HVAC Code Compliance 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Per the International Mechanical Code, what is the minimum slope required for a horizontal condensate drain line?
- 1/8 inch per foot
- 1/4 inch per foot (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch per foot
- 1 inch per foot
Correct answer: 1/4 inch per foot
The IMC requires condensate drain lines to slope a minimum of 1/8 inch per foot toward the point of discharge, though 1/4 inch per foot is commonly specified and preferred.
Question 2: Under EPA Section 608, technicians who purchase containers of refrigerant in amounts greater than 2 lbs must be certified. Which certification level covers small appliances only?
- Type I (Correct answer)
- Type II
- Type III
- Universal
Correct answer: Type I
EPA Section 608 Type I certification is required for technicians servicing small appliances containing 5 lbs or less of refrigerant, such as household refrigerators and window ACs.
Question 3: According to the International Residential Code, what is the minimum size (in square inches of free area) for each combustion air opening serving a confined space with fuel-burning appliances?
- 1 square inch
- 100 square inches
- The size is based on BTU input, not a fixed minimum (Correct answer)
- 24 square inches
Correct answer: The size is based on BTU input, not a fixed minimum
The IRC and IFGC size combustion air openings based on the BTU/hr input of the appliances rather than specifying a single fixed minimum area.
Question 4: When refrigerant is reclaimed and sent to a reclaim facility, what standard must the reclaimed refrigerant meet before it can be resold?
- AHRI 700 (Correct answer)
- UL 207
- ASHRAE 34 Grade A
- EPA 608 Grade 1
Correct answer: AHRI 700
Reclaimed refrigerant must meet AHRI Standard 700 purity specifications before it can be resold for use in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
Question 5: Per the International Mechanical Code, what type of pipe material is NOT approved for use in refrigerant piping systems using HFC refrigerants?
- ACR copper tubing
- Seamless wrought copper
- Black iron pipe (Correct answer)
- Stainless steel tubing
Correct answer: Black iron pipe
Black iron (steel) pipe is not approved for HFC refrigerant systems because it can corrode with moisture and is incompatible with the lubricants used in modern refrigeration systems.
Question 6: Under the International Mechanical Code, which document must be provided to the building owner upon completion of a commercial HVAC installation?
- Manufacturer warranty cards only
- A completed test and balance report for systems over 15,000 CFM
- Operation and maintenance manuals and record drawings (Correct answer)
- A signed EPA 608 certification form
Correct answer: Operation and maintenance manuals and record drawings
The IMC requires that operation and maintenance documentation and as-built or record drawings be provided to the owner upon completion of a commercial HVAC project.
Question 7: According to NFPA 90A, what fire-resistance rating is required for the enclosure of a vertical air duct that penetrates more than two floors in a commercial building?
- No rating required if sprinklers are present
- 1-hour fire-resistance rated shaft enclosure (Correct answer)
- 2-hour fire-resistance rated shaft enclosure
- 3-hour fire-resistance rated shaft enclosure
Correct answer: 1-hour fire-resistance rated shaft enclosure
NFPA 90A and the International Building Code require that vertical air ducts penetrating more than two floors be enclosed in a 1-hour fire-resistance rated shaft to prevent fire spread.
HVAC Code Compliance 5
Per the International Mechanical Code, what is the minimum slope required for a horizontal condensate drain line?