Questionnaire - I
Questionnaire - I
Instrumental Inspector
Q1. Zones (IEC, NEC, NEMA)
Ans: IEC uses Zones 0–2, NEC uses Classes/Divisions, and NEMA specifies enclosure protection
ratings.
Q2. Valve Open/Close Status
Ans: Shown by position indicators or limit switches.
Q3. Foundation Fieldbus
Ans: Digital protocol for communication in industrial automation.
Q4. Instrument Location (Oil & Gas)
Ans: Near equipment like tanks, pipelines, and separators.
Q5. DCS, ESD, SCADA
Ans: DCS is for process control, ESD for safety shutdown, and SCADA for remote monitoring.
Q6. Drawing for Tubing Inspection
Ans: Pneumatic Tubing Layout or P&ID.
Q7. Drawing for Final Installation Inspection
Ans: Instrument Hook-Up or Loop Diagram.
Q8. Typical Installation Drawing
Ans: Shows details of mounting, wiring, and tubing.
Q9. Instrument Error in Calibration
Ans: Difference between actual value and measurement.
Q10. Types of Temperature Sensors
Ans: Thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, and infrared sensors.
Q11. RTD vs. Thermocouple
Ans: RTDs are accurate and stable; thermocouples cover a wider temperature range.
Q12. HART Protocol
Ans: Enables analog and digital communication on the same wiring.
Q13. Hazardous Area
Ans: Area with potential for explosive atmospheres.
Q14. IP (Ingress Protection)
Ans: Specifies protection against solids and liquids for enclosures.
Q15. IEC 529 Specification
Ans: Defines IP ratings like IP65 for enclosures.
Q16. NEMA Standards
Ans: Define protection levels of electrical enclosures.
Q17. NEMA-250
Ans: Specifies standards for enclosures in hazardous and non-hazardous areas.
Q18. Hazardous Area Junction Box
Ans: Use explosion-proof (Ex d) or intrinsically safe boxes.
Q19. LOOP Package
Ans: Documentation for instrument loop details and testing.
Q20. Marshalling Cabinet
Ans: Connects field devices to control system panels.
Q21. Field Instrument Height
Ans: Typically 1.2–1.5 meters above ground.
Q22. Size of Impulse Tube
Ans: Commonly 1/4 or 3/8 inch.
Q23. Maximum Length of Impulse Tube
Ans: Up to 15 meters to avoid lag.
Q24. Bench Calibration
Ans: Apply test signals, compare outputs, and adjust.
Q25. Hot vs. Cold Loop
Ans: Hot is operational; cold is de-energized for testing.
Q26. Marshalling Cabinet Shields
Ans: Connect shields to grounding bus bars.
Q27. Analog Input Cable Shields
Ans: More shields prevent signal interference compared to digital cables.
Q28. Meggering Resistance for Control Cable
Ans: Should be above 1 MΩ.
Q29. PQP full form.
Ans: Project Quality Plan detailing inspections and testing.
Piping Inspector
Q1. ASME Code for Design of Process Piping Systems in Refineries & Chemical Industries
• ASME B31.3.
Q2. American Institute Standards Referred by Piping Engineers
• API, AISI, ASTM, ANSI, AWS, AWWA, ASME
Q3. Different ASME B31 Codes for Pressure Piping
• B31.1: Power Piping
• B31.2: Fuel Gas Piping
• B31.3: Process Piping
• B31.4: Liquid Pipelines
• B31.5: Refrigeration Piping
• B31.8: Gas Pipelines
• B31.9: Building Services Piping
• B31.11: Slurry Transportation
Q4. Which American institute standard does piping engineer refer?
• ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
Q5. What are the different sections of ASME code? Where are these sections referred?
• Section I: Power Boilers
• Section II: Materials
• Section V: NDE (Non-Destructive Examination)
• Section VIII: Pressure Vessels
• Section IX: Welding & Brazing
• Each section is referred based on design, construction, fabrication, and inspection standards.
Q6. What is the ASTM code for the following?
• Carbon Steel: ASTM A106
• Alloy Steel: ASTM A335
• Stainless Steel: ASTM A312
• Nickel Steel: ASTM B161/B163
Q7. What is the basic difference between Pipe specification A106 Gr.A / Gr.B/ Gr.C?
• Based on tensile strength:
• Gr.A: Lowest
• Gr.B: Medium
• Gr.C: Highest
• Also varies in chemical composition and allowable stress.
Q8. How can flanges be classified based on Pressure-Temperature ratings?
• Based on class: 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 as per ASME B16.5
• Each class corresponds to pressure rating at a reference temperature.
Q9. How can flanges be classified based on facing?
• Raised Face (RF)
• Flat Face (FF)
• Ring Type Joint (RTJ)
• Tongue & Groove (T&G)
• Male & Female (M&F)
Q10. What is centering ring in connection to spiral wound gasket?
• Carbon steel external ring that aligns the gasket in the flange bore.
Q11. What will be the AARH finish on flange face for using spiral wound gasket?
• 125–250 AARH (Arithmetic Average Roughness Height)
Q12. On which type of flanges the use of spiral wound gasket is restricted?
• Not recommended on 150# flanges except for weld neck and lap joint flanges (per ASME B16.5).
Q13. Up to what temperature limits should low-strength carbon steel bolts not be used for flanged
joints?
• Not above 200°C or below -28°C.
Q14. Up to what temperature can carbon steel materials be used?
• Up to 425°C.
Q15. Which material is used for temperature above 426°C?
• Alloy steel.
Q16. Which type of material is used for corrosive fluid?
• Stainless steel.
Q17. Which piping materials are used for drinking water, instrument air, etc.?
• Galvanized steel.
Q18. What is the difference between Pipe and Tube?
• Pipe: Identified by NB and Schedule (thickness)
• Tube: Identified by OD and thickness (BWG)
Q19. From which size onwards NB of pipe is equal to OD of pipe?
• From 14" NB and above.
Q20. What should be the radius of long radius elbow?
• 1.5D (D = nominal diameter)
Q21. What should be the radius of short radius elbow?
• 1D (D = nominal diameter)
Q22. What is the basis of using short radius & long radius elbows?
• Long radius: Used where pressure drop is critical or flow needs to be smooth
• Short radius: Used in compact spaces or for high-pressure drop conditions
Q23. Where are the ERW spiral & longitudinal pipes used?
• Usage depends on availability; functionally similar in certain conditions
Q24. Where are ERW & Seamless pipes used?
• Above 18": ERW
• Below 18": Seamless (preferred for high pressure and temperature)
Q25. What is the main use of ASTM A53 & A106 Gr.B pipes?
• ASTM A53: Utility services
• A106 Gr.B: High-pressure and high-temperature services
Q26. From which side of pipe will you take a branch connection?
• Gas, steam, cryo: Topside
• Liquid: Bottom side
Q27. Why do we provide High Point Vent (HPV) and Low Point Drain (LPD) in piping?
• HPV: Remove air during hydrotesting
• LPD: Drain water post-hydrotesting
Civil Inspector
Q1. What is the standard for water leak test and how to do?
Ans: Standard is ASTM D5121. Fill tank, maintain pressure, check for leakage within specified duration.
Q2. Number of concrete cylinders for testing purposes?
Ans: Usually 6 cylinders per 50m³ concrete or per batch, as per standard practice.
Q3. How do you inspect civil works?
Ans: Check dimensions, alignment, material quality, safety compliance, and compare against approved
drawings on site.
Q4. What is a slump test and how much should it be for fresh concrete?
Ans: Slump test measures workability. Typically, 75–100mm for normal concrete on site.
Q5. Excavation procedure?
Ans: Excavate per approved drawings, maintain slope angles, identify soil type, remove water if needed,
and install proper safety shoring.
Q6. Slab procedure?
Ans: Set formwork, place reinforcement, pour concrete in layers, vibrate for compaction, and finish
surface.
Q7. If the rebar is rusted what actions are required?
Ans: Clean rust using wire brush or sandblasting and apply anti-corrosion coating before concreting.
Q8. Interval of the concrete and revolution?
Ans: Follow project specifications; re-vibration must occur before setting begins to avoid cold joints.
Q9. Asphalt testing?
Ans: Includes Marshall stability, penetration, ductility, softening point, and aggregate gradation tests.
Q10. Concrete curing period?
Ans: Minimum 7 days for moist curing; 28 days required to achieve full design strength.
Q11. What is the purpose of geotechnical study?
Ans: To determine soil bearing capacity, identify strata profile, groundwater level, and provide safe
foundation design data.
Q12. What is admixture in concrete and types?
Ans: Admixtures modify concrete properties. Types: water reducers, accelerators, retarders, and
superplasticizers.
Q13. How to protect deep excavation?
Ans: Use shoring, bracing, sheet piling, or soil nailing to support trench walls and prevent collapse or
water ingress.
Q14. What's the purpose of bending rebars?
Ans: To shape rebars according to structural drawings for strength, fit, and anchorage in concrete.
Q15. Bituminous curing period?
Ans: Minimum of 7 days moist curing; longer durations enhance durability and performance.
Q16. What's the purpose of rebar coating?
Ans: Prevents corrosion, enhances bond with concrete, and increases structural life, especially in
aggressive environments.
Q17. What's the purpose of concrete chamfer?
Ans: Chamfers prevent edge chipping, enhance aesthetic appearance, and reduce spalling risk.
Q18. Document requirements for concrete inspection?
Ans: Approved drawings, mix design reports, material test certificates, method statements, and inspection
checklists.
Q19. What are basis of design for foundations?
Ans: Based on geotechnical investigation, structural load, settlement limits, and soil bearing capacity.
Q20. Soil testing procedures and tools?
Ans: SPT, plate load test, moisture content, sieve analysis, proctor compaction, and CBR tests.
Q21. Allowable concrete temperature?
Ans: Should be within 10°C to 32°C during placement as per industry standards.
Q22. How to perform inspection for pre-cast members?
Ans: Inspect for dimensions, alignment, surface finish, connection points, lifting anchors pre- and post-
installation.
Q23. Compaction procedure?
Ans: Place soil in layers, adjust moisture content, and compact using rollers or compactors to achieve
95% Proctor density.
Q24. How to perform soil grading?
Ans: Remove debris, level surface, adjust moisture, and compact in layers as per technical specification.
Q25. What's piling?
Ans: Piling is a deep foundation method using driven or bored piles to transfer load to deeper, competent
soil.
Q26. What's mass concrete and requirements?
Ans: Mass concrete involves large volumes prone to thermal cracking. Requires low-heat cement and
temperature monitoring.
Q27. Inspections to be performed prior to pouring concrete?
Ans: Check formwork, reinforcement, embedded items, cleanliness, alignment, and ensure approval of
concrete mix.
Q28. What's the reason for concrete defects such as honeycomb and how to repair?
Ans: Caused by poor compaction or segregation. Repair by chipping affected area and applying non-
shrink grout or repair mortar.
Q29. Maximum time of concrete duration from batch plant to site?
Ans: Max 90 minutes or 300 drum revolutions; maintain proper temperature and slump until placement.
Q30. How to get approved concrete and asphalt mix design?
Ans: Perform trial mixes in laboratory, conduct required tests, and submit results for consultant approval.
Q31. What's a construction joint?
Ans: Interface between two successive concrete pours; helps in phasing of work and accommodates
shrinkage or movement.
Q32. Water-cement ratio?
Ans: Critical for strength and durability; typically ranges from 0.40 to 0.60 based on structural
requirement.
Q33. Scaffolding installation code?
Ans: Follow IS 3696 or OSHA standards. Ensure bracing, anchoring, planking, guardrails, and regular
inspection.
Q34. What is CBR?
Ans: California Bearing Ratio test evaluates subgrade strength and suitability for pavement layers.
HVAC Inspector
Q1. You receive a shipment of ductwork. What's your step-by-step check?
Ans: Compare delivery note vs. PO, inspect for dents or rust (reject if damaged), and verify gauge
thickness using a micrometer.
Q2. A batch of refrigerant pipes has no end caps. What do you do?
Ans: Reject the batch—open ends may allow ingress of dirt or moisture, compromising system integrity.
Q3. What's the first thing you check when receiving brazing rods?
Ans: Verify certification (e.g., AWS A5.8) and check for proper sealed packaging and moisture-free
condition.
Q4. How should insulation materials be stored on-site?
Ans: Store indoors, elevated on pallets, and protected with tarpaulins from moisture, dust, and physical
damage.
Q5. How should packaged AC units be stored before installation?
Ans: Place on wooden pallets in a shaded, dry, and well-ventilated area, covered with tarps to prevent
environmental damage.
Q6. What's the acceptance criteria for a duct leakage test?
Ans: Leakage must be ≤5% at 1-inch water gauge pressure, as per SMACNA standards.
Q7. During a pressure test, a chilled water pipe leaks at a weld. What's your action?
Ans: Tag the defect, log the issue, mandate re-welding at the joint, and perform retesting post-repair.
Q8. How do you verify airflow in a duct is correct?
Ans: Use an anemometer at air terminals and compare measured CFM with the design requirement
(acceptable range ±10%).
Q9. A worker is brazing refrigerant pipes without nitrogen purge. What do you say?
Ans: “Stop the activity—nitrogen purge is mandatory to avoid internal oxidation and maintain system
cleanliness.”
Q10. An access door is blocked by electrical conduits. How do you fix it?
Ans: Coordinate and instruct relocation of conduits—access panels must remain fully accessible for
maintenance operations.
Q11. A worker brazed pipes without nitrogen. What's your action?
Ans: Cut out the defective joint, conduct proper nitrogen purge, and re-braze in accordance with project
standards.
Q12. A fire damper fails its drop test. What's next?
Ans: Inspect fusible link for correct rating, verify damper blade alignment, and replace defective
components as needed.
Q13. The contractor didn't do a nitrogen purge test report. Your move?
Ans: Suspend inspection and withhold approval—submission of test reports is a prerequisite for
refrigerant charging.
Q14. What is QA/QC?
Ans: QA (Quality Assurance) is proactive and ensures preventive controls; QC (Quality Control) involves
inspection to validate conformity of deliverables.
Q15. What is an NCR (Non-Conformance Report)? Give one HVAC example.
Ans: An NCR documents deviation from standards—example: brazing completed without nitrogen purge
in HVAC piping.
Q16. What is a Special Procedure in QA/QC?
Ans: A documented method for performing critical or high-risk activities that require special controls and
prior approval.
Q17. What are the key elements of an NCR?
Ans: Include non-conformance description, referenced standard/code, correction, corrective action, root
cause analysis, and action closure date (ACD).
Q18. What is RCA (Root Cause Analysis)?
Ans: A systematic process to identify the fundamental cause of a non-conformance and implement
actions to prevent recurrence.
Q19. Difference between Correction and Corrective Action?
Ans: Correction addresses the immediate issue (e.g., fixing a leak), while corrective action implements
systemic prevention (e.g., worker training or procedure revision).
Q20. Significant source of energy waste in duct systems?
Ans: Duct leakage—leads to pressure drop and HVAC inefficiency.
Q21. Minimum thermal (R) value as set forth in Uniform Mechanical Code Tables
Ans: The minimum allowed duct insulation value is R-6 for ducts outside conditioned space, per standard
UMC and referenced energy-code provisions
Q22. Duct hangers and support size and thickness as per Uniform Mechanical Code
Ans: Metal straps must be a minimum of 1 in (25 mm) in width and of equivalent or heavier gauge than
the duct being supported, per UMC Sec 603.10 .
Q23. Duct wall thickness for positive pressure ducting systems as per Uniform Mechanical Code
Ans: UMC mandates using wall thickness per SMACNA pressure-class tables; higher pressure ratings
require thicker gauge. For example, a Class 0/1 supply duct must meet SMACNA minimum wall-gauge
requirements, applicable to positive-pressure systems .
Q24. Duct wall thickness for negative pressure ducting systems as per Uniform Mechanical Code
Ans: Similar to positive pressure, UMC relies on SMACNA table minimum gauges by pressure class;
negative-pressure ductwork must also meet those wall-thickness requirements specified for the
applicable SMACNA pressure class to prevent collapse under vacuum.
Q25. Fire/Smoke/Fire-Smoke Damper installation standards NFPA
Ans: Installation must comply with NFPA 90A and NFPA 80, ensuring dampers close properly under
fire/smoke conditions.
Q26. Damper sleeve extension for dampers without an actuator or access door
Ans: Minimum 300 mm extension is required for accessibility and maintenance.
Q27. Turning vanes required in rectangular elbows as per SMACNA
Ans: Turning vanes are mandatory in high-velocity systems to reduce pressure loss and turbulence.
Q28. What is an NCR (Non-Conformance Report)? Give one HVAC example.
Ans: A formal document to record deviations; e.g., brazing refrigerant pipes without nitrogen purge.
Q29. What is a Special Procedure in QA/QC?
Ans: A pre-approved method for non-routine or high-precision tasks, often used when standard
procedures are insufficient.
Q30. What are the key elements of an NCR?
Ans: Nonconformity description, reference standard, correction, corrective action, root cause, and ACD
(Action Completion Date).
Q31. What is RCA (Root Cause Analysis)?
Ans: A systematic process to identify the underlying reason for a defect and eliminate recurrence.
Q32. Difference between Correction and Corrective Action?
Ans: Correction is an immediate remedy; corrective action is a permanent fix to prevent recurrence.
Q33. Minimum gauge thickness for short radius turning vanes
Ans: 22 gauge is the minimum required as per SMACNA.
Q34. Flexible duct testing and certification standard
Ans: Governed by UL 181, which specifies construction, labeling, and fire resistance.
Q35. When are thrust blocks required for thermoplastic and RTR piping?
Ans: At every change in direction—bends, tees, or reducers.
Q36. What are the two exemptions to thrust block installation?
Ans: Gravity flow systems and pipes ≤75mm with restrained joints.
Q37. Which standard governs thrust block design for RTR piping?
Ans: AWWA M45 provides guidelines for design and installation.
Q38. What is required when a pipe enters/leaves a thrust block?
Ans: Use neoprene wrapping to prevent direct contact and ensure flexibility.
Q39. What's the clearance between water and firewater lines?
Ans: A minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) is required.
Q40. What is the minimum spacing between sprinklers?
Ans: 6 ft (1.8 m) minimum per NFPA 13 standards.
Q41. What is the minimum distance of a sprinkler from walls?
Ans: 4 inches (102 mm) minimum clearance.
Q42. How far should sidewall sprinklers be from light fixtures?
Ans: 3 ft (0.9 m) minimum to prevent obstruction and heat shielding.
Q43. What's the minimum water closet clearance from side walls?
Ans: 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the centerline of the fixture.
Q44. How much space is needed between adjacent urinals?
Ans: 24 inches (610 mm) minimum for user comfort and privacy.
Q45. Can stormwater be mixed with sewage pipes?
Ans: No, strict separation is required by code.
Q46. Which material is PROHIBITED for supporting drainage piping in a trench under the IPC?
Ans: Concrete blocks are not allowed due to instability and lack of proper support.
Q47. What additional support is required for a horizontal 4-inch PVC drainage pipe at a 90-degree
turn when suspended from a ceiling?
Ans: Sway bracing must be installed to counteract movement and stress.
Q48. Which of the following is NOT an approved method for sealing a pipe penetrating an exterior
wall?
Ans: Foam sealant is not approved; use firestop sealants or caulk listed for wall penetrations.
Q49. What is the minimum slope required for condensate piping?
Ans: ¼% slope or 1/8 inch per foot is required to ensure drainage.
Q50. Where must the lavatory be in an employee toilet room relative to the water closet?
Ans: It must be in the same room, ensuring hygiene compliance.
Q51. How far must a urinal partition extend from the wall?
Ans: 18 inches is the standard minimum for privacy compliance.
Q52. What is the maximum allowable water pressure in a water distribution system?
Ans: 80 psi maximum; pressure-reducing valves are required above this.
Q53. What type of joints are required for PE-RT plastic tubing and fittings?
Ans: Heat-fusion joints are mandated for leak-proof connections.
Q54. Which component must be installed with a pressure-reducing valve?
Ans: A strainer is required upstream to protect the PRV from debris.
Q55. What material is approved for transition fittings between copper and galvanized steel piping?
Ans: Copper alloy is approved to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Q56. What is the maximum flow rate for non-metered public lavatories at 60 psi?
Ans: 0.5 gallons per minute (gpm) maximum per UPC/IPC.
Q57. How must corrosive liquids be treated before entering the sanitary drainage system?
Ans: They must be diluted or neutralized before discharge.
Q58. What is the maximum retention time for untreated gray water in a collection reservoir?
Ans: 24 hours, to prevent biological degradation and odor.
Q59. What type of valve is required upstream of a nonpotable water storage tank?
Ans: A shutoff valve is required to isolate the system when necessary.
Electrical Inspector Q&A
Q1. What is the minimum depth for underground electrical conduit?
Ans: 600 mm for low voltage, 1000 mm for high voltage
Q13. What is the minimum lux level for indoor lighting (general work)?
Ans: 300–500 lux