South Carolina - Air Conditioning Practice Exam

General Piping 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Gas piping system sizing methods and sizing tables (longest length, branch length, hybrid pressure); Approved piping and tubing materials for fuel gas systems (steel, copper, CSST, polyethylene, aluminum); Piping joints, fittings, and connection methods (threaded, brazed, welded, press-connect, flared); Pressure testing, leak detection, and purging of gas piping systems; Piping support intervals and protection against physical damage; Shutoff valves and pressure regulators in gas piping systems; Hydronic piping materials, joints, and testing requirements; Refrigerant tubing types, cutting, bending, flaring, brazing, and soldering procedures.

General Tubing 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: ACR copper tubing types and specifications (soft vs. hard-drawn, Type K and L wall thickness, sizing by OD); Cutting tubing procedures and tools (tubing cutter, hacksaw blade selection, squaring, reaming, and deburring); Bending tubing methods and minimum bend radius (bending springs, lever-type benders, kinking prevention); Flared connections and fittings (single and double flares, flaring procedure, SAE vs. JIC angles, flare nut sizing); Soldering and brazing procedures (flame types, filler metals, flux application, capillary action, purging with nitrogen); Swaged connections (swaging tools, overlap length, preparation for soldered or brazed joints); Non-refrigerant tubing and pipe types (copper water tubing, ABS/PVC/CPVC plastic pipe, steel pipe, joining methods); Specialized tube couplings and dissimilar metal connections (mechanical and compression fittings for aluminum-to-copper joints).

Pipe Assembly 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Types of refrigerant and non-refrigerant tubing and pipe (ACR copper, plastic, steel); Cutting, reaming, and bending tubing techniques and tools; Flared connections: single and double flare procedures and fittings; Soldering and brazing procedures, equipment, and filler materials; Swaged connections and specialized tube couplings; Gas piping materials, joints, and fittings per SC Fuel Gas Code; Gas pipe sizing methods, pressure drop, and allowable operating pressure; Hydronic piping materials, joint types, and installation requirements per SC Mechanical Code.

Piping Systems 4 items

Our study plan for this topic: Gas piping sizing methods and pressure drop calculations; Approved piping and tubing materials for gas, refrigerant, and hydronic systems; Piping joints and connection types (brazed, soldered, flared, threaded, mechanical); Refrigerant line components (filter-driers, sight glasses, liquid receivers, check valves, solenoid valves); Hydronic piping system designs and installation requirements; Fuel oil piping materials, joints, and installation requirements; Piping system testing and pressure requirements; Tubing cutting, bending, and fabrication techniques.

Drain Piping 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Condensate drain pan requirements and placement relative to cooling coils; Condensation prevention on duct exteriors; Slope requirements for drainage in underground duct installations; Plastic piping and tubing in plenums (flame spread and smoke-developed index requirements); Plumbing and mechanical products in plenums listing and labeling requirements; Duct Systems.

Valves 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Refrigerant flow control valves: shutoff, check, and solenoid valve types and operation; Service valve positions and procedures: back seated, front seated, mid-position, and cracked open; Pressure-regulating valves: crankcase pressure regulators (CPRs) and evaporator pressure regulators (EPRs); Relief valves and safety pressure devices for refrigerant systems and cylinders; Metering devices as valves: thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs), automatic expansion valves (AXVs), and electronic expansion valves (EEVs); Hydronic system valves: mixing valves, balancing valves, pressure-reducing valves, flow-control valves, backflow preventers, and zone valves; Shutoff valve placement requirements in hydronic piping systems per SC Mechanical Code; Gas piping valve and regulator requirements per SC Fuel Gas Code.

Piping Specialties 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Refrigerant flow control valves (shutoff, check, solenoid, and service valves); Filter-driers and sight glasses/moisture indicators for refrigerant systems; Pressure-regulating valves (crankcase pressure regulators, evaporator pressure regulators, relief valves); Gas piping materials, fittings, and joint types (SC Fuel Gas Code Chapter 4); Gas piping sizing methods and pressure drop requirements; Gas piping shutoff valves and appliance connections; Hydronic piping materials, fittings, and joint types (SC Mechanical Code Chapter 12); Tubing cutting, bending, flaring, brazing, and swaging techniques.

Pumps 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Circulating pump types and components (wet-rotor centrifugal pumps, impellers); Pump placement relative to expansion tank; Cavitation causes and effects on circulating pumps; Water circulation troubleshooting (air-bound systems, bleeding and purging procedures); Pump operation sequences in hydronic system controls; Hydronic system pressure testing requirements (100 psi minimum, 15-minute duration); Shutoff valve requirements at pumps and system equipment per SC Mechanical Code; Hydronic Heating Fundamentals.

Piping Insulation 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Insulation flame spread and smoke-developed index requirements (ASTM E84/UL 723); Required insulation thickness per International Energy Conservation Code; Insulation characteristics for air plenum installations; Heat loss factors for bare vs. insulated hot water and steam piping (Btuh/foot); Heat gain factors for chilled water piping insulation by pipe size and R-value; Effect of pipe location (conditioned vs. unconditioned space) on piping load; Pipe heat loss calculation using temperature difference, pipe length, and insulation factor; Radiant floor system insulation and thermal break requirements.

Hangers and Supports (General) 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Duct support requirements per SMACNA standards; Hanger and support spacing intervals for hydronic piping per Section 305; Flexible duct and factory-made duct support per manufacturer instructions; Pipe support requirements for ground-source heat pump loop systems; Protection of supported ducts from mechanical damage and weather; Structural integrity requirements for duct bracing and reinforcement; Duct Systems.

Mechanical Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Vibration isolator selection and installation for HVAC equipment; Flexible duct and pipe connections for vibration attenuation; Seismic restraint requirements for mechanical equipment; Sound transmission control and STC ratings in HVAC systems; Noise criteria (NC) levels for occupied spaces; Acoustic duct lining and sound attenuator applications; Equipment placement and mounting to minimize structure-borne noise; General Regulations.

Water Treatment for Mechanical Systems 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Glycol additives and freeze protection (propylene vs. ethylene glycol, mixture ratios); Scale formation and impurity limits in boiler water; Corrosion causes and prevention (chemical scavengers, corrosion inhibitors, deaeration); Water pH requirements and embrittlement prevention; Initial system preparation and boiling-out procedures (trisodium phosphate treatment); Air removal and its role in corrosion control (dissolved, free, and entrained air); Transfer fluid compatibility and flash point requirements per SC Mechanical Code; Chemical compatibility of antifreeze with piping materials in ground-source heat pump systems.

Heating and Cooling Principles 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Heat transfer modes (conduction, convection, radiation); Sensible heat and latent heat distinctions; Thermal resistance values (R-value, U-value, K-value, C-value); Indoor and outdoor design temperatures (HTD and CTD); Heating loads: envelope conduction, infiltration, and ventilation sources; Cooling loads: solar gain, internal gains, and fenestration components; Heat pump operating principles (heating mode and cooling mode); Compression refrigeration cycle fundamentals.

Refrigerants 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Refrigerant classification (CFC, HCFC, HFC, HFO, HC, inorganic); Ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP); Refrigerant numbering system and cylinder color codes; Refrigerant toxicity and flammability classifications (ASHRAE Standard 34 safety groups); Pressure-temperature (P/T) charts and pressure-enthalpy diagrams; Refrigerant phaseout schedules and EPA Section 608 requirements; Refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclaiming procedures and equipment; SC Mechanical Code refrigerant quantity limits, machinery room requirements, and system classification.

Load Calculations 7 items

Our study plan for this topic: Heating and cooling temperature difference (HTD and CTD) calculations; Thermal resistance, conductance, and U-values for building assemblies; Fenestration load procedures using Heat Transfer Multipliers (HTM); Opaque panel heating and cooling loads (walls, ceilings, floors, doors); Infiltration load estimation methods (ACH table, component leakage area, blower door); Duct load factors for heating, sensible cooling, and latent cooling; Internal loads (occupants, appliances, lighting); Engineered ventilation sensible and latent load calculations.

Heating and Cooling Equipment 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Heating and cooling load calculations (Manual J methodology); Thermal resistance, conductance, and transmittance values (R-, C-, U-, K-values); Indoor and outdoor design temperatures for heating and cooling; Gas-fired furnace components, ignition systems, and combustion efficiency; Heat pump types, components, and operating modes (air-source and ground-source); Hydronic heating system components, boiler types, and controls; Oil-fired heating system operation, combustion testing, and fuel delivery; Electric heating systems, element types, and equipment sizing.

Air Compressors 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Compressor drive configurations (open-drive, semi-hermetic, and fully hermetic); Reciprocating compressor components and operation (pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, valves, valve plates); Rotary compressor types (rotating-vane and stationary-blade operation); Scroll compressor operation and applications; Screw compressor operation and capacity control; Centrifugal compressor components and operation; Compressor lubrication systems (splash vs. pressure systems); Crankcase heaters and compressor cooling systems.

Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Airflow measurement instruments and techniques (flow hoods, anemometers, pitot tubes, manometers); Balancing damper adjustment procedures for achieving design CFM at each outlet; Duct leakage testing methods (duct blaster/calibrated airflow matching system) and maximum allowable leakage limits; Blower door testing procedures and ACH50 calculations for building envelope airtightness; Maximum air velocity limits for trunk ducts, branch ducts, supply outlets, and return grilles (Table N3-1); System operating point determination using blower performance curves and duct system resistance curves; Duct noise identification and correction (noise sources, carriers, and amplifiers); Duct system cleaning procedures, tools, and IAQ considerations.

HVACR Control Fundamentals 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Thermostat types and sensing elements (bimetal, thermistor, mercury switch, hydraulic); Low-voltage, line-voltage, and millivolt thermostat operation and wiring; Heat anticipators and cooling anticipators; Programmable and digital thermostat features, programming, and Wi-Fi/smart controls; Control system fundamentals: set point, cut-in, cut-out, range, and differential adjustment; Pressure motor controls (high-pressure, low-pressure, oil pressure safety controls); Motor starting relays (current relay, potential relay, solid-state relay, PTC relay) and contactors; Electrical test instruments and procedures (voltmeter, ohmmeter, ammeter, multimeter, megohmmeter).

Control Schematics and Wiring Diagrams 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Pictorial diagrams vs. ladder diagrams; Schematic symbols for HVACR electrical components; Control system fundamentals: cut-in, cut-out, range, and differential adjustments; Temperature motor controls: sensing bulbs, bimetal devices, and electronic sensors; Pressure motor controls: high-pressure, low-pressure, and oil pressure controls; Motor starting relays: current, potential, solid-state, and PTC relays; Motor protection devices: fuses, circuit breakers, and bimetal/thermistor overload protectors; Direct digital control (DDC) systems: open-loop vs. closed-loop control, sensors, controllers, and actuators.

HVACR Control Systems 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Thermostat types and sensing elements (line-voltage, low-voltage, millivolt, bimetal, thermistor); Thermostat wiring terminals and circuit diagrams (ladder and pictorial diagrams); Heat and cooling anticipators (system lag, system overshoot, temperature swing); Programmable and digital thermostats (Wi-Fi, learning, scheduling, DIP switches); Pressure motor controls (high-pressure, low-pressure, oil pressure safety controls); Motor starting relays (current, potential, solid-state, PTC relays); Motor protection devices (fuses, circuit breakers, overload protection); Zoned systems and free cooling (dampers, economizers, zone control).

Machine Room 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Machinery room design and construction requirements (Section 1105 general requirements); Machinery room ventilation requirements (normal and emergency airflow rates); Refrigerant detector requirements and emergency system activation; Means of egress requirements for machinery rooms over 1,000 square feet; Fuel-burning appliance restrictions in machinery rooms; Special requirements for flammable refrigerant machinery rooms (Groups A2, A3, B2, B3); Special requirements for Group A2L refrigerant machinery rooms; Remote controls and emergency shutoff switches for machinery room equipment.

Air Conditioning Systems 3 items

Our study plan for this topic: Compression refrigeration cycle components and operation; Residential central air-conditioning system types (unitary vs. field-erected, split systems); Ductless and self-contained air-conditioning systems (room units, PTAC, mini-splits); Commercial air-conditioning systems (rooftop units, chillers, cooling towers); Heat pump operation, types, and components (air-source, ground-source, reversing valve); Metering devices (capillary tubes, TXV, EEV, fixed-orifice); Heating and cooling load calculations (Manual J, heat transfer values, design temperatures); Thermostat types, wiring, and controls for cooling systems.

Heat Pumps 4 items

Our study plan for this topic: Heat pump operating modes (heating and cooling cycle refrigerant flow); Types of heat pumps (air-source vs. ground-source); Reversing valve operation and connections; Heat pump system components (accumulator, compressor, metering devices, coils); Defrost methods and controls (reverse cycle and electric heat defrost); Auxiliary heat and balance point; Heat pump efficiency ratings (EER, SEER, HSPF, COP); Heat pump installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Furnaces (Warm Air Heating Equipment) 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Gas furnace combustion principles and fuel types (natural gas vs. LP gas); Gas ignition systems (standing-pilot, intermittent-pilot, DSI, and HSI); Gas furnace safety controls (high-limit switch, rollout switch, pressure switch); Gas furnace efficiency ratings and categories (AFUE, Category I–IV venting); Oil furnace components and operation (gun burner, fuel unit, primary control unit, cad cell relay); Electric furnace heating elements and sequencer controls; Combustion venting systems and vent connector requirements (SC Fuel Gas Code); Heat pump auxiliary heat, defrost controls, and reversing valve operation.

Specialized Heaters 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Electric heating element types (open wire, open ribbon, tubular cased wire); Electric furnace and duct heater controls (sequencers, contactors, airflow switches); Electric baseboard heating unit installation and controls; Electric radiant heating systems (direct and indirect infrared, radiant floor and ceiling panels); Safety controls for electric heating systems (high-limit switches, fusible links, overcurrent protection); Gas-fired specialized heaters (vented/unvented room heaters, wall furnaces, floor furnaces, unit heaters, infrared radiant heaters); Sauna heater installation requirements (guards, temperature/timer controls, ventilation, warning notices); Pool and spa heater installation requirements.

Chimneys, Flues, Vents, and Vent Connectors 3 items

Our study plan for this topic: Appliance venting categories (Category I, II, III, IV) and vent type selection; Vent and chimney termination height and location requirements; Sizing of venting systems using code tables for Category I appliances; Vent connector materials, clearances, slope, and installation requirements; Masonry chimney construction, flue lining systems, and cleanout requirements; Draft hoods, draft controls, and barometric draft regulators; Direct-vent, mechanical draft, and power exhauster systems; Condensate drainage requirements for Category II and IV appliances.

Combustion Air 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Indoor combustion air requirements (volume and standard method calculations); Outdoor combustion air provisions (two-opening and one-opening methods); Combustion air opening sizing, location, and minimum dimensions; Combustion air ducts (materials, termination, and installation requirements); Louvers, grilles, and screens for combustion air openings; Mechanical combustion air supply and appliance interlock requirements; Combustion air requirements for oil-fired appliances (NFPA 31); Dampered combustion air openings and interlock with firing cycle.

General Fuel Knowledge 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Combustion process and chemistry (stoichiometric, complete, and incomplete combustion); Properties and characteristics of natural gas and LP/propane gas; Gas piping materials, sizing, and pressure requirements; Fuel oil grades, properties, and storage systems; Combustion air requirements for gas-fired and oil-fired appliances; Venting and chimney systems for fuel-burning appliances; Ignition systems and gas valve controls for gas-fired equipment; Combustion efficiency testing (CO2, stack temperature, draft, and smoke tests).

Natural Gas 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Gas piping materials and fittings (steel, copper, CSST, polyethylene); Gas piping sizing methods and pressure drop calculations; Allowable operating pressures and pressure testing requirements; Combustion air requirements for gas-fired appliances; Venting system types and appliance categories (Category I–IV); Vent and chimney sizing, termination, and clearance requirements; Gas furnace components, ignition systems, and safety controls; Combustion efficiency, flue gas analysis, and AFUE ratings.

LP Gas 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: LP gas piping system design and sizing (pressure drop, pipe sizing tables, and methods); Approved piping materials and fittings for LP gas systems (steel, copper, CSST, polyethylene); LP gas storage tank installation requirements and NFPA 58 compliance; Two-stage regulator systems for LP gas (first-stage and second-stage pressure regulation); LP gas system pressure testing, leak checks, and purging procedures; Combustion characteristics of LP gas (specific gravity, BTU content, flammability limits, air-fuel ratios); Venting requirements for LP gas appliances (categories, vent types, termination clearances); LP gas appliance installation requirements (clearances, ignition source elevation, prohibited locations).

General Duct Systems Knowledge and Principles 4 items

Our study plan for this topic: Pressure units and blower performance curves (IWC, ESP, CFM relationships); Available static pressure calculation and component pressure losses; Total effective length and friction rate determination; Fitting equivalent lengths and duct run resistance; Air velocity limits for supply and return ducts; Duct system types and configurations (radial, extended plenum, reducing trunk, perimeter loop); Duct materials, construction standards, and insulation requirements; Duct leakage, sealing methods, and system efficiency.

Duct Conversions/Equivalencies 4 items

Our study plan for this topic: Round-to-rectangular duct conversion using equal friction rate equivalency tables; Round-to-oval duct conversion using equal friction rate equivalency tables; Friction chart use to determine round duct diameter from CFM and friction rate; Friction rate calculation from available static pressure and total effective length; Duct sizing slide rule equations for round duct diameter by material type; Fitting equivalent length concept and conversion to pressure drop; Roughness factors and friction chart corrections for different duct materials; Equivalent length adjustment for non-default velocity and friction rate conditions.

Mechanical Sheet Metal Devices/Systems 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Duct system types and configurations (radial, extended plenum, reducing trunk, perimeter loop); Duct sizing procedure using ACCA Manual D (friction rate, available static pressure, total effective length); Sheet metal duct construction materials, gauges, and fabrication standards; Duct joints, seams, and sealing methods (mastic, UL 181 tapes, mechanical fasteners); Fitting equivalent lengths and their effect on critical circulation path; Fire and smoke dampers: ratings, actuation, and installation requirements; Duct insulation requirements, vapor retarders, and R-value standards; Duct leakage testing, sealing requirements, and system efficiency impacts.

Duct System Components 5 items

Our study plan for this topic: Duct system configurations (radial, extended plenum, reducing trunk, perimeter loop); Supply and return air fitting equivalent lengths and pressure losses; Available static pressure calculation and component pressure drop deductions; Duct materials (sheet metal, fibrous glass duct board, flexible wire helix); Registers, diffusers, grilles, and supply outlet selection; Damper types and functions (balancing, fire, smoke, zone); Duct insulation requirements and vapor retarders; Duct sealing requirements and leakage testing (duct blaster, mastic, tape).

Metal Ducts 3 items

Our study plan for this topic: Metal duct sheet metal thickness requirements by duct size and static pressure classification; Duct classification by operating pressure and SMACNA construction standards; Joints, seams, and connections in metallic ducts — fastening and sealing methods; Round-to-rectangular equivalent duct sizing and aspect ratio considerations; Air velocity limits in metal supply and return trunk and branch ducts; Fitting equivalent lengths for elbows, takeoffs, boots, and transitions; Duct leakage effects on system performance and required sealing practices; Fire and smoke damper requirements for metallic ducts penetrating rated assemblies.

Fiberglass Ducts 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Fibrous glass duct construction standards and code compliance (NAIMA, SMACNA, UL 181); EI pressure rating classifications for fiberglass duct board (475, 800, 1400); Seams, joints, and closure systems for fibrous glass ductwork (UL 181A-P, 181A-M, 181A-H tapes and mastics); Reinforcement, hangers, and supports for fiberglass duct systems; Recommended installation locations for rigid fiberglass duct board; Duct board friction rate and airway sizing using duct slide rule (vs. sheet metal equivalents); Leakage class characteristics of fibrous glass duct systems and sealing requirements; Temperature limitations for nonmetallic fiberglass ductwork (250°F maximum per SC Mechanical Code).

Filtering Systems 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Types of air filters (disposable, washable, electrostatic, carbon, HEPA); MERV ratings and filter efficiency standards; Air filter testing and measurement methods (atmospheric dust spot efficiency, synthetic dust weight arrestance, fractional efficiency, DOP HEPA method); Electronic air cleaner operation and maintenance; Ultraviolet (UVG) germicidal light systems installation and maintenance; Ionizing air purifiers and ozone considerations; Filter pressure drop measurement and replacement intervals; Heat recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV).

Ventilation Equipment and Devices 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Minimum outdoor airflow rates and ventilation rate calculations by occupancy type; Mechanical vs. natural ventilation requirements and intake opening location/protection rules; Exhaust system requirements by occupancy and contaminant type (cooking, dryers, hazardous materials, garages); Duct construction, materials, sizing, sealing, and insulation requirements; Registers, diffusers, grilles, dampers, and airflow balancing; Fire and smoke dampers: installation, ratings, and actuation requirements; Airflow measurement instruments and testing methods (blower door, duct blaster, flow hoods, anemometers); Ventilation load calculations for heating and cooling (sensible and latent) including heat recovery equipment.

Exhaust Systems 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Exhaust discharge location requirements and minimum separation distances; Commercial kitchen Type I and Type II hood systems; Clothes dryer exhaust duct installation and length limitations; Hazardous exhaust systems for flammable vapors, dusts, and toxic materials; Smoke control system design and equipment requirements; Makeup air requirements for exhaust systems; Ventilation system balancing, airflow measurement, and duct testing; Energy recovery ventilation systems and prohibited applications.

Safety 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems; Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and requirements — head, eye, hearing, respiratory, and foot protection; Fire hazards and fire extinguisher classes, types, and PASS technique; Fall protection systems — guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, and safety nets; Confined space entry requirements — permit spaces, atmospheric testing, and attendant duties; Electrical safety — grounding, GFCI protection, working clearances, and overcurrent protection; Hazard communication — safety data sheets (SDS), GHS pictograms, and chemical/refrigerant hazards; Safe work practices — ladder and scaffold safety, proper lifting, and first aid procedures.