Term
International Residential Code (IRC) is made of what 3 model codes? |
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Definition
BOCA (National Building Code) Building Officials and Code Administrators International |
ICBO (Uniform Building Code) International Conference of Building Officials |
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SBCCI (Southern Building code) Southern Building Code Conference International |
K&B Systems, Page 9 |
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Term
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Definition
One- and two-family detached dwellings and apartment buildings up to three stories |
K&B Systems, Page 9 |
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Term
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Definition
Is used as a reference for the NKBA Planning Guidelines |
K&B Systems, Page 9 |
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Term
What code designers need to know the basics of hot and cold water supply, drainage and venting? |
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Definition
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) |
K&B Systems, Page 9 |
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Term
What code designers and installers need for electrical work? |
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Definition
National Electric Code (NEC) |
K&B Systems, Page 10 |
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Term
The most widely accepted fire safety code in the U.S. is? |
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Definition
Life Safety code (published by the National Fire Protection Assoc.) |
K&B Systems, Page 11 |
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Term
Canadian energy standards are published in what code? |
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Definition
Model National Energy Code of Canada for Houses (MNECH) |
K&B Systems, Page 12 |
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Term
The first building inspection usually occurs when? |
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Definition
Rough framing is complete |
K&B Systems, Page 12 |
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Term
What is the human comfort zone? |
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Definition
The comfort felt by people exposed to various temperatures, humidity levels and air movement. |
K&B Systems, Page 15 |
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Term
What three ways modes of heat transfer? |
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Definition
Conduction, Radiation, and Convection |
K&B Systems, Pages 15-16 |
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Term
An energy efficient home has? |
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Definition
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An energy conserving envelope |
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Ways to use natural energies to heat, cool and light the interior |
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Energy-efficient equipment |
K&B Systems, Page 16 |
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Term
What are the two techniques for using the sun to heat a house? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the two methods to get heat from the sun? |
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Definition
Direct gain and Sunspace
K&B Systems, Page 18
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Term
How do we measure the heat content of gas? |
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Definition
- BTU's (British Thermal Units
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Term
A standard cubic foot of gas is defined as? |
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Definition
Quantity of gas contained in one cubit foot of volume at a barometric pressure of 30 inches of mercury at a temperature of 60° F. |
K&B Systems, Page 20 |
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Term
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Definition
In units of power called Watts |
K&B Systems, Page 21 |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
A Kilowatt-hour (or kWh) is? |
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Definition
is equal to energy of 1000 watts working for 1 hour. |
K&B Systems, Page 21 |
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Term
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Definition
Either black steel or copper |
K&B Systems, Page 21 |
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Term
Forced-air systems heat the house through? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the two types of furnaces ? |
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Definition
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Term
The term "plenum" is associated with what type of heating system? |
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Definition
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Term
Cold air travels to the furnace through? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the two types of hydronic systems that heat the home through a network of piping? |
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Definition
baseboard and radiant floor systems |
K&B Systems, Page 27 |
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Term
What type of heat transfer occurs when a hot water baseboard system is used? |
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Definition
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Term
Standard boilers achieve efficiencies up to what percent? |
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Definition
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Term
A condensing boiler reaches efficiencies up to what percent? |
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Definition
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Term
The three arrangements of hydronic circuits are? |
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Definition
Perimeter loop, one-pipe direct return, 2-pipe reverse return |
K&B Systems, Page 30 |
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Term
People feel comfortable when? |
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Definition
the dry bulb air temperature ranges between 70 & 80 degrees and relative humidity ranges between 20% and 70% |
K&B Systems, Page 36 |
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Term
Ceiling fans need a minimum ceiling height of? |
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Definition
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Term
Ceiling fans need a minimum of how many inches between blades and ceiling? |
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Definition
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Term
Whole house fans pull air in through windows opened at least how many inches? |
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Definition
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Term
Which type of cooling system would you use if you lived in a hot and dry climate like the southwest? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the two main configurations of central air conditioning ? |
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Definition
split-system and ducted system |
K&B Systems, Page 44 |
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Term
The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) measure the efficiency of room air conditions. What EER rating is considered efficient? |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
A colorless, odorless gas; is radioactive product of the radium that naturally occurs in the earth's crust. |
K&B Systems, Page 49 |
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Term
Single-Room heat pumps work most efficiently when out side temperatures are above what degrees? |
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Definition
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Term
How much relative humidity is needed to maintain a healthy respiratory system and keep skin from becoming too dry? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the recommended minimum air changes per hour (ach) to maintain healthy air inside the house? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the formula to calculate cfm's needed to determine proper capacity? |
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Definition
Divide the volume of the room in cubic feet by 7.5 |
K&B Systems, Page 53 |
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Term
If you're designing an installation with a duct run longer than 5 feet or with more than one elbow, what should you do? |
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Definition
upsize the fan capacity higher than the calculate formula |
K&B Systems, Page 53 |
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Term
Fan noise is measured In units called sones. The quietest fan rating is? |
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Definition
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Term
The distance between the hood and the cooking surface should be? |
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Definition
A minimum of 24" above the range, but use the manufacturer's specifications to make the final determination. |
K&B Systems, Page 57 |
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Term
What are ways to avoid the hazard of back drafting in tight houses? |
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Definition
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Provide a dedicated source of make-up air for the rooms |
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Use only sealed combustion appliances
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Use several smaller exhaust fans rather than one large exhaust fan |
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Equip home with one or more CO detectors.
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K&B Systems, Page 59
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Term
What is the minimum capacity that meets the current ASHRAE standard for sizing kitchen exhaust fans? |
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Definition
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Term
To ensure that the ductwork can carry the exhaust gasses to the exterior what should you do? |
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Definition
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Aim for the shortest, straightest path from fan to exterior. |
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End the systems with a wall termination kit or roof jack. |
- Make sure all joints are tight and taped with pressure-sensitive tape.
|
K&B Systems, Page 60 |
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Term
When should you insulate ducts? |
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Definition
- When they come closer than 6 inches to wood framing or there combustible materials.
- When they pass through unheated spaces
- When ducts turn for a distance of 36 inches from the point of exit.
K&B Systems, Page 60
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Term
Utility-supplied water enters the house under what pressure? |
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Definition
50 - 60 pounds per square inch (psi)
K&B Systems page 66
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Term
For proper function of the fixtures, the pressure should not drop below what psi? |
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Definition
30 psi or exceed 80 psi
K&B Systems Page 66
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Term
What effects the line pressure? |
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Definition
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the number of fixtures served and how often they are in use
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- the length of piping runs and the number of turns
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K&B Systems Page 66 |
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Term
Well water must be regularly test by the homeowner for what health hazards? |
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Definition
bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
K&B Systems, page 67 |
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Term
Cold water enters the house through a supply line at what diameter? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the rule of thumb for sizing branch piping? |
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Definition
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1/2" diameter for one or two fixtures/appliances |
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3/4" diameter for three fixtures/appliances |
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If your tub, spa or whirlpool requires a 3/4" filler, make sure the branch feeder equals the diameter. |
K&B Systems page 68 |
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Term
What is the most common water-supply piping in houses today ? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the two types of copper fittings? |
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Definition
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One that slips over the end of the pipe and bonds when solder is applied with a flame |
- One that uses compression gaskets plus a threaded nut
|
K&B Systems, Pages 71-72 |
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Term
What are the characteristics of corroding copper? |
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Definition
tiny, round, green patina stains |
K&B Systems, page 72 |
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Term
Threaded brass piping shows up in homes built before? |
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Definition
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Term
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) piping can be used for what? |
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Definition
hot and cold water supply |
K&B Systems page 73 |
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Term
What size piping is used for kitchen sink, washing machine and shower ? |
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Definition
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Term
What causes water hammer? |
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Definition
A sudden shutoff of the water supply to an appliance or fixture which can loosen joints over time. |
K&B Systems page 76 |
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Term
What are the two ways to prevent water hammer? |
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Definition
- a loop or coil of the piping itself, which acts like a spring to absorb the shock
- a special device that contains an air chamber
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K&B Systems page 76 |
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Term
What is the solution of dissimilar pipe connections? |
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Definition
Keep the two metals apart with a dielectric union, by placing a plastic collar and rubber washer between them |
K&B Systems page 76 |
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Term
When was the safe drinking water act passed? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the treatment options for contaminated drinking water? |
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Definition
Mechanical filtration, activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, distillation and ion exchange |
K&B System pages 79-80 |
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Term
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Definition
a process that purifies water by passing it through a semi-permeable membrane under normal faucet pressure. Up to 95% of dissolved contaminants are eliminated |
K&B Systems page 79 |
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Term
What type of water heater makes sense for fixtures located a far away from the home's central water heater? |
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Definition
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Term
What is recommended if you have a septic tank with a food disposer? |
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Definition
Oversize the tank by 50% or clean out twice as often |
K&B systems page 89 |
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Term
What is the code requirement for horizontal branch pipes to slope how much? |
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Definition
a minimum of 1/4" per foot |
K&B systems page 90 |
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Term
Diameters of drain pipes? |
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Definition
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Kitchen & Bath sinks - 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" diameter preferred |
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Showers, tubs & washing machines - 1 1/2" or 2" diameter |
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- Stack and main sewer - 4" diameter
|
K&B systems page 90 |
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Term
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Definition
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Els - L-shaped fittings for making 90° turns |
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Wyes - fittings that have two outlets at a 30° or 45° |
- Tees - fittings that allow a tap from a branch into a main line
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K&B systems page 90 |
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Term
What are the code requirements for cleanouts at the end of horizontal piping runs where they change direction more than 45°? |
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Definition
At least 18" of clearance to allow access for cleaning tools |
K&B systems page 90 |
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Term
What is the purpose of a "U" shaped trap? |
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Definition
To keep out unpleasant gasses out of living space; and keeps rodents from entering the house via the sewer pipes |
K&B systems page 90 |
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Term
What is the most common type of trap and their requirements? |
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Definition
P-trap - to have a water seal of between 2" and 4"; be self-cleaning and have no moving parts; no trap outlet can be larger than the fixture drain is serves, and must be level with their water seals |
K&B systems page 90 |
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Term
Maximum length of trap arm? |
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Definition
1 1/4" diameter = 5' - 0" |
1 1/2" diameter = 6' - 0" |
K&B systems page 90 |
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Term
What is the minimum size of any vent? |
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Definition
The vent can never be smaller than 1" or the diameter of the drain in serves, whichever is larger. |
K&B systems page 91 |
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Term
What is the purpose of vents? |
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Definition
They prevent the trap from being siphoned off and keeping sewer gasses out |
K&B systems page 91 |
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Term
If a fixture is further than a code-specified maximum distance from a vent pipe in a wall (typically 8' for a 2" diameter drain), what must it have? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the different type of vents for a fixture that needs its own vent? |
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Definition
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Wet vent - the p-trap runs horizontally into a larger vertical pipe and discharges into a 3" or 4" drain line located in the floor; it must also have a cleanout upstream from the entry tee |
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Bow vent - p-trap outlet connects to a pipe below the floor and a bow vent above it; bow vent loops back down to connect with a remove vent that is in a wall (it takes up a large amount of cabinet space) |
- Automatic vent - a one-way check vale to let make-up air into the system (not code in MA)
|
K&B systems pages 93-94 |
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Term
What type of material used for main waste-vent stack is quieter than plastic? |
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Definition
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Term
What was used in early installations for indoor waste piping? |
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Definition
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Term
How were joints sealed in cast iron pipes? |
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Definition
by tamping a bituminous-impregnated hemp rope called oakum into it; then pouring molten lead into the joint; compression gaskets which allow the cast iron pipe to be joined to a pipe of different material. |
K&B Systems page 95 |
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Term
What are the two types of plastic introduced in the 1970's that all but replaced metal piping? |
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Definition
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Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) - black in color |
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVS) - white in color is used for household DWV systems
|
K&B Systems page 96 |
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Term
Advantages of PVC piping? |
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Definition
It self extinguishes rather than burns; they don't flare out much at fittings, such as a hub on a hub-and-spigot joint in cast iron; a 3" nominal pipe fits inside a 2x4 stud wall; and it's easy to install. |
K&B systems page 96 |
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Term
Disadvantages of plastic piping? |
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Definition
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Expansion and contraction under temperature above 180° may result in joint failure. |
- Runs longer than 30' must have expansion loops built in to accommodate the expansion and contraction under normal operating temperatures.
|
K&B systems page 96 |
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Term
What fixture consumes more water than any other fixture in a home? |
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Definition
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Term
The U.S. Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992 limited the capacity to 1.6 gallons for toilets installed after what year? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the three main types of water-flush toilets currently in use today? |
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Definition
- Gravity toilets - rely on water from a tank set above the bowl to flush out the contents and refill the trap
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Pressurized tank toilets - use the pressure of water in the cold water supply line to compress air, which works with a small amount of water (as little as 0.5 gals.) |
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Pumped toilets - pushes water through the bowl via a small pump |
K&B systems page 99 |
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Term
Two types of toilets that are not as common are? |
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Definition
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Incinerating toilets - use electricity to rapidly burn the waste, leaving an odor-free ash that can be dumped with the household trash |
- Composting toilets - work like a compost pile in your backyard to decompose waste (with a tank below)
|
K&B systems page 100 |
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Term
What are the rough-in dimensions for most gravity toilets? |
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Definition
12" is the most common, some are 10" and 14" |
K&B systems page 101 |
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Term
A toilet installed in the basement is too low to flush by gravity. What should you use? |
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Definition
Ejector toilet (has an ejector pump that grinds the solid waste and pumps it up into the house waste line). |
K&B systems page 101 |
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Term
A bidet with a vertical spray should have what installed to prevent contaminated water from entering a clean water supply? |
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Definition
A vacuum breaker, since the hot and cold water comes in below the flood level of the fixture. |
K&B systems page 101 |
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Term
The pump that circulates water in a whirlpool or spa are typically 1.5 or 2 hp. They require a dedicated electrical circuit of? |
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Definition
A dedicated electrical circuit of 15 or 20 amp capacity and a switch protected with a GFCI device |
K&B systems page 105 |
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Term
What are the two types of disposers? |
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Definition
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Continuous feed disposer - wired to a switch under the countertop or to a GFCI-protected switch above the countertop |
- Batch feed disposer - operate intermittently whenever the user turns the lid in the sink to the open position.
|
K&B systems page 107 |
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Term
What size hot water line is used for a dishwasher? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the purpose of an air gap fitting? |
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Definition
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Term
Refrigerators equipped to supply filtered cold water or ice cubes needs a cold water supply line of what size? |
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Definition
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Term
What are the two types of current flow? |
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Definition
- Alternating current (AC) - used in household wiring
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Direct current (DC) - supplied by batteries |
K&B systems page 110 |
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Term
We measure the quantity of current flow in units called? |
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Definition
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Term
Electrical current needs a force to push the electrons along the line; this force is called voltage and is measured in? |
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Definition
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Term
Resistance is measured in units called? |
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Definition
Ohms
K&B systems page 110 |
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Term
Electricity is measured in units called? |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
voltage X amperage, or W = VA |
K&B systems page 110 |
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Term
Ohm's Law (measure of resistance) |
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Definition
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Term
Formula for finding Amps? |
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Definition
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Term
The transformer reduces the voltage to _______ for household use. |
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Definition
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Term
A service cables contains three wires or conductors; what are they? |
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Definition
- Two "live" or "hot" wires insulated in black plastic (they carry a potential 240 volts between them)
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- The third wire is a "neutral" or "grounded" - bare copper or aluminum wire
|
K&B systems page 111 |
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Term
What purpose does the main breaker in a service panel serve? |
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Definition
It's a combination shutoff switch and overload protecting device for the entire home. |
K&B systems page 112 |
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Term
What purpose do circuit breaker serve? |
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Definition
To protect branch circuits from electrical overloads or shorts in the circuit. |
K&B systems page 112 |
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Term
What is the minimum amp capacity a service panel should have on a home today? |
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Definition
100 amp capacity main breaker and more likely a 200 amp |
K&B systems, page 112 |
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Term
What are the four types of circuits? |
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Definition
General lighting, small appliance, individual appliance and ground fault circuit interrupter |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
General lighting circuits serve lighting and wall receptacles; what is the code requirement? |
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Definition
3 watts per square foot of living space, the equivalent of one 15a circuit for each 600 square feet or one 20a circuit per 800 square feet. |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
What is the rule of thumb for the number of receptacles? |
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Definition
12 outlets for 15a circuits and 16 outlets for 30a circuits |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
The code requires a light to be controlled? |
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Definition
by a permanent wall switch in each room |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
Lights in kitchens and baths must be? |
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Definition
Permanently wired rather than being plugged in |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
What is the code requirement for small appliance circuits in the kitchen? |
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Definition
Two 20a circuits in the kitchen; and may not be used for lighting |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
Individual appliance circuits with voltage/Breaker Capacity in Amps |
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Definition
Electric Range/cooktop: 240v 50a |
Gas Range/Cooktop: 120v 20a |
Dishwasher w/heater: 120v 20a |
Electric tankless water heater: 240v 30a |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
When are GFCI required for receptacles? |
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Definition
In the bathroom and all receptacles servicing countertop surfaces in the kitchen |
K&B systems page 114 |
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Term
The National Electric Code (NEC) limits the total number of breakers in any one panel. What is the maximum number of breakers allowed? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the most common cable used for residential wiring? |
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Definition
Romex - Nonmetallic sheathed cable |
K&B systems page 115 |
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Term
Most household cable uses what gauge of wire? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the smallest gauge of wire permitted by code? |
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Definition
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Term
Circuits for 120v appliances and lighting typically use what gauge of wire? |
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Definition
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Term
A 12 gauge wire is rated to carry a maximum of how many amps? |
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Definition
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Term
A 14 gauge wire is rated to carry a maximum of how many amps? |
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Definition
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Term
The NKBA recommends that all wall receptacles be located? |
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Definition
between 15" and 48" above finished floor (AFF) |
K&B systems page 118 |
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Term
What type of switch allows a user to turn off a lamp from two locations? |
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Definition
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Term
A double-pole switch with four terminals is typically used for what? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the most common type of receptacle? |
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Definition
duplex receptacle - household circuits running 120 volts |
K&B systems page 119 |
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Term
The best solution for protecting the entire circuit is what? |
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Definition
a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breaker at the main service panel. If this cannot be done, the next best thing is a GFCI receptacle |
K&B systems page 119 |
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Term
What is the code requirement for receptacles? |
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Definition
To be located such that a 6-foot cord can reach them from any point in the room. |
K&B systems page 120 |
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Term
|
Definition
Is the amount of light energy that falls on a spherical surface of one square meter, produced by a single candle. 1 lum = 12.57 fc |
K&B systems page 128 |
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Term
|
Definition
Is the amount of light that falls on a square foot of spherical surface at a distance of one foot from the candle |
K&B systems page 128 |
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Term
What are the three types of lighting, sorted by function? |
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Definition
Ambient, task and accent lighting |
K&B systems page 129 |
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Term
What are the characteristics of halogen lamps? |
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Definition
-
-
Lamp life ranges between 2,000 and 3,500 hours |
-
-
Are available in low and line voltage |
- Lamps that run on 120v electricity become hot
|
K&B systems page 133 |
|
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Term
What are the characteristics of Xenon lamps? |
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|
Definition
-
Lamp is rated at 20,000 hours |
-
They do not burn as hot as halogen |
-
K&B systems page 134 |
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Term
What are the characteristics of fluorescent lamps? |
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Definition
- They yield 5 times as much light as incandescent for the same amount of power and last longer
|
- They come in a variety of sizes
|
K&B systems page 134 |
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Term
What is color temperature? |
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Definition
It is an index of how the light source, itself, looks to us, measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) |
K&B systems page 136 |
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Term
|
Definition
It is an index of how the light makes objects appear. How accurately a lighting source defines objects is measured by the Color Rendering Index (CRI). The best score is 100, the CRI of sunlight. |
K&B systems page 136 |
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Term
What type of lamp is recommended for task, accent and art lighting? |
|
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Definition
|
|
Term
What type of lamp is recommended for general lighting? |
|
|
Definition
PAR Halogen and compact fluorescents (make sure compact fluorescents have a color temperature of about 3500K |
K&B systems page 136 |
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Term
What type of lamp is recommended for dining lighting? |
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Definition
|
|
Term
The color temperature of lamps: |
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Definition
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Warm-light sources have color temperatures less than 3000K |
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Neutral sources have color temperatures between 3000K and 4000K |
- Cool-light sources have color temperature above 4000K
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K&B systems pages 136-138 |
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Term
What is the spacing for recessed lights? |
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Definition
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Term
What does the NKBA recommend for heat lamps in a bathroom? |
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Definition
It be wired to separate circuit and connected to a timer switch |
K&B systems page 148 |
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