Certified Energy Auditor Certification Certified Energy Auditor Lighting and Electrical Systems 1

Question 1

An energy auditor evaluates a retail store with 50 recessed incandescent 75W PAR30 fixtures operating 12 hours per day. The auditor recommends replacing them with 15W LED PAR30 equivalents. What is the annual energy savings in kWh?

Accepted Answer

21,900 kWh

Answer

Each fixture saves 60W (75W − 15W). With 50 fixtures operating 12 hours/day for 365 days: 60W × 50 × 12h × 365 = 13,140,000 Wh = 13,140 kWh. Wait — recalculating: 0.060 kW × 50 × 12 × 365 = 13,140 kWh. The correct answer is 13,140 kWh. However, if the auditor measures 50 fixtures at 60W savings each over 12 hours for 365 days: 50 × 60W × 12 × 365 = 13,140,000 Wh = 13,140 kWh. Option A is correct.

Question 2

During an energy audit, a technician measures lighting levels in an open office at 85 foot-candles (fc). The IES recommended illuminance for that task is 30–50 fc. Which energy conservation measure best addresses this overlighting condition?

Accepted Answer

De-lamp or install lower-wattage lamps to reduce installed power density

Answer

When measured illuminance significantly exceeds the IES recommended level, the most direct fix is reducing installed lighting power — by de-lamping (removing lamps from multi-lamp fixtures) or substituting lower-wattage equivalents. Occupancy sensors address time-of-use waste but do not reduce overlighting while occupants are present. Window film reduces daylight, not electric lighting. Higher color temperature does not reduce energy use.

Question 3

A building's electrical utility bill shows a peak demand charge of $18/kW per month. An energy auditor identifies that staggering the startup sequence of HVAC units could reduce peak demand by 40 kW. What is the monthly cost savings from this measure alone?

Accepted Answer

$720

Answer

Monthly savings = demand reduction × demand charge rate = 40 kW × $18/kW = $720/month. Demand charges are billed on the highest 15- or 30-minute interval measured during the billing period, so reducing coincident peak demand directly cuts this charge.

Question 4

An energy auditor recommends installing a lighting control system with daylight harvesting in a perimeter office zone. Which sensor type is most appropriate for continuous dimming control based on available natural light?

Accepted Answer

Photosensor (daylight sensor) with closed-loop control

Answer

Daylight harvesting requires a photosensor (photodiode or photocell) with closed-loop feedback that continuously measures workplane illuminance and dims electric lighting proportionally to maintain a target lux setpoint. PIR and ultrasonic sensors detect occupancy, not light levels. Time-clock relays operate on a fixed schedule and cannot respond dynamically to changing daylight.

Question 5

An auditor reviews a motor nameplate and finds: 20 HP, 460V, 3-phase, 0.85 power factor, 91% efficiency. What is the approximate full-load input power draw in kW?

Accepted Answer

16.4 kW

Answer

Output power = 20 HP × 0.746 kW/HP = 14.92 kW. Input power = output / efficiency = 14.92 / 0.91 ≈ 16.4 kW. The power factor affects apparent power (kVA) and current draw but does not change the real power (kW) consumed. Auditors must use efficiency to convert nameplate HP to actual kW input.

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Practice Test

Certified Energy Auditor Certification Certified Energy Auditor Lighting and Electrical Systems 1