CPI CPI Material Selection & Specifications 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When selecting fasteners for an outdoor installation in a coastal US environment, which material is most appropriate?
- Zinc-plated steel
- Galvanized or stainless steel (Correct answer)
- Black oxide steel
- Uncoated carbon steel
Correct answer: Galvanized or stainless steel
Galvanized or stainless steel fasteners resist salt-air corrosion required for coastal outdoor installations.
Question 2: Which specification sheet provides the manufacturer's recommended installation conditions and material limitations for a product?
- Bill of materials (BOM)
- Technical data sheet (TDS) (Correct answer)
- Material safety data sheet (MSDS)
- Cut sheet
Correct answer: Technical data sheet (TDS)
The technical data sheet (TDS) specifies performance parameters, application conditions, and material limitations set by the manufacturer.
Question 3: A CPI installer must choose between PVC conduit and EMT conduit for an indoor dry location. Which factor most often drives the selection?
- Cost and ease of bending (Correct answer)
- Color coding requirements
- UV resistance
- Thermal insulation value
Correct answer: Cost and ease of bending
Cost and ease of bending are the primary practical factors when choosing between PVC and EMT conduit in indoor dry locations.
Question 4: What does the term 'UL Listed' indicate on a product label used in a US installation?
- The product meets local building department approval
- Underwriters Laboratories tested it to applicable safety standards (Correct answer)
- The product qualifies for federal tax credits
- It has been approved by the manufacturer only
Correct answer: Underwriters Laboratories tested it to applicable safety standards
UL Listed means Underwriters Laboratories has tested the product and found it meets specific safety standards applicable to its intended use.
Question 5: When reading a material specification calling for '16-gauge sheet metal,' which gauge represents a THICKER material?
- 18 gauge
- 20 gauge
- 14 gauge (Correct answer)
- 22 gauge
Correct answer: 14 gauge
In the US sheet metal gauge system, a lower gauge number means thicker material, so 14 gauge is thicker than 16 gauge.
Question 6: Which document establishes the minimum performance requirements that materials must meet on a given construction project?
- Shop drawing
- Project specification (Correct answer)
- Submittal log
- Punch list
Correct answer: Project specification
The project specification outlines the minimum performance and quality standards that all materials and workmanship must satisfy.
CPI CPI Material Selection & Specifications 1
When selecting fasteners for an outdoor installation in a coastal US environment, which material is most appropriate?