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Systems Book
AKBD
144
Art/Design
Professional
12/03/2010
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Term
International Residential Code (IRC) is made of what 3 model codes?
Definition
BOCA (National Building Code) Building Officials and Code Administrators International
ICBO (Uniform Building Code) International Conference of Building Officials
SBCCI (Southern Building code) Southern Building Code Conference International

 

K&B Systems, Page 9
Term
The IRC covers?
Definition
One and two family detached dwellings and apartment buildings ups to three stories

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 9
Term
IRC is used for what?
Definition
Is used as a reference for the NKBA Planning Guidelines

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 9
Term
What code designers need to know the basics of hot and cold water supply, drainage and venting?
Definition
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 9
Term
What code designers and installers need for electrical work?
Definition
National Electric Code (NEC)

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 10
Term
The most widely accepted fire safety code in the U.S. is?
Definition
Life Safety code (published by the National Fire Protection Assoc.

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 11
Term
Canadian energy standards are published in what code?
Definition
Model National Energy Code of Canada for Houses (MNECH)

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 12
Term
The first building inspection usually occurs when?
Definition
Rough framing is complete

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 12
Term
What is the human comfort zone?
Definition
The comfort felt by people exposed to various temperatures, humidity levels and air movement.

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 15
Term
What three ways modes of heat transfer?
Definition
Conduction, Radiation, and Convection

 

 

K&B Systems, Pages 15-16
Term
An energy efficient home has?
Definition
  • An energy conserving envelope
  • Ways to use natural energies to heat, cool and light the interior
  • Energy-efficient equipment

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 16
Term
What are the two techniques for using the sun to  heat a house?
Definition
Active and passive

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 17
Term
What are the two methods to get heat from the sun?
Definition

Direct gain and Sunspace

 

K&B Systems, Page 18
Term
How do we measure the heat content of gas?
Definition
  • BTU's (British Thermal Units
  • BTU's per cubic foot

K&B Systems, Page 20
Term
A standard cubic foot of gas is defined as?
Definition
Quantity of gas contained in one cubit foot of volume at a barometric pressure of 30 inches of mercury at a temperature of 60° F.

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 20
Term
Electricity is measured?
Definition
In units of power called Watts

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 21
Term
A Kilowatt is?
Definition
A unit of 1000 watts 

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 21
Term
A Kilowatt-hour (or kWh) is?
Definition
is equal to energy of 1000 watts working for 1 hour.

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 21
Term
Gas piping is?
Definition
Either black steel or copper

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 21
Term
Forced-air systems heat the house through?
Definition
Convection

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 24
Term
What are the two types of furnaces
Definition
Up flow and down flow

 

 

K&B Systems, Pages 24-25
Term
The term "plenum" is associated with what type of heating system?
Definition
Gas/Forced air system

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 24
Term
Cold air travels to the furnace through?
Definition
return air plenum

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 24
Term
What are the two types of hydronic systems that heat the home through a network of piping?
Definition
baseboard and radiant floor systems

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 27
Term
What type of heat transfer occurs when a hot water baseboard system is used?
Definition
Convection and radiation

 

K&B Systems, Page 27
Term
Standard boilers achieve efficiencies up to what percent?
Definition
85%

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 28
Term
A condensing boiler reaches efficiencies up to what percent?
Definition
95%

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 28
Term
The three arrangements of hydronic circuits are?
Definition
Perimeter loop, one-pipe direct return, 2-pipe reverse return

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 30
Term
People feel comfortable when?
Definition
the dry bulb air temperature ranges between 70 & 80 degrees and relative humidity  ranges between 20% and 70%

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 36
Term
Ceiling fans need a minimum  ceiling height of?
Definition
96"

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 39
Term
Ceiling fans need a minimum of how many inches between blades and ceiling?
Definition
10"

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 39
Term
Whole house fans pull air in through windows opened at least how many inches?
Definition
4"

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 40
Term
Which type of cooling system would you use if you lived in a hot and dry climate like the southwest?
Definition
Evaporative cooling

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 41
Term
What are the two main configurations of central air conditioning
Definition
split-system and ducted system

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 44
Term
The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) measure the efficiency of room air conditions.  What EER rating is considered efficient?
Definition
EER of 9.5

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 46
Term
Radon is?
Definition
A colorless, odorless gas; is radioactive product of the radium that naturally occurs in the earth's crust.

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 49
Term
Single-Room heat pumps work most efficiently when out side temperatures are above what degrees?
Definition
45 degrees

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 47
Term
How much relative humidity is needed to maintain a healthy respiratory system and keep skin from becoming too dry?
Definition
40% to 60%

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 51
Term
What is the recommended minimum air changes per hour (ach) to maintain healthy air inside the house?
Definition
0.35

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 52
Term
What is the formula to calculate cfm's needed to determine proper capacity?
Definition
Divide the volume of the room in cubic feet by 7.5

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 53
Term
If you're designing an installation with a duct run longer than 5 feet or with more than one elbow, what should you do?
Definition
upsize the fan capacity higher than the calculate formula

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 53
Term
Fan noise is measured In units called sones.  The quietest  fan rating is?
Definition
1 sone

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 53
Term
The distance between the hood and the cooking surface should be?
Definition
A  minimum of 24" above the range, but use the manufacturer's specifications to make the final determination.

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 57
Term
What are ways to avoid the hazard of back drafting in tight houses?
Definition

 

  • Provide a dedicated source of make-up air for the rooms

  • Use only sealed combustion appliances
  • Use several smaller exhaust fans rather than one large exhaust fan

  • Equip home with one or more CO detectors.

 

K&B Systems, Page 59

 
Term
What is the minimum capacity that meets the current ASHRAE standard for sizing kitchen exhaust fans?
Definition
100 cfm

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 59
Term
To ensure  that the ductwork can carry the exhaust gasses to the exterior what should you do?
Definition
  • Aim for the shortest, straightest path from fan to exterior.
  • End the systems with a wall termination kit or roof jack.
  • Make sure all joints are tight and taped with pressure-sensitive tape.

 

K&B Systems, Page 60
Term
When should you insulate ducts?
Definition
  • When they come closer than 6 inches to wood framing or there combustible materials.
  • When they pass through unheated spaces
  • When ducts turn for a distance of 36 inches from the point of exit.

K&B Systems, Page 60
 
 
Term
Utility-supplied water enters the house under what pressure?
Definition

50 - 60 pounds per square inch (psi)

 

 

K&B Systems page 66
Term
For proper function of the fixtures, the pressuer should not drop below what psi?
Definition

30 psi or exceed 80 psi

 

K&B Systems Page 66
Term
What effects the line pressure?
Definition

  • the number of fixtures served and how often they are in use
  • the length of piping runs and the number of turns

K&B Ssytems Page 66
Term
Well water must be regularly test by the homeowner for what health hazards?
Definition
bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

 

 

K&B Systems, page 67
Term
Cold water enters the house through a supply line at what diameter?
Definition
3/4" to 1" diameter

 

K&B Systems page 68
Term
What is the rule of thumb for sizing branch piping?
Definition
  • 1/2" diameter for one or two fixtures/appliances
  • 3/4" diameter for three fixtures/appliances
  • If your tub, spa or whirlpool requires a 3/4" filler, make sure the brach feeder equals the diameter.

 

K&B Systems page 68
Term
What is the most common water-supply piping in houses today
Definition
Copper

 

 

K&B Systems, Page 71
Term
What are the two types of copper fittings?
Definition
  • One that slips over the end of the pipe and bonds when solder is applied with a flame
  • One that uses compression gaskets plus a threaded nut

 

K&B Systems, Pages 71-72
Term
What are the characteristics of corroding copper?
Definition
tiny, round, green patina stains

 

 

K&B Systems, page 72
Term
Threaded brass piping shows up in homes built before?
Definition
1940

 

 

K&B Systems, page 72
Term
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) piping can be used for what?
Definition
hot and cold water supply

 

 

K&B Systems page 73
Term
What size piping is used for kitchen sink, washing machine and shower
Definition
1/2"

 

K&B Systems page 75
Term
What causes water hammer?
Definition
A sudden shutoff of the water supply to an appliance or fixture which can loosen joints over time.

 

K&B Systems page 76
Term
What are the two ways to prevent water hammer?
Definition
  • a loop or coil of the piping itself, which acts like a spring to absorb the shock
  • a special device that contains an air chamber

 

K&B Systems page 76
Term
What is the solution of dissimilar pipe connections?
Definition
Keep the two metals apart with a dielectric union, by placing a plastic collar and rubber washer between them

 

K&B Systems page 76
Term
When was the safe drinking water act passed?
Definition
1974

 

K&B Systems page 77
Term
What are the treatment options for contaminated drinking water?
Definition
Mechanical filtration, activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, distillation and ion exchange

 

K&B System pages 79-80
Term
What is reverse osmosis?
Definition
a process that purifies water by passing it through a semi permeable membrane under normal faucet pressure.  Up to 95% of dissolved contaminants are eliminated

 

K&B Systems page 79
Term
What type of  water heater makes sense for fixtures located a far away from the home's central water heater?
Definition
Tankless

 

K&B systems page 87
Term
What is recommended if you have a septic tank with a food disposer?
Definition
Oversize the tank by 50% or clean out twice as often

 

K&B systems page 89
Term
What is the code requirement for horizontal branch pipes to slope how much?
Definition
a minimum of 1/4" per foot

 

K&B systems page 90
Term
Diameters of drain pipes?
Definition
  • Kitchen & Bath sinks - 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" diameter preferred
  • Showers, tubs & washing machines - 1 1/2" or 2" diameter
  • Toilet drains - 3" to 4"
  • Stack and main sewer - 4" diameter

 

K&B sysetms page 90
Term
Pipes in DWV system?
Definition
  • Els - L-shaped fittings for making 90° turns
  • Wyes - fittings that have two outlets at a 30° or 45°
  • Tees - fittings that allow a tap from a branch into a main line

 

K&B systems page 90
Term
What are the code requirements for cleanouts at the end of horizontal piping runs where they change direcein more than 45°?
Definition
At least 18" of clearance to allow access for cleaning tools

 

K&B systems page 90
Term
What is the purpose of a "U" shaped trap?
Definition
To keep out unpleasant gasses out of living space; and keeps rodents from entering the house via the sewer pipes

 

K&B systems page 90
Term
What is the most common type of trap and their requirements?
Definition
P-trap - to have a water seal of between 2" and 4"; be self-cleaning and have no moving parts; no trap outlet can be larger than the fixture drain is serves, and must be level with their water seals

 

K&B systems page 90
Term
Maximum length of trap arm?
Definition
1 1/4" diameter  =   5' - 0"
1 1/2" diameter  =   6' - 0"
2" diameter  =  6' - 0"
3" diameter  =  12' - 0"
4" diameter  =  16' - 0"

 

K&B systems page 90
Term
What is the minimum size of any vent?
Definition
The vent can never be smaller than 1" or the diameter of the drain in serves, whichever is larger.

 

 

K&B systems page 91
Term
What is the purpose of vents?
Definition
They prevent the trap from being siphoned off and keeping sewer gasses out

 

 

K&B systems page 91
Term
If a fixture is further than a code-specified maximum distance from a vent pipe in a wall (typically 8' for a 2" diameter drain), what must it have?
Definition
Its own vent

 

K&B systems page 93
Term
What are the different type of vents for a fixture that needs its own vent?
Definition
  • Wet vent - the p-trap runs horizontally into a larger vertical pipe and discharges into a 3" or 4" drain line located in the floor; it must also have a cleanout upstream from the entry tee
  • Bow vent - p-trap outlet connects to a pipe below the floor and a bow vent above it; bow vent loops back down to connect with a remove vent that is in a wall (it takes up a large amount of cabinet space)
  • Automatic vent - a one-way check vale to let make-up air into the system (not code in MA)

K&B systems pages 93-94
Term
What type of material used for main waste-vent stack is quieter than plastic?
Definition
Cast iron

 

K&B Systsems 95
Term
What was used in early installations for indoor waste piping?
Definition
Cast iron

 

 

K&B systems page 95
Term
How were joints sealed in cast iron pipes?
Definition
by tamping a bituminous-impregnated hemp rope called oakum into it; then pouring molten lead into the joint; compression gaskets which allow the cast iron pipe to be joined to a pipe of different material.

 

K&B Systems page 95
Term
What are the two types of plastic introduced in the 1970's that all but replaced metal piping?
Definition
  • Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) - black in color
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVS) - white in color is used for household DWV systems

 

K&B Systems page 96
Term
Advantages of PVC piping?
Definition
It self extinguishes rather than burns; they don't flare out much at fittings, such as a hub on a hub-and-spigot joint in cast iron; a 3" nominal pipe fits inside a 2x4 stud wall; and it's easy to install.

 

K&B systems page 96
Term
Disadvantages of plastic piping?
Definition
  • It's noisy than metal
  • Expansion and contraction under temperature above 180° may result in joint failure.
  • Runs longer than 30' must have expansion loops built in to accommodate the expansion and contraction under normal operating temperatures.

 

K&B systems page 96
Term
What fixture consumes more water than any other fixture in a home?
Definition
Toilet

 

K&B Systems page 99
Term
The U.S. Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992 limited the capacity to 1.6 gallons for toilets installed after what year?
Definition
1994

 

K&B systems page 99
Term
What are the three main types of water-flush toilets currently in use today?
Definition
  • Gravity toilets - rely on water from a tank set above the bowl to flush out the contents and refill the trap
  • Pressurized tank toilets - use the pressure of water in the cold water supply line to compress air, which works with a small amount of water (as little as 0.5 gals.)
  • Pumped toilets - pushes water through the bowl via a small pump

 

K&B systems page 99
Term
Two types of toilets that are not as common are?
Definition
  • Incinerating toilets - use electricity to rapidly burn  the waste, leaving an odor-free ash that can be dumped with the household trash
  • Composting toilets -  work like a compost pile in your backyard to decompose waste (with a tank below)

 

K&B systems page 100
Term
What are the rough-in dimensions for most gravity toilets?
Definition
12" is the most common, some are 10" and 14"

 

K&B systems page 101
Term
A toilet installed in the basement is too low to flush by gravity.  What should you use?
Definition
Ejector toilet (has an ejector pump that grinds the solid waste and pumps it up into the house waste line).

 

K&B systems page 101
Term
A bidet with a vertical spray should have what installed to prevent contaminated water from entering a clean water supply?
Definition
A vacuum breaker, since the hot and cold water comes in below the flood level of the fixture.

 

K&B systems page 101
Term
The pump that circulates water in a whirlpool or spa are typically 1.5 or 2 hp.  They require a dedicated electrical circuit of?
Definition
A dedicated electrical circuit of 15 or 20 amp capacity and a switch protected with a GFCI device

 

K&B systems page 105
Term
What are the two types of disposers?
Definition
  • Continuous feed disposer - wired to a switch under the countertop or to a GFCI-protected switch above the countertop
  • Batch feed disposer - operate intermittently whenever the user turns the lid in the sink to the open position.

 

K&B systems page 107
Term
What size hot water line is used for a dishwasher?
Definition
3/8"

 

K&B systems page 107
Term
What is the purpose of an air gap fitting?
Definition
To prevent siphoning 

 

K&B systems page 107
Term
Refrigerators equipped to supply filtered cold water or ice cubes needs a cold water supply line of what size?
 Definition
1/4" copper tubing

 

K&B systems page 107
Term
What are the two types of current flow?
Definition
  • Alternating current (AC) - used in household wiring
  • Direct current (DC) - supplied by batteries

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
We measure the quantity of current flow in units called?
Definition
Amperes or Amps

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
Electrical current needs a force to push the electrons along the line; this force is called voltage and is measured in?
Definition
Volts

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
Resistance is measured in units called?
Definition

Ohms

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
Electricity is measured in units called?
Definition
Watts (W)

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
Power  =
Definition
voltage  X   amperage, or  W  =  VA

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
Ohm's Law  (measure of resistance)
Definition
Amps  =  volts/Ohm's

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
Formula for finding Amps?
Definition
A  =  watts/volts

 

K&B systems page 110
Term
The transformer reduces the voltage to _______  for household use?
Definition
240v

 

K&B systems page 111
Term
A service cables contains three wires or conductors; what are they?
Definition
  • Two "live" or "hot" wires insulated in black plastic (they carry a potential 240 volts between them)
  • The third wire is a "neutral" or "grounded" - bare copper or aluminum wire

 

K&B systems page 111
Term
What purpose does the main breaker in a service panel serve?
Definition
It's a combination shutoff switch and overload protecting device for the entire home.

 

K&B systems page 112
Term
What purpose do circuit breaker serve?
Definition
To protect branch circuits from electrical overloads or shorts in the circuit.

 

K&B systems page 112
Term
What is the minimum amp capacity a service panel should have on a home today?
Definition
100 amp capacity main breaker and more likely a 200 amp

 

K&B systems, page 112
Term
What are the four types of circuits?
Definition
General lighting, small appliance, individual appliance and ground fault circuit interrupter

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
General lighting circuits serve lighting and wall receptacles; what is the code requirement?
Definition
3 watts per square foot of living space, the equivalent of one 15a circuit for each 600 square feet or one 20a circuit per 800 square feet.

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
What is the rule of thumb for the number of receptacles?
Definition
12 outlets for 15a circuits and 16 outlets for 30a circuits

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
The code requires a light to be controlled?
Definition
by a permanent wall switch in each room

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
Lights in kitchens and baths must be?
Definition
Permanently wired rather than being plugged in

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
What is the code requirement for small appliance circuits in the kitchen?
Definition
Two 20a circuits in the kitchen; and may not be used for lighting

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
Individual appliance circuits with voltage/Breaker Capacity in Amps
Definition
Disposer:  120v 20a
Electric Range/cooktop:  240v 50a
Gas Range/Cooktop:  120v 20a
Dishwasher w/heater:  120v 20a
Electric tankless water heater:  240v 30a
Refrigerator:  120v 20a
Microwave oven:  120v 20a
Exhaust fan:  120v 20a

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
When are GFCI required for receptacles?
Definition
In the bathroom and all receptacles servicing countertop surfaces in the kitchen

 

K&B systems page 114
Term
The National Electric Code (NEC) limits  the total number of breakers in any one panel.  What is the maximum number of breakers allowed?
Definition
42

 

K&B systems page 115
Term
What is the most common cable used for residential wiring?
Definition
Romex - Nonmetallic sheathed cable

 

K&B systems page 115
Term
Most household cable uses what gauge of wire?
Definition
12 or 14 gauge wire

 

K&B systems page 116
Term
What is the smallest gauge of wire permitted by code?
Definition
14 gauge wire

 

K&B systems page 116
Term
Circuits for 120v appliances and lighting typically use what gauge of wire?
Definition
12 gauge wire

 

K&B systems page 116
Term
A 12 gauge wire is rated to carry a maximum of how many amps?
Definition
20 amps

 

K&B systems page 116
Term
A 14 gauge wire is rated to carry a maximum of how many amps?
Definition
15 amps

 

K&B systems page 116
Term
The NKBA recommends that all wall receptacles be located?
Definition
between 15" and 48" above finished floor (AFF)

 

K&B systems page 118
Term
What type of switch allows a user to turn off a lamp from two locations?
Definition
A three-way switch

 

K&B systems page 118
Term
A double-pole switch with four terminals is typically used for what?
Definition
240v appliances

 

K&B systems page 118
Term
What is the most common type of receptacle?
Definition
duplex receptacle - household circuits running 120 volts

 

K&B systems page 119
Term
The best solution for protecting the entire circuit is with?
Definition
a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breaker at the main service panel.  If this cannot be done, the next best thing is a GFCI receptacle

 

K&B systems page 119
Term
What is the code requirement for receptacles?
Definition
To be located such that a 6-foot cord can reach them from any point in the room.

 

K&B systems page 120
Term
What is a lumen?
Definition
Is the amount of light energy that falls on a spherical surface of one square meter, produced by a single candle.  1 lum = 12.57 fc

 

K&B systems page 128
Term
What is a foot-candle?
Definition
Is the amount of light that falls on a square foot of spherical surface at a distance of one foot from the candle

 

K&B systems page 128
Term
What are the three types of lighting, sorted by function?
Definition
Ambient, task and accent lighting

 

K&B systems page 129
Term
What are the characteristics of halogen lamps?
Definition
  • Cut energy by 30% to 50%
  • Lamp life ranges between 2,000 and 3,500 hours
  • Their color is white
  • Are available in low and line voltage
  • Lamps that run on 120v electricity become hot

 

K&B systems page 133
Term
What are the characteristics of Xenon lamps?
Definition
  • Lamp is rated at 20,000 hours
  • They do not burn as hot as halogen
  • More like sunlight
  • They are low voltage

 

K&B systems page 134
Term
What are the characteristics of fluorescent lamps?
Definition
  • They yield 5 times as much light as incandescent for the same amount of power and last longer
  • They come in a variety of sizes

 

K&B systems page 134
Term
What is color temperature?
Definition
Is an index of how the light source, itself, looks to us, measured in degrees of Kelvin (K)

 

K&B systems page 136
Term
What is color rendition?
Definition
Is an index of how the light makes objects appear.  How accurately a lighting source defines objects is measured by the Color Rendering Index (CRI).  The best score is 100, the CRI of sunlight.

 

K&B systems page 136
Term
What type of lamp is recommended for task, accent and art lighting?
Definition
Halogen or xenon

 

K&B systems page 136
Term
What type of lamp is recommended for general lighting?
Definition
PAR Halogen and compact fluorescents (make sure compact  fluorescents have a color temperature of about 3500K

 

K&B systems page 136
Term
What type of lamp is recommended for dining lighting?
Definition
Incandescent

 

K&B systems page 136
Term
The color temperature of lamps:
Definition
  • Warm-light sources have color temperatures less than 3000K
  • Neutral sources have color temperatures between 3000K and 4000K
  • Cool-light sources have color temperature above 4000K

 

K&B systems pages 136-138
Term
What is the spacing for recessed lights?
Definition
24 to 42 inches apart

 

K&B systems page 140
Term
What does the NKBA recommend for heat lamps in a bathroom?
Definition
It be wired to separate circuit and connected to a timer switch

 

K&B systems page 148
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