ARE Building Systems Vocab Flashcards
Cavity Resonator
A sound-absorbing device consisting of an enclosed body of air confined within rigid walls and connected by a narrow opening to the space around it. It is also known as a Helmholtz resonator
Helmholtz resonator
A sound-absorbing device consisting of an enclosed body of air confined within rigid walls and connected by a narrow opening to the space around it. It is also known as a cavity resonator
acoustic power level
The logarithmic expression for the acoustical power at the source of a sound. It is known as power level (PWL)
NC curves
A single-number system for specifying a maximum SPL level in a given location, using standardized reference contours. The curves weight the frequencies to which the human ear is sensitive.
free-field room
A room whose boundaries absorb all of the sound striking them. It is also known as an anechoic room.
decibel (dB)
A logarithmic measure of sound intensity expressing the ratio between a given sound being measured and a reference level. The reference level generally corresponds to the faintest audible sound.
room resonance
The phenomenon which occurs when sounds in a room that are within a narrow band of frequencies tend to sound louder than sounds of other frequencies.
impact isolation class (IIC)
A rating of the degree of isolation of a floor against the transmission of impact noises.
sound transmission coefficient
The fraction of incident sound transmitted through a partition.
sound absorption
The converting of sound energy into another form, usually heat, in passing through a medium or on striking a surface. Also the property possessed by materials and objects which absorb sound energy.
noise reduction coefficient (NRC)
A one-number rating system giving the average sound absorption coefficient of a material at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz
collector
A device used to collect solar radiation
passive solar design
The practice of orienting and sizing a building, its windows, and its internal masses in such a way that it responds to the sun and climate, without the use of mechanical equipment.
flat plate collector
A device used to collect solar energy, usually consisting of a glazed cover, a transfer medium (water or air), absorber plate, and insulation, all contained in a unified housing.
greenhouse effect
The direct gain of solar heat through glass walls and roofs, which are generally south-facing.
Trombe wall
A thermal storage wall consisting of an external glass skin and an inner wall with a layer of air between, which warms the room behind it by convection.
equinox
March 21 (vernal equinox) or September 21 (autumnal equinox) first day of spring or fall, when the night and day are of equal length.
thermal mass storage wall
A wall whose mass is composed of concrete, masonry, or containers filled with water, the purpose of which is to absorb and store solar heat.
solstice
Either June 21 (summer solstice) or December 21 (winter solstice) the first day of summer or winter, the longest or shortest day of the year.
daylighting
The use of natural light from the outside to replace or augment artificial light, which produces energy savings.
light shelf
An overhang, either outside or inside or both, which is used with a clerestory to reflect light up onto the ceiling and reduce direct light adjacent to the window.
declination
The 23.5 degree tilt of the earth’s axis relative to a line perpendicular to the plane of the earth’s orbit. This tilt is responsible for the seasons
solar pond system
A passive solar system that utilized a pond of water on the roof to maintain even year-round temperatures.
active solar system
A heating of cooling system that collects and moves solar heat with the assistance of mechanical power.
solar air-condidioning
A cooling system that provides refrigerated air using solar radiation as the prime source of energy.
concentrating collector
A device to collect solar energy, usually parabolic in shape, used for concentrating isolation to achieve high temperatures.
auxiliary heat source
In solar design, a back-up heating system that is automatically activated when solar energy is insufficient to supply the required needs.
insolation
Energy received from solar radiation
absorber plate
The part of a solar collector that absorbs solar radiation.
shading coefficient (SC)T
The ratio of solar heat gained through a window with shading devices, such as blinds, to the solar heat gained by a single pane, double strength, clear glass window.
loudness
The perceived intensity of sound, which depends mainly on the sound pressure, but also on the frequency and waveform of the sound source.
sound pressure level
The sound pressure at a location expressed in newtons per square meter, or more commonly in dB reggered to 2x10^-5 newtons per square meter.
anechoic room
A room whose boundaries absorb all of the sound striking them. It is also known as a free-field room.
pitch
The tone of a sound, varying from low to high. Pitch depends primarily on the frequency of sound and to a lesser extent on the sound pressure and wave form.
sound transmission class (STC)
A single-number rating for the evaluation of a particular construction cross-section in terms of its transmission of airborne sound. The higher the STC rating, the more effective the construction is at stopping airborne sound.
leaching field
An absorption or drain field in which septic tank effluents seep through loose pipes and coarse aggregates into the surrounding soil
sill cock
An outside faucet for connecting to a garden hose
brackish
referring to water containing so much salt that it is nonpotable.
hygrometer
An instrument which measures the relative humidity of the air.
psychorometer
A device for measuring simultaneously the wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures of air and therefore the relative humidity
sensible heat ratio (SHR)
The ratio of sensible heat to enthalpy (total heat)
heat transmission
The time rate of heat flow which combines the effects of conduction, convection, and radiation.
U factor or U-value
The overall rate of heat flow of a particular wall sectoin, expressed in Btus per hour per degree Fahrenheit per square foot
evaporative cooling
A cooling process in which water vapor, at a constant wet bulb temperature, is added to the air, reducing the dry bulb temperature.
sunspace system
A passive solar system that utilizes a direct gain feature, such as a greenhouse or atrium, usually with a thermal storage wall.
conduction
The transfer of heat by direct contact, from hotter molecules to cooler molecules
degree day
The amount by which the average outdoor temperature at a particular location is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit for one day. Degree days may also be summed and stated for a month or a year
wet bulb temperature (WBT)
The temperature attained by a glass thermometer whose bulb is covered with a wet sock and placed in an air strem moving at 1000 cubic feet/min
Stored enthalpy
enthalpy
The total of sensible plus latent heat stored in the air aka total heat
mean radiant temperature (MRT)
The weighted average of all of hte temperatures of all of the surfaces visible from a given position
heat of vaporization
The heat given off by a vapor condensing to liquid, or the heat absorbed by a liquid evaporating to a gas, without a change in temperature
dry bulb temperature (DBT)
The temperature of air as read on an ordinary glass thermometer, stored sensible heat
When equal to WB, RH is 100%
When greater than WB, RH is less than 100%
nonpotable water
Water which is not fit for drinking
downspout
A vertical pipe used to conduct water from a roof drain or gutter to the ground. It is also called a leader
gasket
A compressible material placed between two surfaces to prevent leakage
potable water
Water which is suitable for drinking
downfeed system
A water supply system in which water is pumped intermittently to a tank above the roof of a building. Water from the tank then supplies fixtures on the floors below it.
backflow preventer
A plumbing device used to prevent nonpotable water from flowing into the potable water system
trap
A water seal fitting located in the drain line after a fixture to prevent sewer gases and odors from entering the room
PVC
polyvinyl chloride-a plastic used for cold water and underground sprinkler system pipe and fittings
fittings
Parts other than valves or pipe used in a pipe line such as couplings, elbows, tees, unions, and reducers
pressure relief valve
A valve designed to open automatically to relieve pressure within a system
emissivity
The rate at which a surface material at a given temperature gives off or emits radiant energy. The emissivity varies from 0-1.0 where 1.0 is theoretical emissivity of a perfect black box at the same temperature
permeability
the property of permitting passage of water or water vapor through a material without causing rupture or displacement
insulation
A material of very low conductivity used to separate electrical conductors and prevent leakage of electical currents, or a material used to prevent or reduce heat flow
barometer
an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure
Doppler effect
The change in the observed pitch of sound which occurs when the observer of the sound moves
sound
The auditory sensation experience by the ear or the pressure oscillation which cause that sensation
transmission loss (TL)
The reduction of sound which occurs when a given wall transmits sound from one room to an adjacent room, expressed in decibels
ambient
Relating to a general or surrounding condition. In thermal processes, it referes to the air temperature as distinct from that of surfaces or objects. In lighting it refers to the background light level and in acoustics, it refers to the background noise level.
noise
Any undesired sound, also any unwanted disturbance within a useful frequency band
reverberation
The persistance of sound in an enclosed space after the source has stopped
masking
The drowing out of one sound by another
sound level meter
A meter which measures the sound pressure level and gives a reading in dB
feeder
A set of electrical conductors which extend from the source of energy to a distribution center.
capacitance
A measure of the ability of two of more closely spaced plates to store electricity. The unit of capacitance is the farad
three-phase
Describing a form of alternating current produced by a generator having three rotating coils positioned 120 degrees apart
inductance
The property of an electrical circuit by which a change in current induces an electromotive force. The unit of inductance is the henry
alternating current
An electric current which reverses its direction at regular intervals, generally 60 times per second. A plot of the voltage over time is the sine wave
alternation
One reversal of an alternating current wave, 2 of which make one complete cycle
rectifier
A device which converts alternating current to direct current and is used to recharge batteries or supply direct current for other purposes
NEC
The abbreviation for the National Electrical Code
alternator
A device used to generate alternating current by rotating a coil in a magnetic field
demand factor
The ratio of maximum demand or expected power usage to the total connected load
contactor
A switch, usually magnetically operated, which is used to open and close an electrical circuit
battery
2 or more cells which utilize the reaction of a chemical solution on 2 dissimilar metals to produce an electromotive force
kilowatt (kW)
A unit of electric power = 1000w
service
The portion of a buildings electrical system extending from the utility company’s wire to and including the main switch and meter
power factor (PF)
In an electrical circuit, the ratio of real power in watts to the product of voltage and current
hertz (Hz)
The frequency of a sound, or of an alternating current, equal to the number of cycles per second
impedance
The resistance to current flow in an AC circuit. Impedance may consist of resistance, reactance, or a combination of the two. The unit of impedance is the ohm
star connection
A method of connecting the windings on a three-phase transformer in which one end of all three windings is connected to a common neutral center point forming a Y shape. It is also known as a wye connection
wye connection
A method of connecting the windings on a three phase transformer in which one end of all three windings is connected to a common neutral centrral point, forming a Y shape. Is is also known as a star connection
ampere (amp)
The unit of electrical flow
circular mil
The area of a wire having a diameter of one mil or one thousandth (0.001) of an inch, used in specifying wire size
neutral
The wire or conductor in an electrical system which is equidistant in voltage from the phase conductors of the system. It is not the same as ground.
direct current (DC)
An electric current that flows in only one direction
KVA
A rating for transformers equal to the product of volts and amperes divided by 1000. The product of the KVA and the power factor gives the power in kilowatts
illumination
The intensity of light falling on a surface, usually expressed in footcandles.
candlepower (CP)
The unit of luminous intensity, which is the amount of light emitted by a source
luminous intensity (I)
The amount of light emitted by a source
efficacy
The ratio of the lumens emitted by a lamp to the electrical power consumed by the lamp
reflectance
The ratio of reflected to incident light falling on a surface
transformer
A device which chages the voltage of an AC circuite to a higher or lower level
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
A special circuit breaker equipped with an actuating device which will trip the circuit breaker in the event leakage current to ground exceeds about 0.0005 of an ampere
resistance
A measure of the tendency of an electric circuit to restrict the flow of current, or the ratio of voltage to current in a conductor or closed circuit. The unit of resistance is the ohm
ground
An electrical conductor connected to the earth or to a pipe extending into the ground, used to dissipate hazardous current into the earth
generator
A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by the motion of electrical conductors in a magnetic field.
watt (W)
The basic unit of electrical power, equal to the product of volts and amperes in direct current systems, equal to 3.41 Btuh
power level (PWL)
The logarithmic expression for the acoustical power at the source of a sound. It is also known as acoustic power level
Btuh
The abbreviation for Btus per house, an energy flow rate
volt (V)
The unit of electrical potential or electromotive force
hp
Horsepower, a unit of power equal to 746 watts
latent heat
The heat added to or removed from a substance when it changes its state w/o changing its temperature, as when water freezes or vaporizes
specific heat
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of a given substance one degree Fahrenheit measured in Btus
nipple
A short piece of pipe with threads at each end used to connect fittings and valves in a pipe line
effective temperature
A fictitious temperature which would produce the same physiological effect as the combined effects of temperature, humidity, and air movement
globe thermometer
A thermometer which measures mean radiant temperature (MRT)
sensible heat
Heat which changes the temperature of a substance without a change of state
union
A pipe fitting used to couple the ends of two pipes neither of which can be rotated
total heat
The total of sensible plus latent heat stored in the air. It is also known as enthalpy
differential thermostat
A thermostat that responds to temperatures at two different locations. It is used to activate a solar heating system when teh collector is warmer than the storage medium
therm
A unit of heat equal to 100,000 Btus
absolute humidity
The weight of water vapor per unit volume of air
check valve
A valve that allows the flow of a fluid in only one direction. Check valves may use a flap or ball to prevent reverse flow
Siamese fitting
A Y-shaped hose attachment at hte base of a building, which allows the fire department to connect two supply hoses to provide or augment water flow to a standpipe
septic tank
A watertight receptacle designed to receive sewage. Solids are separated from teh liquid and digested through an anaerobic action, while the effluent is discharged into seepage pits or drain fields
soil pipe
Any pipe which conveys the discahrge from water closests, urinals, and similar fixtures
upfeed system
A water supply system that uses the available water main pressure to supply water to fixtures on several floors
PPM
The abbreviation for parts per million
heat pump
A refrigeration system which both heats and cools. In summer, heat is pumped from indoors to outdoors, and in winter, heat is pumped from outdoors to indoors
hybrid solar system
A system combining active and passive solar features
dual duct system
A system in which hot air and cold air are supplied by separated ducts and mixed at each controlled space to provide the desired supply air temperatures. This method consumes a great deal of energy
heat exchanger
Any device used for transferring heat from one fluid to another, where the fluids are physically separated
thermometer
An instrument for measuring temperature, consisting of a sealed tube containing a liquid, such as mercury, that expands and contracts with temperature changes
Btu
The abbreviation for British thermal unit, a unit of heat energy, which is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperatures of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit
reheat
The adding of sensible heat to a supply air stream which has been previously cooled
aspect ratio
The ratio of the longer to shorter dimension of an air-conditioning duct, which affects duct friction, or of a room, which relates to light reflection
forced air system
A heating or cooling system which uses a fan to circulate heated or cooled air through ducts to the occupied spaces
register
The device consisting of a grille and damper to control the amount of air passing through it
blowdown
The drain which removes dirt which builds up in the floor pool of an evaporative cooling tower, or the discharging of sediment from the bottom of a boiler or heat exchanger
compressor
A machine for compressing air or gases. As a basic component of an air-conditioning system, a compressor draws vaporized refrigerant from the evaporator, compresses it, and discharges it to a condenser
coefficient of performance (COP)
The ratio of the amount of heat energy delivered by a heat pump to the amount of energy supplied, or the ratio of the amount of heat energy removed by a refrigeration machine to the amount of energy expended in its removal. It is similar to efficiency, but often exceeds 100%, and is therefore expressed as a number eg 2.7(typ for a heat pump)
balancing damper
A damper provided in a duct system to regulate the flow of air when the system is being balanced or tuned to design requirements
refrigerant
The fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigeration system
steam trap
A valve which permits passage of air or water, but not steam, often used with steam radiators
convector
A heating device arranged to deliver heat to the air primarily by convection
evaporator
The part of a refrigeration system in which the refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from the medium to be cooled
circulator
A pump used in hot water systems for maintaining forced circulation of water or other liquid
condenser
A heat exchanger in which refrigerant vapor is condensed (liquefied), releasing heat to an external medium
chiller
A piece of equipment which cools water for use in an air conditioning system
cfm
abbreviation for cubic feet per minute, which is the flow rate of air in a mechanical system or duct
diffuser
A device through which the air from a duct enters a room, or a device through which the light from a fixture enters a room
mixing box
An enclosure in which two air streams are mixed. commonly used for mixing outside air and return air, or hot and cold air in a dual duct system
condensate
Vapor that has returned to a liquid state
ventilation
The supplying or removing of air by mechanical or natural means to or from a given space
refrigeration
The extraction of heat from a substance or an unoccupied space to reduce its temperature below that of its surroundings
air-conditioning
The treating of air in an occupied space to control its temperature, humidity, and cleanliness
AC
The abbreviation for either air-conditioning or alternating current, depending on the context
fan
A device consisting of a series of blades in a circular arrangement, driven by a motor or other prime mover to produce a current of air
HEPA filter
A high-efficiency particulate air filter, which removes dust and other tiny particles from a moving air stream.
exhaust air
Any foul or unwanted air removed from a space by mechanical means.
fan coil system
An air-conditioning system in which a fan blows conditioned air over hot and/or cold coils into an occupied space
duct
A conduit made of sheet metal or other material for conveying air at low pressures
boiler
A closed vessel in which water is heated in order to produce steam or hot water
variable air volume (VAV)
An air conditioning system which accommodates thermal load changes by varying the flow of supply air into a conditioned space instead of varying the temperature of the supply air
humidifier
A device used to add moisture to the air
damper
A device inserted in an air stream to modulate, restrict, or divert hte flow of air
zone
A position of a building controlled by a single thermostat, because its spaces have similar heating or cooling needs
ASHRAE
The abbreviation for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, the source of most of the standardized information on the subject
HVAC
Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning
infiltration
The leakage of air through cracks around windows and other building elements
activated carbon
A form of specially treated, porous carbon, used to absorb various odors and vapors
air changes per hour
The ratio of the volume of air supplied to or exhausted from a space, per hour, to the volume of the space
two-pipe system
A hot or chilled water system having only a supply and return line. It can supply only heated or chilled water to a zone, but not both simultaneously
cooling tower
A structure used to evaporatively cool a liquid (usually water) by contact with air
invert
The lowest point of the inside of a drain, pipe, channel, or other liquid-carrying conduit
economizer cycle
An energy-saving strategy in which a part of the HVAC system is shut off while the rest is used, such as shutting off the refrigeration when the outside air temperature is loq, while the fan continues to operate
three-pipe system
A hot and chilled water system having a common return pipe for both supply lines
four-pipe system
A hot and chilled water system with separate return lines for each sypply line, with no mixing of the two streams
ton
The amount of cooling required to convert a ton of water to ice in a 24 hour period, equal to a steady rate of 12,000 Btuh
barometric damper
A balanced air valve positioned so as to admit air to the flue or stack of a furnace in order to maintain a constant amount of draft. It is also called a draft regulator
draft regulator
A balanced air valve positioned so as to admit air to the flue or stack of a furnace in order to maintain a constant amount of draft. It is also called a barometric damper
expansion tank
A chamber or tank provided in a hot water heating system to allow for expansion of the water in the system as its temperature rises
absorption refrigeration
A cooling process resulting from the absorption of vapor by a brine solution, which is then heated to remove the moisture. The heat may be supplied by solar or other heating sources
eutectic salts
Materials used to store and release heat by means of their latent heat capacity, that is, they alternately melt and solidify in the normal solar operating temperature range of 80-160 degrees fahrenheit
recovery
The ability of a water heater to heat a specified number of gallons per hour of water to a specified temperature
expansion valve
A valve in a refrigeration system which controls the flow and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, allowing it to evaporate and absorb heat
turning vanes
curved baffles inserted in a duct elbow to decrease pressure loss through the elbow
underwriter’s loop
A plumbing arrangement on steam boilers to avoid rapid loss of water in the boiler due to a break in the condensate return line. It is also referred to as a Hartford loop
Hartford loop
A plumbing arrangement on steam boilers to avoid rapid loss of water in the boiler due toa break in the condensate return line. It is also referred to an underwriter’s loop
delta connection
A method of connecting windings on a three-phase transformer, end to end, which results in a triangular shape.
chill factor
A fictitious temperature assigned to a combination of actual temperature and wind velocity which has the same physiological effect as still air at the chill factor temperature. It is also known as wind chill index
wind chill index
A fictitious temperature assigned to a combination of actual temperature and wind wind velocity which has the same physiologival effect as still air at the wind chill intex temperature. It is also known as chill factor.
radiation
The flow of heat by electromagnetic waves between two objects not in contact, through space or a medium
standard air
Air at a standard temperature and pressure
forced convection
The movement of a fluid by a fan or a pump, in order to force heat exchange
air movement
the velocity of air in an enclosed space measured in feet per minute
comfort zone
The combination of thermal and environmental conditions within which a human is comfortable, often shown on a psychrometric chart
draft
A flow of air or gas through a flue or chimney
dew point
The temperature of air at which the water contained in the air begins to condense and form dew. It is therefore the temperature at which the air is at 100% humidity
psychrometric chart
A chart showing the interactions of wet bulb, dry bulb, and dewpoint temperatures, relative and absolute humidities, enthalpy and sensible heat ratio.
relative humidity (RH)
The ratio of the moisture content of the air to hte maximum possible moisture content at the same temperature (depends on temperature)
conductance (c)
The rate at which a specific thickness of a given material conducts heat
grain
A unit of weight, where 7000 grains equal one pound; used primarily as a measure of the weight of moisture in air
conductivity (k)
The rate at which a given material conducts heat per inch of thickness
siphon
A U-shaped tube used to transfer liquid from an upper level to a lower one by suction
pump
A mechanical device used to compress or move a fluid
faucet
A valve at the end of a pipe providing a means of releasing and controlling water from the pipe
spigot
The end of a pipe that fits into the bell, or enlarged end of another pipe. Also another term for faucet
riser
A vertical water supply pipe that extends through at least one floor of a building and provides water to fixtures or branches
manometer
A u-shaped tube partially filled with a liquid, used for measuring the pressure of a fluid
inch of water
A unit of pressure equal to the pressure of a column of water one inch high. 1 inch of water=0.03609psi
DWV
Abbreviation for drain, waste and vent
bell
The end of a pipe which is enlarged to receive the end of another pipe so as to form a joint. It is also called a hub
hub
The end of a pipe which is enlarged to receive the end of another pipe so as to forma joint. It is also called a bell.
static pressure
The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest
pH
A symbol indicating the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution; a pH 7 represents a neutral solution, lower values indicate acidity, higher values alkalinity
gate valve
A valve consisting of a sliding plate or gate perpendicular to the flow, intended to be fully open or closed
individual vent
A vent which is continuation of the trap and drain to which it connects. It is also called a common vent
loop vent
A vent which connects from a drain to the stack vent of the soil stack to which the drain is connected
globe valve
A valve consisting of a circular plug or disc which is raised or lowered against a circular opening or seat used for adjusting or throttling flow
backwash
A reverse flow of water, often used in water softening to remove sediment
air gap
An unobstructed vertical path, open to the atmosphere, separating the outlet of a faucet from the overflow rim of the fixture it serves. The purpose is to prevent a momentary vacuum in the supply pipe from siphoning water from the fixture back into the supply pipe
circuit vent
In sanitary drainage, any vent which serves two or more traps
branch vent
A vent connecting one or more individual vents to a stack vent
continuous vent
A vent which is a continuation of the trap and drain to which it connects. It is also called an individual vent
NPS
Nominal pipe size. Refers to nominal inside pipe diameter
flushometer valve
A valve which releases a specific amount of water into a plumbing fixture each time it is actuated
fixture unit
A unit of liquid flow used in sizing both supply and drainage pipes. It is equal to 1 cubic foot per minute or approximately 7.5 gallons per minute
surge arrester
A device installed in a water line to minimize the effects of water hammer caused by quick closing valves
perm
The unit of permeability for a given material, expressing the resistance of the material to the penetration of moisture. One perm is equal to the flow of one grain of water vapor through one square foot of surface area per hour with a pressure difference of one inch of mercury
frequency
The number of cycles which occur per second, either in alternating current or acoustics. In acoustics, the frequency determines the pitch
Inverse Square Law
A physical principle which states that the intensity of a phenomenon is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source to the measure device. It holds true for point sources of light, and for sound in an open field.
-If 24 fc @ 10’, what is it at 20’? (10/20)^2=1/4 therefore 24 x 1/4=6 fc
oakum
Caulking made from hemp fiber strand or rope soaked in oil or other substance to make it waterproof and rot-resistant
UBC
The abbreviation for Univorm Building Code
specific volume
The volume occupied by a unit weight of a given substance at any specified temperature and pressure. The reciprocal of density
transducer
A device which converts power in one kind of system to power in another form, such as a loudspeaker which converts electric power to acoustic power
cycles per second (CPS)
A measure of frequency in electric current or acoustics i.e. the bumer of sycles per second of a wave or oscillation. The term has been largely replaced by hertz, where 1 cps = 1 Hz
cycle
One complete set of repeating events, typically used with alternating current or sound
sweating
The method of soldering copper plumbing, or the condensation of water on cold pipes or building materials
frost line
The maximum depth of frost penetration in the ground expected in a given area. Water piping must ordinarily be buried below the frost line to protect against freezing.
occupancy
The purpose for which a building is intended to be used
convection
The heat transfer process which occurs when a warm fluid rises, displacing cold fluid which then falls
pneumatic
Referring to the use of air, especially under pressure, usually to operate machinery
code
An organized body of rules and regulations adopted and enforced by a governmental agency, such as a building code.
occupancy group
A designation for a group of several occupancies which have comparable fire safety considerations and which are therefore grouped together by the code
plenum
The space between a suspended ceiling and the structure above, which is used as a very large, slow moving air duct
live load
The vertical load caused by the use and occupancy of a building, not including wind, earthquake, or dead loads
friction factor
A factor used in calculating loss or pressure due to friction of a fluid (gas or liquid) flowing through a duct or pipe
OSHA
The abbreviation for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration which regulated working conditions
wavelength
The length of one complete cycle or waveform, for light or sound waves. In light, the dominant wavelength determines the perceived color
cross connection
Any connection by means of which nonpotable, used, or contaminated water or other liquid can enter any part of a potable water system.
ABS
Abbreviation for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a plastic used for drainage, waste, and vent piping, as well as for sewer systems
lateral
A common sewer the receives wastewater only from building sewers
vacuum breaker
An automatic valve which admits air into a supply pipe to prevent siphoning polluted water back into the supply
coefficient of utilization
The ratio of useful light arriving at hte work plane to the amount of light emitted by the source, which depends on the reflectivity of different surfaces and the aspect ratios of the ceiling, wall, and floor cavities
coefficient of utilization
The ratio of useful light arriving at hte work plane to the amount of light emitted by the source, which depends on the reflectivity of different surfaces and the aspect ratios of the ceiling, wall, and floor cavities
photometry
The measurement of light distribution, illumination, and the intensity of light, usually with the aid of a photometer
photometry
The measurement of light distribution, illumination, and the intensity of light, usually with the aid of a photometer
footcandle
The basic unit of illumination arriving at a work plane. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot
footcandle
The basic unit of illumination arriving at a work plane. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot
lumen
The unit of visible light emitted by a light source, defined as the amount of light passing through one square foot at a distance of one foot from a candlepower source
lumen
The unit of visible light emitted by a light source, defined as the amount of light passing through one square foot at a distance of one foot from a candlepower source
luminaire
A complete light fixture including lamps.
luminaire
A complete light fixture including lamps.
ballast
An electrical device used with fluorescent and other lamps to provide starting voltage and regulate current flow through the lamp
ballast
An electrical device used with fluorescent and other lamps to provide starting voltage and regulate current flow through the lamp
fluorescent
Describing a substance the gives off light at a different wavelength from that of x-rays, ultraviolet rays, or other rays to which the substance is exposed, as in a fluorescent lamp.
high-intensity discharge (HID)
A family of lamps consisting of a quartz envelope inside a glass envelope. In the quartz envelope, the current causes an intense arc between two electrodes, exciting a plasma of mercury, metal halide, or high-pressure sodium and producing visible light.
ionization detector
A fire detector which detects the products of combustion (POC) even before they are visible to the naked eye.
starter
A device which starts the arc in a neon or fluorescent lamp or a contactor and overload relay used in starting some electric motors
ionization detector
A fire detector which detects the products of combustion (POC) even before they are visible to the naked eye.
starter
A device which starts the arc in a neon or fluorescent lamp or a contactor and overload relay used in starting some electric motors
ball drip
The automatic drain valve at hte base of a dry standpipe
ball drip
The automatic drain valve at hte base of a dry standpipe
fluorescent
Describing a substance the gives off light at a different wavelength from that of x-rays, ultraviolet rays, or other rays to which the substance is exposed, as in a fluorescent lamp.
-more efficient than an incandescent lamp, transformer necessary, life based more on times it’s turned off and on than how long it’s kept on
POC
Products of combustion, usually relative to smoke detection
POC
Products of combustion, usually relative to smoke detection
photoelectric detector
A smoke detector that uses a light source and a photoelectric cell to detect the prescence of smoke
photoelectric detector
A smoke detector that uses a light source and a photoelectric cell to detect the prescence of smoke
wet pipe sprinkler
A sprinkler system which is continuously pressurized with water. If a fusible sprinkler opens, water is immediately forced through the sprinkler head.
wet pipe sprinkler
A sprinkler system which is continuously pressurized with water. If a fusible sprinkler opens, water is immediately forced through the sprinkler head.
smokeproof enclosure
A required exit which consists of a vestibule and continuous stairway enclosed from teh highest point to hte lowest point by walls of two-hour fire resistive construction and which exits into a public way or an exit passageway leading to a public way
smokeproof enclosure
A required exit which consists of a vestibule and continuous stairway enclosed from teh highest point to hte lowest point by walls of two-hour fire resistive construction and which exits into a public way or an exit passageway leading to a public way
high-intensity discharge (HID)
A family of lamps consisting of a quartz envelope inside a glass envelope. In the quartz envelope, the current causes an intense arc between two electrodes, exciting a plasma of mercury, metal halide, or high-pressure sodium and producing visible light.
-lamp within a lamp
flame-spread rating
A numerical classification indicating the rate at which flame will spread over the surface of a given material. Class I materials have the least flame spread and Class III have the most
flame-spread rating
A numerical classification indicating the rate at which flame will spread over the surface of a given material. Class I materials have the least flame spread and Class III have the most
fire assembly
A complete fire-resistive assembly consisting of a fire door, fire damper, or fire window and its mounting frame and hardware. The entire assembly, not just its components, must be approved and labeled by a testing agency which inspects the materials workmanship during fabrication at factory. available ratings are 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, and 3 hours
fire assembly
A complete fire-resistive assembly consisting of a fire door, fire damper, or fire window and its mounting frame and hardware. The entire assembly, not just its components, must be approved and labeled by a testing agency which inspects the materials workmanship during fabrication at factory. available ratings are 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, and 3 hours
standpipe
A vertical supply pipe for firefighting. Dry standpipes are empty and must be connected to a fire hydrant via a Siamese connection and pumper truck. Wet standpipes are pressurized and filled with water, to serve attached hoses within the building, on each floor. Wet standpoints also have Siamese connections to allow the water flow to be augmented from fire hydrants.
fusible sprinkler head
A sprinkler head normally closed by a plug of low melting point alloy. When subject to a predetermined temperature, the plug melts or fuses and allows water to flow out.
ball-check valve
A spring-operated check valve in a piping system in which pressure against a movable ball allows fluid to flow in one direction. When the direction of flow is reversed, the ball is forced against a seat which stops the flow.
sprinkler system
A system used to extinguish fires automatically by releasing water or other substances
fire damper
A damper provided with a fusible link and operated by gravity or springs, which closes off an air duct in the event of fire, so as to prevent fire and smoke from spreading through the duct
exit
A continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way. Its minimum width is generally 44 inches
fusible link
A piece of wax or paraffin which melts at a predetermined temperature, setting off a sprinkler head, an alarm system, or otherwise actuating a fire protection device.
wet standpipe
A vertical supply pipe for firefighting which is pressurized and filled with water to serve attached hoses on each floor within the building. A Siamese connection allows the water flow to be augmented from fire hydrants.
dry pipe sprinkler
A sprinkler system whose pipes are normally pressurized with only air, thus being invulnerable to freezing temperatures. Upon actuation, the air is vented and supply pressure forces water through the system.
dry standpipe
A vertical supply pipe for firefighting which is empty and must be connected to a fire hydrant by means of a Siamese connection and a pumper truck
fire door
A fire-resistive door assembly, consisting of frame door, and hardware, which provides a specific fire resistive rating when closed
smoke developed rating
A numerical rating of interior finish materials developed from a standardized fire test procedure. Larger numbers indicate a greater density of smoke
halon
A gaseous, fire-extinguishing medium which smothers fires, often used in automatic systems in computer rooms.
Mass law
The theoretical law which states that for each doubling of mass in a wall, there is a 6dB drop in the amount of sound transmitted. In actual practice, it is usually closer to 5dB.
sabin
The unit of sound absorption equivalent to the absorption of one sf of open window
sone
A subjective system of measuring loudness, based on the reference point of one sone equal to a sound pressure level of 40 dB.
intensity level
The intensity of sound at a given location, measured in watts per m^1 or more comonly in dB where the reference level is 10-12 watts/m^2 or 10-16 w/cm^2
phon
A subjective unit of loudness, numerically equal to the sound pressure, in dB, or a 1000-Hz tone judged by the listener to have the same loudness as the given sound
dBA
A dB measured in the A scale, which is weighted to account for the special sensitivities of the human ear
reverberation time
The time required for the sound pressure level to decrease 60dB after the original sound stops.
regeneration
The process of removing calcium and magnesium ions from the zeolite resin in a water softener and replacing them with sodium ions by passing brine through the resin
ion
An electrically charged atom or group of atoms
zeolite
A substance used in water softening which exchanges sodium ions for magnesium or calcium ions in hard water. It is regenerated by passing brine through it, which reverses the exchange
ion exchange
A process of water softening in which calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium ions. This process is also known as the zeolite process
total pressure
The pressure measured by a pilot tube, consisting of static pressure and velocity pressure. The total pressure of a nonmoving fluid is equal to its static pressure.
pilot tube
An instrument used with a manometer or pressure gauge to measure the velocity of air or water in a duct or pipe
reversible-acting valve
A valve that opens with pressure is applied and closes when pressure is released
thermal resistance (r)
A measure of the resistance of a specific thickness of a given material to the passage of heat; the reciprocal of conductance
leader
A vertical pipe used to conduct water from a roof drain or gutter to the ground. It is also called a downspout
water hammer
The thumping or rattling sound that occurs when a faucet is shut off rapidly
stack vent
The portion of a soil or waste stack which is above the highest branch drain connected to the stack. Its sole function is to vent to the outside air.
bibb
A faucet having a nozzle that is bent downward
chlorination
The addition of small amounts of chlorine to a water source to kill bacteria
soil
A sanitary drainage term referring to the waste from urinals, water closets, and fixtures of similar function
vent stack
A vertical pipe which vents several sanitary drainage lines, in order to break the siphoning suction which would occur when water passes down through the system
building authorization
The contol by automatic equipment of many function in a large building, usually including the HVAC system, the fire detection and alarm system, and building security
life-cycle cost
The total lifetime cost of an item or system, which include its initial cost, operating costs, maintenance costs, and repair costs, less any salvage value
interceptor
A device for trapping grease, sand, hair, string, buttoms and so on, installed in the drains of certain types of fixtures
stack effect
The tendency of a gas or air to rise in a vertical shaft bc its density is lower than that of surrounding gas or air. It is also called chimney effect
thermosiphon
The method of using a heated surface and the resulting convection to move a fluid out of a space. In solar hot water heaters, the collector is below the storage tank, and the water is circulated automatically by convection when it is heated. Thermosiphoning may also be used to ventilate a building by sending the warmed air out the top, and siphoning in cooler air at the bottom
chimney effect
The tendency of a gas or air to rise in a vertical shaft bc its density is lower than that of the surrounding gas or air. It is also called stack effect
white noise
Innocuous background noise used to mask objectionable sounds.
sound reflection
The phenomenon which occurs when sound bounces off hard, rigid, and flat surfaces such as concrete, brick, stone, or glass
acoustic
Pertaining to hearing, sound, or the science of sound
echo
A sound wave that has been reflected with sufficient magnitude and delay so that it is heard as a sound distinct from that transmitted directly
heat of fusion
The heat given off by a liquid in changing to a solid, or the heat absorbed by a solid melting to a liquid w/o a change in temperature
acidity & alkalinity
lower pH, higher the acidity. Higher the pH, Higher the alkaline. Rain water is slightly acidic and tends to corrodes metal pipes.
hard v soft water
hard water has seeped into the ground and dissolves minerals present, not harmful to humans, but is to plumbing & heat exchanges b/c deposits out again & clogs pipes. Place anode into water tank to diver deposits
iron based fittings
rust or oxidize
zeolite
ion exchange, removes minerals & softens h2o
degree day
average yearly difference between indoor temp and outdoor temp, amount by which the temp is below 65* (more days below it, more heat you need: under 3,000-good insulatoin is enough, up to 5,000-use heating system, under 7,000-serious heating, over 7,000 move)
design day
used to design and size a heating system that determines the day cooler than 98% of all days in the year experience in a climate
psychrometic chart
relationship between air temp and humidity
insulate
insulate(protect from heat loss) before you insolate (exposing to the rays of the sun)
soil lines
carry h2o from wc and urinals
waste lines
wasted h2o from all sources except wc and urinals
interceptor
keep grease & other waste materials from netering sewer
trap
u shaped line that keeps methane from sewer system from entering the building
cleanout
y shaped segment of pipe that provides access to difficult to reach areas. Places every 50’ if 4” D, or every 100’ if greater than 4” D as well as wherever pipe changes direction of over 45*
Plumbing pipe materials
Lead-in past
Steel: galvanized, joined mechanically
Copper: often used for supply bc doesnt rust or corrode, thinner wall thickness, joined by sweating (form of soldering)
plastic: PVC (used for supply) & ABS (used for drain), doesn’t corrode, doesn’t allow electrolysis to deposit material ions, durable, deteriorates in sunlight, cement connection-irreversible.
gate valve
all on/all off, min restriction when fully open, turbulant when partially open
globe valve
meter/throttle flow of h2o, restrict flow even when open
check valve
backflow preventer, prevent h2o from moving backwards through system & contaminate supple
angle valve/screw & seat/washer & seat
typical plumbing fixture, include a valve w/a mertering/flow restriction capability
pressure release valve
safety devices that keep system from exploding by opening when pressure exceeds some max, usually over drain, req for h2o heaters
surge arrestors/shock arrestors
cushion device that compresses & bounces h2o back to original pressure to absorb the shock when h2o turned off to prevent water hammer
vacuum breaker
prevents siphoning to supply line
altitude
height of sun in the sky, straight up
azimuth
compass orientation fo the sun, angle of the suns position E/W of the sun
Design for cold climate
- minimize exposed surfaces
- southern glazing
- deciduous trees N/NW to block prevailing winds
- vestibules
- chimney/internal thermal mass
Design for temperate climate
- long south facade ideal to harvest winter sun
- porches to the south/awning on windows to block summer sun
- Deciduous trees on S/W to shade in summer & lose leaves in the winter
- Deciduous trees in N to block wind
Design for Hot Humid climate
- circulate air as much as possible
- detatched/seasonal kitchens
- balconies & breezeways
- elevate on poles to allow air flow underneath
- roof in 2 separate layers or open gable
- no vegetation near windows
Design for Hot Arid climate
- evaporative cooling
- high thermal mass to store heat during the day
- courtyard form w/water feature in center
Dessicant system
sun bakes moisture out of a dessicant. outside air brought past it, dried air is either brought into building or water sprayed through it causing temp to drop through evaporation
Unitary system
- air comes directly from outside into room
- 1 unit per zone, self contained
- used when building spread out
- able to have separate utility bill
Fancoil
air supplied through duct, hot & cool h2o pipe coils @ each zone. hot or cold water (or none if ventilation only req’d) runs through pipe & air blows over.
-high initial cost, but very efficient
hydronic system
- radiant: hot h2o/steam circulated through pipes to heat/cool
- combined w/forced air, blow air over warm/cool water
- single pipe: h2o moves through and returns to be heated again-cheap initial cost, but h2o cant travel warmly too far
- double pipe: 2 supply pipes, keeps h2o warm to each register
- three pipe-mixes hot & cold in common return, cheap piping, but expensive to heat & cool
- four pipe: separate 2 pipe system for heating & cooling
multizone
similar to dual duct, but mixing boxes are in mech. equip room & tempered air delivered throughout
-ideal for build. square in plan and few zoned systems
plant sizing
- 5-10% building footprint
- every 15-20 floors in a high rise
- forced air=most space
Ohms Law
Current=voltage/resistance
Types of motors
- DC: small scale & elevators-continuous & smooth
- Single phase AC motor: <3/4 horsepower
- Three phase induction motor: constant RPM, v. reliable
- universal motor: runs on either DC or AC current, varies in speed based on the load (mixer, hand drill..)
Electrical Conduits
- Rigid: safest, galv. exterior, enamel coated interior
- Intermediate metallic conduit (IMC): steel, slightly pricier
- Electrical metallic tubing (EMT): thinnest, galv, connections made w/special clamping syst. rather than threading
- Flexible metal conduit: flex/greenfield, can’t be used underground
- Interlocked armored cable: prewired, no wires added in field, prewrapped wires encased in interlocking metal spiral armor, no use underground or in concrete
- Power grid floors/cellular metal floors: system w/knockout panels @ regular intervals for access, conc. poured right over
- sheather/romex: NM/NMC, 2 insul live wires & a ground wire encased in plastic; no other cover req’d, not underground
incandescent
“warmer” than sunlight, rich in yellows & reds, weak in greens & blues
- least efficient, least effective, short bulb light
- bulb 1/8” diameter
artificial light efficiencies
least-most: normal incandescent, tungsten halogen, mercury vapor, fluorescent/metal hallide, high pressure sodium, low pressure sodium (only security light)
point grid method
find illumination of each fixture based on intensity at the source x cos of angle between perpendicular line of receiver and line from source of light to receiver divided by the line from the source of light to receiver squared
zonal cavity method
measure lighting illumination by multiplying # of fixtures, # of lamps per fixture, # of lumens per lamp, lamp lumen depreciation factor, dirt depreciation factor, coefficient of utilization divided by the area of working plane
Calculating illumination
Illumination = (# of fixtures x # of lamps per fixture x lumens per lamp x maint factor x CU) / area
Calculating absorptivty of a room
Area times absorptivty of the surfaces
Ex room 20x30x10 w/absorptivty of each surface =.02
((2x(30x20))+(2x(30x10))+(2x(20x10))) x .02 = 44 sabins
Ton
12,000 Btuh
U value
1/sum of resistances
Fire classes
A ordinary materials
B flammable gas and liquid
C electrical equip (h2o after off)
D combustible material (no h2o)
Determining elevator speed
1.6 x building height + 350
