BPI Combustion Safety 4

Question 1

What test is used to detect a cracked heat exchanger in a forced-air furnace?

Accepted Answer

CO measurement in supply air ducts while the furnace blower runs

Answer

Measuring CO concentration in the supply air stream while the air handler runs can reveal combustion gases leaking through a cracked heat exchanger into conditioned air.

Question 2

Which standard establishes the minimum combustion air requirements for fuel-burning appliances in the US?

Accepted Answer

NFPA 54 / National Fuel Gas Code

Answer

NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code) sets requirements for combustion air sizing based on appliance BTU input and enclosure volume.

Question 3

Under the 'standard method' in NFPA 54, how much indoor air volume is required per 1,000 BTU/hr of combined appliance input if no outdoor air openings are provided?

Accepted Answer

100 cubic feet

Answer

NFPA 54 requires 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU/hr for the standard method, but the 'air from indoors' method (tightly constructed homes) requires 100 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU/hr.

Question 4

What is 'orphaned water heater' syndrome in the context of combustion safety?

Accepted Answer

A water heater left on a common vent after a furnace is replaced with a sidewall-vented unit

Answer

When a high-efficiency furnace is installed and no longer shares the masonry chimney, the remaining water heater may be undersized for the flue, causing poor draft and spillage.

Question 5

A CO alarm in the home is sounding at 70 ppm. According to BPI protocols, what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Evacuate all occupants and call emergency services

Answer

Occupant safety is the priority; BPI requires immediate evacuation and emergency services notification when a CO alarm activates.

(BPI) Building Performance Institute Certified Practice Test

(BPI) Building Performance Institute Certified Practice Test

BPI Combustion Safety 4