ASHI Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Systems 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum distance allowed between support hangers for horizontal copper water supply pipe (3/4 inch)?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 8 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 8 feet
Horizontal copper pipe up to 1-1/4 inches in diameter requires support at maximum 6-foot intervals; 3/4-inch copper is commonly cited at 6 feet, though some codes specify 8 feet — inspectors should note unsupported long spans.
Question 2: During inspection, an inspector finds a bathroom exhaust fan that terminates into the attic. What should be reported?
- Acceptable if the attic is well-ventilated
- The fan duct must terminate to the exterior; discharging into the attic causes moisture damage and mold (Correct answer)
- Acceptable if the duct is insulated
- Only a concern in cold climates
Correct answer: The fan duct must terminate to the exterior; discharging into the attic causes moisture damage and mold
Exhaust fans must terminate outside the building; discharging into the attic introduces moisture that causes structural damage and mold growth.
Question 3: A home inspector tests a receptacle near a kitchen sink and the GFCI trips with the tester, but when reset, the outlet shows correct wiring. What is the correct action?
- Report the outlet as defective since it tripped
- This indicates proper GFCI function; no deficiency exists (Correct answer)
- Report that the GFCI is nuisance-tripping and needs replacement
- Recommend installing a standard outlet instead
Correct answer: This indicates proper GFCI function; no deficiency exists
A GFCI that trips when tested and resets properly to provide power is functioning correctly — tripping on test is the desired behavior.
Question 4: What does the presence of yellow (gas) corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) bonded to the electrical system indicate?
- CSST bonding is optional and indicates the installer exceeded minimum code
- Proper installation practice — CSST requires bonding to minimize arc puncture risk from nearby lightning strikes (Correct answer)
- The installer incorrectly grounded the gas line
- Bonding CSST to electrical systems creates a code violation
Correct answer: Proper installation practice — CSST requires bonding to minimize arc puncture risk from nearby lightning strikes
CSST must be bonded to the electrical grounding system because nearby lightning strikes can arc through the thin stainless wall, causing gas leaks and fires.
Question 5: An inspector finds a furnace heat exchanger with visible cracks. What is the primary health concern?
- Reduced heating efficiency only
- Carbon monoxide from combustion gases can enter the air distribution system and living space (Correct answer)
- Increased noise from the blower motor
- Risk of natural gas leak into the living space
Correct answer: Carbon monoxide from combustion gases can enter the air distribution system and living space
Cracks in the heat exchanger allow combustion gases, including deadly carbon monoxide, to mix with circulated air and enter the living space.
Question 6: A home built in 1965 has galvanized steel supply pipes. The inspector observes low water pressure throughout the house. What is the most likely cause?
- The water meter is undersized for the home
- Interior corrosion and mineral buildup has reduced the internal diameter of the aging galvanized pipes (Correct answer)
- The pressure reducing valve is set too high
- The water heater is too small for the home's demand
Correct answer: Interior corrosion and mineral buildup has reduced the internal diameter of the aging galvanized pipes
Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside out over decades, accumulating rust and mineral deposits that restrict flow and reduce pressure.
Question 7: What is the significance of a 'double-pole 20-amp' breaker in a residential panel compared to a 'single-pole 20-amp' breaker?
- A double-pole breaker provides 240 volts across two legs; a single-pole provides 120 volts on one leg (Correct answer)
- Double-pole breakers carry twice the current of single-pole breakers at the same voltage
- Double-pole breakers are used exclusively for lighting circuits
- Single-pole breakers are required for outdoor circuits; double-pole for indoor
Correct answer: A double-pole breaker provides 240 volts across two legs; a single-pole provides 120 volts on one leg
A double-pole breaker connects across both hot legs of the panel to supply 240V for appliances like dryers and ranges, while a single-pole supplies 120V for standard outlets.
ASHI Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Systems 5
What is the maximum distance allowed between support hangers for horizontal copper water supply pipe (3/4 inch)?