BAT Code Compliance & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to USC FCCCHR guidelines, what is the maximum allowable pressure loss across a properly functioning reduced pressure principle assembly under normal flow conditions?
- 5 psi
- 10 psi
- 15 psi
- No specified maximum (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No specified maximum
The USC FCCCHR does not specify a maximum pressure loss for normal flow; instead, RP assemblies are evaluated by their differential pressure readings during testing.
Question 2: Which ASSE standard applies to double check backflow prevention assemblies used in plumbing systems?
- ASSE 1013
- ASSE 1015
- ASSE 1012 (Correct answer)
- ASSE 1020
Correct answer: ASSE 1012
ASSE 1015 covers double check backflow prevention assemblies, while ASSE 1013 covers reduced pressure principle assemblies.
Question 3: A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) installed 6 inches below the highest downstream outlet is in violation of code. What is the minimum required elevation above the highest outlet?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
Code requires a PVB to be installed at least 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet or point of use to prevent backsiphonage.
Question 4: Which of the following installations would violate USC Model Water Code requirements for a double check detector assembly (DCDA)?
- Fire sprinkler system with no additives
- Irrigation system in a commercial property
- Boiler feed line using corrosion inhibitors (Correct answer)
- Car wash system using only water
Correct answer: Boiler feed line using corrosion inhibitors
A boiler feed line using corrosion inhibitors is a high-hazard application requiring an RP detector assembly, not a double check detector assembly.
Question 5: Under AWWA M14 (Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control), what is the recommended minimum frequency for testing high-hazard backflow prevention assemblies?
- Every 6 months (Correct answer)
- Annually
- Every 2 years
- Only at installation
Correct answer: Every 6 months
AWWA M14 recommends semi-annual testing for high-hazard assemblies to ensure continued protection of the potable water supply.
Question 6: A reduced pressure principle assembly has its relief valve located in a pit that floods during heavy rain. Which code requirement does this violate?
- The assembly must be installed above the 100-year flood plain
- The relief valve outlet must not be subject to submergence (Correct answer)
- The assembly requires a secondary containment vessel
- The assembly must be indoors only
Correct answer: The relief valve outlet must not be subject to submergence
Code requires the RP assembly relief valve outlet to be protected from submergence, as flooding could allow contaminated water to backflow through the relief port.
Question 7: State adoption of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) vs. the International Plumbing Code (IPC) affects backflow prevention requirements primarily through:
- Different minimum pipe sizes for assembly installation
- Variations in hazard classification definitions and approved assembly types (Correct answer)
- Different testing frequencies for all assemblies
- Separate licensing requirements for testers
Correct answer: Variations in hazard classification definitions and approved assembly types
UPC and IPC differ in how they classify hazards and which assembly types they approve for specific applications, affecting what testers must verify.
BAT Code Compliance & Standards 3
According to USC FCCCHR guidelines, what is the maximum allowable pressure loss across a properly functioning reduced pressure principle assembly under normal flow conditions?