Inspector Prep National Exam 1

Question 1

1. Copper-tube boilers typically have:
   (a) Better heat transfer characteristics, and longer lifespans than cast-iron boilers
   (b) Better heat transfer characteristics, but shorter lifespans than cast-iron boilers
   (c) Worse heat transfer characteristics, but longer lifespans than cast-iron boilers
   (d) Worse heat transfer characteristics, and shorter lifespans than cast-iron boilers

Answer 1

(b) Better heat transfer characteristics, but shorter lifespans than cast-iron boilers

Question 2

2. Which of the following is a similarity between furnaces and boilers?
   (a) Piping
   (b) A low-level safety device
   (c) High-temperature limit switches
   (d) Backflow preventers

Answer 2

(c) High-temperature limit switches

Question 3

3. List the four safety controls found on hydronic systems:
   (a) Pressure relief valve, high temperature limit, low-water cutout, backflow preventer
   (b) Low temperature limit, high water cut out, backflow preventer, pressure relief valve
   (c) Pressure relief valve, high temperature limit, water cutoff, back flow preventer
   (d) Pressure relief, high temperature limit, low water cutout, back flow preventer

Answer 3

(a) Pressure relief valve, high temperature limit, low-water cutout, backflow preventer

Question 4

4. What is the normal operating pressure in a boiler?
   (a) 2 to 5 psi
   (b) 5 to 9 psi
   (c) 12 to 15 psi
   (d) 9 to 12 psi
   (e) 15 to 18 psi

Answer 4

(c) 12 to 15 psi

Question 5

5. In a two-story Victorian home with a boiler in the basement you find a pressure-reducing valve set to 12 psi. Is there a possibility that his valve is set too low? (a) Yes (b) No

Answer 5

(b) NO

Question 6

6. Where is the expansion tank typically, in an open system? (a) Below the highest level radiator (b) Above the highest level radiator (c) Horizontal of the highest level radiator (d) Inside of the highest level radiator

Answer 6

(b) Above the highest level radiator

Question 7

7. When a black steel pipe is extended with copper pipe, what can occur?
   (a) The steel pipe may rust at the connection due to galvanic reaction
   (b) The circulator may not be able to overcome the pressure change at the junction
   (c) The copper pipe will wear through with the friction force of the water
   (d) The copper pipe will rust because of the galvanic reaction

Answer 7

(a) The steel pipe may rust at the connection due to galvanic reaction

Question 8

8. What is the purpose of the bleed valve near the top of the radiator? (a) It does not have a purpose (b) This allows the homeowner to fill the radiator with water (c) This allows the homeowner to remove trapped air from the radiator, letting the radiator fill with water and heat the room effectively (d) This allows the homeowner to seal trapped air from the radiator, letting the radiator fill with water and heat the room effectively

Answer 8

(c) This allows the homeowner to remove trapped air from the radiator, letting the radiator fill with water and heat the room effectively

Question 9

9. Which of the following BEST describes the report statement shown below? “The roof is in good condition for its age.” (a) Conclusion (b) Recommendation (c) Description (d) Disclaimer

Answer 9

(a) Conclusion

Question 10

10. Which of the following conditions would be LEAST critical to your client’s safety?
    (a) A pin hole in the heat exchanger
    (b) No handrails on an interior stairway
    (c) Lack of a pressure and temperature relief valve on the water heater
    (d) A non-reversing garage door opener

Answer 10

(a) A pin hole in the heat exchanger

Question 11

11. It is important to maintain a positive grade away from the structure of at LEAST ______ inch drop per foot for 6’.
    (a) 1/4’’
    (b) 1/2’’
    (c) 3/4’’
    (d) 1’’

Answer 11

(d) 1’’

Question 12

12. Standard three light electrical testers are NOT always reliable because:
    (a) Some receptacles only have two prongs
    (b) Three light testers sometimes have broken bulbs
    (c) Three light testers will not detect multiple wiring problems
    (d) Different test device manufactures have different light patterns

Answer 12

(d) Different test device manufactures have different light patterns

Question 13

13. Inspections must include: (a) Design analysis (b) A written report (c) Architectural evaluation (d) Calculations of strength and adequacy of structural members

Answer 13

(b) A written report

Question 14

14. All of the following are reasons to write reports, EXCEPT:
    (a) The Standards require it
    (b) It avoids having to make good verbal presentations
    (c) They help your client review what you have said
    (d) Liability control

Answer 14

(b) It avoids having to make good verbal presentations

Question 15

15. Most problems with exterior cladding involve: (a) Air leakage (b) Heat loss (c) Vapor diffusion (d) Water penetration

Answer 15

(d) Water penetration

Question 16

16. The best discharge point for a downspout is: (a) Below grade into a storm sewer (b) Below grade into a floor drain (c) Above grade six feet from the house (d) Six inches above grade, adjacent to the house

Answer 16

(c) Above grade six feet from the house

Question 17

17. Common failure modes for asphalt shingles include all of these except: (a) Spalling (b) Cracking (c) Blisters (d) Loss of granules

Answer 17

(a) Spalling

Question 18

18. Ice dam evidence includes everything listed here except: (a) Icicles hanging from soffits (b) Electric heating cables (c) Siding discoloration starting at the soffit (d) Water running down along rafters from peak

Answer 18

(d) Water running down along rafters from peak

Question 19

19. All of the following statements are true of shrinkage cracks except: (a) Shrinkage cracks typically do not go into the footings (b) Shrinkage cracks do not necessarily have corresponding cracks elsewhere in the building (c) Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks (d) Shrinkage cracks are common with poured concrete foundation walls

Answer 19

(c) Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks

Question 20

20. Moisture penetration through the foundation wall can cause the foundation to flake off on the interior. This condition is called: (a) Popcorn cement (b) Honeycombing (c) Cold joints (d) Spalling

Answer 20

(d) Spalling

Question 21

21. You can check the thickness of the flooring, the subfloor material and its thickness: (a) By referring to building plans (b) Lifting out a supply air register (c) Asking the owner (d) Measuring the overall floor thickness and subtracting the joists

Answer 21

(b) Lifting out a supply air register

Question 22

22. All of the following are common cabinet problems, except: (a) Defective hardware (b) Stiff or inoperative drawers (c) Doors or drawers missing or loose (d) Concealed hinges

Answer 22

(d) Concealed hinges

Question 23

23. The implications of wet basement problems include all of the following, except: (a) Damaged interior finishes (b) Odors (c) Frost heaving of floors (d) Health hazards in the form of molds

Answer 23

(c) Frost heaving of floors

Question 24

24. These are all problems with fuses except: (a) Fuses bypassed (b) Fuse manufacturer and panel manufacturer different (c) Fuses loose (d) Fuse holder broken

Answer 24

(b) Fuse manufacturer and panel manufacturer different

Question 25

25. Which of the following is not a common problem with an air conditioner compressor? (a) Out of level (b) Excess noise or vibration (c) Inoperative (d) Overcooling the Freon in the condenser

Answer 25

(d) Overcooling the Freon in the condenser

Question 26

26. The implications of a dirty evaporator coil in a split-system air conditioner could be any of the following except for one. Which one does not apply? (a) Airflow is restricted (b) Heat transfer is inhibited (c) Cooling is inadequate (d) The condenser coil may ice up and be damaged

Answer 26

(d) The condenser coil may ice up and be damaged

Question 27

27. Which of the following is not a problem with water heaters? (a) The baffle or turbulator is missing on a gas or oil fired water heater (b) There is no isolating valve on the cold water inlet (c) The tank is leaking (d) There is no isolating valve on the hot water outlet

Answer 27

(d) There is no isolating valve on the hot water outlet

Question 28

28. Common drainage problems include all of the following except: (a) Clogged (b) Poor support (c) Cross connections (d) Slopes of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per foot

Answer 28

(d) Slopes of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per foot

Question 29

29. Common problems with sinks and basins include all of the following except: (a) Leaks (b) Excess pressure (c) Rust (d) Loose

Answer 29

(b) Excess pressure

Question 30

30. Common beam problems on porches include all of the following except: (a) Checking (b) Sag (c) Poor end support (d) Rot or insect damage

Answer 30

(a) Checking

Question 31

31. Which of the following is not a common problem with exterior trim? (a) Rot (b) Reverse sill slope (c) Excessive sill projection (d) Deteriorated caulking

Answer 31

(c) Excessive sill projection

Question 32

32. All of the following are common glass problems, except: (a) Thermally broken (b) Lost seal (c) Excess condensation (d) Cracked glass

Answer 32

(a) Thermally broken

Question 33

33. In most areas, for what distance can service entrance wires run inside the building before going into the service box, without special permission? (a) 5 feet (b) 10 feet, if in conduit (c) 0 feet, or as short as possible (d) Maximum of 3 feet

Answer 33

(c) 0 feet, or as short as possible

Question 34

34. A 14-gauge copper wire is protected by a 20-amp fuse. You should report that: (a) This is a defect, and recommend improvement (b) This is always allowable (c) This indicates poor wiring (d) This may be acceptable, depending on what the circuit load is

Answer 34

(a) This is a defect, and recommend improvement

Question 35

35. A Steam Heating System is a type of: (a) forced warm air system (b) hydraulic system (c) resistance heating system (d) radiant heating system

Answer 35

(b) hydraulic system

Question 36

36. Home inspectors should not turn on plumbing systems that have been turned off for all of the following reasons except which one? (a) There may be a leak in the piping (b) It is the client's responsibility (c) There may be a leak at the fixture (d) There may be a leak at the water heater

Answer 36

(b) It is the client's responsibility

Question 37

37. Walls may perform all of these functions except: (a) Support roofs (b) Support masonry chimneys (c) Support other walls (d) Resist wind loads

Answer 37

(b) Support masonry chimneys

Question 38

38. Low roof slope is a possible problem with all these materials except: (a) Asphalt shingles (b) Wood shingles (c) Wood shakes (d) Roll roofing

Answer 38

(d) Roll roofing

Question 39

39. More serious cracks tend to be: (a) Horizontal (b) Diagonal (c) Vertical (d) Random

Answer 39

(a) Horizontal

Question 40

40. All of the following are common sump pump problems except: (a) Inoperative (b) Short cycling (c) Running continuously (d) The discharge point is above grade level

Answer 40

(d) The discharge point is above grade level

Question 41

41. Common faucet problems include all of the following except: (a) Leaks (b) Stiff (c) Loose (d) No isolating valves

Answer 41

(d) No isolating valves

Question 42

42. Common toilet problems include all of the following except: (a) Leaks (b) Low water pressure (c) Loose (d) Flush mechanism inoperative

Answer 42

(b) Low water pressure

Question 43

43. Which of the following statements is true with respect to heat pumps? (a) The compressor must be outdoors (b) The compressor must be indoors (c) There may be two expansion devices (d) The expansion device must be indoors

Answer 43

(c) There may be two expansion devices

Question 44

44. All of the following statements are true about whirlpool baths except: (a) They are filled and drained with each use (b) They have a dedicated hot water heating system (c) They are used for cleaning people (d) There is no chemical treatment system

Answer 44

(b) They have a dedicated hot water heating system

Question 45

45. Why is a tank-less-coil water heater called an indirect water heater? (a) The water in the tank-less is heated by heat, rather than a boiler (b) The water in the tank-less is heated by steam, rather than a flame (c) The water in the tank-less coil is heated by boiler water, rather than a flame (d) The water in the tank-less coil is heated by diluted water, rather than a flame

Answer 45

(c) The water in the tank-less coil is heated by boiler water, rather than a flame

Question 46

46. Boilers with tank-less coil domestic water heaters are inefficient because: (a) The coil is susceptible to scaling (b) The boiler water is too cold to provide adequate hot domestic water (c) The boiler needs to stay hot all summer (d) Contamination can occur in between the boiler water and the domestic water

Answer 46

(c) The boiler needs to stay hot all summer

Question 47

47. Geological faults occur in many areas in Texas. As an inspector you: (a) Should say nothing since geological faults are too deep to be observed (b) Can refer to a Richter Scale survey map for each city to find the fault locations (c) Are expected to visually observe faults (d) Pray you don’t get this question

Answer 47

(a) Should say nothing since geological faults are too deep to be observed

Question 48

48. What type of heating system uses a circulating pump? (a) Forced air furnace (b) Forced air burner (c) Gravity coal furnace (d) Hot water heating system/Hydronic System

Answer 48

(d) Hot water heating system/Hydronic System

Question 49

49. Home inspectors- (a) Must disclose an interest in a business which may affect the client (b) Having disclosed any interest in a business which may affect the client, must decline to perform the inspection (c) May use the home inspection to gather referral work in other fields (d) May waive the home inspection fee if a repair contract on the home is subsequently signed between the client and home inspector

Answer 49

(a) Must disclose an interest in a business which may affect the client

Question 50

50. The inspection should (a) Be done without the client present, if possible (b) Start with the bad news about the house to get it out of the way (c) Focus on the actions that people must take (d) Include a detailed description of deteriorated or inoperative systems and how they got

Answer 50

(c) Focus on the actions that people must take

Question 51

51. Which of the following statements applies to notching or putting holes in truss members? (a) Holes should be no more than 1/3 of the depth of the member. (b) Neither holes nor notches are permitted anywhere on a truss. (c) Holes are permitted only in the middle third of the bottom chord of a truss. (d) Holes and notches are not permitted in the top or bottom chord but are permitted in the webs.

Answer 51

(b) Neither holes nor notches are permitted anywhere on a truss.

Question 52

52. The problems with aluminum wiring include all of the following except: (a) It tends to creep (b) Some of the early aluminum wiring was low quality (c) It lacked a ground wire (d) The aluminum oxide is not a good conductor of electricity

Answer 52

(c) It lacked a ground wire

Question 53

53. All of the following are common problems found on gas piping except: (a) Leaks (b) Excess pressure (c) Rusting (d) No drip leg

Answer 53

(b) Excess pressure

Question 54

54. All of the following are problems you'll commonly find on house air fans except: (a) Dirty (b) Poorly secured (c) Noisy or vibrating (d) Installed backwards

Answer 54

(d) Installed backwards

Question 55

55. The exhaust connection at the temperature relief valve: (a) can be connected to PVC pipe (b) does not require an exhaust pipe (c) should be reduced to a smaller pipe (d) cannot be reduced to a smaller pipe

Answer 55

(d) cannot be reduced to a smaller pipe

Question 56

56. Which of the following is a simple test on an operating conventional gas-fired, forced-air furnace that should always be performed? (a) Test the exhaust for carbon monoxide (b) Test the temperature drop from the beginning to the end of the vent connector (c) Test for spillage at the draft hood (d) Test for excessive vibration of the house air fan by touching the fan

Answer 56

(c) Test for spillage at the draft hood

Question 57

57. What would you tell a client about a retaining wall that is leaning over but not broken, cracked, or damaged? (a) It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. (b) It is easy to tell as an inspector, from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist. (c) It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Straight walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist. (d) It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist.

Answer 57

(d) It is impossible to tell from a single visit if the wall is in danger of collapse. Leaning walls with no cracks or buckling should be further investigated by a specialist.

Question 58

58. The grounded plugs (three prong plugs) became standard for all branch circuits in the (a) 1930 (b) 1940 (c) 1950 (d) 1960

Answer 58

(d) 1960

Question 59

59. Gas water heaters will not have (a) a water supply shutoff valve (b) a discharge pipe extended from the pressure relief valve (c) an 18 inch raised platform if installed in the garage (d) a barometric damper

Answer 59

(d) a barometric damper

Question 60

60. All of the following are common **HRV** (*Heat Recovery Ventilation*) problems except: (a) Missing filters (b) Dirty heat exchanger core (c) Lack of a trap in the condensate drain (d) Flow measuring stations located on warm side ducts

Answer 60

(d) Flow measuring stations located on warm side ducts

Question 61

61. The device shown in the photograph is a: a) Backflow preventer b) Pressure reducer valve c) Gas pressure regulator d) Backwater value

Answer 61

a) Backflow preventer

Question 62

62. Window well sould be a minimum _____ sq. ft. a) 6' b) 9' c) 12' d) 16'

Answer 62

d) 16 sq ft

Question 63

63. A garage less than 3' from the house should have? a) 1/2'' gypsum on walls b) 5/8'' gypsum on walls c) 3/4'' gypsum on walls d) 5/8'' Type "X" gypsum on walls

Answer 63

d) 5/8'' Type "X" gypsum on walls

Question 64

64. What is Type "X" gypsum board & where is it used.

Answer 64

Type X fire resistant drywall is an interior gypsum board consisting of a solid set, fire resistive, Type X gypsum core enclosed in ivory-colored face paper and a strong liner back paper. Type X board features a specially formulated core providing fire resistance ratings when used in tested assemblies. Long edges are slightly tapered, allowing joints to be reinforced and concealed with joint tape and joint compound. Type X wallboard is used as a covering material for interior walls and ceilings in residential and commercial applications that often require specific fire rated assemblies. It is designed for direct attachment by screws, nails or adhesive to wood or metal framing and even existing surfaces.

Question 65

65. Bentonite clay injections: a) Are a positive cure for wet basements b) Are used only on concrete block foundations c) Rely on perimeter drainage d. Are often ineffective

Answer 65

a) Are a positive cure for wet basements

Question 66

66. There is a dryer exhaust vent that terminates near a gas fired water heater vent termination. The home inspector should recommend that: a) The dryer exhaust termination should be at least 5' from gas vent termination. b) The dryer exhaust backdraft damper should be relocated. c) The gas vent is improperly terminated and shoudl be relocated. d) The client monitors the gas vent for indications of deterioration caused be the moist air from the dryer exhaust.

Answer 66

b) The dryer exhaust backdraft damper should be relocated.

Question 67

67. All of the following statements about basement walkouts in freezing climates are **TRUE** except one. Identify the ***FALSE*** statement. a) Basement walkouts allow greater frost depth around the house. b) Lowering house foundations & footings can protect against frost damage around basement walkouts. c) Railings should not be provided around the top of basement walkouts for fear of obstructing escape. d) Many basement walkouts provide an easy path for water to get into basements.

Answer 67

c) Railings should not be provided around the top of basement walkouts for fear of obstructing escape.

Question 68

68. Problems with drains for basement walkouts include all of the following ***EXCEPT***: a) Missing drains b) Undersized drains c) The drain has an outdoor trap in cold climates d) The drain is connected to a house floor drain system

Answer 68

d) The drain is connected to a house floor drain system

Question 69

69. Plastic grid-type foundation drainage material relies on what other building components for successful performance? a) Gutters & downspouts b) Foundation insulation c) Perimeter drainage tile d) Damp proofing with bituminous coatings

Answer 69

c) Perimeter drainage tile

Question 70

70. The most expensive solution to wet basement problems is typically: a) Improving grading b) Repairing gutters & downspouts c) Excavating, damproofing & adding new drainage tile d) Adding base window wells

Answer 70

c) Excavating, damproofing & adding new drainage tile

Question 71

71. Porous materials around the perimeter of a house, such as gravel, may represent a grading problem because, a) Gravel is too easily disturbed. b) Homeowners will not accept the appearance of gravel. c) The gravel may expand 10' down into the ground & wick moisture up through the voids. d) The true slope of impervious materials below cannot be determined.

Answer 71

d) The true slope of impervious materials below cannot be determined.

Question 72

72. A common slope for a gutter is: a) 1 in 25'' b) 1 in 100'' c) 1 in 200'' d) 1 in 300''

Answer 72

a) 1 in 25''

Question 73

73. A terrace is: a) A raised patio b) A wood deck more than 2' above grade c) A balcony that is too small to walk out on d) A stepped-foundation wall

Answer 73

a) A raised patio

Question 74

62. High efficiency gas furnaces installed in old ductwork tend to have (a) higher maintenance (b) excess temperature rise (c) shorter life spans (d) all of the above

Answer 74

(c) shorter life spans

Question 75

73. When an evaporator coil is installed in an attic: (a) Both a primary and a secondary drain line are required (b) A secondary drain line must terminate at a location visible to the homeowner (c) A drain pan is required if the evaporator coil only has provisions for a primary drain connection (d) All of the above

Answer 75

(d) All of the above

Question 76

81. Where a roof abuts next to a vertical brick wall, what is required at the brick to prevent water penetration? (a) Flashing (b) Counter-flashing (c) Lots of caulking (d) Crickets

Answer 76

(b) Counter-flashing

Question 77

84. Typical backflow device life on a sprinkler system: (a) 2 years (b) 5 years (c) 8 years (d) 12 years

Answer 77

(d) 12 years

Question 78

87. How should non-metallic cable sheathing be repaired? (a) Wrap with electrical tape (b) Replace mastic tape (c) Replace cable (d) Leave it alone

Answer 78

(a) Wrap with electrical tape

Question 79

97. The client mentions that hidden damage/repair was made after construction: (a) Ignore the fact (b) Write up repair disclosed by Seller (c) Write up for engineering review (d) Write nothing as there is no sign of damage

Answer 79

(d) Write nothing as there is no sign of damage

Question 80

103. How could you check the manual safety reverse of a garage door? (a) Roll of paper (b) 2-inch block of wood (c) 4x4 (d) Kick out your leg

Answer 80

(b) 2-inch block of wood

Question 81

106. Home Inspector Report must include: (a) Deck and balconies' condition (b) Condition of carbon monoxide detector (c) Anything the client wants (d) Whatever the agents have agreed to

Answer 81

(a) Deck and balconies' condition

Question 82

114. The pipe that runs from the trap to the vent is the? (a) tail piece (b) Trap arm (c) Fixture outlet pipe (d) Distance from the trap dip to the double trap

Answer 82

(b) Trap arm

Question 83

129. Using Figure 1, how would you define the slope? (a) AC divided by DC (b) AD divided by DC (c) CC divided by AD (d) CC divided by AC

Answer 83

(b) AD divided by DC

Question 84

130. A newer home with electric is being inspected. It has a below grade finished basement containing a bedroom. The inspector should look for a smoke alarm and (a) An escape and rescue opening (b) A carbon monoxide alarm (c) A fire extinguisher (d) A safety ladder

Answer 84

(a) An escape and rescue opening

Question 85

132. If water filtration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify dampness? (a) An infrared thermometer (b) A pin-type moisture meter (c) A non- contact moisture meter (d) A digital camera

Answer 85

(c) A non- contact moisture meter

Question 86

135. A ground fault circuit interrupter **(GFCI)** is a safety device that (a) Disconnects power when the grounding to the outlet is faulty (b) Detects moisture and disconnects power in wet locations (c) Disconnects power when sensing current leakage to ground (d) Protects against electrical surges and voltage spikes

Answer 86

(c) Disconnects power when sensing current leakage to ground

Question 87

139. Most problems with concrete are caused at the time of installation. What single factor causes the most problems? (a) The concrete has insufficient thickness (b) Too much water is added to the mix (c) Too much Portland cement is in the mix (d) The wrong kind of sand is in the mix

Answer 87

(b) Too much water is added to the mix

Question 88

142. Which has the **LEAST** effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system? (a) Joist width (b) Joist grade (c) Joist species (d) Joist spacing

Answer 88

(a) Joist width

Question 89

143. An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed: (a) On the same phase as a receptacle (b) Upstream from the receptacle (c) Downstream from the receptacle (d) Anywhere in the receptacle branch circuit

Answer 89

(b) Upstream from the receptacle

Question 90

147. If a system designed for use with **natural gas** is supplied with **propane gas**: (a) No changes are needed for the equipment to function properly (b) The flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice will be installed (c) The flame will be too low unless a larger orifice is installed (d) The gas regulator and valve must be replaced

Answer 90

(b) The flame will be too high unless a **smaller orifice** will be installed

Question 91

148. Low pressure boiler pipes do **NOT** carry steam pressure above (a) 15 psi (b) 12 psi (c) 9 psi (d) 6 psi

Answer 91

(a) 15 psi

Question 92

150. Roof trusses (a) May be cut or modified in the field (b) Make drywall nail pops less likely (c) Cannot be used for long ceiling spans (d) Are usually designed for 2-point bearing

Answer 92

(d) Are usually designed for **2-point** bearing

Question 93

152. A subpanel in an older house that is wired with non-metallic sheathed cable (NM) has one circuit with a ground wire. The ground wire (a) Should be connected to a separate grounded buss bar (b) Should be connected to a separate ground rod (c) May be bonded using the panel cover screws (d) May be connected to the neutral buss bar

Answer 93

(a) Should be connected to a separate grounded buss bar

Question 94

153. Inspecting a very old country house, a gurgling sound is heard from the tub drain when the toilet is flushed. Which is MOST likely explanation for the sound? (a) Water discharging from the toilet is pulling water from the tub trap (b) The tub drain is partially blocked (c) Water discharging from the toilet is pushing air through the tub trap (d) The branch drain is partially blocked downstream from the tub

Answer 94

(c) Water discharging from the toilet is pushing air through the tub trap

Question 95

154. You are inspecting an older home which has replacement windows and new vinyl siding. The new siding is backed up with rigid foam insulation that covers the service entrance cable from the weatherhead to the meter. You should report that this is (a) Acceptable because the siding is a non-conducting type (b) An improper installation that should be corrected (c) A benefit because additional protection is provided to the service entrance cables (d) Acceptable, provided the drip loop at the service entrance head are left exposed.

Answer 95

(b) An improper installation that should be corrected

Question 96

155. When looking at the exterior wall of a sixty year old brick masonry house with a gable roof, you notice a horizontal crack in the mortar and outward brick displacement along the gutter edge of the roof. The displacement is greatest at the center of the top three courses of brick. This condition is MOST likely caused by: (a) Excessive sand in the mortar mix (b) Defective brick bonding (c) Improper ceiling joist installation (d) Differential settlement

Answer 96

(c) Improper ceiling joist installation

Question 97

156. You inspect a wood framed cantilevered balcony off a second-story bedroom. You find significant wood deterioration (at least one-half member depth) of all cantilever joists at the bearing point of the house. (a) Notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both the occupant and client in the report. (b) Note the significant hazard and recommend immediate repair, by licensed professional, in your report. (c) Refer the wood deterioration to a structural pest control operator for professional opinion. (d) Recommend sistering existing framing members to increase strength, prior to further use.

Answer 97

(a) Notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both the occupant and client in the report.

Question 98

157. Asphalt shingles are **NOT** allowed to be installed on roofs with slopes less than (a) 1 in 12 (b) 2 in 12 (c) 3 in 12 (d) 4 in 12

Answer 98

(b) 2 in 12

Question 99

162. A ground fault occurs when (a) Too many devices are used on a circuit (b) A hot conductor touches another hot conductor (c) A hot conductor touches a grounded surface or grounding conductor (d) A grounded conductor comes in contact with a grounding conductor

Answer 99

(c) A **hot conductor** touches a **grounded surface** *or* **grounding conductor**

Question 100

164. Medium efficiency furnaces have a draft inducer fan and are connected directly to the vent system instead of having a draft hood. There are white and yellowish deposits below the draft inducer fan. A possible explanation for theses deposits is that (a) The seal between the draft inducer fan and the furnace is failing (b) Moisture is condensing in the vent and running back into the draft inducer fan (c) The draft inducer fan is not operating properly (d) The furnace has failed and it is unsafe to operate

Answer 100

(b) Moisture is condensing in the vent and running back into the draft inducer fan

Question 101

166. In new construction, the minimum overhead electrical service clearances are: (a) Walkway: 8 feet, roadway: 16 feet, deck: 10feet (b) Walkway: 9 feet, roadway: 15 feet, deck:12 feet (c) Walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet, deck: 10 feet (d) Walkway:12 feet, roadway: 20 feet, deck: 12 feet

Answer 101

(c) Walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet, deck: 10 feet

Question 102

167. During a summertime inspection, what could indicate chronic condensation problems in the attic? (a) The attic is very warm (b) There is no vapor retarder in the insulation (c) There are gray/ black stains on the north side roof sheathing (d) There are mildew stains in the bathroom ceilings

Answer 102

(c) There are **gray/ black stains** on the north side roof sheathing

Question 103

168. The house you are inspecting currently has a gas fired furnace or boiler. Each of the following clues may indicate that the house also has an abandoned buried fuel oil storage **EXCEPT**: (a) Small diameter copper tubes emerging from the inside of the foundation wall or the floor near the furnace or the boiler (b) An approximately 1 ¼ inch diameter vent pipe m outside coming from underground up against the foundation (c) The brick chimney serving the furnace or boiler has deteriorated mortar joints at the bottom (d) Your knowledge that the neighborhood had or still has some houses served by oil heat

Answer 103

(c) The brick chimney serving the furnace or boiler has deteriorated mortar joints at the bottom

Question 104

170. What is the **MINIMUM** electrical service drop clearance from a residential driveway? (a) 12 feet (b) 13 feet (c) 15 feet (d) 18 feet

Answer 104

(a) 12 feet

Question 105

173. Condensation between glass layers of thermal pane windows indicates the need to: (a) Repair or replace sealant (b) Repair or clean breather holes (c) Replace glazing, slash or window (d) Replace the interior pane

Answer 105

(c) Replace glazing, slash or window

Question 106

175. The **MINIMUM** clearance between a wood stove single wall vent connector and combustible materials should be (a) 3 inches (b) 9 inches (c) 18 inches (d) 36 inches

Answer 106

(c) 18 inches

Question 107

176. Capillary tubes are part of: (a) Evaporator coil (b) Heat exchanger (c) Condenser coil (d) Compressor discharge

Answer 107

(a) Evaporator coil

Question 108

190. What is the required element of a contract? (a) Consideration (b) Real estate agents name (c) Sellers name (d) Names of persons attending the inspection

Answer 108

(a) Consideration

Question 109

196. How are the holes in rigid foundation drain pipe aligned? (a) Toward the foundation (b) On the top half of the pipe (c) On the bottom half of the pipe (d) Away from the foundation

Answer 109

(c) On the bottom half of the pipe

Question 110

198. A newly built ventilated crawl space with a vapor retarder is **REQUIRED** to have one square foot of net ventilation opening per (a) 150 sq. ft. of crawl space (b) 600 sq. ft. of crawl space (c) 1,200 sq ft of crawl space (d) 1,500 sq ft of crawl space

Answer 110

(d) **1,500 sq ft** of crawl space

Question 111

200. Based on the photograph below, what would you as an inspector inform your client? (a) Missing cover (b) Exposed wiring (c) Pigtailing of aluminum to cooper observed (d) Improper electrical wire splicing observed