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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

EBPHI NHIE Exam Questions

Page 3 of 15

41.

Which portion of the furnace system is situated on either side of the fan and heat exchanger to bring in, distribute, and remove air?

  • Plenum ducts

  • Trunk ducts

  • Branch ducts

  • Diffusers

Correct answer: Plenum ducts

The supply and return plenums sit on either side of the air handler (heat exchanger and fan side, respectively). 

Trunk ducts (both supply and return) serve as the central distribution line. Branch ducts branch from the trunk ducts. Diffusers control the volume of air flowing into a room. 

42.

All these choices are types of garage door openers EXCEPT:

  • Loop drive

  • Belt drive

  • Chain drive

  • Screw drive

Correct answer: Loop drive

The most common drive types are the belt, chain, and screw drive. There are several other types found in the field, including direct drive and jackshaft. 

43.

All the following are acceptable means of grounding the electrical system EXCEPT:

  • Gas piping system buried underground

  • Main water supply line within 5' of the entrance, assuming it is metal

  • Grounding rod driven to a minimum depth of 8' in a vertical position, leaving 1–2" visible at the surface

  • Ufer grounds with an access point visible, usually from the attached garage

Correct answer: Gas piping system buried underground

Gas piping must be bonded to the electrical system; however, it cannot be used as the Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC). 

Assuming the main water line is metal, it can be used as the ground (or earthing), as long as the connection is made within 5' of the line as it goes underground. Ground rods are another means of grounding (or earthing) that can be used, although caution should be used to ensure that the rod has not been cut or installed at an angle that is too steep. Ufer grounds are often seen in newer construction (although they can be found as early as the 1970's), and they must have an access plate in order to visually confirm the connection of the GEC to the rebar.

44.

Water heaters should have a pressure relief valve rated for:

  • 150 psi

  • 30 psi

  • 15 psi

  • 60 psi

Correct answer: 150 psi

Domestic hot water systems should have pressure relief valves rated at 150 psi. 

Steam systems should have a pressure relief valve rated at 15 psi, and boilers should have a pressure relief valve rated at 30 psi. 

The pressure relief valve is a safety valve that will open in the event of elevated levels of pressure within the system, preventing an explosion.

45.

Gas appliances are classified in categories ranging from Category I–IV. What determines the classification?

  • Vent gas temperature and whether the vent is under positive or negative pressure

  • Sizing (BTU) of the appliance

  • Direct-drive vs. belt-driven blower motor

  • Hot surface ignition vs. standing pilot light ignition

Correct answer: Vent gas temperature and whether the vent is under positive or negative pressure

Categories are determined based on vent gas temperatures and whether the vent is under positive or negative pressure. 

While an inspector is required to report on the size of the appliance, categories are not reportable; but they can be helpful to know and understand, as the category of the appliance will determine the vent piping required.

46.

Following a Standard Of Practice provides home inspectors and their clients all EXCEPT:

  • Ironclad protection from a lawsuit

  • A uniform understanding of what is and is not included in the inspection

  • A guide for the home inspector to be consistent throughout all their inspections

  • Basic consumer protection by promoting excellence and continual improvement

Correct answer: Ironclad protection from a lawsuit

While having a Standard Of Practice will help steer expectations, it will not protect you from negligence. Standards Of Practice provide a framework so that all parties have a better understanding of the expectations and the limitations of a home inspection. 

47.

What are the three types of copper tubing size?

  • Type M, L, and K

  • Type A, B, and C

  • Type NM, AC, and SE

  • Type FVIR, DWV, and CSST

Correct answer: Type M, L, and K

Copper types are denoted by the color of the labeling and the thickness of the pipe. M is the thinnest and is imprinted in red writing. K is the thickest and is printed in green. L is the mid-range, and it is printed in blue.

48.

The purpose of a header is:

  • To distribute loads around a wall or floor opening

  • To brace a temporary wall

  • To support a purlin wall

  • To act as a buttress for a retaining wall

Correct answer: To distribute loads around a wall or floor opening

The header spans the opening or void in the floor or wall to distribute the load around the opening.

49.

In an attic, the inspector is NOT required to identify or report on:

  • Presence of television antenna or cables

  • Methods used to inspect the attic

  • Ventilation

  • Insulation material(s)

Correct answer: Presence of television antenna or cables

Standards Of Practice (SOPs) may vary slightly. However, most are generally similar. The home inspector is required to disclose which SOP they will be following and reporting for their inspections. 

All of the answers, except the presence of a television antenna or cables, are required to be reported on as a minimum standard.

50.

Evaporative coolers, sometimes called “swamp coolers,” are effective in: 

  • Arid climates

  • Swamps

  • All climates

  • Hot, humid climates

Correct answer: Arid climates

An evaporative cooler is a type of air conditioning unit that is installed on the roof of a building and is often found on older homes in hot, dry parts of the West.

51.

When reporting defects associated with a water heater, which of the following is NOT necessary to report?

  • The condition of the anode rod

  • The sizing of the wire (for electric water heaters)

  • The termination of the TPR pipe

  • The presence of seismic bracing (in seismic risk areas)

Correct answer: The condition of the anode rod

The anode rod is not accessible without significant time and effort, and it is beyond the scope of the home inspection.

Sizing of the wires to an electric water heater should be inspected and reported on if they are undersized. The termination of the TPR pipe, if improperly installed, can be a safety hazard; and it should also be reported. Seismic bracing may or may not be required in your area; however, if you are located in a seismic risk area, it is a reportable condition.

52.

The three layers of the traditional stucco coating process are:

  • Scratch, brown, and finish

  • Moisture barrier, weep screed, and drainage plane

  • Drainage plane, capillary break, and building paper

  • Weep screed, building paper, and metal lath

Correct answer: Scratch, brown, and finish

While all the terms are used in one way or another with the traditional stucco application process, the scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat are the three parts of the coating process. 

A drainage plane is created by using such things as building paper (sometimes referred to as a moisture barrier), weep screed (flashing detail at the base of the wall), and metal lath (an attachable base for the coating to adhere to). 

Home inspectors should be able to identify how exterior components are installed, in order to properly identify missing or underperforming details.

53.

Which mechanical device provides ventilation to the building and uses the heat in stale exhaust air to preheat incoming fresh air, while capturing the humidity in the air to maintain internal humidity levels?

  • Energy Recovery Ventilators

  • Heat Recovery Ventilators

  • Whole-House Ventilation

  • Local/Spot Exhaust Fans

Correct answer: Energy Recovery Ventilators

Energy (or Enthalpy) Recovery Ventilators work similarly to Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) in that they replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, while capturing the humidity in the air to help keep the ambient internal humidity at a reasonable level. 

Heat Recovery Ventilators replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air to maintain healthy indoor air quality and provide proper ventilation of the building assembly. Whole-House Ventilation systems use fans and duct systems to exhaust stale air and/or supply fresh air to dilute potential contaminants throughout the home. Local (or Spot) Exhaust Fans are installed in moisture-rich rooms (such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens) to disperse excessive moisture and help control humidity levels.

54.

What is required for the home inspector to inspect within the interior of the building?

  • Countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets

  • Floor coverings

  • Paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments

  • Operate or confirm the operation of every control and feature of an inspected appliance

Correct answer: Countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets

A home inspector is required to report on the condition of the walls, ceilings, and floors; but is not required to report on the condition of the floor coverings, paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments. While the inspector is required to inspect installed ovens, ranges, surface cooking appliances, microwave ovens, dishwashing machines, and food waste grinders by using normal operating controls to activate the primary function, they are not required to operate or confirm the operation of every control and feature of an inspected appliance.

55.

Which of these are intended to protect the home from fire by providing an interruption of power when a conductor is damaged? 

  • Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

  • Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

  • Overcurrent Protection Device

Correct answer: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

AFCI breakers or receptacles protect the home from fires created by damage to conductors along the circuit. 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles or breakers protect an individual from shock. Tamper-Resistant Receptacles are intended to protect small children from shock. An Overcurrent Protection Device is the technical description for a circuit breaker or fuse protecting the circuit.

56.

All of the following are prohibited traps EXCEPT:

  • P-Trap

  • Drum Trap

  • S-Trap

  • Bell Trap

Correct answer: P-Trap

A trap provides a liquid seal between the drainage pipes and the sewer gases that are created by the decaying of household and industrial waste. 

Older homes had several traps that were once allowed, but they are no longer allowed because they can lose their seal or become easily clogged. Bell and Drum Traps are susceptible to clogging. S-Traps are prone to siphoning the water from the drain, preventing a liquid seal.

57.

Torsion is: 

  • The twisting force applied to an object

  • A pushing force applying inward force on an object

  • The unaligned forces acting in opposite directions

  • The opposing forces pulling an object apart

Correct answer: The twisting force applied to an object

Compression is a pushing force applying inward force on an object. Tension is two opposing forces pulling an object apart. Shear is the unaligned forces acting in opposite directions.

58.

Perimeter footing drains consist of:

  • Perforated drainpipe

  • Solid drainpipe

  • Corrugated drainpipe

  • Cast iron drainpipe

Correct answer: Perforated drainpipe

Perimeter drains relieve excessive hydrostatic pressure that occurs from rising groundwater, and they also carry away excess surface water. Because of their purpose, these pipes need to be perforated in order to accept groundwater. 

Corrugated drainpipe can be either solid or perforated. Cast iron pipe is most often found in plumbing or sewer components and is a solid drainpipe.

59.

While inspecting a low-pressure steam boiler system, you note that the pressure dial is reading 15 psi. How should this be reported?

  • The boiler should be shut down and reported to the owner for evaluation by a qualified technician

  • The boiler is operating at normal levels and it is not necessary to report

  • The boiler should be serviced at the convenience of the owner

  • Evacuate all homes in the area and call the fire department

Correct answer: The boiler should be shut down and reported to the owner for evaluation by a qualified technician

Steam systems should operate in the 8–12 psi range when operating normally. If the pressure relief valve is not leaking at 15 psi, it could be an indication of a faulty pressure relief valve; and unsafe levels of pressure could lead to an explosion. 

There is no need to overstate the situation; shutting down the system will prevent the buildup of pressure.

60.

Buried drain tile (downspout leader) should be:

  • Non-perforated drain pipe

  • Corrugated drainpipe

  • Perforated drain pipe surrounded by filter fabric and gravel

  • Perforated drain pipe

Correct answer: Non-perforated drain pipe

While a corrugated drainpipe can be used, a corrugated pipe can be perforated or solid. The best answer of those listed is non-perforated drain pipe. Non-perforated pipe should be used to direct water away from the building, preventing erosion. 

Perforated drain pipe surrounded by filter fabric and gravel is used with a "French drain" to alleviate hydrostatic pressure at a footing, or it is used behind a retaining wall.

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