South Carolina - Packaged Equipment Practice Exam

General Piping 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Pipe and tubing material selection (steel, copper, plastic, CSST) and applicable standards; Gas piping sizing methods and pressure drop calculations; Pipe joining methods (threaded, brazed, soldered, welded, flared, solvent-cemented); Pipe bending calculations (setback, length of arc, offset bends); Pipe and tubing support spacing requirements; Hydronic piping system installation requirements and valve placement; Pressure testing and purging of piping systems; Pipe fittings dimensions and laying lengths (elbows, tees, reducers, flanges).

General Tubing 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: ACR copper tubing types and sizing (soft vs. hard-drawn, Type K and L, nominal vs. actual OD); Cutting tubing methods and tools (tubing cutter, hacksaw, reaming and deburring); Bending tubing techniques (bending springs, lever-type benders, minimum bend radius); Flared connections (single and double flares, flaring tools, flare fittings and nuts); Soldering and brazing connections (flux application, filler metals, flame types, purging with nitrogen); Swaged connections and specialized tube couplings (swaging tools, dissimilar metal joints); Non-refrigerant piping materials (copper water tubing, plastic pipe types ABS/PVC/CPVC, steel pipe and fittings); Pipe bending calculations (setback, length of bend, offset bends, minimum bending radius for standard pipe).

Pipe Assembly 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Pipe and tubing material selection (steel, copper, plastic, CSST) by application; Joining methods: threaded, brazed, soldered, solvent-cemented, and mechanical connections; Pipe bending calculations: setback, arc length, and offset geometry; Pipe sizing and gas capacity using code tables and pressure-drop equations; Fitting dimensions and laying lengths for screwed, flanged, and butt-weld fittings; Pipe support spacing and hanger requirements; Pressure testing and purging of assembled piping systems; Hydronic piping joints, valves, and installation requirements per SC Mechanical Code.

Piping Systems 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Pipe and tubing materials selection (copper, steel, plastic, CSST); Gas piping sizing methods and tables; Pipe joining methods (brazing, soldering, threading, solvent cementing, flared connections); Pipe bending techniques and calculations (setback, bend length, offset bends); Hydronic piping system design and components (boilers, pumps, expansion tanks, valves); Fuel oil piping installation requirements and materials; Pipe support spacing and hangers; Refrigerant piping components (filter-driers, receivers, sight glasses, flow valves).

Drain Piping 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: DWV copper drainage tube dimensions and applications; Plastic pipe materials for drainage applications (ABS, PVC, butyrate); Pipe slope and drainage requirements for underground installations; Pipe support spacing for drainage piping; Offset calculations and routing for drain piping installations; Pipe fitting dimensions and laying lengths for drain system connections; Full Text.

Valves 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Refrigerant service valve types, positions, and operation (back-seated, front-seated, mid-position, cracked open); Check valves: function, types, and applications in refrigeration and heat pump systems; Solenoid valves: normally open vs. normally closed, two-way and three-way configurations; Metering devices as valves: TXV operation and adjustment, AXV, EEV, capillary tubes, and fixed-orifice types; Pressure-regulating valves: crankcase pressure regulators (CPRs), evaporator pressure regulators (EPRs), and relief valves; Reversing valves in heat pump systems: direct-acting and pilot-operated types, heating vs. cooling mode operation; Hydronic system valves: mixing valves, balancing valves, pressure-reducing valves, flow-control valves, and backflow preventers; Valve material compatibility and pressure/temperature ratings per SC Mechanical Code hydronic piping requirements.

Piping Insulation 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Insulation characteristics and fire safety ratings (flame spread and smoke-developed index limits); Required insulation thickness per energy code compliance; Pipe insulation requirements for radiant floor heating systems (thermal break and R-value marking); Insulation requirements for embedded hydronic piping; Condensation prevention on exterior of piping; Pipe support spacing allowances for insulated versus uninsulated lines; Clearance to combustibles for high-temperature hydronic piping; Full Text.

Hangers and Supports (General) 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Pipe support spacing intervals by material type; Hanger and anchor attachment to building structure; Materials compatibility for pipe hangers and supports; U-bolt dimensions for pipe hangers; Support spacing for plastic pipe (PVC, ABS, polyethylene); Shield plate protection for piping in notched or bored framing members; Support spacing for copper and steel pipe; Structural strength requirements for hangers under static and dynamic loading.

Mechanical Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Vibration isolation methods for mechanical equipment and ductwork; Noise sources in HVAC systems (blower, duct turbulence, air distribution components); Noise control through duct design and air velocity limits; Noise Criteria (NC) values for occupied spaces; Sound attenuation techniques (duct lining, lined elbows, sound traps); Crosstalk prevention through duct geometry; Seismic resistance requirements for mechanical system supports and anchorage; Supplemental restraint requirements when vibration isolation is employed.

Heating and Cooling Principles 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Heat transfer methods: conduction, convection, and radiation; Sensible heat vs. latent heat in heating and cooling applications; Thermal resistance properties: K-value, C-value, R-value, and U-value; Indoor and outdoor design temperatures for load calculations; Heat loss and heat gain sources in building envelopes; Compression refrigeration cycle: evaporation, compression, condensing, and metering; Heat pump operating principles: heating mode and cooling mode; Psychrometric properties of air: dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, relative humidity, and dew point.

Refrigerants 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Refrigerant classification types (CFC, HCFC, HFC, HFO, HC) and their chemical compositions; Environmental impact: ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP); EPA Clean Air Act Section 608 requirements and technician certification types; Refrigerant numbering system, cylinder color codes, and ASHRAE safety classifications (toxicity and flammability); Pressure-temperature charts, pressure-enthalpy tables, and diagrams for system diagnostics; Refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclaiming procedures and equipment; Refrigerant lubricant types (MO, POE, AB, PAG) and compatibility with refrigerants; SC Mechanical Code refrigerant classification groups, allowable quantities, and machinery room requirements.

Load Calculations 8 items

Our study plan for this topic: Heating and cooling design temperature differences (HTD and CTD); Fenestration heating and cooling HTM calculations (windows, glass doors, skylights); Opaque panel heating and cooling loads (walls, ceilings, floors, doors); Infiltration load estimation methods (ACH method, component leakage area, blower door); Duct load factors (conduction, leakage, insulation R-value, surface area adjustments); Internal loads (occupants, appliances, lighting); Engineered ventilation sensible and latent loads; Outdoor and indoor design conditions (Table 1 values, grains difference, daily range, latitude).

Heating and Cooling Equipment 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Gas-fired furnace combustion principles and efficiency (AFUE, combustion air, flue gas analysis); Gas furnace components: burners, gas valves, ignition systems, and safety controls; Oil-fired heating system components, combustion testing, and fuel oil characteristics; Electric resistance heating systems: elements, furnaces, duct heaters, and controls; Hydronic heating systems: boilers, circulating pumps, expansion tanks, and terminal units; Heat pump operation, types (air-source and ground-source), efficiency ratings, and reversing valve function; Residential and commercial central air-conditioning systems: split, packaged, and rooftop units; Heating and cooling load calculations: heat transfer values, Manual J method, and design temperatures.

Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Air-side balancing procedures and damper adjustment; Airflow measurement instruments and techniques (flow hoods, anemometers, pitot tubes, manometers); Duct leakage testing methods (blower door subtraction, duct blaster/pressurization); Blower performance curves and system operating point determination; Building envelope airtightness testing and ACH50 calculation; Supply and return CFM measurement and verification; Duct system noise diagnosis and correction; Air filter inspection, pressure drop measurement, and service.

HVACR Control Fundamentals 1 item

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

Control Schematics and Wiring Diagrams 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Pictorial diagrams vs. ladder diagrams; Control system fundamentals: cut-in, cut-out, range, and differential adjustment; Temperature motor controls and sensing devices (sensing bulbs, bimetal devices, electronic sensors); Pressure motor controls (high-pressure, low-pressure, oil pressure, and safety controls); Motor starting relays (current, potential, solid-state, and PTC relays); Motor protection devices (fuses, circuit breakers, bimetal protection, thermistor-based protection); Electrical test instruments for diagnosing control circuits (voltmeter, ohmmeter, ammeter, multimeter); Troubleshooting and servicing motor control components (thermostats, relays, contactors).

HVACR Control Systems 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Thermostat types and operating principles (line-voltage, low-voltage, millivolt); Heat and cooling anticipators; Thermostat wiring terminals and diagrams; Programmable and digital thermostat operation and programming; Pressure motor controls (high-pressure, low-pressure, oil pressure safety controls); Motor starting relays (current, potential, solid-state, PTC); Compressor protection devices (thermal overloads, discharge line pressure switches, crankcase pressure regulators); Heat pump control systems (reversing valve control, defrost controls, auxiliary heat).

Machine Room 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Machinery room construction and design requirements; Mandatory mechanical ventilation requirements (normal and emergency conditions); Refrigerant detector requirements and emergency ventilation activation; Means of egress requirements for machinery rooms; Fuel-burning appliances and open flame restrictions in machinery rooms; Pressure relief device and emergency pressure control system termination requirements; Special requirements for flammable refrigerant groups (A2, A3, B2, B3) including Class I Division 2 electrical classification; Remote control and emergency shutoff requirements for machinery room equipment.

Air Conditioning Systems 6 items

Our study plan for this topic: Compression refrigeration cycle fundamentals (compressor, condenser, metering device, evaporator); Types of air-conditioning systems (room units, PTACs, ductless split, central split, packaged/rooftop); Residential central air-conditioning installation and service; Commercial rooftop and packaged outdoor unit operation and controls; Heat pump operation, components, and reversing valve function; Metering devices (capillary tube, TXV, EEV, fixed orifice) selection and operation; Heating and cooling load calculations and equipment sizing (Manual J); Refrigerant classification, handling, and SC Mechanical Code requirements.

Heat Pumps 5 items

Our study plan for this topic: Heat pump operating modes (heating vs. cooling) and refrigerant flow direction; Types of heat pumps: air-source vs. ground-source (geothermal); Reversing valve operation and configurations (direct-acting vs. pilot-operated); Heat pump system components: accumulators, compressors, and crankcase heaters; Metering devices for heat pumps: TXVs, biflow valves, and flow check pistons; Defrost controls and methods: reverse cycle defrost and electric heat defrost; Auxiliary heat: balance point, applications, and emergency heat operation; Heat pump efficiency ratings: EER, SEER, HSPF, and COP.

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 furnace 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 classifications (AFUE, mid-efficiency vs. high-efficiency/condensing); Gas furnace venting categories and vent materials (Category I–IV, PVC, Class B); Oil furnace components and combustion efficiency testing (CO2, stack temperature, draft, smoke tests); Electric heating systems and controls (resistance elements, sequencers, safety cutoffs); SC Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code requirements for forced-air warm-air furnace installation (listing, dampers, return-air restrictions, duct connections).

Chimneys, Flues, Vents, and Vent Connectors 3 items

Our study plan for this topic: Appliance venting categories (Category I, II, III, IV) and matching vent types; Chimney and vent termination height and clearance requirements; Vent connector materials, sizing, slope, and installation requirements; Sizing of Category I appliance venting systems using code tables; Draft hoods, draft controls, and automatically operated vent dampers; Flue lining systems for masonry chimneys; Appliances not required to be vented; Venting system installation for mid-efficiency and high-efficiency gas furnaces (Class B, PVC).

Combustion Air 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Indoor combustion air volume requirements (standard method and known air-infiltration-rate method); Outdoor combustion air opening methods (two-permanent-openings and one-permanent-opening); Combustion air duct construction and installation requirements; Louvers, grilles, and screens for combustion air openings; Mechanical combustion air supply systems and appliance interlock requirements; Combustion air requirements for oil-fired and solid-fuel appliances (NFPA 31 and manufacturer instructions); Dampered combustion air openings and interlock with appliance firing cycle; Primary air, secondary air, and excess air concepts for gas-fired appliances.

General Fuel Knowledge 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Properties and characteristics of natural gas vs. LP (liquefied petroleum) gas; Combustion fundamentals: fuel, heat, oxygen, and products of combustion; Flammability limits, air-to-fuel ratios, and excess air; Fuel oil grades, properties, and heating values; Combustion efficiency testing: CO2, O2, CO content, stack temperature, and draft; Gas pressure measurement and units (inches water column, psi); Heating values of fuel gases and fuel oils; Carbon monoxide hazards and incomplete combustion indicators.

Natural Gas 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Gas piping materials and fittings (steel, copper, CSST, polyethylene); Pipe sizing methods and sizing tables for natural gas systems; Gas supply pressure requirements and allowable pressure drop; Combustion air requirements for gas-fired appliances; Venting systems for gas-fired appliances (Type B, chimney, direct-vent categories); Gas appliance installation requirements and prohibited locations; Pressure testing and leak checking of gas piping systems; Combustion process, flame characteristics, and incomplete combustion hazards.

General Duct Systems Knowledge and Principles 4 items

Our study plan for this topic: Available static pressure calculation and friction rate determination; Total effective length of circulation paths including fitting equivalent lengths; Air velocity limits for supply and return duct systems; Duct system types and configurations (radial, extended plenum, reducing trunk, perimeter loop); Duct materials, construction standards, and sealing requirements; Blower performance data interpretation and operating point selection; Duct leakage effects on system performance and energy efficiency; Balancing dampers: placement, function, and airflow balancing procedures.

Duct Conversion/Equivalencies 4 items

Our study plan for this topic: Round-to-rectangular duct equivalency using equal friction rate tables (Chart 9); Round-to-oval duct equivalency using equal friction rate tables (Chart 10); Friction chart variables and relationships (CFM, friction rate, diameter, velocity); Duct material roughness factors and their effect on equivalent diameter calculations; Mathematical equations for converting round duct to equivalent rectangular or oval shapes; Fitting equivalent length concept and how fittings are expressed as equivalent duct length; Equivalent length adjustments for varying air velocity and friction rate conditions; Duct slide rule use for determining equivalent sizes and verifying velocity limits.

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); Sheet metal duct construction materials, gauges, and fabrication methods; Duct joints, seams, and sealing requirements (mastic, tape, fasteners); Fire and smoke damper types, ratings, and installation requirements; Registers, grilles, and diffusers — selection, placement, and performance; Duct insulation, vapor retarders, and thermal continuity requirements; Available static pressure, friction rate calculation, and total effective length (Manual D procedure); Fitting equivalent lengths and airway velocity limits.

Duct System Components 5 items

Our study plan for this topic: Duct system types (radial, extended plenum, reducing trunk, perimeter loop); Available static pressure calculation and friction rate determination; Fitting equivalent lengths and their effect on total effective length; Air velocity limits for trunk ducts, branch ducts, and supply/return outlets; Balancing dampers: placement, function, and locking requirements; Duct construction materials and minimum metal thickness requirements (SC Mechanical Code); Duct sealing requirements, leakage classes, and approved sealing methods; Fire and smoke dampers in duct penetrations of rated assemblies.

Metal Ducts 3 items

Our study plan for this topic: Metallic duct minimum sheet metal thickness requirements by size and pressure classification; Mechanical fastening requirements for round metallic ducts (screws, rivets, lap dimensions); Joints, seams, and connections sealing methods (mastic, tape, UL 181B standards); Duct pressure classification based on static pressure ratings; Duct support requirements per SMACNA standards; Underground metallic duct installation requirements (concrete encasement, slope, sealing); Duct sizing procedure using friction rate, available static pressure, and total effective length; Metal duct gauge thickness and aspect ratio requirements for rectangular and round ducts.

Fiberglass Ducts 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Fibrous glass duct construction standards (NAIMA and SMACNA); UL 181 listing and labeling requirements for duct board; Seams, joints, and closure systems for fibrous glass duct (UL 181A-P, 181A-M, 181A-H); Reinforcement and support requirements for duct board panels; Approved installation locations for rigid fiberglass duct board; SC Mechanical Code nonmetallic duct classification and air temperature limits; Duct board use in trunk systems with flexible runouts (sizing context); Duct insulation R-value identification and labeling on fiberglass duct board.

Filtering Systems 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Types of air filters (disposable, washable, electrostatic, carbon, HEPA); MERV ratings and filter efficiency measurement methods; Electronic air cleaner operation and maintenance; Ultraviolet germicidal (UVG) light systems for air treatment; Indoor air pollutants (solid and gaseous) targeted by filtration; Filter installation, pressure drop measurement, and replacement intervals; Heat recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV); Filter pressure losses as a component of duct system static pressure calculations.

Ventilation Equipment and Devices 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Minimum outdoor airflow rates by occupancy type (Table 403.3.1.1); Natural vs. mechanical ventilation requirements; Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs); Exhaust systems for specific occupancies (kitchens, dryers, garages, hazardous areas); Air intake and exhaust outlet location requirements; Registers, diffusers, grilles, and dampers; Duct construction, materials, sealing, and insulation; Ventilation load calculations (sensible and latent) for heating and cooling.

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 operation; Makeup air requirements for exhaust systems; Ventilation system balancing, airflow measurement, and duct testing; Energy recovery ventilation systems and prohibited applications.

General Electrical Knowledge 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Ohm's Law and Watt's Law calculations (voltage, current, resistance, power); Series, parallel, and series-parallel circuit analysis; Single-phase and three-phase power systems; Overcurrent protection devices (fuses, circuit breakers, GFCI); Grounding, bonding, and equipment grounding conductors; Electric motor types and starting methods (split-phase, CSIR, CSCR, PSC, shaded-pole, three-phase); Electrical test instruments (voltmeter, ohmmeter, ammeter, multimeter, megohmmeter); OSHA 1926 Subpart K electrical safety requirements for construction jobsites.

Requirements for Electrical Installations 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Grounding and bonding requirements for electrical systems and equipment; Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements and applications; Overcurrent protection devices: fuses, circuit breakers, and their ratings; Wiring methods and conductor requirements for temporary and permanent installations; Working clearances and guarding of live electrical parts; Disconnecting means requirements for HVACR equipment and motors; Electrical equipment approval, listing, labeling, and marking requirements; Hazardous classified location electrical installation requirements.

Electrical/Electronic Fundamentals 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Ohm's Law and Watt's Law calculations (voltage, current, resistance, power); Series, parallel, and series-parallel circuit analysis; Capacitance and capacitor types (start and run capacitors); AC vs. DC current characteristics and single-phase vs. three-phase power; Magnetism, electromagnetism, and transformer operation (step-up/step-down); Semiconductor devices (diodes, SCRs, triacs, transistors, thermistors); Electric motor types and starting methods (split-phase, CSIR, CSCR, PSC, shaded-pole, ECM, VFD); Electrical control systems (motor starting relays, pressure/temperature controls, circuit protection devices).

Safety 2 items

Our study plan for this topic: Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for electrical and mechanical systems; Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and use; Fire hazards, fire extinguisher classes, and PASS technique; Refrigerant cylinder safety and pressure vessel handling; Electrical hazards, grounding, and GFCI protection; Hazard communication, safety data sheets (SDS), and GHS pictograms; EPA Section 608 certification requirements and refrigerant handling regulations; Fall protection, ladder safety, confined spaces, and safe work practices.

Fire Rated Construction 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Fire damper and smoke damper requirements for duct penetrations of fire-resistance-rated assemblies; Damper ratings, testing standards, and actuation methods (UL 555, UL 555S, temperature thresholds); Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, and shaft enclosure damper placement requirements; Ceiling radiation damper installation in fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies; Plenum construction materials and flame spread/smoke-developed index requirements; Fire-resistance ratings for temporary buildings and indoor storage room construction; Fire cutoffs, fire doors, and priority construction of fire walls during building construction; Duct penetration protection of horizontal assemblies and flexible duct restrictions at rated assemblies.

General Plan Reading 1 item

Our study plan for this topic: Reading and interpreting floor plan sketches and architectural drawings; Identifying and recording room dimensions, orientations, and north-arrow designation; Measuring and calculating areas for walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors; Interpreting window and door codes and alphanumeric construction designations on plans; Determining above-grade and below-grade wall classifications from plan details; Identifying construction details and insulation specifications from plans and specifications; Determining zoning requirements from architectural layout and room configurations; Locating equipment, duct runs, and utility services from plan information.