Cross Connection Certification Exam 2023 Questions and
Answers with complete solution
Absolute pressure
The total pressure. The gauge pressure plus the atmospheric pressure at a given
altitude.
Air gap
The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest
opening from any pipe or outlet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other
device, and the flood-level rim of the non-pressurized receiving vessel or receptacle.
Approved
Accepted by the Responsible Authority. Meets applicable specifications and standards.
Atmospheric pressure
The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. As the elevation above sea level
increases, the atmosphere pressure decreases.
Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB)
A mechanical backflow prevention device consisting of a float check valve and an air
inlet port designed to prevent backsiphonage by allowing air to enter the downstream
water line. The unit does not provide protection against backpressure or continuous
pressure. A shut-off valve is not allowed downstream from the device.
Backflow
The reversed flow of a non-potable source into a potable system because a pressure
differential exists where the pressure on the non-potable side is greater than the
pressure on the potable side.
Backflow prevention assembly
The entire backflow unit, icluding not only the mechanism that actually prevents
backflow, but also the shut-off valves and test cocks. An assembly has a resilient
seated, full-flow shut-off valve before and after the backflow preventer.
Backflow prevention device
Refers to the backflow prevention mechanism only. It does not include the shut-off
valves located on the inlet and outlet.
Backflow prevention method
A mechanism for preventing backflow that includes mechanical backflow prevention
assemblies, devices, and air gaps.
Backpressure
Occurs when the non-potable system's pressure exceeds the supply pressure
Backsiphonage
Occurs when the supply line pressure falls below atmospheric pressure causing a
partial vacuum in the potable water distribution system
Barometric loop
a 34 foot vertical loop of piping that prevents backsiphonage only based on pressure
principles
Biological contaminants (high or health hazards)
Agents that cause disease
Biological pollutants (low or non-health hazards)
, Agents that do no cause disease but that do decrease aesthetic quality of the water
Breach of warranty
A breaking of the promise that a certain fact is true
Bypass
Any arrangement of pipes, plumbing, or hoses designed to divert the flow around an
installed device or assembly through which the flow normally passes.
Chemical contaminants
Substances that pose a threat to public health
Chemical pollutants
Substances that do not pose a public health threat but reduce the aesthetic quality of
the water
Condition of service
An agreement between water supplier and the consumer that specifies the obligation
and responsibilities of each in order for service to be provided.
Containment (service protection)
When backflow prevention assemblies are used to keep contaminants from entering the
distribution system from a water consumer's facility
Contamination
The introduction of any substance into water at levels that degrade the quality of water,
making it unfit for human consumption because it would adversely affect public health.
Continuous pressure
A condition in which upstream pressure is applied continuously (more than 12 hours) to
a device or assembly.
Critical level
A reference line representing the level of the check valve seat within a spill-resistant
vacuum breaker or atmospheric vacuum breaker. This line is used in measuring the
elevation of the vacuum breaker above the highest point of water use, either at the
highest outlet or flood level rim.
Cross-connection
Any arrangement of pipes, fittings, fixtures, or devices that directly or indirectly connects
a non-potable system to a potable water system.
Cross-connection control
The use of assemblies, devices, methods, and procedures to prevent contamination or
pollution of a potable water supply through cross-connections.
Detection time
How quickly it is determined that a backflow has occurred
Direct cross-connection
A link between the potable water supply and any other non-potable system that is
subject to both backsiphonage and backpressure
Double check valve assembly (DCVA)
A method of backflow prevention consisting of two independently operating check
valves, 4 test cocks, and 2 shut-off valves. It is only used to protect against a non-health
hazard. It can be subjected to backpressure and backsiphonage.
Dual check valve
A method of backflow prevention consisting of two independently operating check
valves, without any test cocks or shut-off valves. It is considered appropriate for use
Answers with complete solution
Absolute pressure
The total pressure. The gauge pressure plus the atmospheric pressure at a given
altitude.
Air gap
The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest
opening from any pipe or outlet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other
device, and the flood-level rim of the non-pressurized receiving vessel or receptacle.
Approved
Accepted by the Responsible Authority. Meets applicable specifications and standards.
Atmospheric pressure
The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. As the elevation above sea level
increases, the atmosphere pressure decreases.
Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB)
A mechanical backflow prevention device consisting of a float check valve and an air
inlet port designed to prevent backsiphonage by allowing air to enter the downstream
water line. The unit does not provide protection against backpressure or continuous
pressure. A shut-off valve is not allowed downstream from the device.
Backflow
The reversed flow of a non-potable source into a potable system because a pressure
differential exists where the pressure on the non-potable side is greater than the
pressure on the potable side.
Backflow prevention assembly
The entire backflow unit, icluding not only the mechanism that actually prevents
backflow, but also the shut-off valves and test cocks. An assembly has a resilient
seated, full-flow shut-off valve before and after the backflow preventer.
Backflow prevention device
Refers to the backflow prevention mechanism only. It does not include the shut-off
valves located on the inlet and outlet.
Backflow prevention method
A mechanism for preventing backflow that includes mechanical backflow prevention
assemblies, devices, and air gaps.
Backpressure
Occurs when the non-potable system's pressure exceeds the supply pressure
Backsiphonage
Occurs when the supply line pressure falls below atmospheric pressure causing a
partial vacuum in the potable water distribution system
Barometric loop
a 34 foot vertical loop of piping that prevents backsiphonage only based on pressure
principles
Biological contaminants (high or health hazards)
Agents that cause disease
Biological pollutants (low or non-health hazards)
, Agents that do no cause disease but that do decrease aesthetic quality of the water
Breach of warranty
A breaking of the promise that a certain fact is true
Bypass
Any arrangement of pipes, plumbing, or hoses designed to divert the flow around an
installed device or assembly through which the flow normally passes.
Chemical contaminants
Substances that pose a threat to public health
Chemical pollutants
Substances that do not pose a public health threat but reduce the aesthetic quality of
the water
Condition of service
An agreement between water supplier and the consumer that specifies the obligation
and responsibilities of each in order for service to be provided.
Containment (service protection)
When backflow prevention assemblies are used to keep contaminants from entering the
distribution system from a water consumer's facility
Contamination
The introduction of any substance into water at levels that degrade the quality of water,
making it unfit for human consumption because it would adversely affect public health.
Continuous pressure
A condition in which upstream pressure is applied continuously (more than 12 hours) to
a device or assembly.
Critical level
A reference line representing the level of the check valve seat within a spill-resistant
vacuum breaker or atmospheric vacuum breaker. This line is used in measuring the
elevation of the vacuum breaker above the highest point of water use, either at the
highest outlet or flood level rim.
Cross-connection
Any arrangement of pipes, fittings, fixtures, or devices that directly or indirectly connects
a non-potable system to a potable water system.
Cross-connection control
The use of assemblies, devices, methods, and procedures to prevent contamination or
pollution of a potable water supply through cross-connections.
Detection time
How quickly it is determined that a backflow has occurred
Direct cross-connection
A link between the potable water supply and any other non-potable system that is
subject to both backsiphonage and backpressure
Double check valve assembly (DCVA)
A method of backflow prevention consisting of two independently operating check
valves, 4 test cocks, and 2 shut-off valves. It is only used to protect against a non-health
hazard. It can be subjected to backpressure and backsiphonage.
Dual check valve
A method of backflow prevention consisting of two independently operating check
valves, without any test cocks or shut-off valves. It is considered appropriate for use
