CPE Facility Operations & Maintenance 3

Question 1

A facility manager wants to reduce lighting energy costs without a capital investment. The BEST immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Implement an occupancy-based lighting schedule

Answer

Implementing a lighting schedule that turns off lights in unoccupied areas requires no capital outlay and yields immediate savings.

Question 2

Which type of maintenance is performed based on equipment condition data rather than fixed time intervals?

Accepted Answer

Condition-based maintenance

Answer

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) uses real-time monitoring data to trigger maintenance only when equipment condition warrants it.

Question 3

When sizing a backup generator for critical facility loads, which load type requires special consideration due to high inrush current?

Accepted Answer

Large motor starting loads

Answer

Electric motors draw 5–8 times their full-load current during starting, which must be accounted for in generator sizing.

Question 4

A cooling tower's approach temperature is increasing over time. The most likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Scale buildup on fill media reducing heat transfer

Answer

Scale deposits on cooling tower fill reduce heat transfer efficiency, causing the leaving water temperature to approach the wet-bulb temperature more slowly.

Question 5

In reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), which failure mode characteristic determines whether preventive replacement is effective?

Accepted Answer

Whether there is a distinct age-related wear-out pattern

Answer

Time-based preventive replacement is only effective when a component shows a clear increasing failure rate with age (wear-out pattern).

(CPE) Certified Plant Engineer Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Plant Engineer Practice Test

CPE Facility Operations & Maintenance 3