EBPHI NHIE Exam Questions

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141.

Return air CAN be taken from which of the following?

  • Hallway

  • Kitchen

  • Garage

  • Bathroom

Correct answer: Hallway

Return air cannot be taken from the garage (no air openings are allowed in the garage, whether supply or return), kitchen, or bathroom (warm, moist air could create ideal conditions for fungal growth and poor indoor air quality, in addition to potentially damaging components within the system).

142.

Cracking tiles on the flooring could be a sign that:

  • The flooring system is too flexible

  • The flooring system is too stiff

  • The tiles have been installed over cement fiber board

  • The tiles have been installed over cured concrete

Correct answer: The flooring system is too flexible

If there is too much flex in the floor support system, tiles will crack due to improper support. 

Tiles can be installed over cement fiber board or cured concrete, and they are not typically going to be an indicator of poor installation. Tiles can crack due to expansion joints in the concrete, and cracking tiles could be an indicator of a larger structural issue; but cracking of tiles is most commonly related to the flexibility of the subfloor and framing.

143.

What is the definition of "consideration," as it relates to the home inspection?

  • Something of value in exchange for the offer

  • An expression of preparedness to do something or to refrain from doing something

  • An acceptance by the other party involved

  • Mutual agreement to the contractual relationship

Correct answer: Something of value in exchange for the offer

The four elements required for a contract are offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual assent. An offer is an expression of preparedness to do something or to refrain from doing something. The offer needs to be accepted by the other party involved. Both parties must mutually assent (agree) to the contractual relationship.

144.

What are insulation ratings measured in?

  • R-Value

  • BTU

  • Ton

  • U-Value

Correct answer: R-Value

R-Value is the measurement of thermal resistance, and it is used to measure the ability of insulation to resist heat traveling through it. 

U-Value is the unit of measurement used to describe heat transfer through a material. Ton is often seen in reference to the measurement of air conditioning capacity needed to remove heat at a rate of 12,000 BTUs per hour. British Thermal Unit (BTU) is used to express one unit of heat energy.

145.

Which definition best describes a stoop?

  • A small platform that serves as a landing on the exterior

  • A platform on the exterior that can be attached to the building or freestanding, supported by posts

  • A platform on the exterior, at the second story or above

  • An exterior extension of the house that is roofed.

Correct answer: A small platform that serves as a landing on the exterior

While terminology can vary throughout the country, it's important to use terms that your client will be familiar with. A stoop is a small platform that serves as a landing on the exterior.

A balcony is a platform on the exterior, at the second story or above. A deck is a platform on the exterior. It can be attached to the building; or it can be freestanding, supported by posts. A porch is an exterior extension of the house that is roofed. 

146.

The vertical clearance to combustible materials (such as cabinets) above a range is: 

  • 30"

  • 18"

  • 24"

  • 26"

Correct answer: 30"

Some exceptions may apply (such as a manufacturer's installation instructions, provisions made for heat shields, etc.); but in general, a 30" minimum clearance to combustibles is required.

147.

The minimum clearance to combustible material requirements for a single wall stove pipe serving a wood stove is:

  • 18"

  • 1"

  • 2"

  • 6"

Correct answer: 18"

1" clearance to combustible materials is required for Type B vents. Insulation sleeves through the attic should be at least 2" higher than the insulation. 6" clearance to combustible materials is required for single wall vent connectors.

148.

The minimum efficiency rating for a furnace to be considered high-efficiency is:

  • 88%

  • 60%

  • 78%

  • 95%

Correct answer: 88%

While efficiency is not a requirement for reporting, it will be crucial in understanding the venting and combustion air requirements for the appliance. High-efficiency furnaces require plastic venting systems and condensate management systems in order to operate properly.

149.

Which of the following is NOT true of egresses?

  • They can have a keyed lock from the interior side

  • A door with direct access to the exterior is required

  • The maximum height of the windowsill from the interior floor is less than 44"

  • Openings with a sill below grade require a window well

Correct answer: They can have a keyed lock from the interior side

Any egress window or door is required to be keyless from the interior side so as to not prevent or impede emergency egress from the building.

150.

A double tap in electrical refers to:

  • Adding a second wire to a breaker

  • Tapping the deadfront cover with your hand prior to removing the cover

  • Making sure both feet are planted firmly on the ground before removing the cover

  • The double pole breakers used with a 240-volt device

Correct answer: Adding a second wire to a breaker

Testing (not tapping) the electrical enclosure with the back of your hand prior to removing the deadfront cover is highly recommended, but double tapping is not what is being referred to in this question. 

Often, when adding a circuit, amateurs will add a second wire to a breaker instead of replacing the breaker with an appropriate breaker or adding an extra breaker. Double-tapping of the breaker can lead to overheating or nuisance tripping, and it is often seen as a possible fire hazard.

151.

The maximum threshold height above a landing or floor should NOT exceed how many inches below the threshold, only if the door does not swing over the step?

  • 7 3/4"

  • 2" 

  • 4" 

  • 16" 

Correct answer: 7 3/4"

If a door swings over the step, the maximum height above the landing or floor is not to exceed 1 1/2", or it can be considered a trip or fall hazard. 7 3/4" is the maximum riser height for a step.

152.

Resistance is: 

  • The opposition of a material to the flow of electricity

  • The flow of electricity reversing direction at a frequency of 60 cycles per second

  • The amount of electricity moving through a conductor

  • The measurement of the amount of electricity moving through a conductor

Correct answer: The opposition of a material to the flow of electricity

Alternate Current (A/C) is the flow of electricity reversing direction at a frequency of 60 cycles per second. Current is the amount of electricity moving through a conductor. Amperes is the measurement of the amount of electricity moving through a conductor.

153.

When inspecting the heating system, the inspector is NOT required to: 

  • Inspect heat-recovery and similar whole-house mechanical ventilation systems

  • Open readily openable access panels

  • Inspect installed heating equipment

  • Describe the energy source(s)

Correct answer: Inspect heat-recovery and similar whole-house mechanical ventilation systems

Home inspectors ARE required to open any openable access panel, describe the energy source(s) used in the heating system(s), and inspect any readily accessible heating equipment (or state why it was not inspected). 

Home inspectors are NOT required to inspect heat-recovery and similar whole-house mechanical ventilation systems, heat exchangers, humidifiers or dehumidifiers, or any heating system using ground-source, water-source, solar, and renewable energy technologies.

154.

A BTU is defined as:

  • The amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit

  • The amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius

  • The temperature at which air condenses on a surface

  • The material used to retard the movement of moisture through a surface

Correct answer: The amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit

A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. 

Dew point is the temperature at which air condenses on a surface. A vapor barrier (retarder) is the material used to retard the movement of moisture through a surface.

155.

The minimum clearance to combustible material requirements for a single wall vent connector serving a gas appliance is:

  • 6"

  • 2"

  • 18"

  • 1"

Correct answer: 6"

1" clearance to combustible materials is required for Type B vents. Insulation sleeves through the attic should be at least 2" higher than the insulation. 18" clearance to combustible walls is required for a single wall stove pipe.

156.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement with regard to anchor bolts?

  • Older homes must be retrofitted to today’s requirements

  • There should be a ½” minimum for bolts, nuts, and washers

  • There should be a 7” embedment at a max of 6’ spacing

  • They must be within 12” of the end of the sill

Correct answer: Older homes must be retrofitted to today’s requirements

Although older homes may be retrofitted to today's standards, it is not a requirement. 

Embedments will not be visible after the installation of anchor bolts. However, it is important to understand where anchor bolts should be located.

157.

The intention of a Code of Ethics is to:

  • Uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and practice of a profession

  • Avoid activities that may harm the public

  • Avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of the profession

  • Avoid activities that may reduce public confidence in the profession

Correct answer: Uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and practice of a profession

The intention of a Code of Ethics is to uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and practice of a profession. 

The remaining answers provide individual ways in which to make this happen; they are components of the Code of Ethics.  

158.

What safety device uses heat to sense whether the pilot light is lit before opening the gas valve?

  • Thermocouple

  • Thermopile

  • Hot-surface igniter

  • Intermittent-pilot igniter

Correct answer: Thermocouple

A thermocouple is a safety device that is activated by heat to convert into an electric current. The current will then open the pilot portion of the gas valve to supply gas to the pilot light. 

A thermopile is a collection of thermocouples and produces more electricity than a thermocouple. The hot-surface igniter is often referred to as a glow stick and serves as the ignition source for the gas burner instead of a standing pilot light or intermittent-pilot igniter. An intermittent-pilot igniter (or spark igniter) uses a high-voltage spark to ignite the pilot.

159.

Which mechanical devices are located in moisture rich rooms, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms?

  • Local/Spot Exhaust Fans

  • Heat Recovery Ventilators

  • Energy Recovery Ventilators

  • Whole-House Ventilation

Correct answer: Local/Spot Exhaust Fans

Local (or Spot) Exhaust Fans are installed in moisture-rich rooms (such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens) to disperse excessive moisture and help control humidity levels. 

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air to maintain healthy indoor air quality and provide proper ventilation of the building assembly. Energy (or Enthalpy) Recovery Ventilators work similarly to HRVs in that they also replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, while capturing the humidity in the air to help keep the ambient internal humidity at a reasonable level. Whole-House Ventilation systems use fans and duct systems to exhaust stale air and/or supply fresh air to dilute potential contaminants throughout the home. 

160.

A handrail installed on a staircase is required to be at what height?

  • Minimum 34” and max 38”

  • 32”

  • Minimum 30” and max 34”

  • Minimum 32” and max 34”

Correct answer: Minimum 34” and max 38”

Minimum and maximum handrail heights are important for the safety of the occupants. Handrails installed too low or too high do not provide proper fall protection. The other answers are simply made up.