Building Utilities Architecture Quiz! Exam

The correct answer is "threshold of audibility." This refers to the minimum sound pressure level that the human ear can detect. It is the point at which a sound becomes just barely audible to a person. The threshold of audibility varies for different individuals, but on average, it is around 0 decibels. This means that any sound below this level would not be heard by the human ear.

The condensing unit is a part of refrigeration systems. It is responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant and converting it back into a liquid state. This process is essential for the proper functioning of the refrigeration system, as it allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the surroundings and cool the desired area. Without the condensing unit, the refrigeration system would not be able to effectively cool or freeze items.

A barometer is the instrument used for measuring atmospheric pressure. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury or a liquid and inverted into a dish of the same liquid. The pressure of the atmosphere pushes the liquid up the tube, and the height of the liquid column is a measure of atmospheric pressure. This allows meteorologists and scientists to monitor changes in air pressure, which can provide valuable information about weather patterns and conditions. A hydrometer measures the density or specific gravity of a liquid, a water meter measures the amount of water consumed, and a thermometer measures temperature.

General lighting is the type of lighting that deals with relatively large area lighting. It is designed to provide overall illumination and a comfortable level of brightness to a space. This type of lighting is commonly used in homes, offices, and commercial buildings to ensure that the entire area is well-lit and visible. General lighting fixtures are typically installed on ceilings or walls and can include recessed lights, track lights, or surface-mounted fixtures. Unlike specific lighting, which focuses on highlighting specific objects or areas, general lighting aims to evenly distribute light throughout the space.

The minimum distance of water pipings from any regulating equipment, water heater, conditioning tanks, and similar equipment requiring union fittings is 300mm. This distance is necessary to ensure proper ventilation and accessibility for maintenance and repairs. It also helps to prevent any potential damage or interference between the pipings and the equipment.

A storm sewer is a type of sewer system that is specifically designed to convey stormwater. It collects rainwater and runoff from streets, parking lots, and other surfaces, and directs it to natural drainages such as lakes or rivers. Unlike main sewers which carry wastewater from buildings, storm sewers are focused on managing excess water during rainfall events to prevent flooding and water damage. Canals and distribution sewers are not specifically designed for stormwater management, making storm sewer the correct answer.

The correct answer is "plumbarius." In ancient Rome, a plumbarius was an individual who worked in the sanitary field, specifically dealing with plumbing and water systems. The term is derived from the Latin word "plumbum," which means lead, as lead pipes were commonly used in plumbing during that time. Therefore, a plumbarius would have been responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems in ancient Rome.

A panic bar is a device that is installed on a door and extends across at least half of the width of each door leaf. It is designed to open the door when pressure is applied to it, allowing for quick and easy exit in emergency situations. This device is commonly used in public buildings and areas where a large number of people may need to evacuate quickly.

The standard frequency of power supplied by the local power utility company like Meralco is 60 cycles. This frequency, also known as the frequency of alternating current (AC), represents the number of complete cycles or oscillations that occur in one second. In many countries, including the Philippines where Meralco operates, the standard frequency for AC power is 60 cycles per second, or 60 hertz (Hz). This frequency is chosen for efficient transmission and distribution of electrical power, as well as compatibility with electrical appliances and equipment commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

The distance sound travels during each cycle of vibration is determined by its wavelength. Wavelength is the distance between two corresponding points on a sound wave, such as the distance between two crests or two troughs. As sound waves propagate, they undergo cycles of compression and rarefaction, with each cycle representing one complete vibration. The wavelength of a sound wave is directly related to its frequency, with longer wavelengths corresponding to lower frequencies and shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher frequencies. Therefore, the correct answer is wavelength.

The minimum vertical distance from the bottom of water pipes to the top of sewer or drain pipe, if they are laid in the same trench on top of each other, should be 300mm. This distance is necessary to prevent any contamination or cross-connection between the water supply and the sewer or drain system. By maintaining this minimum distance, the risk of any potential backflow or contamination from the sewer or drain pipe to the water pipes is minimized, ensuring the safety and integrity of the water supply system.

Freon in air-conditioning systems acts as a refrigerant, and in order to effectively absorb heat from the surrounding air, it needs to be compressed and liquefied. This process allows the Freon to change from a gas to a liquid state, making it more efficient at absorbing heat. Therefore, the correct answer is heat.

During an elevator emergency, the outside door latch is used to open the doors from the outside in order to rescue passengers. This latch is specifically designed to be accessible and operable by emergency personnel or anyone outside the elevator, allowing them to gain entry and assist those trapped inside.

Sound attenuation refers to the reduction in the intensity or sound pressure level of sound as it is transmitted from one point to another. It occurs due to various factors such as distance, absorption, scattering, and reflection of sound waves. Sound attenuation is important in various applications, such as reducing noise pollution and improving sound quality in audio systems.

The term "battery of fixtures" refers to the interconnection of the same fixtures in one soil or waste branch with one branch vent. This means that multiple fixtures, such as toilets or sinks, are connected together in a series, sharing the same soil or waste branch and vent. This arrangement allows for efficient drainage and ventilation of the fixtures.

A telecommunication system is the simplest type of building automation system because it primarily focuses on communication within the building. It facilitates the transmission of data, voice, and video signals, allowing different devices and systems to communicate with each other. While HVAC, elevator systems, and electrical systems are also important building automation systems, they involve more complex functionalities and operations compared to a telecommunication system.

Acoustical diffraction is the phenomenon that causes sound waves to be bent or scattered around obstacles. When a sound wave encounters an obstacle, such as a wall or a corner, it can diffract or spread out in different directions. This bending or scattering of the sound wave allows it to reach areas that would otherwise be in its shadow. Diffraction is an important factor in understanding how sound propagates in different environments, and it plays a crucial role in fields such as architectural acoustics and outdoor sound propagation.

Ionization is the best type of fire detection that can detect fire during the incipient stage. This method involves using ionization detectors, which contain a small amount of radioactive material. When smoke particles enter the detector, they disrupt the electrical current, causing an alarm to sound. Ionization detectors are highly sensitive and can quickly detect small amounts of smoke or fire, making them effective in detecting fires in their early stages when they are easier to control and extinguish.

After receiving a written notice for inspection, at least 3 days should be given before any plumbing work inspection is done.

The unit of loudness level is phon. Phon is a unit used to measure the subjective loudness of a sound. It is based on the human perception of sound and takes into account factors such as frequency and intensity. The loudness level of a sound is measured in phons to determine how loud it appears to the human ear.

An air curtain is a vertical flow of air that is used to separate different functions of spaces. It creates a barrier of air that helps to prevent the exchange of air, dust, insects, and pollutants between two areas. It is commonly used in commercial settings, such as doorways of restaurants or shops, to maintain indoor temperature, reduce energy loss, and improve air quality. The air curtain acts as an invisible barrier, allowing people and objects to pass through while still providing a separation between two spaces.

Sanitary sewage from buildings should be discharged directly to the nearest main sanitary sewer. This is because the main sanitary sewer is specifically designed to handle and transport sewage waste safely and efficiently. Discharging sewage into a collector sewer, sewer line, or storm drain may not be appropriate or environmentally friendly, as these systems may not be designed to handle sewage waste properly. Therefore, the main sanitary sewer is the most suitable option for the direct discharge of sanitary sewage from buildings.

Zeolite is a mineral that is commonly used to treat hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause scaling and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. Zeolite has a unique structure that allows it to exchange these minerals for sodium ions, effectively softening the water. It acts as a natural water softener and can improve the quality of water for various purposes such as drinking, bathing, and washing clothes. Therefore, zeolite is the correct answer as it is specifically known for its ability to treat hard water.

The term "service drop" refers to the overhead service conductors that run from the last pole or aerial support to the building's service entrance conductors. This includes any splices that connect the service drop to the service entrance conductors. Essentially, the service drop is the portion of the electrical system that delivers power from the utility lines to the building.

The minimum size of trap or branch for a bidet is 1 1/2". This means that the trap or branch connecting the bidet to the plumbing system should have a diameter of 1 1/2 inches. This size is necessary to ensure proper flow and drainage of waste water from the bidet.

A sabin is a unit of sound absorption that measures the amount of sound absorbed by a material. It is equivalent to the absorption of one square foot of perfectly absorptive material. This unit is commonly used in acoustics to quantify the effectiveness of soundproofing materials or the sound absorption capabilities of a room or space.

A common vent is a single vent that is used to ventilate multiple traps in the case of a back to back vent. This means that instead of having separate vents for each trap, they are all connected to a common vent, which helps to improve the efficiency of the ventilation system. By using a common vent, it reduces the number of vents needed and simplifies the plumbing system.

The minimum size of a standpipe for a building with the highest outlet 23 meters or less from the fire service connection is 4". This means that the standpipe must have a diameter of 4 inches. Standpipes are used to provide a water supply for firefighters during emergencies, and the larger diameter ensures an adequate flow of water to reach the highest outlet in the building efficiently.

A pure tone refers to a sound sensation that consists of a single frequency. It does not contain any additional frequencies or harmonics. This means that the sound wave produced by a pure tone is a simple sine wave, without any complex patterns or variations. Pure tones are often used in auditory research and testing, as they allow for precise measurement and analysis of specific frequencies and their effects on the human auditory system.

This heat detector has a heat rating of 135-197 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that it will activate and trigger an alarm when the temperature in its surroundings reaches this range.

Single lever valves used in kitchen sink and lavatory faucets or shower valves work by the principle of a ball valve. A ball valve has a hollow, perforated ball inside it that controls the flow of water. When the lever is turned, the ball rotates to either block or allow the flow of water through the valve. This design provides a reliable and easy-to-use mechanism for controlling the water flow, making it a popular choice for household faucets and shower valves.

Sound absorption is the correct answer because it refers to the process of dissipating sound energy by converting it to heat. When sound waves encounter a material that has good sound absorption properties, such as foam or acoustic panels, the energy of the sound waves is converted into heat energy, reducing the intensity and reverberation of the sound. This is commonly used in places like recording studios, concert halls, and offices to improve the acoustics and reduce noise levels.

An alternator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, specifically generating alternating current. Unlike a generator, which can produce either alternating or direct current, an alternator is specifically designed to produce alternating current. Therefore, the correct answer is alternator.

A bibbcock is the correct answer because it refers to a faucet fitted with a nozzle curving downward that is used as a draw-off tap. The term "bibbcock" is often used interchangeably with "spigot" or "outdoor faucet" and is commonly found in outdoor settings such as gardens or yards. It allows for easy attachment of hoses or other devices for drawing water.

The minimum lead content in percent for pipes and fittings to be safe for humans is 8%. Lead is a toxic metal that can contaminate drinking water if it leaches from pipes and fittings. The Safe Drinking Water Act in the United States limits the lead content in plumbing materials to protect public health. A lead content of 8% or below ensures that the pipes and fittings do not pose a risk of lead contamination to the water supply.

The correct answer is 5.5 sqmm because the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the minimum wire size for a branch circuit with a 30-ampere rating should be 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge), which is equivalent to approximately 5.5 sqmm for stranded copper conductors. This wire size is necessary to ensure that the wire can safely carry the current without overheating and causing a fire hazard.

The standard size of a wet standpipe outlet for each floor is 1 1/2". This size is commonly used to ensure an adequate water supply for firefighting purposes. It allows for a sufficient flow of water to reach higher floors and can accommodate the demand for water during an emergency. The larger size also helps to minimize pressure loss and maintain an effective firefighting system throughout the building.

The luminous intensity of light is expressed in candela. Candela is the SI unit for measuring the intensity of light emitted by a light source in a particular direction. It is defined as the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 x 10^12 hertz and has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian.

A pure tone refers to a sound wave that consists of a single frequency and has no additional harmonics or overtones. A sine wave is the simplest form of a pure tone, characterized by a smooth and regular oscillation between positive and negative values. It represents a single frequency and is often used to represent the sound produced by a pure tone. Therefore, the answer "sine wave" is correct as it accurately describes the wave produced by a pure tone.

The minimum size of trap and waste branch for a shower stall is 2". This means that the trap and waste branch, which are part of the plumbing system, should have a diameter of at least 2 inches to effectively remove waste water from the shower stall. A larger size would allow for better drainage and prevent clogging.

A 1/8 bend is a type of pipe fitting that is used for a Yoke Vent. It is a curved fitting that allows for a change in direction of the pipe by 45 degrees. This type of fitting is commonly used in plumbing systems to connect pipes at angles and ensure proper ventilation. It is smaller and has a tighter bend compared to a 1/4 bend, making it suitable for specific applications where a sharper turn is required.

An atmospheric vacuum breaker is a device used to prevent backflow in a plumbing system. It allows air to enter the system, creating a siphon break and preventing the contaminated water from flowing back into the main water supply. In the context of the question, the atmospheric vacuum breaker ensures that the water remains in the system or pipes for the required minimum time without any leaks, allowing for a successful water test.

The minimum height of a branch vent above the fixture it is venting is 6". This is important in plumbing systems to ensure proper venting and prevent any potential backflow or blockages. By having the branch vent positioned higher than the fixture, it allows for adequate air circulation and pressure equalization, promoting smooth drainage and preventing any potential issues.

Sound is a form of energy that travels in waves through an elastic medium, such as air, water, or solids. These waves cause fluctuations in pressure, which in turn cause particles in the medium to vibrate or displace from their equilibrium position. This particle displacement is what allows sound waves to propagate and be heard. Therefore, the given correct answer "sound" accurately describes the phenomenon of fluctuation in pressure and particle displacement in an elastic medium.

The minimum head of water required for each section of plumbing for a water test is 3 meters. This means that there should be a minimum vertical distance of 3 meters between the water source and each section of plumbing being tested. This is necessary to ensure that there is enough pressure to properly test the plumbing system and detect any leaks or issues.

The minimum size of a wet standpipe for a riser of more than 15 meters from the source is 4". This is because a wet standpipe is a pipe system that is constantly filled with water and is used for firefighting purposes. A riser refers to the vertical pipe that connects the standpipe system to the source of water. In order to ensure an adequate flow of water to reach a height of more than 15 meters, a larger diameter pipe is required. A 4" diameter pipe would provide sufficient water flow and pressure for firefighting operations in this scenario.

The minimum size of trap and waste branch for a pedestal urinal is 3". This size is necessary to ensure proper drainage and prevent clogging. A larger size would allow for better flow and reduce the risk of blockages. However, a smaller size would not be sufficient to handle the volume of waste and could lead to frequent backups and maintenance issues. Therefore, 3" is the appropriate size for the trap and waste branch of a pedestal urinal.

The standard size of an outlet for a dry standpipe located at each floor is 2 1/2". This size is necessary to provide an adequate flow of water for firefighting purposes. A larger outlet size allows for a greater volume of water to be delivered to the fire, which can help to control and extinguish the flames more effectively. Additionally, a larger outlet size can accommodate larger diameter hoses, which can also increase the flow rate of water. Therefore, a 2 1/2" outlet is the most appropriate choice for a dry standpipe located at each floor.

A circuit vent is a pipe connected to a vent stack that provides additional venting to a circuit of connected fixtures. It helps to prevent excessive pressure buildup in the drainage system and allows for proper air circulation. This type of venting is commonly used in multi-story buildings or buildings with complex plumbing systems where individual fixture vents may not be feasible.

A loop vent is a type of vent pipe that is connected to a stack vent. It is designed to create a loop in the plumbing system, allowing for proper air circulation and preventing the buildup of pressure. This helps to ensure that waste water flows smoothly and efficiently through the pipes. A loop vent is commonly used in multi-story buildings or complex plumbing systems where multiple fixtures are connected to a single stack vent.