C-4 – Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor

A boiler, hot-water heating and steam fitting contractor installs, services and repairs power boiler installations, hot-water heating systems and steam fitting, including fire-tube and water-tube steel power boilers and hot-water heating low pressure boilers,steam fitting and piping, fittings, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators, convectors, fuel oil tanks, fuel oil lines, chimneys, flues, heat insulation and all other equipment, including solar heating equipment, associated with these systems.

The Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting (C-4) Examination is divided into six major sections. These sections are:

1. Job Planning/Estimating (14%)

• Boiler design
• Boiler calculations
• Boiler codes

2. Hydronic and Steam Systems (35%)

• Boiler preparation and layout
• Boiler/equipment installation
• Valve, piping, and hanger installation
• System preparations
• Insulation and penetration sealing

3. Radiant Panel Systems (13%)

• Piping and equipment installation
• Temperature controls and wiring
• System start up/testing

4. Heat Exchangers (5%)

• Maintenance access requirements
• Vacuum breakers and control valves

5. Service and Maintenance (18%)

• System shut down
• Troubleshooting
• System cleaning and repair
• Testing and start up

6. Safety (15%)

• Identification of job site hazards
• Worker safety

*Percentages are approximate*

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. Which of the following precautions should be taken when welding near combustible materials?

a.      have some sort of extinguishing device readily available

b.       stay clear of the sparks

c.       try to direct the sparks away from the combustible material

d.       use a heat shield

2. What is the advantage of a gate valve over a globe valve?

a.       a globe valve is more expensive

b.      a gate valve provides straight through full flow

c.       a gate valve is easier to install and service

d.       a globe valve provides straight through full flow

3. What is one of the functions of a McDonnell-Millier feeder valve on a boiler?

a.      to protect the boiler from firing at a low level condition

b.       to protect the boiler from firing at a high level condition

c.       to keep water at a very low level

d.       to keep water at a very high level

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*

American Society of Mechanical Engineers-Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

ASME,

22 Law Drive, P.O. Box 2300,

Fairfield, NJ 07007-2300.

(973) 882-1167. FAX: (973) 882-1717.

INTERNET: www.asme.org

Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8,

Industrial Relations, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 4.

Barclays Law Publishers,

P.O. Box 95767, Chicago, IL 60694.

(800) 888-3600. FAX: (415) 732-8861.

OR

Building News, Inc.

1612 S. Clementine Street,

Anaheim, CA 92802

(800) 873-6397. FAX: (714) 535-8078.

INTERNET: ccr.oal.ca.gov/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll or www.bni-books.com

Uniform Plumbing Code.

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

20001 Walnut Drive South

Walnut, CA 91789.

(909) 595-8449

Publication orders: (800) 85-IAPMO

FAX: (909) 594-3690.

INTERNET: www.iapmo.org

Uniform Mechanical Code.

International Conference of Building Officials and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials,

5360 S. Workman Mill Road,

Whittier, CA 90601.

(310) 699-5880. FAX: (800) 284-4406.

INTERNET: www.icbo.org or www.iapmo.org