Basic Electrical & Plumbing Flashcards

What is the purpose of a GFCI outlet in a bathroom?

Answer: To protect against electric shock near water sources

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets detect current leakage and trip within milliseconds to prevent electric shock near water.

A homeowner notices their toilet runs continuously after flushing. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Faulty flapper valve not sealing properly

A worn or misaligned flapper valve fails to seal the flush valve seat, allowing water to continuously flow from the tank into the bowl.

When running new electrical wire through a wall, what is the minimum bend radius for NM cable (Romex)?

Answer: 5 times the diameter of the cable

NM cable must be bent no tighter than 5 times the cable diameter to prevent damage to the conductors and insulation.

Which pipe fitting is used to join two pipes of different diameters in a plumbing system?

Answer: Reducer

A reducer (or reducing coupling) connects pipes of two different sizes while maintaining flow in the same direction.

What does the term 'voltage drop' mean in an electrical circuit?

Answer: Reduction in voltage along a conductor due to resistance

Voltage drop is the decrease in electrical potential along a conductor caused by the conductor's resistance, which can cause lights to dim or motors to run poorly.

What is the correct slope (grade) for a residential drain pipe to ensure proper drainage?

Answer: 1/4 inch per foot

Residential drain pipes should slope 1/4 inch per foot (2%) to allow waste to flow while keeping enough water to carry solids.

In electrical work, what color is typically used for the neutral wire in a standard 120V residential circuit?

Answer: White

White (or gray) wire is the neutral conductor in residential wiring, completing the circuit back to the panel's neutral bus bar.