BAT Tools & Equipment Operation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The ASSE 1012 standard governs which piece of equipment commonly used during backflow field testing?
- Backflow preventer test kits (differential pressure gauges) (Correct answer)
- Hand-held pressure gauges for static testing only
- Digital flow meters used at test cocks
- Electronic data loggers for remote monitoring
Correct answer: Backflow preventer test kits (differential pressure gauges)
ASSE 1012 establishes performance requirements for backflow preventer field test kits, including accuracy and construction standards.
Question 2: When attaching test kit hoses to test cocks on a DCVA, the tester should open the test cocks:
- Slowly to allow gradual pressure equalization and protect the gauge (Correct answer)
- Rapidly to obtain an instantaneous differential reading
- Only after closing both shutoff valves on the assembly
- One quarter turn at a time while watching the relief valve
Correct answer: Slowly to allow gradual pressure equalization and protect the gauge
Slow, controlled opening of test cocks prevents water hammer and sudden pressure spikes that could damage the gauge or produce erroneous readings.
Question 3: A tester's field test kit hoses develop small cracks near the fittings. The correct action is to:
- Replace the hoses before performing any tests (Correct answer)
- Wrap the cracks with pipe thread tape and continue testing
- Test only assemblies at lower system pressures
- Use the hoses until a visible water leak appears
Correct answer: Replace the hoses before performing any tests
Cracked hoses can leak under pressure, causing incorrect differential readings and a safety hazard; they must be replaced.
Question 4: How frequently should a backflow tester's differential pressure gauge be calibrated according to standard practice?
- At least annually, or whenever accuracy is suspect (Correct answer)
- Every five years per manufacturer recommendation only
- Before every individual assembly test
- Only when the gauge needle fails to return to zero
Correct answer: At least annually, or whenever accuracy is suspect
Annual calibration (or more frequently if the gauge is dropped or suspected inaccurate) is the accepted minimum standard for test kit accuracy.
Question 5: During a field test, a tester uses a stopwatch to time a relief valve opening event. This measurement is used to:
- Determine the differential pressure at which the relief valve first opens (opening point) (Correct answer)
- Calculate the volumetric flow rate through the assembly
- Verify the check valve travel speed meets ASSE standards
- Confirm the assembly shutoff valve closes within code time limits
Correct answer: Determine the differential pressure at which the relief valve first opens (opening point)
Timing combined with controlled gauge manipulation helps the tester identify the exact differential at which the relief valve cracks open during an RPZ test.
Question 6: A tester's gauge hose ends are fitted with 1/4-inch NPT fittings. When connecting to a test cock with a different thread type, the tester should:
- Use a properly rated adapter fitting matched to both thread types (Correct answer)
- Wrap the mismatched threads with PTFE tape and force-connect
- Reject the test and note an incompatible assembly on the report
- Drill the test cock fitting to accept the hose directly
Correct answer: Use a properly rated adapter fitting matched to both thread types
A rated adapter is the safe, code-compliant method to connect mismatched fittings without risking leaks or thread damage.
Question 7: Which test cock position is used to isolate a hose from system pressure when reconfiguring the test kit between test steps?
- Closed (handle perpendicular to pipe) (Correct answer)
- Half-open (handle at 45 degrees)
- Full open (handle parallel to pipe)
- Cracked open just enough for a drop to form
Correct answer: Closed (handle perpendicular to pipe)
A closed test cock (handle perpendicular to the pipe) fully blocks flow so the hose can be safely moved or reconnected.
BAT Tools & Equipment Operation 3
The ASSE 1012 standard governs which piece of equipment commonly used during backflow field testing?