MCC-NH Gas Fitters Practice Exam

What is the determination period for a pressure test on a commercial piping system greater than 100 cubic feet?

1. 1 hour per 100 cubic feet

2. 30 minutes per 500 cubic feet

3. 1 hour is the maximum duration

4. 1/2 hour per 500 cubic feet

The correct answer is: 1/2 hour per 500 cubic feet

The determination period for a pressure test on a commercial piping system greater than 100 cubic feet typically follows established guidelines to ensure safety and reliability. For a system of this size, the standard allows for a testing duration of ½ hour per 500 cubic feet. This duration is designed to provide enough time to accurately assess the integrity of the piping under pressure, allowing any leaks or structural weaknesses to be detected. A shorter time frame might not provide sufficient opportunity for pressure to stabilize, making it difficult to gauge the system's performance accurately. Thus, the specified duration helps maintain a balance between thoroughness and efficiency during the testing process. Other options present different timing configurations that do not align with accepted practices for testing commercial piping systems. For instance, suggesting one hour per 100 cubic feet would result in excessively long test periods compared to industry standards, while the assumption of one hour as the maximum duration does not account for the size of the system appropriately. Similarly, a period of 30 minutes per 500 cubic feet would be too short for the size and pressure involved in a commercial setting, potentially compromising safety. The correct choice reflects the appropriate guidelines for ensuring effective testing of larger systems.