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Building Systems (MEP) Flashcards

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

Read the first 6 Building Systems (MEP) flashcards as text

  1. What is a 'variable air volume' (VAV) HVAC system?

    Answer: A system that varies the quantity of conditioned air delivered to zones to match thermal loads

    VAV systems modulate the volume of conditioned air delivered to each zone in response to local thermostat demand, saving energy compared to constant-volume systems.

  2. What is the purpose of 'grounding' in an electrical system?

    Answer: To provide a safe, low-resistance path for fault current to trip protective devices and prevent shock

    Electrical grounding creates a low-impedance fault current path that causes circuit breakers or fuses to trip quickly, protecting people and equipment from shock and fire.

  3. What does a 'building automation system' (BAS) primarily do?

    Answer: Monitors and controls building mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems from a central platform

    A BAS (also called BMS or EMS) integrates control of HVAC, lighting, fire, and other systems to optimize building performance, energy use, and occupant comfort from a central interface.

  4. Which type of fire suppression system is most appropriate in a computer server room where water damage is a concern?

    Answer: Clean agent gaseous suppression system

    Clean agent systems discharge electrically non-conductive gas (such as FM-200 or Inergen) that suppresses fire without leaving residue or damaging sensitive electronic equipment.

  5. What is the purpose of a 'pressure-reducing valve' (PRV) in a building's water supply system?

    Answer: To reduce incoming street pressure to a safe, usable range within the building

    PRVs reduce potentially excessive street pressure (often 80–150 psi) to the recommended 40–80 psi range suitable for building fixtures and piping.

  6. In lighting design, what does 'Color Rendering Index' (CRI) measure?

    Answer: How accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects compared to natural daylight

    CRI rates a light source on a 0–100 scale based on how faithfully it renders object colors compared to a reference illuminant; higher CRI means more accurate color rendering.