BC Ch. 7 Non-Fire Building Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of conductors in an electrical system?

To distribute electricity throughout the building (correct)

To prevent electrical shock

To detect overcurrent

To protect wiring from physical damage

What material is typically used for conductors in building electrical systems?

Plastic

Rubber

Iron or steel

Copper or aluminum (correct)

Which of the following measures the size of a conductor?

Insulation thickness

Circuit length

Voltage capacity

American Wiring Gauge (AWG) (correct)

What is the purpose of insulation on electrical wiring?

To prevent electrical shock and fire hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a single-use device that stops the flow of electricity when excessive current is detected?

Fuse Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?

Circuit breakers can be reset, fuses cannot Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an overcurrent protection device?

To prevent fires caused by excessive electrical current Signup and view all the answers

Which type of elevator is characterized by a system that uses cables and pulleys?

Traction elevator Signup and view all the answers

What does the governor in an elevator system primarily control?

The elevator's speed Signup and view all the answers

Which safety feature prevents elevator doors from opening when the car is not aligned with a floor?

Door restrictor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Phase I elevator operation during a fire emergency?

To recall elevators to a designated floor Signup and view all the answers

What major risk is increased by older escalators that incorporate wooden steps?

Fire spread Signup and view all the answers

Where is the main disconnect switch on an escalator most commonly found?

Near the escalator's motor Signup and view all the answers

Which incident raised awareness about escalator fire dangers?

The King’s Cross Fire Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of refrigerant is known for high flammability despite its low toxicity?

A3 Signup and view all the answers

Where should electrical components like transformers typically be located?

In a utility room or basement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of emergency generators in a building?

To provide secondary power during outages, ensuring critical systems remain operational Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of ductwork within an HVAC system?

To distribute climate-controlled air to and from the AHU Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a condensing furnace compared to other furnace types?

It has a secondary heat exchanger to extract additional heat from exhaust gases Signup and view all the answers

What unit is utilized to measure the heat output of heating systems like boilers?

British Thermal Unit (Btu) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a backflow preventer in plumbing systems?

To prevent contaminated water from re-entering the public water supply Signup and view all the answers

What role does a vent stack serve in a drainage system?

It controls air pressure within the drainage pipes Signup and view all the answers

How does the evaporator stage work in the refrigeration cycle?

The refrigerant absorbs heat and reduces the temperature of the surrounding area Signup and view all the answers

Why is smoke circulation a major concern in HVAC systems during a fire?

It can distribute smoke throughout the building Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use for medical gas shut-off valves in emergencies?

To isolate sections of a medical gas system Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal purpose of domestic water pumps in tall buildings?

To ensure water reaches upper floors Signup and view all the answers

What features do fans in air-cooled chillers provide?

Blowing air across water pipes to create cool air Signup and view all the answers

What type of valve is most crucial for controlling water flow in emergencies?

Shut-off valve Signup and view all the answers

What is the key purpose of installing Mercaptan in natural gas?

To give it a distinct odor for leak detection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electrical Systems

Conductors primarily distribute electricity throughout buildings, utilizing materials like copper or aluminum for efficiency.
American Wiring Gauge (AWG) measures conductor size, critical for ensuring appropriate current flow.
Insulation on electrical wiring prevents electrical shock and fire hazards, serving as a protective barrier.
Fuses are single-use devices that stop electrical flow during excessive current; unlike circuit breakers that can be reset.
Overcurrent protection devices prevent fires caused by excessive electrical current, crucial for system safety.
Electrical service panels are typically located in utility rooms or basements to centralize electricity distribution.
Transformers change voltage for efficient electricity transfer, safeguarding wiring against overload.
Emergency generators provide backup power during outages, ensuring that critical systems remain functional.

HVAC Systems

Furnaces transfer heat from combustion chambers to air or water, playing a pivotal role in heating systems.
Condensing furnaces have secondary heat exchangers that enhance efficiency by extracting extra heat from exhaust gases.
Air Handling Units (AHUs) distribute climate-controlled air, ensuring even temperature throughout buildings.
Ductwork distributes climate-controlled air to and from AHUs, vital for maintaining indoor comfort.
Air-cooled chillers use fans to blow air across water pipes, creating cool air for effective air conditioning.
During the evaporator stage of refrigeration, the refrigerant absorbs heat, cooling the surrounding environment.
Smoke circulation poses risks in fires, as it can spread smoke throughout buildings, increasing danger and damage.
Fire sprinkler systems, commonly found in cooling towers, play a critical role in fire prevention.
Heating output is measured in British Thermal Units (Btu), essential for assessing system capacity.
Dampers control airflow by regulating openings in ductwork, allowing for efficient temperature management.

Plumbing Systems

The main control valve in water supply systems regulates flow, allowing for quick shutoff during emergencies or leaks.
Backflow preventers are critical for preventing contaminated water from re-entering public water supplies, ensuring safety.
Gravity-controlled drainage systems efficiently remove wastewater, keeping plumbing systems functional and clean.
Traps block sewer gases from entering occupied spaces, contributing to indoor air quality and safety.
Vent stacks balance air pressure in drainage systems, crucial for preventing backflow and ensuring proper drainage function.
Plastic or copper is typically used for water distribution piping due to durability and corrosion resistance.
Gas leaks require immediate action to shut off the gas supply to prevent hazards and ensure safety.
Mercaptan, added to natural gas, provides a distinct odor for detecting leaks, enhancing safety measures.
Domestic water pumps ensure adequate water pressure reaches upper floors of tall buildings, essential for operational efficiency.
Shut-off valves are crucial in medical gas systems to isolate sections during emergencies for safety compliance.

Elevators and Escalators

Traction elevators use steel cables and are commonly found in taller buildings for efficient vertical transport.
Governors in elevator systems control speed, enhancing safety during operation.
Door restrictors prevent elevator doors from opening when the car is in transit between floors, reducing accident risks.
Phase I elevator operation during fires automatically recalls elevators to safe floors, ensuring user safety.
Older escalators with wooden steps can pose significant fire risks, highlighting safety concerns in maintenance.
Main disconnect switches for escalators are located near motors for quick access during emergencies.
The King's Cross Fire exemplifies the severe risks associated with escalator fires, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures.

Refrigeration Systems

The refrigerant classification A3 indicates low toxicity but high flammability, requiring careful handling.
The condenser in refrigeration systems releases heat, initiating the liquefaction of refrigerant, essential for cooling processes.
Ammonia's high toxicity and flammability pose significant risks as a refrigerant, necessitating strict regulations and safety measures.

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Description

This quiz contains 40 multiple-choice questions focused on the principles and components of electrical systems. Test your knowledge on the functions of conductors, materials used in electrical wiring, and much more. Perfect for students or professionals looking to assess their understanding of electrical systems.