CMA Equipment & Tools Flashcards
6 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CMA Equipment & Tools flashcards as text
What does a pin-type moisture meter measure, and what is its primary limitation?
Answer: It measures electrical resistance between two pins to estimate moisture content; limited to the depth the pins penetrate
Pin-type meters measure electrical resistance between two penetrating pins, which correlates to moisture content, but only at the depth of pin penetration — not deeper layers.
What is the primary advantage of a non-invasive (pinless) moisture meter over a pin-type meter during a mold inspection?
Answer: Pinless meters can scan large areas quickly without damaging surfaces, allowing rapid screening
Pinless meters use electromagnetic signals to detect moisture at depth without penetrating the surface, enabling rapid area scanning to locate suspect zones for targeted pin testing.
What does a thermal imaging (infrared) camera detect that makes it valuable for mold assessments?
Answer: Temperature differentials on surfaces that may indicate moisture or evaporative cooling
Infrared cameras detect surface temperature differences; evaporating moisture causes surface cooling, and insulation voids or water-saturated materials show temperature anomalies that indicate potential moisture problems.
Which type of air sampling pump setting is most critical to verify before collecting a mold air sample?
Answer: Calibrated flow rate matching the sample media manufacturer's specification
The flow rate must be calibrated to match the manufacturer's specification for the sampling media (e.g., 15 L/min for Air-O-Cell) because an incorrect flow rate invalidates the calculated spore concentration per cubic meter.
What is the function of a borescope (inspection camera) in a mold assessment?
Answer: To visually inspect concealed spaces (wall cavities, pipe chases) with minimal invasive access
A borescope is a flexible camera on a thin probe that can be inserted through a small drilled hole to visually inspect wall cavities, ceiling spaces, and other concealed areas for mold or moisture damage.
What does a psychrometer (sling or digital) measure that is directly relevant to mold growth risk assessment?
Answer: Wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperature, used to calculate relative humidity and dew point
A psychrometer measures wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures, from which relative humidity and dew point are calculated — key parameters for assessing mold growth conditions.