Pump, Motor & Heater Inspection Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pump, Motor & Heater Inspection flashcards as text
What does BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) measure in the context of a pool heater inspection?
Answer: The heater's heat output capacity — how much heat energy it can deliver per hour
BTU/h measures the rate of heat energy output; a higher BTU/h rating means the heater can raise water temperature more quickly.
When inspecting a pool pump, what does 'cavitation' refer to and why is it harmful?
Answer: Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in the pump caused by low suction pressure, eroding impeller material
Cavitation occurs when vapor bubbles form and violently collapse inside the pump due to insufficient suction pressure, causing pitting and erosion of the impeller.
A solar pool heating system's pump fails to circulate water through the roof collectors on a sunny day. What should an inspector check FIRST?
Answer: The differential temperature controller and sensor readings
The differential controller starts the solar pump only when collector temperature exceeds pool temperature by a set amount; a failed sensor or controller is the most common cause.
During inspection of a pool equipment pad, the inspector notices the heater gas supply line lacks a union fitting near the heater. Why is this a deficiency?
Answer: A union allows the heater to be disconnected for service without cutting the gas line
A union fitting near the heater allows it to be disconnected for service or replacement without cutting the gas line, which is a standard code and best-practice requirement.
What does an inspector look for when checking a pool pump motor's capacitor?
Answer: Bulging, leaking, or burned capacitor indicating failure that prevents motor starting
A failed capacitor will be visibly bulged, leaking electrolyte, or burned, and will prevent the motor from starting or reaching full speed.
Which type of pool heater is MOST efficient in mild climates where air temperatures rarely drop below 50°F?
Answer: Heat pump heater
Heat pump heaters are most efficient in mild climates because they extract heat from ambient air rather than generating it, achieving COPs of 3–7 in warm conditions.
An inspector observes that a pool pump is vibrating excessively and walking on the equipment pad. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: A bent or damaged impeller shaft or worn motor bearings causing imbalance
Excessive vibration and movement typically result from a bent impeller shaft or worn motor bearings creating rotational imbalance during operation.