EBPHI NHIE Exam Questions

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21.

Which of the following should be reported as a safety hazard?

  • The main panelboard enclosure is rated by the manufacturer to 100 amps; the service conductor is a #4 Al conductor

  • The main panelboard enclosure is rated by the manufacturer to 100 amps; the service conductor is a 1/0 Al conductor

  • The main panelboard enclosure is rated by the manufacturer to 100 amps; the service conductor is a 1/0 Cu conductor

  • The main panelboard enclosure is rated by the manufacturer to 100 amps; the service conductor is a #4 Cu conductor

Correct answer: The main panelboard enclosure is rated by the manufacturer to 100 amps; the service conductor is a #4 Al conductor

The service conductor must be adequate to handle the amount of amperage the service disconnect is rated for, or the wires may become overheated before the service disconnect trips. A #4 Cu conductor is rated for 100 amps, a 1/0 Cu is rated for 150 amps, and a 1/0 Al is rated for 125 amps.

22.

How many inches of clearance to grade should wood siding have?

  • 6" or greater

  • 2" or greater

  • There is no recommendation

  • 12"

Correct answer: 6" or greater

Manufacturers will determine the exact clearance to grade for individual products. However, industry standards recommend a minimum of 6" or greater clearance to grade for wood-based siding products. A clearance of 2" or greater is recommended for hard surfaces around the building.

23.

The Standards Of Practice are NOT intended to: 

  • Limit the inspector from performing other services not listed

  • Provide a minimum standard for which the home inspection should be performed

  • Provide guidance for home inspectors in providing home inspections

  • Provide consumers protection

Correct answer: Limit the inspector from performing other services not listed

While having a Standard Of Practice will help steer expectations, it does not limit the inspector from performing other services. 

Standards Of Practice provide a framework so that all parties have a better understanding of the expectations and the limitations of a home inspection. 

24.

A small opening near the top of a plumbing fixture to prevent water from escaping is referred to as what?

  • Overflow

  • Air gap

  • Flood rim

  • Fill valve

Correct answer: Overflow

The overflow is a small opening located near the top of the basin, intended to prevent water from flowing over the flood rim. 

A flood rim is the point at which a plumbing fixture (such as a sink or tub) overflows. An air gap is the vertical separation between the water inlet and a contamination source. The fill valve is the mechanism in a toilet that refills the tank after flushing.

25.

All these scenarios are considered deficiency statements, but which one is not required to be reported during a home inspection?

  • The window coverings will not operate properly and should be replaced

  • The gas-fired furnace is at the end of its life expectancy and should be evaluated further by a qualified HVAC technician

  • The window in the stairwell does not have a tempered glass marking and should be replaced with tempered safety glass by a qualified professional

  • The handrail rail is present, but it is installed less than 34" from the riser and is considered acceptable; it is recommended that handrails be installed at the proper height to ensure safe descent and ascent of the staircase

Correct answer: The window coverings will not operate properly and should be replaced

While the statement is a deficiency, home inspectors are not required to report on window coverings or other cosmetic defects. Ensure that clients are aware that the inspection is intended to inspect for major deficiencies. 

Most Standards Of Practice (SOPs) will require acknowledging that a component is near the end of its life expectancy. However, it will be up to the inspector to decide whether it warrants further evaluation or is in need of replacement. The statement should accurately reflect the condition and the recommendation.

26.

Drainage system components include all EXCEPT:

  • Capillary action

  • Gutters and downspouts

  • Swales

  • Underground drains

Correct answer: Capillary action

Capillary action describes the forces interacting between liquids and a surface (also referred to as surface tension). 

Gutters and downspouts are a means to assist in proper roof water runoff away from the building. Swales are depressions formed around a building to provide a means for drainage. Underground drains provide a connection for the downspout to carry water to a pit drain, sewer line, or other storm drain system.

27.

What is a drip loop?

  • The downward loop formed to create a capillary break so as to not allow water to enter the masthead

  • The conductors connecting the service drop conductors to the main disconnect

  • The conductors provided by the utility provider to supply power

  • The underground conductors provided by the utility provider to supply power

Correct answer: The downward loop formed to create a capillary break so as to not allow water to enter the masthead

Using the proper terminology when describing components is important for clarification for the service professionals hired to repair called-out items. 

Service entrance conductors are the conductors connecting the service drop conductors to the main disconnect. Service drop conductors are the conductors provided by the utility provider to supply power. Service laterals are the underground conductors provided by the utility provider to supply power.

28.

Which of the following refers to the mechanism in a toilet that refills the tank after flushing?

  • Fill valve

  • Flood rim

  • Overflow

  • Air gap

Correct answer: Fill valve

The fill valve (also referred to as a ballcock assembly) is the mechanism in a toilet that refills the tank after flushing. 

A flood rim is the point at which a plumbing fixture (such as a sink or tub) overflows. The overflow is a small opening located near the top of the basin, intended to prevent water from flowing over the flood rim. An air gap is the vertical separation between the water inlet and a contamination source. 

29.

Which of the following would NOT be required when inspecting an air conditioner? 

  • Check the rating of the unit and determine if it is adequate for the size of the house

  • A visual check of the condenser unit for rust or damage

  • Look for obstructions around the unit that would restrict air flow or prevent servicing

  • Check that the overcurrent protection device does not exceed the maximum rating on the unit data plate

Correct answer: Check the rating of the unit and determine if it is adequate for the size of the house

Standards Of Practice (SOPs) require that a home inspector report on defects, which would include checking the condenser for rust or damage, looking for obstructions, and ensuring that the proper overcurrent protection has been installed. The home inspector is not required to determine if the unit is adequately sized for the building.

30.

How many, and what size, circuits are required in a kitchen for countertop receptacles?

  • Two 20 amp, 120 volt

  • One 20 amp, 120 volt

  • Two 15 amp, 120 volt

  • One 30 amp, 240 volt

Correct answer: Two 20 amp, 120 volt

Minimum requirements for kitchens require two 20 amp, 120 volt circuits dedicated to countertop appliances, and it should be reported if there are not enough circuits identified for a modern kitchen. 

240 volt circuits are dedicated to servicing larger appliances (e.g., oven, dryer, etc.).

31.

Which of the following is the difference between wood shingles and wood shake?

  • Shingles are consistent in size, while shake is hand-split

  • Shingles can only be used as a siding material, while shake can only be used as a roofing material

  • Shingles are larger, and shake is smaller

  • Shake requires layering, but shingles do not

Correct answer: Shingles are consistent in size, while shake is hand-split

Shingles are consistent in size because they are usually manufactured by sawing wood, whereas shake is manufactured by splitting the wood. Both can be used as a siding or roofing material.

32.

Which of the following wire sizes is the largest?

  • 6 AWG

  • 8 AWG

  • 10 AWG

  • 14 AWG

Correct answer: 6 AWG

The American Wire Gauge (AWG) numbers are used to identify the diameters of electrical wire. 14 gauge wire is smaller than 6 gauge wire, as the designation is based on the manufacturing of the wire and not the actual diameter size.

33.

All of these are part of the structural portion of a building EXCEPT:

  • Wythe

  • Piles

  • Piers

  • Spread footing

Correct answer: Wythe

Wythe describes a course of masonry that is one unit in thickness. 

Piles and piers are used to support a foundation. Both piles and piers can be installed underground or on the surface (although a pad footing of the appropriate size should be installed under a pier). A spread footing (or ribbon footing) is concrete poured into a trench, and it typically contains reinforcing steel.

34.

If a structure is less than 5’ from the property line, what is typically required?

  • 1-hour fire resistive construction and no openings

  • A means of egress from the building

  • A variance from the local code authority

  • Nothing; the setback must be 6’

Correct answer: 1-hour fire resistive construction and no openings

Fire-resistive construction can be a combination of different materials constructed together to provide fire resistance for the building and/or its occupants. Fire ratings of components of a home that a home inspector is required to report on are the requirements between a garage and a living area. 

Means of egress are necessary to understand for occupant safety, but they do not apply to this question. In most cases, the home inspector will be unaware of, and is not required to report on, variances allowed by the local jurisdiction. 

35.

The most likely place to find a tempering valve would be at the:

  • Water heater or boiler

  • Furnace

  • Panelboard

  • Exterior

Correct answer: Water heater or boiler

Tempering valves are located at the water heater or boiler, usually in a combination heating system. The valve allows the water heater or boiler to operate at higher temperatures (usually 140+ degrees Fahrenheit) in order to fulfill the heating and plumbing needs; yet it can be adjusted to "temper" the potable hot water, preventing scalding temperatures at faucets or fixtures.

36.

Slate tile roofs should be replaced when: 

  • The flashing, fasteners, or underlayment have failed

  • It is over 50 years old

  • It leaks

  • The tiles change color

Correct answer: The flashing, fasteners, or underlayment have failed

Slate tile will last hundreds of years unless it is damaged by projectiles; but the flashings, fasteners, and underlayment do not have the same life expectancy. While roof leaks may be an indicator of failure of the flashing details or underlayment, these areas can be spot repaired in most cases. 

37.

A wall that follows the incline of the roof is referred to as:

  • A rake wall

  • A butt wall

  • A by-wall

  • A jack wall

Correct answer: A rake wall

A rake wall follows the incline of the roof.

A butt wall is where the wall intersects the by-wall. A by-wall (also known as a through wall) is a long wall. A jack wall (also known as a knee, pony, or cripple wall) is a short wall typically used in areas where there is a step down. 

38.

Temperature differential (or temperature drop) should be checked:

  • At the register closest to the evaporator coil

  • At the register furthest from the air handler

  • Inside the furnace closet

  • At the kitchen register

Correct answer: At the register closest to the evaporator coil

Temperature differential (or temperature drop) is most accurately taken from at least 12" from either side of the evaporator coil after the unit has run for at least 15 minutes.

39.

Which of the following best describes PEX piping?

  • Milky-white; cannot be installed within 18" of the water heater inlet or outlet

  • Yellowish; cannot be installed within 18" of the water heater inlet or outlet; prone to freezing

  • White; not permissible for hot water supply line installation; prone to freezing

  • Bluish-gray; no longer permissible; microfracturers from reaction to common oxidants and disinfectants in the water system

Correct answer: Milky-white; cannot be installed within 18" of the water heater inlet or outlet

PEX can come in a variety of colors; a common one is milky white. Polybutylene piping is no longer permissible in residential construction. It was primarily used between the 1970s and 1990s. PVC is a white pipe only used for cold water. CPVC is yellowish and can be used for both hot and cold supply, but it should not be used within 18" of a water heater. 

40.

A cricket should be provided on any chimney:

  • 24" or wider

  • Near a side wall condition

  • 24” or less

  • That is not constructed of masonry

Correct answer: 24" or wider

A cricket is installed to divert water around a chimney, reducing the opportunity for water penetration of the building. 

Backer (head) flashing is used for chimneys less than 24" wide.