CIT Safety Practices & Troubleshooting Techniques 2

Question 1

A technician arrives at a job site and notices a strong smell of natural gas near the irrigation system's valve box area. The correct first action is to:

Accepted Answer

Immediately evacuate the area, do not operate any electrical equipment (including cell phones), and call 911 from a safe distance

Answer

Continue working but avoid using open flames

Answer

Open the valve box to investigate the smell

Answer

Turn on the irrigation system to flush the area with water

Question 2

When troubleshooting an irrigation system that has no output on any zone, and the controller display appears normal, the technician should first check:

Accepted Answer

The transformer output voltage (should read 24-28 VAC) and the common wire connection at the controller

Answer

Individual sprinkler heads

Answer

The backflow preventer

Answer

The soil moisture level

Question 3

A technician needs to work inside a deep valve box (3+ feet) that has standing water. What safety concern should be addressed?

Accepted Answer

Potential confined space hazards including atmospheric dangers (gases from decomposing matter) and risk of electrical contact with submerged wiring

Answer

None — valve boxes are always safe to enter

Answer

Only concern is getting boots wet

Answer

The valve box lid might be heavy

Question 4

The proper way to diagnose whether a valve is not opening due to an electrical problem versus a mechanical problem is to:

Accepted Answer

Manually activate the valve by opening the bleed screw or turning the solenoid 1/4 turn counter-clockwise — if water flows, the problem is electrical; if not, it's mechanical

Answer

Replace the entire valve immediately

Answer

Listen for a clicking sound at the controller

Answer

Check the water meter only

Question 5

Heat stress in outdoor workers performing irrigation installation or maintenance is best prevented by:

Accepted Answer

Regular hydration, scheduled rest breaks in shade, appropriate clothing, acclimatization, and recognizing early symptoms of heat illness

Answer

Working as fast as possible to minimize sun exposure

Answer

Drinking only caffeinated beverages to stay alert

Answer

Working without breaks to finish before the hottest part of the day

Question 6

A technician measures voltage at a valve solenoid and reads 0 VAC while the controller shows the zone is active. After confirming the controller's zone terminal shows 24 VAC, the problem is most likely:

Accepted Answer

A break in the zone wire or common wire between the controller and the valve

Answer

A faulty solenoid

Answer

The sprinkler heads are clogged

Answer

The backflow preventer is closed