Building Utility Systems Flashcards

Which type of medical gas system uses a two-stage pressure regulation process to deliver gas safely to patient care areas?

Answer: Bulk liquid system with area regulators

Bulk liquid systems use a two-stage pressure regulation process — at the source and then at area regulators — to safely deliver medical gas to patient care areas.

What is the primary function of a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) in a building domestic water system?

Answer: Reduce incoming water pressure to a safe service level

A PRV reduces high municipal supply pressure to a safe, code-compliant service pressure (typically 60–80 psi) throughout the building.

In a healthcare facility's electrical distribution system, a static transfer switch (STS) differs from an automatic transfer switch (ATS) primarily because the STS:

Answer: Transfers power with no interruption using solid-state components

A static transfer switch uses solid-state electronics to transfer power in less than a quarter cycle, providing essentially uninterrupted power unlike an ATS.

A hospital's chilled water system is experiencing high delta-T syndrome. Which action best addresses this problem?

Answer: Replace air handling unit coils for better heat transfer

High delta-T syndrome is usually caused by fouled or undersized coils that fail to extract sufficient heat, so replacing or cleaning coils restores proper temperature differential.

Under NFPA 110, which category requires that an emergency generator reach full load within 10 seconds of utility failure?

Answer: Level 1, Type 10

NFPA 110 Level 1, Type 10 systems must restore power within 10 seconds and are required for life-safety applications in healthcare facilities.

What is the purpose of a trap seal primer in a healthcare facility's floor drain system?

Answer: Maintain water in the trap to block sewer gas entry

A trap seal primer periodically adds water to floor drain traps to replace evaporated water and maintain the seal that blocks hazardous sewer gases.

In a variable air volume (VAV) HVAC system, what controls the airflow delivered to each zone?

Answer: Modulating VAV terminal boxes with dampers

VAV terminal boxes use modulating dampers that adjust airflow to each zone based on thermostat demand, allowing independent zone control.