HVAC Journeyman Practice Exam

When is automatic shutoff not required for air-handling equipment?

1. When travel distance exceeds 50 feet

2. When all occupied rooms have direct exterior exit

3. When travel distance exceeds 100 feet

4. When all rooms are unoccupied

The correct answer is: When all occupied rooms have direct exterior exit

Automatic shutoff is not required for air-handling equipment when all occupied rooms have direct exterior exit. This scenario ensures that in the event of an emergency or hazardous condition, the occupants can quickly and safely exit the building without being dependent on the air-handling system. The presence of direct exterior exits signifies that there is a clear and immediate route to safety, reducing the need for automatic shutoff mechanisms to prevent the spread of smoke or fire through the ventilation system. In contrast, situations where travel distance exceeds certain limits often necessitate safety features like automatic shutoff to minimize risk. For example, when travel distance exceeds 50 or 100 feet, occupants might be at a higher risk if they need to evacuate without the assurance that air will not continue to circulate toxic or harmful substances through the facility. Similarly, if all rooms are unoccupied, there may not be a need for automatic shutoff, but the lack of occupancy does not guarantee safety in the way that direct exits do in scenarios involving occupied spaces. Therefore, ensuring that there are direct exits for all occupied rooms is a critical factor in determining whether automatic shutoff is necessary.