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NYC Custodian Engineer Exam | Latest Verified
Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This comprehensive set of multiple-choice questions is designed for the NYC Custodian
Engineer Exam. The questions rigorously cover the key domains of the role, including the
technical operation and maintenance of HVAC systems (such as low-pressure boilers,
chillers, and VAV boxes), building systems (plumbing, electrical, and structural), and strict
adherence to NYC Fire Code, OSHA standards, and local laws like Local Law 11 and Local
Law 87. The set also evaluates competency in administrative duties, including staff
supervision, budgeting, inventory management, and record-keeping. Each question is
paired with a concise, expert rationale to reinforce the underlying principles of building
safety, regulatory compliance, and effective facility management essential for a Custodian
Engineer in New York City.
QUESTION 1
A low-pressure boiler’s steam pressure gauge indicates a reading of 12 psi. According to
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, this reading would classify the boiler as
operating in which range?
A) High-pressure range
B) Low-pressure range
C) Extra-low-pressure range
D) Critical-pressure range
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section IV defines low-pressure boilers as those operating at
pressures not exceeding 15 psi for steam, but the question indicates 12 psi, which is still
within low-pressure limits; however, the classification shifts above 15 psi. Wait, 12 psi is
low-pressure; the correct classification is low-pressure. Correction: The correct answer is
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B) Low-pressure range because low-pressure steam boilers operate at pressures not
exceeding 15 psi.
QUESTION 2
During a routine inspection of a centrifugal chiller, you notice an unusual vibration and a
drop in refrigerant pressure. What is the most likely cause?
A) Overcharged refrigerant
B) Fouled condenser tubes
C) Failed purge unit
D) Excessive oil in the evaporator
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Fouled condenser tubes reduce heat transfer, causing pressure
drops and mechanical imbalance, leading to vibration. This is a common symptom
requiring cleaning.
QUESTION 3
A fire alarm pull station is activated in a school building. As the Custodian Engineer,
what is your immediate priority under NYC Fire Code?
A) Reset the alarm system
B) Investigate the activation location
C) Ensure the fire department has been notified and begin evacuation protocols
D) Shut down all HVAC systems
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: The primary duty is life safety; confirming FDNY notification and
initiating evacuation takes precedence over investigation or system resets per FDNY
protocols.
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QUESTION 4
What is the minimum required illumination level, in foot-candles, for general
construction areas as specified by OSHA?
A) 1 foot-candle
B) 3 foot-candles
C) 5 foot-candles
D) 10 foot-candles
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: OSHA standard 1926.56(a) mandates 5 foot-candles minimum for
general construction areas to ensure safe working conditions.
QUESTION 5
When performing preventive maintenance on a rooftop HVAC unit, which of the
following actions addresses both electrical safety and operational efficiency?
A) Tightening all electrical connections and checking belt tension
B) Replacing the air filter and cleaning the evaporator coil
C) Lubricating bearings and inspecting the condensate drain
D) Testing the thermostat calibration and checking refrigerant charge
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: Tightening electrical connections prevents arcing and fire hazards
(safety), while checking belt tension ensures efficient mechanical power transmission.
QUESTION 6
An S-95 Certificate of Fitness is required in NYC for which of the following tasks?
A) Operating a low-pressure boiler
B) Supervising the installation of fire alarm systems
C) Inspecting and testing fire standpipe systems
D) Maintaining and supervising fire alarm systems
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CORRECT ANSWER: D
EXPERT RATIONALE: FDNY S-95 is specifically for the supervision, inspection, testing,
and maintenance of fire alarm systems in buildings.
QUESTION 7
A building experiences a sudden loss of hot water. The boiler is firing but the water
temperature is not rising. What is the most likely issue?
A) Failed low-water cutoff
B) Circulating pump failure
C) Faulty high-limit control
D) Closed main gas valve
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: A firing boiler with no temperature rise indicates that the heat is
not being transferred, typically due to a lack of circulation from a failed circulating
pump.
QUESTION 8
Under NYC Building Code, what is the maximum allowable travel distance to an exit in a
nonsprinklered educational occupancy?
A) 100 feet
B) 150 feet
C) 200 feet
D) 250 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: NYC Building Code (BC 1014.5) specifies 150 feet as the maximum
travel distance to an exit for nonsprinklered educational occupancies.
NYC Custodian Engineer Exam | Latest Verified
Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This comprehensive set of multiple-choice questions is designed for the NYC Custodian
Engineer Exam. The questions rigorously cover the key domains of the role, including the
technical operation and maintenance of HVAC systems (such as low-pressure boilers,
chillers, and VAV boxes), building systems (plumbing, electrical, and structural), and strict
adherence to NYC Fire Code, OSHA standards, and local laws like Local Law 11 and Local
Law 87. The set also evaluates competency in administrative duties, including staff
supervision, budgeting, inventory management, and record-keeping. Each question is
paired with a concise, expert rationale to reinforce the underlying principles of building
safety, regulatory compliance, and effective facility management essential for a Custodian
Engineer in New York City.
QUESTION 1
A low-pressure boiler’s steam pressure gauge indicates a reading of 12 psi. According to
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, this reading would classify the boiler as
operating in which range?
A) High-pressure range
B) Low-pressure range
C) Extra-low-pressure range
D) Critical-pressure range
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section IV defines low-pressure boilers as those operating at
pressures not exceeding 15 psi for steam, but the question indicates 12 psi, which is still
within low-pressure limits; however, the classification shifts above 15 psi. Wait, 12 psi is
low-pressure; the correct classification is low-pressure. Correction: The correct answer is
,2|Page
B) Low-pressure range because low-pressure steam boilers operate at pressures not
exceeding 15 psi.
QUESTION 2
During a routine inspection of a centrifugal chiller, you notice an unusual vibration and a
drop in refrigerant pressure. What is the most likely cause?
A) Overcharged refrigerant
B) Fouled condenser tubes
C) Failed purge unit
D) Excessive oil in the evaporator
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Fouled condenser tubes reduce heat transfer, causing pressure
drops and mechanical imbalance, leading to vibration. This is a common symptom
requiring cleaning.
QUESTION 3
A fire alarm pull station is activated in a school building. As the Custodian Engineer,
what is your immediate priority under NYC Fire Code?
A) Reset the alarm system
B) Investigate the activation location
C) Ensure the fire department has been notified and begin evacuation protocols
D) Shut down all HVAC systems
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: The primary duty is life safety; confirming FDNY notification and
initiating evacuation takes precedence over investigation or system resets per FDNY
protocols.
,3|Page
QUESTION 4
What is the minimum required illumination level, in foot-candles, for general
construction areas as specified by OSHA?
A) 1 foot-candle
B) 3 foot-candles
C) 5 foot-candles
D) 10 foot-candles
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: OSHA standard 1926.56(a) mandates 5 foot-candles minimum for
general construction areas to ensure safe working conditions.
QUESTION 5
When performing preventive maintenance on a rooftop HVAC unit, which of the
following actions addresses both electrical safety and operational efficiency?
A) Tightening all electrical connections and checking belt tension
B) Replacing the air filter and cleaning the evaporator coil
C) Lubricating bearings and inspecting the condensate drain
D) Testing the thermostat calibration and checking refrigerant charge
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: Tightening electrical connections prevents arcing and fire hazards
(safety), while checking belt tension ensures efficient mechanical power transmission.
QUESTION 6
An S-95 Certificate of Fitness is required in NYC for which of the following tasks?
A) Operating a low-pressure boiler
B) Supervising the installation of fire alarm systems
C) Inspecting and testing fire standpipe systems
D) Maintaining and supervising fire alarm systems
, 4|Page
CORRECT ANSWER: D
EXPERT RATIONALE: FDNY S-95 is specifically for the supervision, inspection, testing,
and maintenance of fire alarm systems in buildings.
QUESTION 7
A building experiences a sudden loss of hot water. The boiler is firing but the water
temperature is not rising. What is the most likely issue?
A) Failed low-water cutoff
B) Circulating pump failure
C) Faulty high-limit control
D) Closed main gas valve
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: A firing boiler with no temperature rise indicates that the heat is
not being transferred, typically due to a lack of circulation from a failed circulating
pump.
QUESTION 8
Under NYC Building Code, what is the maximum allowable travel distance to an exit in a
nonsprinklered educational occupancy?
A) 100 feet
B) 150 feet
C) 200 feet
D) 250 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: NYC Building Code (BC 1014.5) specifies 150 feet as the maximum
travel distance to an exit for nonsprinklered educational occupancies.
