Welcome to your NHIE Exam Prep Questions
1.
In residential construction, what is the minimum height for a switch above the floor?
2.
Ice dams typically form on roofs with _________.
3.
A double handrail is mandatory on all residential staircases.
4.
What is a gutter guard?
5.
Which of the following is a benefit of using a fuel cell in a residential setting?
6.
The minimum light requirement for a stairway is one foot-candle at the walking surface.
7.
What is the result of an improperly sized subpanel for the intended load?
8.
Seamless gutters are advantageous because they:
9.
What does the service entrance include?
10.
What is the function of weep holes in vinyl siding?
11.
The surface of a ramp must be:
12.
What is the correct installation sequence for Tyvek WRBs in relation to windows and doors?
13.
LED lighting inside cabinets is an indicator of good quality.
14.
How should Tyvek StuccoWrap and Tyvek DrainWrap be installed in terms of the orientation of the grooves?
15.
What is the main purpose of the expansion valve in an AC system?
16.
What is the main environmental benefit of residential alternative energy systems?
17.
A load-bearing stud wall has a ____________.
18.
Railings must be provided on both sides of ramp and stair flights.
19.
What is the NEC requirement for the working space in front of a residential electrical service panel?
20.
What is the minimum wire size for a 200-amp residential service entrance?
21.
Countertops with integrated sinks have no seams.
22.
What size wire is typically required to feed a 100-amp subpanel?
23.
During an inspection, you notice that the ground slopes toward the house. This could lead to:
24.
The maximum variation in riser height or tread depth in a stairway should not exceed:
25.
What is the purpose of DuPont Tyvek Tape in the installation process?
26.
What is the service grounding system primarily designed to do?
27.
It is acceptable for a countertop to have slight unevenness at the seams.
28.
The minimum landing length, measured in the direction of travel, should be:
29.
What is the recommended slope for steam pipes to ensure proper drainage of condensate?
30.
Which type of cable is required for a residential service entrance?
31.
Which DuPont Tyvek product is specifically designed for use with stucco exteriors?
32.
What is the recommended starting point for installing vinyl siding on a house?
33.
How does a residential hydroelectric generator produce electricity?
34.
What does SEER stand for in relation to AC systems?
35.
Which of the following materials is commonly used for residential gutters?
36.
A header is _____________.
37.
What is the term for the point where the utility's responsibility ends and the homeowner's begins?
38.
What is typically used to protect the service entrance conductors from physical damage?
39.
Which of the following is NOT recommended when installing vinyl siding?
40.
What is the minimum air space required for Tyvek ThermaWrap LE to obtain the installed R-Value benefits?
41.
What is a major advantage of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems over solar thermal systems?
42.
Which type of refrigerant is commonly used in modern residential AC systems?
43.
The minimum slope for asphalt shingles in a conventional roofing application is ______.
44.
What is the primary component that generates steam in a residential steam heating system?
45.
What is the minimum required clearance for running nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) across the face of framing members?
46.
It is standard for cabinet doors to have a small amount of play to prevent sticking.
47.
When are arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) required in residential bedrooms?
48.
All laminate countertops are resistant to heat and stains.
49.
The minimum landing size for a residential stairway is 36 inches by 36 inches.
50.
When are intermediate handrails required?
51.
What must be considered when determining the location of a subpanel?
52.
What is the term for the process of an AC system removing moisture from the air?
53.
What is the purpose of a drip loop in a service drop?
54.
What is the main purpose of service equipment in a residential electrical system?
55.
What is the purpose of a weatherhead in a service entrance?
56.
What is the term for the heat exchange process used by geothermal heat pumps?
57.
What is the recommended action if the grading is flat around a home's perimeter?
58.
Butcher block countertops require regular maintenance with oiling to prevent cracking.
59.
A volute, turnout, or starting easing shall be allowed on stairs with a width less than 44 inches.
60.
It is acceptable for cabinet doors to close with a loud noise.
61.
Cabinet doors should not have any play or movement when closed.
62.
All required handrails must be on the right side descending the stairs.
63.
What is the most common type of residential alternative energy system?
64.
Interior basement stairways should have ___________.
65.
What is the maximum time Tyvek CommercialWrap and Tyvek CommercialWrap D should remain uncovered after installation?
66.
What is the main disadvantage of a single-pipe steam heating system compared to a two-pipe system?
67.
What should be done if a radiator is not heating up properly?
68.
What is a common cause of knocking sounds in steam heating systems?
69.
What is the function of a steam trap in a steam heating system?
70.
What is the term for the pipes that carry steam from the boiler to the radiators?
71.
The maximum rise for any run of a residential ramp should be:
72.
The minimum width for a stair landing should be no less than the width of the stairway served.
73.
Which of the following is an acceptable protection method for nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) where it is subject to physical damage?
74.
Cabinet shelves should be able to hold a reasonable amount of weight without bowing.
75.
Open risers are permitted in residential staircases provided the opening does not allow the passage of a:
76.
Where is the service disconnect typically located?
77.
Stairway landings must have a vertical clearance of at least 6 feet 8 inches.
78.
Drawer slides should be inspected for smooth operation and full extension.
79.
The minimum clear width of a ramp should be:
80.
Which tool is essential for cutting vinyl siding to the correct length?
81.
A flight of stairs with more than 12 risers must have a landing between flights.
82.
What is the purpose of the sight glass on a steam boiler?
83.
What is the purpose of an air vent on a steam radiator?
84.
What is the purpose of a French drain in residential grading?
85.
What is the typical lifespan of a residential AC system with proper maintenance?
86.
The handgrip portion of handrails shall have a cross-sectional dimension of:
87.
In a flight of stairs, the nosing should protrude no more than:
88.
A countertop with a slight overhang is a design flaw.
89.
What is the main advantage of using a dual-axis tracking system for solar panels?
90.
What is the function of a low-water cutoff on a steam boiler?
91.
According to the 2015 International Residential Code, how should the water-resistive barrier be applied over studs or sheathing?
92.
On average how often should homeowners clean their gutters?
93.
Solid surface countertops can be easily repaired if scratched or burned.
94.
What should be used to secure downspouts to a home?
95.
What is the typical lifespan of a residential solar panel installation?
96.
Natural stone countertops are always perfectly flat.
97.
All stair treads must have identical dimensions within a single flight of stairs.
98.
What is the maximum height for a wall-mounted outlet above the floor in a residential living room?
99.
What is the outdoor unit of an AC system primarily composed of?
100.
What is the maximum allowable riser height for residential stairs?
101.
What is the recommended overlap for vertical seams when installing Tyvek WRBs?
102.
The function of a sill plate is to _____________.
103.
What is the minimum tread depth for residential stairs?
104.
Which residential energy system uses the earth's natural heat?
105.
When installing vinyl siding, what is the recommended practice for nailing?
106.
What is the purpose of a berm in landscape grading?
107.
What is the typical maximum distance allowed for a subpanel from the main panel?
108.
Which of the following is NOT a recommended surface preparation for the installation of Tyvek WRBs?
109.
What is the color of the insulated grounding conductor in nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) for residential wiring?
110.
A guardrail and a handrail are the same thing.
111.
What is the recommended action if the grading is flat around a home's perimeter?
112.
What is the recommended overlap for each piece of vinyl siding?
113.
What does HVAC stand for?
114.
What component of an AC system is responsible for removing heat from the indoor air?
115.
Water damage to a cabinet's toe kick is a cosmetic issue.
116.
What should be done if a subpanel is to be installed in a wet location?
117.
What is the primary challenge of integrating solar panels into the power grid?
118.
Stairways must be illuminated, but switches are not required at each floor level.
119.
Epoxy resin countertops are highly resistant to chemicals and heat.
120.
What is the typical cause of a steam boiler operating with low water levels?
121.
What is the term for the system that returns condensate back to the boiler?
122.
What is the minimum size (AWG) copper wire typically allowed for a 20-amp, 120-volt branch circuit?
123.
What is the main benefit of using a solar water heating system?
124.
What is the main function of an inverter in a solar panel system?
125.
What is the NEC requirement for the working space in front of a residential electrical service panel?
126.
What should be regularly replaced or cleaned in an AC system to maintain air quality and efficiency?
127.
Thermofoil cabinet doors are less likely to warp than solid wood doors.
128.
Which of the following is a requirement for wall assemblies using equivalent fasteners?
129.
What device is used to measure the pressure within a steam boiler?
130.
A low slope can lead to problems with all of the following types of roof-covering materials, except:
131.
The nosing on treads is not required for stairways with an enclosed riser.
132.
A roof truss that has been cut in order to accommodate a skylight can be re-supported by ______________.
133.
Cabinet doors made of MDF are more resistant to humidity than solid wood doors.
134.
In a residential wiring system, what is the maximum allowable voltage drop on a branch circuit?
135.
What is the primary use of a residential biomass energy system?
136.
In residential wiring, which of the following is a common amperage rating for a circuit breaker in a typical branch circuit?
137.
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.
138.
The landing must be at least as wide as the stairs for both directions of stairway traffic.
139.
What is a swale used for in residential site grading?
140.
A proper grading plan for a residential property should ensure that:
141.
What is the primary reason for insulating steam supply lines?
142.
What is the process called when solar energy is used to generate electricity directly from sunlight?
143.
Which of the following indicates a potential grading issue?
144.
Plywood is often used as a substrate under laminate countertops.
145.
What should be done to the vinyl siding at corners of the house?
146.
What is the purpose of the bonding jumper in a service entrance?
147.
How many conductors are found in a standard 12/2 Romex cable?
148.
A 4-in-12 slope can be expressed as the ratio of _____.
149.
Which of the following DuPont Tyvek products must be covered within 4 months of installation?
150.
How often should a steam heating system be serviced by a professional?
151.
What is the minimum burial depth for UF (Underground Feeder) cable used in a residential branch circuit at a property without vehicular traffic?
152.
What is the recommended overlap for horizontal seams when installing Tyvek as an air barrier?
153.
The angle at which a gutter is installed is known as the:
154.
Identify the grading problem: Water stains are visible on the basement walls.
155.
What is the primary function of a grade break in residential site grading?
156.
Hairline cracks in natural stone countertops are considered a material defect.
157.
What is the purpose of adding a water treatment to a steam boiler?
158.
A guardrail is required if the drop-off is greater than:
159.
What is the recommended action if the bottom edge of the Tyvek WRB roll is less than 2 inches over the sill plate interface?
160.
All stone countertops should be sealed to prevent staining.
161.
What should be done if a piece of vinyl siding becomes cracked or damaged?
162.
Risers can be open if the stairs are exterior, provided they meet certain requirements.
163.
What is the recommended slope for gutters to ensure proper drainage?
164.
Cabinets should be checked for proper alignment and operation during an inspection.
165.
Downspouts should be directed how far from a home's foundation to prevent water damage?
166.
What is the minimum required height for a service drop above a residential driveway?
167.
Handrails must be continuous over the full length of the stairs.
168.
Which of the following best describes "negative grading"?
169.
What is the minimum pressure differential that Tyvek WRBs are tested under according to ASTM E 2178?
170.
What is the main reason for the growing popularity of residential alternative energy systems?
171.
The maximum allowable gap between the bottom rail and the stair tread is 6 inches.
172.
What is the main function of the meter base in a residential electrical service?
173.
When is it acceptable to use aluminum wiring for branch circuits in residential homes?
174.
What is the primary purpose of gutters on a residential home?
175.
Which of the following is NOT a type of service entrance cable?
176.
A roof that has a problem with ponding generally still has water on it at least ____ hours after it has rained.
177.
What is the best location for the thermostat in a home with a central AC system?
178.
What should be done before the start of the cooling season to ensure the AC system operates efficiently?
179.
What is the purpose of the pressuretrol on a steam boiler?
180.
What is a service lateral in residential electrical systems?
181.
What is the primary factor that affects the efficiency of a residential wind turbine?
182.
What is a service drop?
183.
The handrail height on a ramp must be between:
184.
How much room should be left for expansion when installing vinyl siding panels into the receiving channels?
185.
What is the purpose of a feeder breaker in a subpanel installation?
186.
Which of the following should be installed prior to vinyl siding to ensure proper water drainage?
187.
Softwood is a common material for heavy-duty kitchen cabinets.
188.
Which of the following is NOT a recommended fastener for use with Tyvek WRBs?
189.
What is required for a home to be suitable for a residential wind turbine?
190.
All cabinet doors should open to a minimum of 90 degrees.
191.
The purpose of a cant strip is to __________.
192.
What does an inverter in an AC system do?
194.
The use of spiral staircases is prohibited in residential structures.
195.
What is the NEC requirement for the depth of a residential underground service lateral?
196.
What is the minimum wire size for a 60-amp subpanel feed?
197.
Foundation walls ____________.
198.
What is a common symptom of low refrigerant levels in an AC system?
199.
What is the standard thickness for granite countertops?
200.
When installing vinyl siding, how should you handle areas where different materials meet, such as where siding meets brick or stone?
201.
What is the consequence of improperly sized downspouts?
202.
Which of the following wiring methods is typically allowed in damp or wet locations?
203.
Which of the following is a common problem associated with poor site grading?
204.
Quartz countertops are 100% natural stone.
205.
The minimum headroom in all parts of the stairway should not be less than:
206.
In a split AC system, where is the evaporator coil usually located?
207.
The function of a footing is to __________.
208.
What is the recommended minimum distance for downspout extensions to direct water away from a foundation?
209.
Which part of the AC system is responsible for releasing the absorbed heat to the outdoor air?
210.
What is the result of an oversized boiler in a residential steam heating system?
211.
The minimum width for a residential stairway should be:
212.
What is the purpose of a radiator in a steam heating system?
213.
What is the consequence of an oversized AC system for a home?
214.
A foundation wall penetration should ____________.
215.
What is the purpose of the condensate drain in an AC system?
216.
When wiring a subpanel, what is the correct way to handle the neutral and ground wires?
217.
Which of the following is NOT a type of residential AC system?
218.
What is the minimum clearance required in front of a subpanel?
219.
A sink's caulking should be free of cracks and gaps.
220.
What is the minimum wire size for a subpanel feeder in a detached garage with a calculated load of 60 amps?
221.
Which alternative energy system can provide both heating and cooling for a home?
222.
What grading feature may be necessary on a property with a steep slope to prevent erosion?
223.
What is the primary disadvantage of residential wind turbines?
224.
In a subpanel, what is the purpose of the bonding screw or strap?
225.
What is the purpose of a starter strip in vinyl siding installation?
226.
What should be regularly checked to ensure the safety and efficiency of a steam boiler?
227.
What is a net metering agreement?
228.
In areas with expansive soils, what grading consideration is important to prevent soil heave?
229.
Which type of conduit is most commonly used for residential underground service laterals?
230.
What is the purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) in residential wiring?
231.
How should vinyl siding be installed around windows and doors?
232.
What is the color of the insulated grounding conductor in nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) for residential wiring?
233.
What is the purpose of DuPont RainVent Battens?
