ASSE 5140 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Air gap separation

A physical unobstructed vertical distance between a potable water outlet and the flood-level rim of a receptor. The gap must be at least twice the effective pipe diameter and never less than 1 inch.

Reduced pressure principle assembly

A testable backflow preventer with two independently acting check valves and a differential relief valve. It protects against both backsiphonage and backpressure and is approved for high-hazard connections.

Pressure vacuum breaker

A testable assembly with one check valve and an air inlet that opens at atmospheric pressure. It protects against backsiphonage only and must sit at least 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet.

Double check valve assembly

Two independently acting check valves in series in one body. It protects against backsiphonage and low-hazard backpressure, but it is not approved for high-hazard or toxic connections.

Atmospheric vacuum breaker

A non-testable device with a float check and air inlet that opens at atmospheric pressure. It may not be under continuous pressure more than 12 hours in 24 hours and sits at least 6 inches above the outlet.

Containment versus isolation

Containment places backflow protection at the service connection to protect the public main; isolation places protection at each fixture or appliance to protect the building supply. High-hazard premises require containment.

Drainage fixture unit

A unit expressing the probable discharge rate of a fixture. Fixture units are summed and converted through code tables to determine drain pipe diameter and slope requirements.

Trap seal depth

The vertical distance between the crown weir and the top of the trap dip. It must be at least 2 inches and no more than 4 inches to prevent sewer gas entry while allowing flow.

Vent stack termination

A vent stack must extend at least 6 inches above the roof surface and terminate at least 10 feet from a property line, air intake, or operable window to prevent gas reentry.

Backwater valve

A device installed in a drainage line to prevent sewage from reversing into the building. It is required where fixtures are subject to backflow and must remain accessible for maintenance.

Building drain versus building sewer

The building drain is the lowest piping inside the foundation wall that carries waste to the building sewer. The building sewer is the portion outside the foundation wall connecting to the public sewer.

Cleanout placement

Cleanouts are required at the base of each soil or waste stack, at the end of each horizontal drain line, and at intervals not exceeding 100 feet in horizontal runs.

Water closet flush volume

New water closets must be listed and must not exceed 1.6 gallons per flush. This limit reduces water demand and applies to new construction and replacements under the code.

Temperature and pressure relief valve

A safety device on a water heater that opens at excessive temperature or pressure. Its discharge pipe must flow by gravity and terminate within 6 inches of the floor or outside.

Garage water heater elevation

A water heater in a garage must be elevated so its ignition source is at least 18 inches above the floor, unless it is listed as flammable-vapor ignition resistant.

Water closet side clearance

A water closet must have at least 15 inches from its centerline to a side wall and at least 21 inches of clearance in front, ensuring usable and accessible space.

Faucet flow limits

Showerheads and lavatory faucets are limited to 2.5 gallons per minute at 80 psi, and kitchen faucets to 2.2 gallons per minute, under the adopted code.

Thermal expansion control

A closed system created by a check valve, backflow preventer, or pressure-reducing valve requires a thermal expansion tank or equivalent device to relieve pressure from heated water.

Pressure-reducing valve threshold

Where distribution pressure exceeds 80 psi, a pressure-reducing valve with an approved strainer must be installed, along with thermal expansion control on the closed system.

Fixture unit to demand

Total fixture units are converted to probable demand in gallons per minute using the code demand curve. That demand, with developed length, sizes the water distribution piping.

Developed length

The actual pipe run plus equivalent lengths for fittings and valves. The longest developed length from the meter to the farthest outlet governs water pipe sizing.

Minimum fixture pressure

Under flow, a flush tank water closet typically requires 8 psi and a flushometer valve 15 psi. Residual pressure at the meter commonly must be at least 20 psi.

Water distribution pressure test

The water supply system is tested at working pressure or at least 50 psi for at least 60 minutes. The system passes when there is no drop in pressure.

Drainage air test

The drainage and vent system may be tested with air at 5 psi for at least 15 minutes. The water test alternative requires a 10-foot head above the highest fitting.

Rough-in versus final inspection

Rough-in inspection occurs before piping is covered and verifies sizing, slope, and venting. Final inspection occurs after fixtures and equipment are installed and tested.

Plan review scope

Plan review verifies fixture count, fixture-unit calculations, pipe and vent sizing, backflow protection, and compliance with the adopted code edition before a permit is issued.

Permit expiration

A permit is valid for the period set by the code. Work must begin within the required time, or the permit expires and a new permit must be obtained.

Stop-work order

A written order issued by the code official for work without a permit or in violation of the code. It remains in effect until the violation is corrected and confirmed.

Notice of violation

A written notice that identifies the code section violated, the corrective action required, and the deadline for compliance. It may precede further enforcement action.

Board of appeals

A body that hears challenges to code official determinations and may grant variances where strict compliance would cause undue hardship. It does not waive safety requirements.

Unsafe condition abatement

Where an imminent hazard to life or health exists, the code official may order the premises vacated or abate the condition without prior notice, then pursue enforcement.

Alternative materials approval

A code official may approve alternative materials or methods when they are equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety to the prescribed method.