ASHI Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an inspection, the inspector notices the main electrical panel is located in a bathroom. What is the concern?
- Panels in bathrooms are acceptable if GFCI protected
- Electrical panels are prohibited in bathrooms due to shock hazard from moisture (Correct answer)
- Panels must be at least 3 feet from the toilet but can be in bathrooms
- This is only a concern if the panel is within 6 feet of the tub
Correct answer: Electrical panels are prohibited in bathrooms due to shock hazard from moisture
Electrical panels are prohibited in bathrooms by NEC 240.24(E) because moisture creates a severe shock hazard near energized equipment.
Question 2: A homeowner has installed PVC (Schedule 40) drain pipe for the vent stack above the roofline. What should the inspector note?
- PVC is acceptable for all plumbing applications
- CPVC must be used above the roofline instead of PVC
- PVC may degrade from UV exposure above the roofline and should be noted (Correct answer)
- Schedule 80 PVC is required above the roofline but Schedule 40 is acceptable below
Correct answer: PVC may degrade from UV exposure above the roofline and should be noted
Standard white PVC is not UV-stabilized and will become brittle and fail when exposed to sunlight above the roofline.
Question 3: What minimum clearance is required between a gas-fired furnace and combustible materials in the side/front?
- 1 inch
- 3 inches
- 6 inches
- Clearances vary by manufacturer listing and must be verified on the unit's label (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Clearances vary by manufacturer listing and must be verified on the unit's label
Clearances to combustibles for furnaces are set by the manufacturer and listed on the appliance label, not by a single universal standard.
Question 4: An inspector observes aluminum wiring connected to a standard (non-CO/ALR rated) outlet in a 1970s home. What is the hazard?
- Aluminum wiring causes higher electricity bills but no safety hazard
- Connections between aluminum wire and non-rated devices can loosen and arc, creating a fire risk (Correct answer)
- Aluminum wiring is only hazardous in panel boxes
- The concern is corrosion, not fire risk
Correct answer: Connections between aluminum wire and non-rated devices can loosen and arc, creating a fire risk
Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper; when connected to non-CO/ALR devices, the connections loosen over time, causing arcing and potential fires.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a condensate neutralizer on a high-efficiency condensing furnace?
- To remove refrigerant from condensate before disposal
- To raise the pH of acidic condensate before it enters the drain system (Correct answer)
- To prevent condensate from freezing in cold climates
- To filter sediment from the condensate line
Correct answer: To raise the pH of acidic condensate before it enters the drain system
Condensing furnaces produce acidic condensate (pH 2-4) that can corrode metal drain pipes; a neutralizer raises the pH to safe levels.
Question 6: Which of the following is a reportable deficiency for a gas appliance flue in a home inspection?
- The flue is made of Type B double-wall vent pipe
- The flue terminates 2 feet above the roof and 2 feet above anything within 10 feet
- The flue has a visible separation at a joint inside the utility room (Correct answer)
- The flue uses an approved thimble where it passes through a wall
Correct answer: The flue has a visible separation at a joint inside the utility room
A separated flue joint can allow combustion gases including carbon monoxide to spill into living spaces, which is a serious safety hazard.
Question 7: What does AFCI protection in a circuit breaker guard against?
- Ground faults from water contact
- Arcing faults caused by damaged or deteriorated wiring (Correct answer)
- Voltage spikes from lightning strikes
- Overloading from excessive current draw
Correct answer: Arcing faults caused by damaged or deteriorated wiring
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters detect dangerous arcing in wiring — a common cause of electrical fires — and interrupt the circuit.
ASHI Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Systems 3
During an inspection, the inspector notices the main electrical panel is located in a bathroom.
What is the concern?