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Mixed Deck — All CBI Topics Flashcards

100 cards from real CBI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. How often should a fuel-burning furnace or boiler typically be professionally serviced?

    Answer: Annually

    Annual professional service checks combustion, venting, heat exchangers, and safety controls.

  2. Fireblocking in concealed spaces of stud walls is required at what maximum horizontal interval?

    Answer: 10 feet

    IRC R302.11 requires fireblocking so that horizontal concealed spaces do not exceed 10 feet.

  3. An IRC stairway requires a handrail on at least one side when it has how many or more risers?

    Answer: Four

    IRC R311.7.8 requires a handrail on at least one side of each flight with four or more risers.

  4. Impervious surfaces such as driveways and patios within 10 feet of a building should slope away at a minimum of what percentage?

    Answer: 2%

    IRC R401.3 requires impervious surfaces within 10 feet of the foundation to slope at least 2% away.

  5. Anchor bolts must be located within what distance of each end of a sill plate section?

    Answer: 12 inches

    The IRC requires an anchor bolt within 12 inches of each end of each plate section.

  6. Why can a frost-free sillcock still freeze and burst in winter?

    Answer: A garden hose left attached traps water in the valve body

    An attached hose keeps water from draining out of the barrel, so it can freeze; hoses should be disconnected before winter.

  7. An inspector sees a stair-step crack running diagonally through the mortar joints of a concrete block foundation wall. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Differential settlement

    Stair-step cracks along mortar joints usually mean one part of the foundation has settled more than another.

  8. During a winter inspection, the outdoor unit of a heat pump briefly stops its fan and releases steam. What is the most likely explanation?

    Answer: Normal defrost cycle

    Heat pumps periodically enter defrost mode, melting frost off the outdoor coil and producing visible steam.

  9. An inspector runs several fixtures at once and sees a big drop in flow. This test checks:

    Answer: Functional water flow and possible restriction in the supply

    A noticeable flow drop with multiple fixtures open suggests undersized or restricted supply piping, such as corroded galvanized pipe.

  10. Which procedure ensures machinery or electrical circuits stay de-energized while being worked on or examined?

    Answer: Lockout/tagout

    Lockout/tagout under OSHA 1910.147 isolates energy sources and prevents accidental re-energizing.

  11. Under the IRC, handrail height measured vertically from the sloped plane of the tread nosings must fall within what range?

    Answer: 34 to 38 inches

    IRC R311.7.8.1 requires handrails to be between 34 and 38 inches above the tread nosings.

  12. Within a single stair flight, the greatest riser height may not exceed the smallest by more than what amount?

    Answer: 3/8 inch

    The IRC limits variation between the largest and smallest riser or tread in a flight to 3/8 inch.

  13. Which organization publishes the International Building Code (IBC)?

    Answer: International Code Council

    The International Building Code (IBC) is a comprehensive model building code adopted across the United States and internationally. It is developed and published by the International Code Council (ICC), a non-profit organization. The ICC's mission is to provide a single set of coordinated codes for the construction industry, promoting safety and consistency.

  14. During a standard home inspection, the inspector should generally NOT operate the water heater's:

    Answer: Temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve

    A TPR valve that has not been opened in a long time may not reseat and can leak, so the SOP does not require testing it.

  15. What environmental protection measure applies to environmental standards?

    Answer: Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations

    Proper handling, storage, and disposal of all materials according to environmental regulations is a legal obligation in all trades.

  16. In a crawlspace, a wood post sits directly on bare soil with no footing. What is the inspector's main concern?

    Answer: Decay, insect attack, and settlement of an unsupported post

    Wood in direct soil contact rots and attracts termites, and without a footing the post can sink.

  17. What code compliance requirement applies to maintenance protocols?

    Answer: All work must comply with applicable local, state, and national codes

    Code compliance is mandatory for all work, ensuring safety, quality, and legal adherence.

  18. What is the primary purpose of a concrete slump test performed on site?

    Answer: To measure workability and consistency of fresh concrete

    The slump test (ASTM C143) measures the consistency and workability of fresh concrete.

  19. What is the typical acceptable temperature drop across a working evaporator coil in cooling mode?

    Answer: 14–22°F

    A supply-to-return drop of about 14–22°F generally means the cooling system is working normally.

  20. Under a standard home inspection SOP, an inspector is NOT required to:

    Answer: Light pilot lights that are out

    Inspectors may operate systems with normal controls but are not required to light pilot lights.