NYC Custodian Engineer exam ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
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Coverage
• Boilers and heating systems
• HVAC systems and refrigeration
• Plumbing systems and pumps
• Electrical systems and safety
• Preventive maintenance procedures
• Equipment troubleshooting
• OSHA safety procedures
• NYC building codes
• Custodial operations
• Supervisory responsibilities
• Maintenance documentation
• Mechanical calculations
NYC Custodian Engineer actual Exam
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Batch 1 – Questions 1–50 (with Verified Solutions)
1
What is the primary purpose of a steam boiler in a building heating system?
A. To cool air inside the building
B. To generate steam for heating distribution
C. To pump water through plumbing lines
D. To store electrical energy
✅ Answer: B
Solution: Steam boilers generate steam which is distributed through pipes and radiators to heat
buildings.
2
Which device automatically shuts off a boiler if water level becomes dangerously low?
A. Pressure gauge
B. Low-water cutoff
C. Thermostat
D. Flow switch
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✅ Answer: B
Solution: A low-water cutoff protects boilers from overheating or damage.
3
Which type of pump is most commonly used for circulating hot water in building heating
systems?
A. Centrifugal pump
B. Diaphragm pump
C. Gear pump
D. Piston pump
✅ Answer: A
Solution: Centrifugal pumps efficiently circulate large volumes of water in heating systems.
4
Which electrical device protects circuits from overloads?
A. Thermostat
B. Fuse or circuit breaker
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C. Transformer
D. Relay
✅ Answer: B
Solution: Circuit breakers or fuses interrupt current when overload occurs.
5
Which HVAC component removes heat from indoor air?
A. Condenser
B. Evaporator coil
C. Compressor
D. Expansion valve
✅ Answer: B
Solution: The evaporator absorbs heat from indoor air.
6
Which valve allows fluid to flow in only one direction?