Welcome to your NHIE Exam Prep Questions
1.
What is the function of weep holes in vinyl siding?
2.
The minimum light requirement for a stairway is one foot-candle at the walking surface.
3.
How does a residential hydroelectric generator produce electricity?
4.
A load-bearing stud wall has a ____________.
5.
How often should a steam heating system be serviced by a professional?
6.
What is the standard thickness for granite countertops?
7.
What device is used to measure the pressure within a steam boiler?
8.
What is typically used to protect the service entrance conductors from physical damage?
9.
What is the recommended overlap for each piece of vinyl siding?
10.
How much room should be left for expansion when installing vinyl siding panels into the receiving channels?
11.
What is the outdoor unit of an AC system primarily composed of?
12.
Cabinet shelves should be able to hold a reasonable amount of weight without bowing.
13.
What is the recommended action if the grading is flat around a home's perimeter?
14.
Cabinets should be checked for proper alignment and operation during an inspection.
15.
What should be done if a piece of vinyl siding becomes cracked or damaged?
16.
When wiring a subpanel, what is the correct way to handle the neutral and ground wires?
17.
Which of the following should be installed prior to vinyl siding to ensure proper water drainage?
18.
Which of the following is NOT a type of service entrance cable?
19.
Epoxy resin countertops are highly resistant to chemicals and heat.
20.
Which of the following materials is commonly used for residential gutters?
21.
What is the correct installation sequence for Tyvek WRBs in relation to windows and doors?
22.
What does HVAC stand for?
23.
What is the minimum pressure differential that Tyvek WRBs are tested under according to ASTM E 2178?
24.
A roof that has a problem with ponding generally still has water on it at least ____ hours after it has rained.
25.
What should be done to the vinyl siding at corners of the house?
26.
What should be regularly checked to ensure the safety and efficiency of a steam boiler?
27.
What is the purpose of the pressuretrol on a steam boiler?
28.
Which of the following is NOT a recommended fastener for use with Tyvek WRBs?
29.
What is a service drop?
30.
It is acceptable for a countertop to have slight unevenness at the seams.
31.
The minimum width for a residential stairway should be:
32.
What is the purpose of a weatherhead in a service entrance?
33.
All stair treads must have identical dimensions within a single flight of stairs.
34.
In a flight of stairs, the nosing should protrude no more than:
35.
When installing vinyl siding, what is the recommended practice for nailing?
36.
The maximum variation in riser height or tread depth in a stairway should not exceed:
37.
A sink's caulking should be free of cracks and gaps.
38.
What is the main purpose of the expansion valve in an AC system?
39.
The handgrip portion of handrails shall have a cross-sectional dimension of:
40.
What is the typical cause of a steam boiler operating with low water levels?
41.
What is a common cause of knocking sounds in steam heating systems?
42.
What is the purpose of adding a water treatment to a steam boiler?
43.
What is the main function of the meter base in a residential electrical service?
44.
What is a major advantage of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems over solar thermal systems?
45.
What is required for a home to be suitable for a residential wind turbine?
46.
What is the main disadvantage of a single-pipe steam heating system compared to a two-pipe system?
47.
Countertops with integrated sinks have no seams.
48.
Open risers are permitted in residential staircases provided the opening does not allow the passage of a:
49.
A countertop with a slight overhang is a design flaw.
50.
What is the purpose of an air vent on a steam radiator?
51.
Which of the following is NOT a type of residential AC system?
52.
Which of the following wiring methods is typically allowed in damp or wet locations?
53.
It is standard for cabinet doors to have a small amount of play to prevent sticking.
54.
What is the result of an improperly sized subpanel for the intended load?
55.
What is the term for the process of an AC system removing moisture from the air?
56.
What does SEER stand for in relation to AC systems?
57.
What is the primary reason for insulating steam supply lines?
58.
All cabinet doors should open to a minimum of 90 degrees.
59.
The angle at which a gutter is installed is known as the:
60.
Foundation walls ____________.
61.
The minimum width for a stair landing should be no less than the width of the stairway served.
62.
What is the primary factor that affects the efficiency of a residential wind turbine?
63.
A roof truss that has been cut in order to accommodate a skylight can be re-supported by ______________.
64.
The landing must be at least as wide as the stairs for both directions of stairway traffic.
65.
What is the purpose of a feeder breaker in a subpanel installation?
66.
What is the NEC requirement for the working space in front of a residential electrical service panel?
67.
The minimum landing length, measured in the direction of travel, should be:
68.
The minimum headroom in all parts of the stairway should not be less than:
69.
What is the maximum allowable riser height for residential stairs?
70.
What is the purpose of a French drain in residential grading?
71.
What is the primary disadvantage of residential wind turbines?
72.
What is the recommended minimum distance for downspout extensions to direct water away from a foundation?
73.
What is a gutter guard?
74.
What is the primary component that generates steam in a residential steam heating system?
75.
What is a swale used for in residential site grading?
76.
All stone countertops should be sealed to prevent staining.
77.
What is the term for the heat exchange process used by geothermal heat pumps?
78.
When are arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) required in residential bedrooms?
79.
What is the minimum tread depth for residential stairs?
80.
What is the purpose of the sight glass on a steam boiler?
81.
What is the minimum wire size for a 60-amp subpanel feed?
82.
What is the color of the insulated grounding conductor in nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) for residential wiring?
83.
Which type of conduit is most commonly used for residential underground service laterals?
84.
What is the main benefit of using a solar water heating system?
85.
In a subpanel, what is the purpose of the bonding screw or strap?
86.
When is it acceptable to use aluminum wiring for branch circuits in residential homes?
87.
LED lighting inside cabinets is an indicator of good quality.
88.
What is the purpose of a drip loop in a service drop?
89.
What is the minimum required clearance for running nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) across the face of framing members?
90.
What is the purpose of a starter strip in vinyl siding installation?
91.
A guardrail is required if the drop-off is greater than:
92.
Plywood is often used as a substrate under laminate countertops.
93.
In residential construction, what is the minimum height for a switch above the floor?
94.
It is acceptable for cabinet doors to close with a loud noise.
95.
What grading feature may be necessary on a property with a steep slope to prevent erosion?
96.
Which of the following DuPont Tyvek products must be covered within 4 months of installation?
97.
What is the color of the insulated grounding conductor in nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) for residential wiring?
98.
What is the function of a low-water cutoff on a steam boiler?
99.
According to the 2015 International Residential Code, how should the water-resistive barrier be applied over studs or sheathing?
100.
What is the NEC requirement for the depth of a residential underground service lateral?
101.
A 4-in-12 slope can be expressed as the ratio of _____.
102.
Which DuPont Tyvek product is specifically designed for use with stucco exteriors?
103.
A flight of stairs with more than 12 risers must have a landing between flights.
104.
What is the consequence of improperly sized downspouts?
105.
The maximum allowable gap between the bottom rail and the stair tread is 6 inches.
106.
What should be done if a radiator is not heating up properly?
107.
Seamless gutters are advantageous because they:
108.
Which residential energy system uses the earth's natural heat?
109.
What is the typical lifespan of a residential solar panel installation?
110.
During an inspection, you notice that the ground slopes toward the house. This could lead to:
111.
The use of spiral staircases is prohibited in residential structures.
112.
What is the recommended slope for gutters to ensure proper drainage?
113.
Which tool is essential for cutting vinyl siding to the correct length?
114.
What is the main function of an inverter in a solar panel system?
115.
Which alternative energy system can provide both heating and cooling for a home?
116.
Downspouts should be directed how far from a home's foundation to prevent water damage?
117.
Which of the following best describes "negative grading"?
118.
Which of the following is a requirement for wall assemblies using equivalent fasteners?
119.
What should be done before the start of the cooling season to ensure the AC system operates efficiently?
120.
What is the minimum required height for a service drop above a residential driveway?
121.
The maximum rise for any run of a residential ramp should be:
122.
What is the minimum wire size for a 200-amp residential service entrance?
123.
What is the recommended overlap for vertical seams when installing Tyvek WRBs?
124.
A guardrail and a handrail are the same thing.
125.
How should Tyvek StuccoWrap and Tyvek DrainWrap be installed in terms of the orientation of the grooves?
126.
A header is _____________.
127.
The surface of a ramp must be:
128.
What does an inverter in an AC system do?
129.
Risers can be open if the stairs are exterior, provided they meet certain requirements.
130.
What should be done if a subpanel is to be installed in a wet location?
131.
Identify the grading problem: Water stains are visible on the basement walls.
132.
What is the maximum height for a wall-mounted outlet above the floor in a residential living room?
133.
A volute, turnout, or starting easing shall be allowed on stairs with a width less than 44 inches.
134.
What does the service entrance include?
135.
Ice dams typically form on roofs with _________.
136.
In residential wiring, which of the following is a common amperage rating for a circuit breaker in a typical branch circuit?
137.
On average how often should homeowners clean their gutters?
138.
What is the purpose of the bonding jumper in a service entrance?
139.
What component of an AC system is responsible for removing heat from the indoor air?
140.
What is the primary purpose of gutters on a residential home?
141.
What is the process called when solar energy is used to generate electricity directly from sunlight?
142.
Drawer slides should be inspected for smooth operation and full extension.
143.
Solid surface countertops can be easily repaired if scratched or burned.
144.
What is the recommended action if the bottom edge of the Tyvek WRB roll is less than 2 inches over the sill plate interface?
145.
Handrails must be continuous over the full length of the stairs.
146.
Cabinet doors should not have any play or movement when closed.
147.
What is the purpose of DuPont RainVent Battens?
148.
What is the purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) in residential wiring?
149.
Stairway landings must have a vertical clearance of at least 6 feet 8 inches.
150.
What is the term for the point where the utility's responsibility ends and the homeowner's begins?
151.
Which of the following is a benefit of using a fuel cell in a residential setting?
152.
The function of a footing is to __________.
153.
What is the main purpose of service equipment in a residential electrical system?
154.
The minimum slope for asphalt shingles in a conventional roofing application is ______.
155.
Hairline cracks in natural stone countertops are considered a material defect.
156.
What is a service lateral in residential electrical systems?
157.
What is the recommended starting point for installing vinyl siding on a house?
158.
What is the purpose of the condensate drain in an AC system?
159.
The purpose of a cant strip is to __________.
160.
Which of the following indicates a potential grading issue?
161.
What is the recommended overlap for horizontal seams when installing Tyvek as an air barrier?
162.
What is the primary function of a grade break in residential site grading?
163.
What is the NEC requirement for the working space in front of a residential electrical service panel?
164.
Which of the following is NOT recommended when installing vinyl siding?
165.
Which of the following is NOT a recommended surface preparation for the installation of Tyvek WRBs?
166.
What is the term for the system that returns condensate back to the boiler?
167.
What is the minimum clearance required in front of a subpanel?
168.
What is the maximum time Tyvek CommercialWrap and Tyvek CommercialWrap D should remain uncovered after installation?
169.
Which part of the AC system is responsible for releasing the absorbed heat to the outdoor air?
170.
What must be considered when determining the location of a subpanel?
171.
What is a common symptom of low refrigerant levels in an AC system?
172.
What is the main advantage of using a dual-axis tracking system for solar panels?
174.
What is the result of an oversized boiler in a residential steam heating system?
175.
What is the minimum wire size for a subpanel feeder in a detached garage with a calculated load of 60 amps?
176.
Softwood is a common material for heavy-duty kitchen cabinets.
177.
What is the primary use of a residential biomass energy system?
178.
What is a net metering agreement?
179.
What is the service grounding system primarily designed to do?
180.
Stairways must be illuminated, but switches are not required at each floor level.
181.
What is the main environmental benefit of residential alternative energy systems?
182.
When are intermediate handrails required?
183.
Which of the following is a common problem associated with poor site grading?
184.
Which type of refrigerant is commonly used in modern residential AC systems?
185.
What is the minimum size (AWG) copper wire typically allowed for a 20-amp, 120-volt branch circuit?
186.
What is the main reason for the growing popularity of residential alternative energy systems?
187.
A double handrail is mandatory on all residential staircases.
188.
What is the purpose of a berm in landscape grading?
189.
What is the primary challenge of integrating solar panels into the power grid?
190.
In areas with expansive soils, what grading consideration is important to prevent soil heave?
191.
What should be used to secure downspouts to a home?
192.
How should vinyl siding be installed around windows and doors?
193.
In a split AC system, where is the evaporator coil usually located?
194.
What is the best location for the thermostat in a home with a central AC system?
195.
Interior basement stairways should have ___________.
196.
Where is the service disconnect typically located?
197.
What is the purpose of a radiator in a steam heating system?
198.
Natural stone countertops are always perfectly flat.
199.
All required handrails must be on the right side descending the stairs.
200.
What is the recommended action if the grading is flat around a home's perimeter?
201.
A low slope can lead to problems with all of the following types of roof-covering materials, except:
202.
Butcher block countertops require regular maintenance with oiling to prevent cracking.
203.
What is the consequence of an oversized AC system for a home?
204.
What is the purpose of DuPont Tyvek Tape in the installation process?
205.
The minimum landing size for a residential stairway is 36 inches by 36 inches.
206.
How many conductors are found in a standard 12/2 Romex cable?
207.
What is the typical lifespan of a residential AC system with proper maintenance?
208.
Railings must be provided on both sides of ramp and stair flights.
209.
When installing vinyl siding, how should you handle areas where different materials meet, such as where siding meets brick or stone?
210.
The nosing on treads is not required for stairways with an enclosed riser.
211.
Which of the following is an acceptable protection method for nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) where it is subject to physical damage?
212.
What size wire is typically required to feed a 100-amp subpanel?
213.
A proper grading plan for a residential property should ensure that:
214.
Thermofoil cabinet doors are less likely to warp than solid wood doors.
215.
The handrail height on a ramp must be between:
216.
All laminate countertops are resistant to heat and stains.
217.
Cabinet doors made of MDF are more resistant to humidity than solid wood doors.
218.
What is the typical maximum distance allowed for a subpanel from the main panel?
219.
A foundation wall penetration should ____________.
220.
Water damage to a cabinet's toe kick is a cosmetic issue.
221.
The function of a sill plate is to _____________.
222.
Quartz countertops are 100% natural stone.
223.
What is the minimum air space required for Tyvek ThermaWrap LE to obtain the installed R-Value benefits?
224.
What is the term for the pipes that carry steam from the boiler to the radiators?
225.
The minimum clear width of a ramp should be:
226.
What is the recommended slope for steam pipes to ensure proper drainage of condensate?
227.
T/F: Bodies of water near a house indicate the area's natural water table and should alert the inspector to look for moisture intrusion problems.
228.
What is the most common type of residential alternative energy system?
229.
In a residential wiring system, what is the maximum allowable voltage drop on a branch circuit?
230.
What should be regularly replaced or cleaned in an AC system to maintain air quality and efficiency?
231.
What is the function of a steam trap in a steam heating system?
232.
What is the minimum burial depth for UF (Underground Feeder) cable used in a residential branch circuit at a property without vehicular traffic?
233.
Which type of cable is required for a residential service entrance?
