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Building Utility Systems Flashcards

7 cards from real CHFM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A healthcare facility manager discovers that steam condensate is causing water hammer in the return lines. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Failed or waterlogged steam traps causing condensate buildup

    Waterlogged or failed-closed steam traps allow condensate to accumulate in steam lines, where it is propelled by steam pressure causing destructive water hammer.

  2. Which ASHRAE standard governs ventilation and indoor air quality requirements for healthcare facilities?

    Answer: ASHRAE 170

    ASHRAE Standard 170 specifically addresses ventilation of health care facilities, establishing minimum outdoor air rates, pressure relationships, and filtration requirements.

  3. What type of water treatment is used in healthcare cooling towers primarily to control Legionella bacteria?

    Answer: Biocide addition and blowdown control of condenser water

    Cooling tower water treatment uses biocides (chlorine, bromine, or non-oxidizing biocides) along with controlled blowdown to limit Legionella growth in warm condenser water.

  4. In a hospital's electrical system, what is the maximum allowable transfer time for the life safety branch under NFPA 99?

    Answer: 10 seconds

    NFPA 99 requires the life safety branch of the essential electrical system to restore power within 10 seconds of a normal power interruption.

  5. A facility manager is evaluating domestic hot water system performance. What temperature should hot water be maintained at in storage to prevent Legionella growth?

    Answer: 140°F (60°C)

    Domestic hot water should be stored at a minimum of 140°F (60°C) to inhibit Legionella proliferation, per CDC and ASHRAE 188 guidance.

  6. Which component in a variable frequency drive (VFD) converts AC power to DC before inverting it to variable-frequency AC?

    Answer: The rectifier section

    The rectifier section of a VFD converts incoming AC line power to DC, which is then stored in the DC link before the inverter creates variable-frequency AC output.

  7. What does a 'K-factor' represent in a fire sprinkler system?

    Answer: The discharge coefficient relating flow rate to pressure

    The K-factor is a discharge coefficient used in the formula Q = K√P to calculate sprinkler flow rate (gpm) from operating pressure (psi).

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