 71 dB C. 73 dB D. 134 dB
B Decibel levels are added logarithmically, not arithmetically. To express their combined effect, first determine the difference in sound intensity levels between the two sound sources. Then use the table shown to add the appropriate factor to the larger dB level. Difference in dB level | add to the larger dB level 0 3.0 1 2.5 2 2.1 3 1.8 4 1.5 5 1.2 6 1.0 7 0.8 8 0.6 9 0.5 10 0.4 69 dB - 65 dB = 4 dB 69 dB + 1.5 dB = 70.5 dB (71 dB)
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 the quality and taste of water as well as the longevity of the plumbing system. Very hard water can deposit minerals that build up in pipes and on plumbing fixtures. The taste may be objectionable, requiring installation of a water-softening or filtration system.
A spotlight shining perpendicularly to a wall 15 ft away has a candle power output of 3500 cd. The wall finish is paint, with a reflectance of 75%. What is the luminance of the wall at the point where the 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 In this problem, the footcandle level of the light shining on the wall must first be determined. Because the direction of light is perpendicular to the wall, the inverse square law is used. E = I / d² = 3500 cd / 15 ft² =15.56 fc Once the footcandle level is determined, it is multiplied by the reflectance to find the brightness. Reflectance is the ratio of reflected light to incident light. The former is measured in footlamberts or candelas per square meter, the latter in footcandles or lux. 15.56 fc * 0.75 = 11.7 fL
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 lamps are particularly sensitive to orientation and they lose efficiency and lumen power if not installed correctly. All metal halide lamps are designated with a proper burning position:base-up, base-down, horizontal, or universal.
Which of the following expresses the maximum allowable intensity of background sounds? A. noise reduction coefficient B. noise criteria curve C. sound intensity D. inverse square law
B Noise criteria curves are used to specify the allowable sound pressure levels at octave band center frequencies.
A photoelectric detector will warn of a fire when the fire reaches the A. Incipient stage B. smoldering stage C. flame stage D. heat stage
B Photoelectric smoke detectors ( like the ones often found in homes ) pass a beam of light onto a sensor, if the beam is obscured by smoke, the alarm sounds. Smoke begins to form when a fire reaches the smoldering stage.
Wood chips and sawdust made into panel products are examples of A. post-consumer materials B. post-industrial materials C. recycled products D. renewable products
B Post-industrial materials are by-products of manufacturing processes which can be integrated into other products. Post-consumer materials are those that have served their intended use. Recycled products are finished materials or products that have been either reused as they are or converted into another material. Renewable materials are components that can be grown or naturally replenished faster than humans can deplete it.
The area of operable windows required in a naturally ventilated building is based on which of the following factors? A. the number of required air changes per hour B. a 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 The area of operable windows required in a naturally ventilated building equals a percentage of the floor area being ventilated. The exact percentage varies with the code. For example, the International Building Code requires that the minimum openable area to the outdoors be 4% of the floor area, while the Uniform Building Code requires 5%.
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 with low-voltage accent lighting on displays D. daylighting for general illumination and incandescent fixtures for dressing areas and display lighting
B The combination of limited natural light, warm white fluorescent general illumination, and tungsten halogen accent lighting offers the best balance of appropriate color rendering and energy efficiency. Daylighting would provide natural light for viweing clothes and excellent color rendering, but would need to be limited in order to prevent damage to delicate fabrics. Warm white deluxe lamps would be energy efficient and provide a pleasant, overall light. The tungsten halogen accent lights will provide sparkle to jewelry displays and highlight featured merchandise. Mercury lamps and metal halide lighting have cooler tones which may render colors inappropriately. Incandescent fixtures throughout would not be energy efficient. Using daylighting for general illumination could damage fabrics and would limit the store's hours of operation to daylight hours.
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 The design cooling factor and the area of the glass must both be known to calculate solar heat gain. Equivalent temperature difference is used to calculate heat gain through the building envelope, such as walls and roofs. SO TERMINOLOGY They are asking what is needed to know in order to calculate the solar heat gain through a pane of glass or assuming a window.. Solar Heat Gain can be quantified in the following formula Q = A(SC)(SCL) SC = shading coefficient SCL = solar cooling load factor which doesn't really apply here... look it gets confusing so just remember solar heat gain through window is AREA x Design Cooling Factor.
A footlambert (candela per square meter) is the unit of A. candlepower B. illuminance C. luminance D. luminous intensity
C Luminance is the luminous flux per unit of projected area and unit solid angle leaving a surface, either reflected or transmitted. Luminance takes into account the reflectance and transmittance properties of materials and the directions from which they are viewed. Luminance is sometimes mistakenly called brightness. Luminance is calculated by multiplying the reflectance of material times the illuminance (measured in footcandles of lux).
There are two adjacent rooms separated by an acoustical partition. There is a noise-producing source in one of the rooms. The noise reduction in the room without the noise source is dependent on all of the following EXCEPT the A. area of the partition B. thickness of the partition C. transmission loss of the partition D. absorption of surfaces in room A
B The thickness of a partition or other acoustical separation is irrelevant to the total noise reduction within a space. Factors which would influence the effectiveness of the partition are transmission loss, the area of the barrier, and the total sound absorption within the "quiet" space. Understand the difference between transmission loss and noise reduction. Transmission loss (TL) is the difference (in decibels) between the sound power incident on a barrier in a source room and the sound power radiated into a receing room on the opposite side of the barrier. It is typically a laboratory measurement. Noise reduction (NR) is the arithmetic difference (in decibels) between the intensity levels in two rooms separated by a barrier having a given transmission loss level. The formula for calculating the noise reduction is NR = TL + 10 log A / S A - total acoustical absorption of the receiving room, in sabins (ft²)(sabins) NR - noise reduction, in decibels S - area of the barrier, in ft² TL - transmission loss level of the barrier, in decibels
Mrs. Jones plans to wash and dry a load of white laundry, a load of colors, a load of towels, and a load of sheets. Her washing machine uses 750 W of electricity and each wash cycle lasts 45 min. Her dryer uses 5000 W of electricity, and it will take 1 hr to dry each load of laundry. When the clothes are clean and dry, Mrs. Jones will spend an hour ironing. Her iron uses 800 W of electricity. The Jones family pays $0.08/kW-hr for electricity. How much will the electricity cost that's needed to wash, dry, and iron the laundry? A. $1.56 B. $1.84 C. $2.12 D. $2.30
B This problem can be solved using the basic definition of energy: energy equals power multiplied by time (E = Pt). To wash and dry four loads of laundry, the washer will be in use for 3 hr (4 loads times 0.75 hr/load) and the dryer will be running for 4 hr (4 loads times 1 hr/load). E = Pt E(washer) = (750 W)(1 kW / 1000 W) (3 hr) = 2.25 kW-hr E(dryer) = (5000 W)(1 kW / 1000 W)( 4 hr ) = 20.0 kW-hr E(iron) = (800 W)( 1 kW / 1000 W )(1 hr) = 0.80 kW-hr E(total) = E(washer) + E(dryer) + E(iron) =2.25 kW-hr + 20.0 kW-hr + 0.80 kW-hr = 23.05 kW-hr cost = E(total) * (rate) = (23.05 kW-hr)($0.08 / kW-hr) = $1.84
A room 15 ft wide by 20 ft long by 8.5 ft high is finished with the following materials of listed absorptions. NRC | 125 | 250 | 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 4000 floor, wood: 0.10 0.15 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.06 0.07 walls, gypsum: 0.05 0.10 0.08 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.03 ceiling, ACT: 0.60 0.29 0.29 0.55 0.75 0.73 0.57 window, glass: 0.15 0.35 0.25 0.18 0.12 0.07 0.04 On one wall there is a window 3.5 ft high by 8 ft long. What is the total absorption of the room? A. 228 sabins (ft²) B. 242 sabins (ft²) C. 266 sabins (ft²) D. 282 sabins (ft²)
B To find the total absorption when calculation at specific frequencies is not required, the NRC, or noise reduction coefficient, is used. The total absorption is the summation of all the individual absorptions according to the formula A = Sa. floor: (15ft)(20ft)(0.10 sabins/ft²) = 30 sabins walls: ((15 ft + 15 ft + 20 ft + 20 ft) X (8.5 ft) - (3.5 ft)(8 ft)) X (0.05 sabins/ft²) = 28 sabins window: (3.5 ft)(8 ft)(0.15 sabins/ft²) = 4 sabins ceiling: (15 ft)(20 ft)(0.60 sabins/ft²) = 180 sabins total: = 242 sabins
Select the correct statements. (Choose the four that apply.) 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 buildings four or more stories high and those exceeding 150 ft. F. Sprinkler piping can be either copper or plastic.
B, D, E, F The type of sprinkler system specified has nothing to do with its efficiency. Sprinkler spacing is always dependent on which hazard classification exits.
Which of the following contributors to indoor air quality can be controlled by the HVAC system? (Choose the four that apply.) A. outgassing B. air change effectiveness C. VOC content of building materials D. carbon dioxide levels E. humidity F. mold growth
B, D, E, and F Mechanical systems cannot control outgassing (the release of undesirable odors and chemicals) or the level of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from materials already incorporated into a building. These will exist regardless of the type of HVAC system used. The HVAC system can provide continuous ventilation to remove VOCs and other undesirable chemicals from a building. The HVAC system can control air change effectiveness and the levels of carbon dioxide found within the building. The HVAC system can also e relied on to keep humidity within human comfort range at acceptable levels to minimize mold growth.
The zonal cavity method of calculating average illumination on the work surface for given number of luminaires depends on which of the following variables? (Choose the four that apply.) 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, and F The zonal cavity method is used to calculate the total number of luminaires required to achieve the desired average illumination on the work surface, which is assumed to be 30 in above the floor. The variables considered in the calculation include the level of illumination desired, the area of the room, the number of lamps in each luminaire, the lumen output of each lamp, the coefficient of utilization, the light loss factor, wall reflectance, and the gradual loss of light due to dirt accumulation. The coefficient of utilization (CU) is a measure of the efficiency of a particular luminaire in outputting light and is based on the design of the luminaire itself, the reflectance of the room, and the size of the room. The light loss factor represents a degradation of ideal light output due to aging of the lamp and gradual dirt accumulation on the lamp.
Which of the following statements about noise reduction between two rooms is FALSE? A. Noise reduction is improved with an increase in the transmission loss of the wall separating the two 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 two rooms is detrimental.
C Placing absorptive materials on both sides of the wall would decrease the noise level in the "nosier " room, but noise reduction between the rooms is affected by the transmission loss, the stiffness (damping qualities), and the area of the separating wall.
Emergency lighting in means-of-egress areas must have an intensity of no less than ____ fc ( ____ lx ). (Fill in the blank)
Building codes require a minimum of 1 fc (11 lux) at the floor level for areas that serve as a means of egress. For assembly occupancies, such as an auditorium or theater, the level may be reduced to 0.2 fc (2.15 lux) during performances, but must be automatically restored to 1 fc (11 lux) upon activation of the building's fire alarm system. Exceptions to the minimum requirement may include Group U occupancies, guestrooms in Group R-1 occupancies, dwelling units, and sleeping rooms in Groups R-2 and R-3 occupancies. Sleeping rooms in Group 1 occupancies are also exempt. *When artificial light is provided, 10 fc (107 lux) is the minimum lighting level permitted for the entire room at 30 in above the floor. Building must be provided with emergency energy sources to operate emergency lighting, exit signs, automatic door locks, and other equipment vital to life safety. These sources may include batteries or emergency generators. The sources of power must be capable of operating for 90 min or as modified by the local code.
An architect is designing a new furniture gallery to be housed within an old bank building. The store will feature modern furniture and artwork and will display approximately one million dollars' worth of inventory. Which of these types of sprinkler systems would be the most appropriate choice for the store? A. wet pipe B. dry pipe C. preaction D. deluge
C A preaction sprinkler system would be a good chosie for the store. Preaction systems admit water to the sprinkler pipes after the system detects a fire. As the water enters the pipes, the system sounds an alarm. The delay between detection and activation allows a little time for the fire to be found and extinguished before the sprinkler heads open. This type of system is popular choice for applications where there would be a great deal of water damage to building contents if the sprinklers were activated. Wet pipe systems are always filled with water and are activated by the sprinkler heads through use of a fusible link or other heat sensitive controls. The water is immediately discharged in the area where the fire is detected. Dry pipe systems are filled with compressed air until the system is activated, and then water fills the pipes and exits through the sprinkler heads. They are a good choice for unheated buildings where water in the pipes could potentially freeze and render the system useless. A deluge system is filled with water, like a wet pipe system, but all of the heads discharge at the same time. They are used where flammable materials are stored, or where a fire could spread very rapidly. However, if the system activates, the potential for severe water damage is high.
An architect is designing a nursing home with 150 beds. The patients have varying levels of mobility and independence. The building manager requests an HVAC system that permits each patient to control the temperature in his or her own room, that is quiet, and that requires minimal maintenance. Which type of system would be the most appropriate recommendation? A. packaged terminal units B. fan coil terminals C. variable air volume D. signal duct, constant air volume
C A variable air volume (VAV) system would be the best choice for this application. VAV systems allow for maximum individual control of temperature, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance. Packaged terminal units and fan coil terminals permit control over the temperatures of individual spaces but do not operate as quietly or require as little maintenance as VAV systems. Single duct, constant air volume (CAV) units are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain but do not offer occupants the ability to control the temperatures of individual spaces.
What type of sink is best for barrier-free design? A. wall-hung B. built-in C. vanity D. pedestal
C All the sink installations listed as possible answers can work if they meet the measurement requirements shown, but a wall-hung lavatory gives the most open access.
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 Although the sensation of loudness is subjective, changes of 5 dB are clearly noticeable. Changes in apparent loudness of 1 dB are almost imperceptible. Changes of 3 dB are just barely perceptible. Changes of 10 dB are perceived as twice or half as loud.
Which of the following strategies would effectively reduce the noise caused by a duct system without reducing airflow? A. Specify duct liners for all supply and return ducts. B. Specify 90° bends in short duct runs. C. Provide an active noise-canceling system emitting out-of-phase noise. D. Specify fiberglass baffles.
C An active noise-canceling system would help to reduce the noise in a duct system without reducing airflow. This type of system analyzes the noise from the blowers and other system components and synthesizes a noise that is exactly out of phase with the mechanical noise. The two sounds cancel each other and the result is perceived silence.
Which of the following precautions should be taken if aluminum conductors are used in a building? 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. III and V only B. I, II, and III only C. I, III, and V only D. II, III, and V only
C Because of the potential for oxidation, the leads of aluminum conductors must be cleaned prior to installation. The special requirements of aluminum conductors and the danger of incorrect installation make it necessary that a licensed electrician do the work. Aluminum conductors must be larger than copper conductors to carry the same amperage.
Which of the following building materials has the lowest amount of embodied energy per square foot? A. aluminum B. ceramic tile C. 3/8 in plywood D. 1/4 in tempered glass
C Embodied energy is a measurement of the amount of energy consumed to produce a specific amount of a material. Plywood has the lowest amount of embodied energy relative to the other materials on the list. One square foot of 3/8 in plywood requires about 5500 Btu for production. Plywood is made by harvesting trees, peeling the flitches from the logs, and laminating them into a sheet. Energy is used to power the saws; to fuel the trucks that take the logs from the forest to the sawmill; to operate the machines that slice the logs, stack the plies, and glue them together; and to deliver the finished product to the job site. Compare that to the process of making tempered glass, which requires about 72,600 Btu/ft². The sand is first extracted from a quarry. The components must then be combined and heated until molten, floated on molten tin, solidified, and then heated again in the tempering process. A tremendous amount of energy is required for each of these heat-driven processes, so tempered glass has much more embodied energy than plywood. The values are even higher for metals, such as steel and aluminum, and for materials like ceramic tile, which is fired to make it hard and resilient.
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 is the unit of measure of the brightness (or luminance) of a surface and takes into account the transmittance properties of the glass. Footcandle is the unit of measure of the light incident on a transmitting or reflecting surface. Candela is the SI unit for candlepower, which is a measure of luminous intensity.
A new 80,000 ft² office building is projected to cost $10,000,000. Approximately what percentages of the construction budget should be allocated to the building's mechanical and electrical systems costs? A. mechanical 5% electrical 5% B. mechanical 15% electrical 5% C. mechanical 15% electrical 15% D. mechanical 25% electrical
C For an office building of this size, he total mechanical and electrical costs are in the range of 30% of the total construction budget, about equally divided between the two (15% allocated to each). For smaller office buildings, the total costs are in the range of 20%, also about equally divided.
Glass that changes darkness in response to a change in the level of daylight is A. chromogenic B. electrochomic C. photochromic D. thermochromic
C Glass that changes darkness in response to a change in the level of daylight is photochromic. This type of material is commonly used for eyeglasses but also has applications within the building industry.
The pressure in a city water main is 57 psi. The pressure loss through piping, fittings, and the water meter has been calculated as 23 psi, and the highest fixture requires 12 psi to operate. What is the maximum height the fixture can be above the water main? A. 9 ft B. 24 ft C. 50 ft D. 78 ft
C In order to find the maximum height, first take the pressure in the water main and subtract other known pressure losses and the pressure required for the fixture to operate properly. 57 lbf/in² - 23 lbf/in² - 12 lbf/in² = 22 psi Because 1 psi is needed to lift water 2.3 ft, the maximum height is (22 lbf / in²)(2.3 ft / lbf / in²) = 50.6 ft
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 Propane has a heating value of 2500 Btu/ft^3, whereas natural gas has a heating value of 1050 btu/ft^3.
In areas of unobstructed forward reach, light switches and thermostats may be located a maximum of A. 42 in above FF B. 44 in above FF C. 48 in above FF D. 54 in above FF
C The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) permit a maximum forward high reach of 48 in. ADAAG also allows a 54 in maximum distance for unobstructed side reach. The minimum low side reach dimension of 9 in.
According to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, showerheads are required to dispense a maximum of A. 1.0 gal of water per minute B. 1.6 gal of water per minute C. 2.5 gal of water per minute D. 3.6 gal of water per minute
C The Energy Policy Act of 1992 requires all new showerheads in the United States to dispense a maximum of 2.5 gal of water per minute. The act requires that all new toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gal of water per flush and that urinals use a maximum of 1.0 gal per flush. It also specifies maximum consumption rates for faucets and aerators, which may dispense 2.5 gal of water per minute.
Spray-on fireproofing and insulation containing asbestos are likely to be found only in buildings constructed before A. 1968 B. 1970 C. 1973 D. 1978
C The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the spray application of asbestos-containing fireproofing and insulation materials in 1973.
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 The adobe buildings in the Taos Indian Pueblo were built in cubic shapes. Among all solid shapes made of rectangles, a cube gives the greatest volume for the least amount of surface area, thus minimizing heat gain in the summer. There is little sun shading provided, but the pueblos do utilize very small windows to minimize heat gain by admitting little sunlight, which makes daylighting inappropriate. Cooling by wind effect would require long, narrow buildings with many openings.
Human body temperature is regulated by the A. pituitary B. thyroid C. hypothalamus D. skin
C The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat within the human body. It regulates the distribution of blood to react to changes in external temperature sensed by the nerves in the skin and to changes in internal body temperature caused by exertion or illness. The hypothalamus either dilates or constricts blood vessels to allow more or less blood, respectively, to flow toward the surface of the body. It also controls other reactions to temperature, such as goose bumps and shivering. *is a portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions. One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland (hypophysis).
Variables that must be considered when designing for daylighting include all of the following EXCEPT A. glass transmittance B. height of the head of the glass C. longitude of the site D. outdoor surface reflection
C The longitude of the site is not a factor in daylighting design. The latitude of the site might have a minor influence on how a daylighting design is implemented, but this is not a critical variable. Variables that affect daylighting include the brightness of the sky (which is affected by solar altitude, cloud conditions, and time of day), the area of the glass, the height of the head of the glass, the transmittance of the glass, the reflectance of surfaces within the rooms and nearby outdoor surfaces, and obstructions such as overhangs and trees.
The psychrometric chart CANNOT be used A. plot the comfort zone B. design HVAC Systems C. determine optimum ventilation rates D. determine the point of water condensation
C The psychrometric chart is a graphical representation of air, heat , and moisture. It does not indicate or take into account the effects of air movement or ventilation rates on human comfort.
Information regarding the minimum number of plumbing fixtures required for various occupancies may be found in which of the following sources? A. building codes B. plumbing codes C. both building and plumbing codes D. the local authority having jurisdiction
C The required number of plumbing fixtures is given in plumbing codes. Often these requirements are also reproduced in the building codes.
Codes limit the number of conductors permitted in a conduit for which two of the following reasons? I. to maintain maximum ampacity II. to control heat buildup in the conduit III. to minimize problems with harmonic currents IV. to prevent damage to the conductors when they are pulled through the conduit A. I and III B. II and III C. II and IV D. III and IV
C Too many conductors carrying too much current in an enclosed area can generate excessive hat. In addition, conductors can be damaged if too many are pulled through a small conduit. For these reasons, the National Electrical Code (NEC) limits the number of conductors permitted in a conduit. The NEC only requires that the ampacity (the current-carrying capacity) of conductors be derated if the number of conductors in a raceway or conduit exceeds three (not counting the neutral conductor). Harmonic currents are only a problem with unconventional electrical loads such as computers, electronic lighting ballasts, and other electronic equipment. When these types of loads are supplied by conductors, the neutral conductor must be counted as one of the three allowable conductors in a conduit before ampacity must be derated.
Which of the following types of copper pipe is most commonly used for supply lines in building plumbing systems? A. Type DWV B. Type K C. Type L D. Type M
C Type L is the most commonly used copper pipe for building supply lines. Type K is the heaviest type of copper pipe and is normally used as underground supply pipe. Type M is the thinnest of the K, L, M series and is only used where low pressure is involved, not for supply systems. Type DWV is only used for drainage, waste, and vent piping that is not subjected to the pressure level sustained by supply piping.
Select the incorrect statement. A. Several types of plastic can be used for cold water piping, but only PVDC may be used for hot water supply (where allowed by local codes). 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 copper pipe is only used for low-pressure piping. Type L is the one most commonly used in plumbing installations.
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 A system that exhausts all return air would be the best choice. A fan coil with supplementary air would satisfy this requirement. All of the other systems listed return room air to the main air handling unit, where some of it is reused in the system.
What is typically the maximum height building that can utilize an upfeed water supply system? A. 20 ft to 30 ft B. 30 ft to 40 ft C. 50 ft to 60 ft D. 70 ft to 80 ft
C Upfeed water supply systems will work in buildings up to approx. 40 ft to 60 ft tall, so the most appropriate choice of the selections given is choice C, 50 ft to 60 ft. The exact height depends on a variety of factors, including losses due to static head as well as the pressure at the water main, which is generally anywhere from 40 psi to 80 psi. Static head is the amount of pressure required to lift water through a piping system in a building. 0.433 psi can lift water 1 ft. For each foot of building height, then, 0.4333 psi is lost. To determine water pressure at each floor of the building, multiply the static head by the building height and subtract this from the pressure at the building main. These must be enough pressure available to operate fixtures on the top floor. These calculations can help a designer to determine the most appropriate type of system for a project.
The walls of a new coffee shop will be painted a rich pumpkin orange. What type of lighting will provide best overall color rendering and accent, the orange walls? A. cool white fluorescent B. warm white fluorescent C. incandescent D. daylight
C Incandescent light will make the orange walls appear more vibrant and will provide good color rendering for other colors. However, incandescent lamps do not have a very long life span and tend not to be as efficient as fluorescent lamps. Warm white fluorescent lamps would be the next best choice, and though their color rendering is not quite as accurate, the owner might select them over the incandescent lamps when other factors are taken into consideration. Both daylight and cool white fluorescent lamps tend to make things seem a little bluish. These types of light will give the orange a grayer appearance and would not be good selections for this application.
What in God's name is Design Equivalent Temperature Difference DETD?
Calculated through complex forumlas, takes into account the air temperature differences, effects of the sun, thermal mass storage effects of materials, colors of finishes exposed to the sun, and the daily temperature range. * Used to calculate heat gain through the building envelope, such as walls and roofs.
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 A zeolite process is not used to disinfect potable water. It is used to soften water that has high mineral content. Chlorination is the most common process used to disinfect drinking water. The chlorine kills bacteria and viruses that may be in the water. Ozonation and exposure to ultraviolet light are two other methods of removing harmful organisms from drinking water.
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 system B. underfloor raceway system C. cellular metal floor raceways D. ceiling raceway system with pole raceways
D All of the choices would allow flexibility, but the ceiling raceway system with pole raceways would be the least expensive. An access floor system consists of individual panels, typically 24 in square, supported on adjustable pedestals above the structural floor. These systems provide unlimited flexibility for routing power, communications, and air supply, but are expensive and not justified unless a great deal of cabling is involved or future changes will be extensive and not justified unless a great deal of cabling is involved or future changes will be extensive (such as in a computer room). An underfloor raceway system consists of a series of parallel rectangular metal raceways laid on the structural slab and covered with concrete. A cellular metal floor raceway is similar to standard metal decking and serve as conduits for power and communication cabling. In both underfloor and cellular metal floor systems, the raceways are tapped when power and communication outlets are required.
Which type of pipe is typically used for sanitary lines in nonresidential buildings? A. PVC B. copper C. ABS D. cast iron
D Cast-iron is typically used for sanitary lines in nonresidential buildings. It is noncorrosive in most soils and resists abrasion from waste materials that may be drained through the pipe as well as from rock and soil on the outside of the pipe in underground installations. Cast-iron pipe is quick to install, readily available, and economical. Because of the thickness of the material and the way that it is joined, cast-iron pipe typically muffles sound. PVC pipe is a white plastic pipe often used for cold water supply lines. PVC is another options for sanitary lines. It is typically less expensive and easier to install, but it cannot be used for exterior applications or where noise reduction is a consideration. Copper pipe is generally used for supply lines. ABS is a rigid black plastic pipe used primarily for drainage lines in residential buildings.
Which of the following types of standpipe connections are intended for use by building occupants? A. Class I only B. Class II only C. Class I and Class II only D. Class II and Class III only
D Class II standpipes have 1 1/2 in connections, with hoses intended to be used by building occupants. Class III standpipes have both 1 1/2 in and 2 1/2 in connections. The 1 1/2 in connection of a Class III standpipe has an attached hose intended for use by building occupants, and the 2 1/2 connection is intended for use by firefighters. A Class I standpipe is a dry standpipe system with only a 2 1/2 in connection, intended exclusively for use by fire-fighters.
Which of the following materials, in a layer 1 in, will have the lowest R-value? A. snow B. air (with foil on both sides of the airspace) C. batt fiberglass insulation D. concrete
D Concrete has the lowest R-value of the materials listed. Snow is actually a better insulator than concrete. Batt insulation is next, followed by the airspace with the reflective surfaces.
A seven-story office building is to have a variable air volume system. The building will have 105,000 ft² of net space and an estimated 126,000 ft² of gross area. About how much space should be allowed for HVAC systems? A. 2500 ft² B. 3800 ft² C. 6300 ft² D. 7600 ft²
D For most midsize buildings, an all-air or air-water system needs about 3% to 9% of the gross area for HVAC system mechanical space. Office buildings fall somewhere near the midpoint of the range, so use 6% for this question. 6% of the estimated 126,000 ft² gross area is 7560 ft². This is rounded up to 7600 ft².
Which three of the following would an architect be most concerned about when designing the lighting for an office space with computer workstations and standard desks? I. color rendering index II. visual comfort probability III. veiling reflection IV. reflected glare V. task/surrounds brightness ratio A. I, II, and III B. I, III, and V C. II, III, and IV D. III, IV, and V
D In an office space where video display tubes (VDTs) and standard office tasks are present, the architect should be concerned with two results of glare. Veiling reflection would be of concern for standard office tasks such as writing and reading, whereas reflected glare would be critical in using the VDTs. The brightness ratios between the tasks and their surroundings are important, especially with VDTs. The color rendering index and visual comfort probability are less important.
An architect is selecting lighting for a classroom filled with computer workstations. The candlepower distribution curves for a variety of fixture types are shown as follows. Which candlepower distribution diagram would be most appropriate for this space? A. Direct Lighting B. Semi-direct Lighting C. Semi-indirect Lighting D. Indirect Lighting
D Indirect lighting would illuminate the ceiling and provide even, diffuse light throughout the space without causing glare or reflections on the computer screens.
Why would high-pressure sodium lamps be favored over low-pressure sodium lamps in a storage warehouse? A. They are less expensive B. They have a longer lamp life C. They can operate at higher, more efficient voltages. D. They have better color-rendering properties.
D Low-pressure sodium lamps produce a monochromatic yellow light that would not be appropriate in a storage warehouse where people may have to discriminate between colors.
An architect wants to increase the expected lighting level of a room. Which of the following steps could accomplish this? A. Change to a lamp type with a lower efficiency. B. Suggest to the owner that the lamps be replaced infrequently. C. Use finishes with a lower reflectance. D. Change to luminaires with a higher coefficient
D Luminaires with a higher coefficient of utilization (CU) allow more light from the lamps to reach the desired surfaces. Lamps with a higher efficency, not lower, should be selected, although this would have to be balance against the change in color temperature. Lumen output decreases as lamps age and as dirt accumulates on them. Changing lamps often would help maintain the initial footcandle level. Room finishes with high reflectance can make a significant increase in the total light level in a room.
Which type of lamp typically has the longest life span? A. incandescent B. fluorescent C. metal halide D. high-pressure sodium
D Of the four types of lamps listed, the high-pressure sodium lamp generally has the longest life span. A high-pressure sodium bulb can be expected to last around 24,000 hr. A mercury vapor lamp would have a similar life expectancy. The lamp with the shortest life span is the incandescent bulb. It can be expected to last only about 2000 hr. The life span of a fluorescent lamp depends on the way the lamp is operated. The life span is affected not only by how many hours the lamp is on but by how many times the lamp is turned on and off. With typical usage patterns, a life span of about 10,000 hr to 20,00 hr can be expected, depending on the type of lamp and ballast used. Depending on the wattage, a metal halide lamp could also be expected to last from 10,000 hr to 20,000 hr.
In a simple alternating-current circuit serving incandescent lamps, the amperage in the circuit is calculated by A. multiplying the impedance by the circuit voltage B. multiplying the power factor by the total wattage C. dividing the circuit voltage by the total wattage D. dividing the total wattage by the circuit voltage
D Power in alternating-current circuits is calculated using the following formula. W = VI (PF) The formula can also be expressed as I = W / V (PF) In the given formulas, the following nomenclature applies. I - current in amps PF - power factor V - voltage of the circuit W - power in watts For circuits with resistive loads, such as incandescent lights, the power factor is equal to 1, so the calculation is the total wattage divided by the circuit voltage. Review the differences between direct current (DC) circuits and alternating-current (AC) circuits. In DC circuits, current is directly proportional to voltage, V, and inversely proportional to resistance, R. In AC circuits, resistance is known as impedance, which is comprised of resistance and reactance and causes a phase change difference between voltage and current. This is known as the power factor (PF).
Heat loss in a building can be minimized by selecting wall materials with high A. conductance B. enthalpy C. permeability D. resistance
D Resistance is the number of hours needed for 1 BTU to pass through 1 ft² of a material of a given thickness when the temperature differential is 1°F (the number of seconds needed for 1 J to pass through 1 m² of material of a given thickness when the temperature differential is 1°C). A higher resistance means that heat takes longer to pass through, and thus the material has greater insulation value. Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance and is the rate of heat loss measure in BTU/HR (watts) though 1 ft² of a material of a given thickness when the temperature differential is 1°F. Enthalpy is the total heat in a substance, including latent heat and sensible heat.
Which of the following is NOT a type of shading device? A. loggia B. brise-soleil C. engawa D. belvedere
D Shading elements have been used in all types of architecture around the world to help to mitigate the effects of the hot sun. The Greeks used porticos, the Japanese employed engawas, and twentieth-century designers such as Le Corbusier added brise-soleils to their designs. The deep overhangs on Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House serve the same purpose as the veranda on a plantation house in the deep south. Loggias, colonnades, porches, galleries, and arcades are all devices that help to block the sun in the summer and can be designed to admit the sun when it is welcomed in the winter.
The sun's seasonal relationship with the earth is described by the A. Altitude angle B. Profile angle C. Azimuth angle D. Declination angle
D The declination angle is the angle of the earth's axis in comparison to the position of the sun. Altitude and azimuth angles describe the location of the sun in relationship to a specific point on the earth. Altitude is the height of the sun above the ground. Azimuth is the sun's compass orientation. Profile angle is the angle of the shadow that is cast by an overhang.
A roof covers an area 40 ft wide and 80 ft long. With heavy insulation, the resistance has been calculated as 38 ft²-hr-°F/Btu and the design equivalent temperature difference is 44°F. The design temperature is -5°F and it is desired to maintain a 70°F indoor temperature. The heat loss through the roof is most nearly A. 3700 Btu/hr B. 5500 Btu/hr C. 5800 Btu/hr D. 6200 Btu/hr
D The design equivalent temperature difference has no bearing on the solution to this problem. First, calculate the U-value, which is the reciprocal of the R-value. U = 1 / R 1 / R = 1 / (38 ft²-hr-°F / Btu) The temperature difference is... = 70°F - (-5°F) =75°F The roof area is 40 ft by 80 ft, or 3200 ft². Determine the total heat loss... q = U A ("delta" T) = (0.026 Btu / ft²-hr-°F)(3,200 ft²)(75°F) =6,240 Btu/hr
Which three statements about drainage are correct? I. Drains should always slope at a minimum of 1/8 in/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 building sewer. V. Cleanouts are always a necessary part of a drainage system. A. I, II, and V B. I, III and IV C. II, III, and V D. III, IV, and V
D The minimum slope of drains depends on the size of the pipe. The vent stack may extend through the roof, but this is not required. IN many cases, the vent stack connects with the stack vent above the highest fixture served by the stack.
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 Wind pressure, stack pressure, and HVAC fan pressure can all influence infiltration and ex-filtration rates. Vapor pressure does not cause air movement; rather, vapor pressure is a movement of moisture.
