Water Heater & Boiler Code Review – Chapter 5

Vocabulary flashcards covering key code requirements and component functions for water heaters and boilers discussed in the lecture notes.

Which specific component failure in a gas water heater is the most common reason for the pilot light not staying lit, causing the heater to cease operation?\n\n a) Blocked dip tube\n\n b) Malfunctioning lower heating element\n\n c) Thermocouple failure\n\n d) Faulty temperature-limiting device

c) Thermocouple failure (The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the pilot flame; if it fails, it shuts off gas flow to prevent leaks and ensure safe operation.)

If hot water from an electric storage water heater turns lukewarm very quickly after initial use, which component is most likely burned out and requires replacement?\n\n a) Upper heating element\n\n b) Lower heating element\n\n c) Anode rod\n\n d) Pressure relief valve

b) Lower heating element (The lower heating element is responsible for heating the bulk of the water. When it fails, the top portion heats up, but quickly depletes, leaving only lukewarm water.)

What is the most likely cause when the pilot light on a gas water heater does not stay lit?\n\n a) Lower heating element (electric water heater)\n\n b) Dip tube\n\n c) Thermocouple failure (gas water heater)\n\n d) Temperature-limiting device (space-heating / potable combo)

c) Thermocouple failure (gas water heater)

Which component in a top-feed storage water heater is responsible for directing incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank, ensuring efficient heating?\n\n a) Anode rod\n\n b) Drain valve\n\n c) Dip tube\n\n d) Temperature-pressure relief valve

c) Dip tube (The dip tube ensures that cold water enters the bottom of the tank, pushing hot water from the top for supply and preventing mixing that would reduce efficiency.)

When a water heater is used for both space heating and potable hot water, what specific device is legally required to limit the potable hot-water temperature to a maximum of 140 \text{ °F}?\n\n a) Backflow preventer\n\n b) Expansion tank\n\n c) Temperature-limiting device\n\n d) Pressure reducing valve

c) Temperature-limiting device (This device is crucial for safety, preventing scalding in the potable water supply when the heater is also used for higher-temperature space heating applications.)

According to IPC 501.4 regarding water heater accessibility, how must a water heater be installed?\n\n a) It must be installed in a dedicated utility closet only.\n\n b) It must be installed with at least 18 in. of clearance on all sides.\n\n c) It must be installed so it is accessible for inspection, servicing, and replacement.\n\n d) It must be installed within 6 ft of the main water supply line.

c) It must be installed so it is accessible for inspection, servicing, and replacement. (Accessibility is vital for maintenance, troubleshooting, and eventual replacement, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.)

What is the maximum permissible domestic hot-water temperature that can be supplied by a tankless water heater, as specified by IPC 501.6?\n\n a) 120 \text{ °F}\n\n b) 130 \text{ °F}\n\n c) 140 \text{ °F}\n\n d) 160 \text{ °F}

c) 140 \text{ °F} (This temperature limit is typically set to prevent scalding risks in domestic hot water applications, ensuring user safety.)

Under the GA Amendment, which authority must be contacted before installing a boiler with a BTU input of 199,000 in a commercial establishment like a beauty shop?\n\n a) Local Building Inspector\n\n b) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal\n\n c) Environmental Protection Division\n\n d) Department of Public Health

b) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal (This specific BTU threshold triggers the requirement for notification to ensure proper oversight and safety compliance for boiler installations in commercial settings.)

According to IPC 501.9 GA Amendment, which specific office or authority holds jurisdiction over boiler installations within the state of Georgia, particularly concerning large commercial units?\n\n a) Georgia Department of Labor\n\n b) Environmental Protection Agency\n\n c) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal\n\n d) Georgia Public Service Commission

c) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal (This office is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of boiler installations to protect public welfare in Georgia.)

As per IPC 502.2, which type of water heater, if any, is permitted to be located in a room or enclosed space used as a plenum (an air distribution chamber)?\n\n a) Only gas-fired storage water heaters\n\n b) Only tankless water heaters\n\n c) Only electric storage water heaters\n\n d) No water heaters are permitted in plenums

c) Only an electric storage water heater (e.g., 40\text{-gal} electric) may be located in a room used as a plenum. (Electric heaters are generally permitted due to the absence of combustion byproducts which would contaminate the air circulated through the plenum.)

According to IPC 502.3, what are the minimum required dimensions for an access passage to a water heater installed in an attic space?\n\n a) At least 18 in. wide and 24 in. high\n\n b) At least 20 in. wide and 28 in. high\n\n c) At least 22 in. wide and 30 in. high\n\n d) At least 24 in. wide and 36 in. high

c) At least 22 in. wide and 30 in. high all the way to the unit. (These dimensions ensure that technicians can safely access, inspect, service, and replace the water heater in an attic, complying with safety and practical requirements.)

Which specific component failure in a gas water heater is the most common reason for the pilot light not staying lit, causing the heater to cease operation?

a) Blocked dip tube

b) Malfunctioning lower heating element

c) Thermocouple failure

d) Faulty temperature-limiting device

c) Thermocouple failure (The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the pilot flame; if it fails, it shuts off gas flow to prevent leaks and ensure safe operation.)

If hot water from an electric storage water heater turns lukewarm very quickly after initial use, which component is most likely burned out and requires replacement?

a) Upper heating element

b) Lower heating element

c) Anode rod

d) Pressure relief valve

b) Lower heating element (The lower heating element is responsible for heating the bulk of the water. When it fails, the top portion heats up, but quickly depletes, leaving only lukewarm water.)

What is the most likely cause when the pilot light on a gas water heater does not stay lit?

a) Lower heating element (electric water heater)

b) Dip tube

c) Thermocouple failure (gas water heater)

d) Temperature-limiting device (space-heating / potable combo)

c) Thermocouple failure (gas water heater)

Which component in a top-feed storage water heater is responsible for directing incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank, ensuring efficient heating?

a) Anode rod

b) Drain valve

c) Dip tube

d) Temperature-pressure relief valve

c) Dip tube (The dip tube ensures that cold water enters the bottom of the tank, pushing hot water from the top for supply and preventing mixing that would reduce efficiency.)

When a water heater is used for both space heating and potable hot water, what specific device is legally required to limit the potable hot-water temperature to a maximum of 140 \text{ °F}?

a) Backflow preventer

b) Expansion tank

c) Temperature-limiting device

d) Pressure reducing valve

c) Temperature-limiting device (This device is crucial for safety, preventing scalding in the potable water supply when the heater is also used for higher-temperature space heating applications.)

According to IPC 501.4 regarding water heater accessibility, how must a water heater be installed?

a) It must be installed in a dedicated utility closet only.

b) It must be installed with at least 18 in. of clearance on all sides.

c) It must be installed so it is accessible for inspection, servicing, and replacement.

d) It must be installed within 6 ft of the main water supply line.

c) It must be installed so it is accessible for inspection, servicing, and replacement. (Accessibility is vital for maintenance, troubleshooting, and eventual replacement, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.)

What is the maximum permissible domestic hot-water temperature that can be supplied by a tankless water heater, as specified by IPC 501.6?

a) 120 \text{ °F}

b) 130 \text{ °F}

c) 140 \text{ °F}

d) 160 \text{ °F}

c) 140 \text{ °F} (This temperature limit is typically set to prevent scalding risks in domestic hot water applications, ensuring user safety.)

Under the GA Amendment, which authority must be contacted before installing a boiler with a BTU input of 199,000 in a commercial establishment like a beauty shop?

a) Local Building Inspector

b) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal

c) Environmental Protection Division

d) Department of Public Health

b) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal (This specific BTU threshold triggers the requirement for notification to ensure proper oversight and safety compliance for boiler installations in commercial settings.)

According to IPC 501.9 GA Amendment, which specific office or authority holds jurisdiction over boiler installations within the state of Georgia, particularly concerning large commercial units?

a) Georgia Department of Labor

b) Environmental Protection Agency

c) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal

d) Georgia Public Service Commission

c) Office of the Insurance Commissioner / State Fire Marshal (This office is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of boiler installations to protect public welfare in Georgia.)

As per IPC 502.2, which type of water heater, if any, is permitted to be located in a room or enclosed space used as a plenum (an air distribution chamber)?

a) Only gas-fired storage water heaters

b) Only tankless water heaters

c) Only electric storage water heaters

d) No water heaters are permitted in plenums

c) Only an electric storage water heater (e.g., 40\text{-gal} electric) may be located in a room used as a plenum. (Electric heaters are generally permitted due to the absence of combustion byproducts which would contaminate the air circulated through the plenum.)