Building Systems and Components Flashcards
7 cards from real NHIE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Building Systems and Components flashcards as text
What is the function of a TPR (temperature-pressure relief) valve on a water heater?
Answer: Release pressure and prevent explosion if temperature or pressure exceeds safe limits
The TPR valve is a safety device that automatically opens to discharge water when temperature exceeds 210°F or pressure exceeds 150 psi, preventing tank rupture or explosion.
An inspector finds that the bathroom exhaust fan discharges into the attic. This is a deficiency because:
Answer: It introduces moisture into the attic, promoting mold and structural damage
Exhausting humid bathroom air into the attic causes moisture accumulation that can lead to mold growth, insulation damage, and wood rot in the roof structure.
What is the recommended minimum depth for a footing in a cold climate?
Answer: Below the frost line
Footings must be placed below the local frost depth to prevent frost heave, which can shift the foundation and cause structural damage.
When inspecting a chimney, what does efflorescence on the exterior masonry indicate?
Answer: Water is migrating through the masonry and depositing minerals on the surface
Efflorescence is the white mineral deposit left behind as water evaporates after passing through masonry, indicating ongoing water infiltration.
Which AFCI protection is required by the NEC for bedroom circuits in new construction?
Answer: Arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers
The NEC requires AFCI breaker protection for bedroom circuits to detect dangerous arcing that can cause electrical fires from damaged wiring.
What is the purpose of building wrap (housewrap) installed behind exterior cladding?
Answer: Act as a weather-resistive barrier while allowing vapor to escape
Housewrap is a weather-resistive barrier (WRB) that blocks liquid water infiltration while remaining vapor-permeable to allow moisture in the wall assembly to dry outward.
An inspector observes that a deck ledger is attached directly to the rim joist with no flashing. The primary concern is:
Answer: Water intrusion causing rot at the ledger-to-house connection
Without proper flashing, water is trapped between the ledger and the house rim joist, leading to wood rot, fastener corrosion, and potentially catastrophic deck collapse.