BUILDING UTILITIES 1

The amount of heat which is absorbed or evolved in changing the state of a substance without changing
Latent Heat
its temperature.
A system of devices, usually installed below ground level, to scatter or spray water droplets over a lawn,
Lawn Sprinkler System
golf course, or the like.
Minimum width of a septic tank. 90 cms.
Minimum length of a septic tank. 1.50 mts.
Minimum liquid depth for a septic tank. 60 cms.
Maximum liquid depth for septic tank. 1.80 mts.
Minimum capacity, in cubic meters, of the secondary compartment of a septic tank. 1 cum.
Minimum dimension of a manhole access to a septic tank. 508 mm.
Minimum length of the secondary compartment of a septic tank with a capacity of more than 6 cubic mts. 1.50 mts.
Wooden septic tanks are allowed, true or false. FALSE
Minimum distance of a water supply well from a septic tank. 15.20 mts.
Minimum distance of a water supply well from a seepage pit or cesspool. 45.70 mts.
Minimum distance of a water supply well from a disposal field. 30.50 mts.
Minimum Gauge of galvanized sheet used for downspouts. 26
Minimum height of a water seal for each fixture trap. 51 mm.
Maximum height of a water seal for each fixture trap. 102 mm.
Maximum length of the tailpiece from any fixture. 60 cms.
Minimum extension of the VSTR above the roof. 15 cms.
Minimum extension of the VSTR above an openable window, door opening, air intake, or vent shaft. 0.90 mtr.
Minimum trap diameter for a bathtub 38 mm. (11/2")
Minimum trap diameter for a shower stall. 51 mm. (2")
Required number of water closets for females for an auditorium serving 16-35. 3
Required number of water closets for males for an auditorium serving 16-35. 2
Required number of urinals for an auditorium serving 10-50. 1
Required number of water closets for females for a theater serving 51-100. 4
Classifications of copper pipes. Rigid and Flexible
A rough or sharp edge left on metal by a cutting tool. Burr
Two types of passenger elevator. Electric and Hydraulic
Minimum elevator width of single slide door elevator for small commercial or residential building. 0.60 mtr.
A device that is basically a double throw switch of generally 3-pole connection that will automatically Automatic Transfer
transfer the power from the standby generator to the building circuitry during electrical power failure. Switch (ATS)

Moisture resistant, in
TW in electrical wire specification means.
wet and dry location
Another name for passenger elevator. Lift
The minimum face to face distance between elevators in three and four car grouping. 2 mts.
Collection line of a plumbing system is sometimes referred to as. House Drain
Maximum height of a dumbwaiter. 1.20 mts.
A type of lighting that provides illumination to special objects like sculptures, flower arrangements, etc. Specific Lighting
Moisture and Heat
XHHN in wire specification means. Resistant- Cross-
Linked Thermosetting
Standard length of an electrical metal conduit. 10' / 3 Meters
An assembly consisting of a pulley wheel, side plates, shaft, and bearings over which a cable or roped is
Sheave
passed.
The other type of flame detector other than the ultraviolet type. Infra Red
Pvt. Automatic Branch
PABX or PBX means.
Exchange
Farad is the unit capacity of a ________________. Capacitor
Another name for distribution panel. Power Panel
Type of plastic pipe other than polyvinyl chloride and polybutylene. Polyethylene
Standard size of wire for a circuit line. No. 12
Standard size of wire for a switch line. No. 14
A device for converting alternating current to direct current. Rectifier
Another name for a Rectifier. D.C. Generator
A controller sensitive to the degree of moisture in the air. Humidistat
Another name for Humidistat. Hygrostat
Consist of a flyball or flyweight device designed to stop an elevator. Governor
A stop valve placed in the service pipe close to the connection at the water main. Corporation Stop
 BUILDING UTILITIES 1

A vent with a function to provide circulation if air between drainage and vent system. Relief Vent
Flange used on a pipe to cover a hole or opening in a floor or wall which the pipe pass. Escutcheon
Length along the centerline of the pipe and fitting. Developed Length
A valve used in a flush tank controlling the flushing of fixture. Flush Valve
Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution. Sewage
Component of fire extinguisher. Carbon Monoxide
Interrelationship between value of voltage and current with the same frequency. Phase
Descriptive of any material such as synthetic resin which hardens when heated or cured, and does not
Thermosetting
soften when reheated.
An Instrument which responds to changes in temperature, and directly or indirectly controls temperature. Thermostat
Thin sheets that are used for controlling heat in drywall construction. Rigid Board Insulation
Conveys storm water and terminates into a natural drainage such as lakes or rivers. Storm Sewer
A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, a generator of alternating current. Alternator
Freon in air-con must be compressed and liquified in order to absorb _________. Heat
Standard size of a wet standpipe outlet for each floor. 1 1/2" (38mm)
A type of pipe fitting for a Yoke Vent. 1/8 Bend
A device installed on an electric water heater used to detect the working temperature to activate a switch. Thermostat
Minimum size of trap or branch for a bidet. 1 1/2"
Minimum fixture supply pipe diameter for tank type water closet. 3/8"
True or false, 1 3/4" diameter is 'not' a commercial size of G.I. Pipe for water supply. TRUE
True or false, 3" diameter is 'not' a commercial size of G.I. Pipe for water supply. FALSE
Term applied to the interconnection of the same fixtures in one soil or waste branch with one branch vent. Battery of Fixtures
A single vent that ventilates multiple traps in the case of a back to back vent. Common Vent
Minimum size of a standpipe for a building in which the highest outlet is 23 meters or less from the fire
4" (102mm)
service connection.
Minimum size of a wet standpipe for a riser of more than 15 meters from the source. 4" (102mm)
Single lever valves used in kitchen sink and lavatory faucets or at shower valves works by the principle of
Ball Valve
a ________________.
Treats hard water. Zeolite
Minimum height of a branch vent above the fixture it is venting. 6" (150mm)
Minimum wire size in square millimeter for a branch circuit with a 30 ampere rating using Type THW
5.5 sqmm
stranded copper conductor in a raceway.
Standard frequency of power supplied by the local power utility company like Meralco. 60 Cycles
The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to and including splices, if any,
Service Drop
connecting to the service entrance conductors at the building.
Unit of loudness level. Phon
The process of dissipating sound energy by converting it to heat. Sound Absorption
Distance sound travels during each cycle of vibration. Wavelength
The reduction in the intensity or in the sound pressure level of sound which is transmitted from one point
Sound Attenuation
to another.
Unit of sound absorption equivalent to 1 square foot of perfectly absorptive material. Sabin
Acoustical phenomenon which causes sound wave to be bent or scattered around. Sound Diffraction
Minimum sound pressure level that is capable of being detected by the human ear. Threshold of Audibility
Fluctuation in pressure, a particle displacement in an elastic medium. Sound
Sound sensation in a single frequency. Pure Tone
Wave produced by a pure tone. Sine Wave
Synonymous with a lighting fixture. Luminaire
The luminous intensity of light is expressed in ___________. Candela
It refers to an individual who worked in the sanitary field of ancient Rome. Plumbarius
In Latin, it means 'lead'. Plumbum
A specially designed system of waste piping embodying the horizontal wet venting of one or more sinks or
Combination Waste
floor drains by means of a common waste and vent pipe adequately sized to provide free movement of air
and Vent system
above the flow line of the drain.
Vertical flow of air used to separate different functions of spaces. Air curtain
Type of lighting dealing with relatively large area lighting. General Lighting
During elevator emergency, to rescue passengers, this part of the elevator is used to open the doors from
Outside Door Latch
the outside.
A device which extends across at least 1/2 the width of each door leaf which will open if subjected to
Panic Bar
pressure.
Sanitary sewage from buildings shall be discharged directly to the nearest ________________. Sanitary Sewer Main
Receptacles intended to receive and discharge water, water-carried waste into a drainage system with
Fixture
which they are connected.
 BUILDING UTILITIES 1

Telecommunication
The simplest type of building automation system.
System
Standard size of an outlet for a dry standpipe located at each floor. 2 1/2" (64mm)
A vent pipe connected to a vent stack. Circuit Vent
A vent pipe connected to a stack vent. Loop Vent
Instrument used for measuring atmospheric pressure. Barometer
Bets type of fire detection that can detect fire during the incipient stage. Ionization
Condensing unit is a part of a ___________. Refrigeration
A fire detector installed in a fire alarm system which uses low melting point solders or Fixed Temperature
Metal that expands when exposed to heat to detect a fire. Heat Detector
A faucet fitted with a nozzle curving downward used as a draw-off tap. Bibbcock
Heat rating for a fixed temperature heat detector. 135-197˚F
Reference in measuring the depth of a trap seal of a trap. Top Dip to Crown Weir
A pipe fitting shaped like 'S'. Double Bend
Minimum size of trap and waste branch for a shower stall. 2"
Minimum size of trap and waste branch for a pedestal urinal. 3"
Ratio of water closets for male population for elementary and secondary school. (1:30)
Ratio of water closets for female population for elementary and secondary school. (1:25)
Ratio of urinals for elementary school. (1:75)
Ratio of water closets for female population for Principal Worship Places. (1:75)
Minimum required number of water closets for female for office and public buildings serving 55 occupants
4
for employees.
Where there is exposure to skin contamination due to poisonous materials, what is the ratio of lavatory to
(1:5)
number of occupants.
Minimum head of water, in meters, required for each section of plumbing for water test. 3
How many days, at least, shall be given before any plumbing work inspection is done after written notice
3
for inspection.
Minimum time, in minutes, required for water to stay in the system or pipes for a water test without any
15 minutes
leaks to satisfy said testing.
Atmospheric Vacuum
Consist of a body, a checking member, and an atmospheric opening.
Breaker
Minimum lead content in percent for pipes and fittings safe for humans. 8%
Minimum vertical distance from the bottom of water pipes to the top of sewer or drain pipe if laid in the
300 mm
same trench on top of the other.
Minimum distance of water pipings from any regulating equipment, water heater, conditioning tanks, and
300 mm
similar equipment requiring union fittings.
Maximum spacing of pipe supports at intervals. 4'
Equivalent of 1/6 bend in degrees. 60˚
True or false, 60˚ branches or offsets may be used only when installed in a true vertical position. TRUE
Cleanouts may be omitted on a horizontal drain less than 1.5 meters in length unless such line is serving
TRUE
sinks or urinals, true or false.
Minimum clearance in front of any cleanout in meters for pipes 51mm or less in diameter. 0.305 mtr. / 305 mm
Minimum clearance in front of any cleanout in meters for pipes larger than 51 mm. Dia. 0.45 mtr. / 450 mm
Maximum distance of any underfloor cleanout from any access door, crawl space, or crawl hole. 6.10 mts.
Maximum length of a tailpiece. 600 mm
Minimum length of any branch requiring separate venting. 4.60 mts.
True or false, no galvanized wrought iron or galvanized steel pipe shall be used underground and shall be
TRUE
kept at least 15 cms above ground.
Minimum extension of a vent stack through roof above the roof. 150 mm / 15 cms.
Minimum extension of a vent stack through roof above any other vertical surface. 300 mm
Minimum vertical distance of VSTR from above of any openable window or opening. 0.90 mtr.
Minimum vertical extension of VSTR from any roofdeck where it is protruded. 2.10 mts.
Minimum horizontal distance of any VSTR from a roofdeck used for other purposes aside from protection
3.00 mts.
from weather.
Minimum number of stories served by a waste stack requiring a parallel ventstack. 10
The rate of flow of light through a surface. Luminous Flux
The luminous intensity of any surface in a given direction per unit of projected area. Luminance
A unit of illumination equivalent to 1 lumen per square foot. Foot-Candle
A unit of illumination equivalent to 1 lumen per square meter. Lux
Type of lighting system where 90-100% of light output is directed to the ceiling and upper walls of the room. Indirect Lighting
The material used for filament in an incandescent bulb. Tungsten
The equivalent of filament in a fluorescent lamp. Cathode
 BUILDING UTILITIES 1

An automatic device used for converting high, fluctuating inlet water pressure to a lower constant Pressure Regulating
pressure. Valve
An air-operated device used to open or close a damper or valve. Air Motor
In theater stage house, a weight usually of iron or sand used to balance suspended scenery, or the like. Counterweight
On elevators, a gear-driven machine having a drum to which the wire ropes that hoist the car are
Winding-Drum Machine
fastened, and on which they wind.
Vertical tracks that serves as a guide for the car and the counterweight. Guiderails
Under NBC, the clearance between the underside of the car and the bottom of the pit shall not be less
600 mm
than __________.
Under NBC, the minimum diameter of hoisting and counterweight rope. 30 mm
Under NBC, the minimum width between balusters in an escalator. 558 mm
Under NBC, the maximum rated speed of an escalator along the angle of travel. 38 Meters/Min
The effective room temperature in air-conditioning. 68-74 ˚F
A private telephone system that interconnects with public telephone systems. PABX
Resistance in alternating current system. Impedance
The reciprocal of conductance. Resistance
The rate of flow of sound energy Sound Intensity
Lighting used primarily to draw attention to particular points of interest. Accent Lighting
A means of producing light from gaseous discharge. Fluorescense
High-Pressure-Sodium
A type of High-Intensity-Discharge lamp (HID).
(HPS)
Sound system input device that reacts to and converts variable sound pressure into variable electrical
Microphone
current.
A rate of rise type detector. Thermal Detector
Light originating from sources not facing each other, as from windows in adjacent walls. Cross Light
The process of removing calcium and magnesium deposits in water. Softening
A lighting unit consisting of one or more electrical lamps. Luminaire
A louvered construction divided into cell-like areas and used for redirecting the light emitted by an
Eggcrate
overhead source.
A graph used in air-conditioning and showing the properties of air-system mixtures. Psychrometric Chart
Heat that raises air temperature. Sensible Heat
The transmission of heat energy from one place to another by circulatory movement of a mass of fluid. Convection
A lamp designed to project and diffuse a uniform level of illumination over a large area. Floodlight
Limit Controls and
In boilers, they function only when exceeds prescribed unsafe operating conditions.
Interlocks
What type of sound absorbent is best for lower band frequencies. Porous Absorbents
The bending of sound wave when traveling forward changes direction as it passes through different
Refraction
densities.
True or false, number of fixture unit is one parameter in sizing a drainage pipe. TRUE
Water distribution system which constantly relay its pressure from the main water pipe applied only if the Upfeed System /
highest fixture is supplied continuously with the flow rate and minimum required working pressure. Direct Method
What combination of pipe fittings is installed at the base of a soil stack? Wye and 1/8 Bend
What is the rating index of an air-conditioning/refrigeration system which rates the unit for the number of Energy Efficiency
BTU's of heat removed per watt of electrical input energy? Rating (EER)
What mechanical equipment, coupled with a central air-conditioning system, is used to to dehumidify and
Fan Coil Unit
cool the air stream injected to a conditioned space.
A rigid metal housing for a group of heavy conductors insulated from each other and the enclosure, also
Busway
called Busduct.
A heavy conductor, usually in the form of a solid copper bar, used for collecting, carrying, and distributing
Bus
large electric currents, also called a busbar.
An approved assembly of insulated conductors with fitting and conductor terminations incompletely
Busway
enclosed ventilated protective metal housing where the assembly is designed to carry fault current
A type of perimeter detector which detects object in heat range of body temperature. Passive Infrared
A type of perimeter detector which detects interruption of light beam. Light Beam
A type of perimeter detector which detects change in sound wave pattern. Ultrasonic
Women's urinal fixture. Washdown
True or false, brass and cast iron body cleanouts shall not be used as a reducer or adapter. TRUE
A box with a blank cover which serves the purpose of joining one different runs of raceways or cables and
Pull Box
provided with sufficient space for connection and branching of the enclosed conductors.
 BUILDING UTILITIES 1

A type of water closet that is least efficient, subject to clogging, noisy, and use a simple washout action
Washdown (WD)
through a small irregular passageway.
This type of water closet is similar to that of the siphon-jet except that it has a smaller trap passageway
Reverse Trap (RT)
and smaller water surface area, moderately noisy.
A type of water closet that is noisy but highly efficient. Strong jet into up leg forces contents out. Use only
Blowout (BO)
with flush valve, requires higher pressure.
Water closet that is quiet, extremely sanitary, water is directed through the rim. It scours bowl, folds over
Siphon Vortex (SV)
into jet; siphon.
A water closet that is sanitary, efficient, and very quiet. Water enters through the rim and through the
Siphon Jet (SJ)
down leg.
A toilet bowl similar to the siphon-jet, but having the flushing water directed to the rim to create circular
Siphon Vortex (SV)
motion or vortex which scours the bowl.
A toilet bowl in which the flushing water enters through the rim and a siphonic action initiated by a water
Siphon Jet (SJ)
jet draws the contents of the bowl through the trapway.
A water closet similar to that of the siphon jet but with a smaller water surface and trapway. Reverse Trap (RT)
This type of water closet is prohibited by some health codes. Washdown (WD)
The concussion and banging noise that results when a volume of water moving in a pipe suddenly stops
Water Hammer
or loses momentum.
The length of a pipeline measured along the centerline of the pipe and pipe fittings. Developed Length
A shutoff valve closed by lowering a wedge-shaped gate across the passage. Gate Valve
A valve closed by a disk seating on an opening in an internal wall. Globe Valve
Liquid sewage that has been treated in a septic tank or sewage treatment plant. Effluent
The centerline of pipe. Spring Line
The interior top surface of a pipe. Crown
The interior bottom surface of a pipe. Invert
A type of perimeter detector which is subject to false alarm from aircraft radar and from movement
Microwave
outside building through window, wood doors, and the like. It uses radio waves.
Passive Infrared with
This type of perimeter detector uses both the Passive infrared and Ultrasonic or Microwave system. Ultrasonic (or
Microwave)
This type of perimeter detector detects a change in capacitance of the area covered, caused by intrusion. Proximity / Capacitance

Color code for pipes containing acid. Black

A high intensity discharge lamp in which the light is produced by the radiation from a mixture of a metallic
Metal Halide Lamp
vapor, similar to that of a mercury lamp in construction.
A type of lamp popular for lighting commercial interiors, uses argon gas to ease starting, it produces light
Mercury Lamp
by means of an electric discharge in mercury vapor.
A type of lamp which produces light by means of the reaction of halogen additive in the bulb reacts with
Tungsten Halogen Lamp
chemically with tungsten.
High-Pressure-Sodium
A type of lamp generally used for roadways and sidewalks, uses sodium gas.
(HPS)
Building with fire alarm and suppression system. Intelligent Building
This shows the vertical relationships of all panels, feeders, switches, switchboards, and major components
are shown up to, but not including, branch circuiting, it is an electrical version of a vertical section taken Riser Diagram
through the building.
In elevator, it detects the obstacles during the door closing, and reopens the door if there is something.
Safety Shoe
Photocell can be used together with this.
It prevents passengers from falling into the hoistway when they try to get out of the car which is stopped
Fascia Plate
between the floors.
In elevator, it makes the buzzer alarm when the car is overloaded and the door remains open until
Weighing Device
overloading is eliminated.
In elevator, it protects the equipment from over current. Circuit Breaker
In elevator, these prevent the excessive car travel at the highest and lowest floor. Limit Switches
Handrail Guard
In escalators, these stop the escalator if a foreign object becomes wedged at the guard.
Switches
In escalators, this is located at the bottom truss of the escalator and provided with on and off positions to
Disconnect Switch
stop or prevents the escalator from starting during maintenance service.
Mechanical
This device, in escalators, is provided at the drive unit location to protect against accidental movement of
Maintenance Locking
the escalator during inspection of the drives or during general maintenance.
Device
Current Overload
This device, in escalators, stops the escalator automatically if an abnormal current is supplied to the motor.
Safety Switch
 BUILDING UTILITIES 1

This switch cuts off all current supply to the escalator for inspection, maintenance, or repairs. Knife Switch
In a lightning protection system, the combination of a metal rod and its brace or footing, on the upper
Air Terminal
part of a structure.
One of the earlier plastic to be developed in 1938, a du pont trade name for the white, soft, waxy, and
Teflon
non-adhesive polymer of tetrafluoroethylene.
The number of cycles per unit time of a wave or oscillations expressed in hertz of cycles per second. Frequency

Of a partition, the number of decibels by which sound is reduced in transmission through it; a measure of
Transmission Loss
the sound insulation value of the partition, the higher the number, the greater the insulation value.
The cooling effect obtained when 1 ton of ice at 32 oF (0 oC) melts to water at the same temperature in
Ton of Refrigeration
24 hrs. (equivalent to 12,000 Btu/hr)