Preventive Maintenance Flashcards

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering electrical, plumbing, and HVAC preventive maintenance procedures and specifications based on the lecture notes.

How often should electrical systems undergo a thorough inspection by a licensed electrician?

Every $3$ to $5$ years.

What are three technologies used for predictive maintenance to avoid asset failure in electrical systems?

Infrared thermography, vibration analysis, and laser alignment tools.

What software is recommended for scheduling and recording electrical preventive maintenance and work orders?

CMMS software.

What can occur when wires are overloaded with current, exposed, or have load imbalances?

Electrical short circuits that can cause fires, excessive heat buildup, arcing, or explosions.

Why is it necessary to check emergency lighting, signage, and power indicator displays?

To avoid a false belief that systems are functioning correctly when the safety monitoring equipment itself is faulty.

What is the most important reason for performing electrical preventive maintenance?

Safety and Liability, specifically avoiding serious injuries or death.

Which technology is specifically great for identifying changes in heat or moisture in electrical devices?

Infrared Thermography.

What does a vibration in an electrical motor typically indicate?

A loss of energy occurring.

What can ultrasound analysis detect in electrical maintenance?

Tightness.

For what environmental factors are Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) designed to remain immune or resistant?

Electrical noise, vibration, and impact.

According to the proactive plumbing checklist, what is the acceptable range for a building’s water pressure?

$40\,psi$ to $80\,psi$.

What do green stains around brass and copper pipe fittings indicate?

Signs of corrosion.

What color stains serve as a sign of corrosion on old steel pipes?

Yellow or orange stains.

Why should all safety and shutoff valves in a plumbing system be tested regularly?

To ensure you can turn off water to specific sections of the building during a blowout rather than the entire system.

What color should the flame be in a home water heater's burner chamber?

Blue with no signs of yellow.

What is a sign of yellow in a water heater's flame?

It may mean that the jets need to be cleaned out.

How often is backflow testing required for commercial and large multi-unit residential buildings?

Annually.

What two methods are suggested to resolve slow or clogged drains?

Power-rodding or hydrojetting.

What do loose or hollow tiles in a shower or near pipes often indicate?

A current or past leak that has caused rotting underneath or behind the tile.

What materials are recommended for the best washing machine hoses?

Braided stainless or other high pressure material.

What is the recommended frequency for HVAC preventive maintenance to ensure efficiency?

Bi-annually (annual maintenance or service agreement).

What is the recommended thermal resistance (R-value) for ceilings in a properly insulated home?

$R-30$ ($10"$).

What is the recommended thermal resistance (R-value) for exterior walls and floors over unheated areas?

$R-11$ ($3-1/2"$).

What percentage of air conditioning energy requirements can humid outside air infiltration account for?

$15\%$ to $30\%$.

By what percentage can double-glazing and low-e glass cut heat transfer through windows?

$40\%$ to $50\%$.

What tool can be invested in during the winter to stay comfortable at a lower temperature setting?

A humidifier.

How often should an HVAC filter be replaced to prolong the system's life?

At least every $90$ days.

How much clearance should be maintained around outdoor air conditioning units and heat pumps?

At least $2$ feet.

What should be done weekly during spring, summer, and fall for outdoor units?

Remove debris such as leaves, pollen, and twigs.

What should be poured down the air-conditioner condensate drain annually to prevent mold and algae clogs?

A cup of bleach mixed with water.

What should the humidistat be set to in the fall when turning on the heat?

Between $35\%$ and $40\%$ relative humidity.

What is the maximum percentage of home registers that can be closed without straining the HVAC system?

$20\%$.

How often should the battery in a home's carbon monoxide detector be replaced?

Annually.

Why should lamps or TV sets not be placed beneath a wall-mounted thermostat?

Rising heat from the equipment may cause the air conditioning system to overcool the house.

What adjustment should be made to the thermostat when expecting a large group of guests?

Lower the thermostat a degree or two.