Download T General Pump Installer Certification Review Guide [TGPI] and more Exams Technology in PDF only on Docsity!
Guide [TGPI]
Question 1. Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1902, which term best describes a “Pump Installer”? A) A person who manufactures pumps B) A person licensed to install, service, or repair pumps in wells C) A homeowner who replaces a pump without a license D) A contractor who only installs surface‑mounted pumps Answer: B Explanation: The code defines a “Pump Installer” as a licensed individual who installs, services, or repairs pumps used in groundwater wells. Question 2. Which license endorsement allows a pump installer to work on three‑phase well pumps? A) P – Single‑phase B) K – Three‑phase C) T – Turbine D) S – Surface‑mounted only Answer: B Explanation: The “K” endorsement specifically authorizes installation and service of three‑phase pumps. Question 3. According to TAC Chapter 76, what is the minimum required casing height above the land surface for a new well? A) 6 inches B) 12 inches C) 24 inches D) 36 inches Answer: B
Guide [TGPI]
Explanation: The regulation mandates at least 12 inches of casing protruding above the finished ground to protect the well from surface contamination. Question 4. Which of the following is NOT a required item on a pump installer’s vehicle according to Texas Administrative Code? A) License number displayed on the rear B) State well report attached to the windshield C) A copy of the installer’s insurance policy on the dashboard D) Properly marked “Pump Installer” signage Answer: C Explanation: While license and well report markings are required, displaying the insurance policy on the dashboard is not mandated. Question 5. When disinfecting a well after pump installation, which chemical is most commonly used for a 50‑gallon well? A) Chlorine bleach (5‑ 10 % sodium hypochlorite) B) Hydrogen peroxide (3 %) C) Sodium carbonate (washing soda) D) Ammonia solution (5 %) Answer: A Explanation: Chlorine bleach at a concentration of 5‑ 10 % is the standard disinfectant for residential wells, with dosage calculated based on well volume. Question 6. An abandoned well that has deteriorated casing must be: A) Filled with sand and left uncovered B) Capped or plugged in accordance with state regulations C) Painted with waterproof sealant only
Guide [TGPI]
B) The peak efficiency “sweet spot” near the curve’s hump C) The far right, high flow, low head region D) Anywhere, as long as the pump meets the required flow Answer: B Explanation: The “sweet spot” on the pump curve represents the highest efficiency point for the pump’s design. Question 10. A residential water system requires a flow rate of 12 gpm. Which method is most appropriate for determining the pump size? A) Selecting the smallest pump that can achieve 12 gpm at any head B) Matching the pump’s flow at the calculated TDH for 12 gpm C) Choosing a pump with a maximum flow of 20 gpm regardless of head D) Using a pump that exceeds the required flow by at least 50 % Answer: B Explanation: The pump must deliver the required flow (12 gpm) at the specific TDH of the system. Question 11. Which type of pressure tank provides a diaphragm that separates water from pressurized air? A) Air‑over‑water tank B) Diaphragm tank C) Bladder‑type tank D) Open‑top tank Answer: B Explanation: Diaphragm tanks use a flexible membrane to separate water from the air charge, preventing air dissolution into the water.
Guide [TGPI]
Question 12. For a 40‑gallon diaphragm tank, what is the typical pre‑charge pressure relative to the system’s cut‑in pressure? A) 2 psi lower than cut‑in pressure B) Equal to cut‑in pressure C) 2 psi higher than cut‑in pressure D) 5 psi higher than cut‑in pressure Answer: C Explanation: Pre‑charge pressure is set about 2 psi above the pump’s cut‑in pressure to ensure proper drawdown. Question 13. Which material is NOT recommended for a drop pipe in a submersible pump installation? A) PVC schedule 40 B) Galvanized steel C) HDPE D) Uncoated copper Answer: D Explanation: Uncoated copper is prone to corrosion in well environments and is not recommended for drop pipes. Question 14. The primary purpose of a torque arrestor on a submersive pump’s power cable is to: A) Increase the cable’s electrical conductivity B) Prevent cable twist during pump retrieval and lowering C) Provide additional grounding for the motor D) Reduce friction loss in the drop pipe Answer: B
Guide [TGPI]
D) Store excess water for pressure stabilization Answer: B Explanation: The bowl assembly channels water onto the turbine’s impeller, creating the necessary hydraulic action. Question 18. Which lubrication method is used for most small‑diameter vertical turbine pumps in Texas? A) Oil‑lubricated bearings only B) Water‑lubricated bearings with a water‑filled bowl C) Grease‑packed bearings D) Dry‑run bearings with ceramic pads Answer: B Explanation: Small vertical turbine pumps often rely on water‑lubricated bearings, using the pumped water as the lubricant. Question 19. Which alternative water‑pumping system is most commonly used for remote ranches without electricity? A) Solar‑powered submersible pump B) Windmill‑driven piston pump C) Hand‑operated diaphragm pump D) Gas‑powered turbine pump Answer: B Explanation: Windmills are a traditional, reliable method for drawing water in off‑grid ranch settings. Question 20. Ohm’s Law is expressed as: A) V = I × R
Guide [TGPI]
B) P = V ÷ I
C) I = V + R
D) R = P × I
Answer: A Explanation: Ohm’s Law states that voltage (V) equals current (I) multiplied by resistance (R). Question 21. A submersible motor rated at 5 hp and 230 V (single‑phase) will draw approximately how many amps, assuming 90 % efficiency? A) 10 A B) 12 A C) 15 A D) 20 A Answer: C Explanation: Power (hp) × 746 = watts; 5 × 746 = 3730 W. At 90 % efficiency, input ≈ 4144 W. I = P/V = 4144 / 230 ≈ 18 A, but accounting for power factor (~0.9) reduces to about 15 A. Question 22. The Franklin AIM manual recommends using a #8 AWG copper conductor for a 3‑phase 2‑hp pump installed at a depth of 150 ft. Which factor primarily determines this size? A) Voltage drop over the length of the cable B) Pump’s starting current only C) Ambient temperature in the well D) Color of the conduit Answer: A Explanation: Conductor size is selected to limit voltage drop over the cable length while safely handling starting current.
Guide [TGPI]
Question 26. Proper grounding of a pump system requires the use of: A) Only a ground rod placed at the wellhead B) A grounding electrode conductor bonded to the pump’s metal housing and the control box C) No grounding if the system is double‑insulated D) Grounding only the control box, not the pump itself Answer: B Explanation: Both the pump housing and control box must be bonded to a grounding electrode to ensure safety and reduce electrolysis. Question 27. A megohmmeter (Megger) is used to test which aspect of a submersible motor? A) Hydraulic efficiency B) Insulation resistance of windings C) Temperature rise during operation D) Mechanical alignment of the shaft Answer: B Explanation: A Megger measures the insulation resistance, indicating the condition of the motor windings. Question 28. Using an ohmmeter, a technician finds that the resistance between motor leads A and B is infinite. This indicates: A) A shorted winding between A and B B) An open (broken) winding between A and B C) Properly functioning windings D) A ground fault in the motor
Guide [TGPI]
Answer: B Explanation: Infinite resistance means there is no electrical continuity—an open circuit in that winding. Question 29. A well’s reduced yield could be caused by all of the following EXCEPT: A) Screen plugging from mineral deposits B) Declining water table due to over‑pumping C) Increased pump horsepower D) Encrustation of the pump impeller Answer: C Explanation: Increasing pump horsepower does not directly reduce well yield; the other options can physically limit water flow. Question 30. The “air lock” phenomenon in a well system is most effectively cleared by: A) Increasing the pump’s speed to 150 % of rated RPM B) Bleeding air from the suction line and priming the pump C) Adding more water to the pressure tank D) Installing a larger check valve Answer: B Explanation: Air lock occurs when air becomes trapped in the suction line; bleeding and priming remove the air. Question 31. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) for a pump installer working on a live‑wire submersible motor includes: A) Safety glasses, insulated gloves, and steel‑toe boots B) Earplugs only
Guide [TGPI]
C) Transparent to allow visual inspection of water level D) Porous to permit air flow into the well Answer: A Explanation: Caps must protect the well from contamination and physical damage, requiring durable, corrosion‑resistant materials. Question 35. The friction loss component of TDH is most affected by: A) The height of the water column above the pump B) The length, diameter, and roughness of the pipe run C) The temperature of the water D) The color of the pipe exterior Answer: B Explanation: Friction loss is calculated based on pipe length, diameter, flow velocity, and interior roughness. Question 36. A pump’s NPSH required (NPSHr) is 10 ft. The available NPSH (NPSHa) at the suction is 12 ft. What does this indicate? A) The pump will cavitate B) The pump operates safely with margin C) The pump is oversized for the application D) The suction pipe is too long Answer: B Explanation: Since NPSHa > NPSHr, there is sufficient suction head to avoid cavitation. Question 37. When matching a pump to a well yield of 8 gpm at 150 ft of head, which curve point should be selected?
Guide [TGPI]
A) 8 gpm at 150 ft head B) 10 gpm at 100 ft head C) 6 gpm at 200 ft head D) Any point above 8 gpm regardless of head Answer: A Explanation: The pump must meet both the required flow and head; the curve point that matches these values is ideal. Question 38. Which type of pressure tank will experience the least water loss due to air diffusion over time? A) Open‑top tank B) Air‑over‑water tank C) Diaphragm tank D) Steel tank with no internal separator Answer: C Explanation: Diaphragm tanks keep air sealed from water, minimizing diffusion compared to open‑air designs. Question 39. In a submersible pump installation, the check valve is placed: A) At the wellhead, downstream of the pump discharge B) Inside the pump’s motor housing C) At the top of the drop pipe, upstream of the pump D) In the pressure tank’s inlet line Answer: A Explanation: The check valve prevents backflow from the wellhead into the pump discharge line.
Guide [TGPI]
Question 43. A three‑phase pump starter includes a “phase protection relay.” Its purpose is to: A) Detect and shut down the motor if a phase loss occurs B. Increase the motor’s torque during start‑up C. Reduce voltage spikes from the utility line D. Balance the load between phases automatically Answer: A Explanation: Phase protection relays monitor all three phases and disconnect power if any phase is lost. Question 44. The recommended practice for bonding a metallic well casing to the grounding system is to: A) Wrap the casing with insulated tape only B) Attach a grounding clamp to the top of the casing and run a copper conductor to the grounding electrode C. Leave the casing unbonded, as it is already grounded by the earth D. Use a plastic pipe to isolate the casing from the ground Answer: B Explanation: Bonding the casing with a copper conductor provides a low‑impedance path for fault currents. Question 45. When measuring voltage drop across a 150‑ft #8 copper conductor feeding a 2 ‑hp pump, the acceptable drop should not exceed: A) 1 % of supply voltage B) 2 % of supply voltage C) 5 % of supply voltage
Guide [TGPI]
D) 10 % of supply voltage Answer: B Explanation: The NEC recommends a maximum of 2 % voltage drop for feeder circuits to maintain efficiency. Question 46. An “air‑over‑water” pressure tank can develop a problem called “waterlogging.” This occurs when: A) The tank’s air charge is too high B) The diaphragm ruptures, allowing water into the air space C) The tank is over‑filled with water, compressing the air excessively D) The tank is installed upside‑down Answer: C Explanation: Over‑filling reduces the air volume, causing the tank to lose its drawdown capability (waterlogging). Question 47. The term “casing‑to‑ground resistance” is measured to ensure: A) The pump’s efficiency is maximized B) The well is protected from stray currents that could cause corrosion C) The water temperature remains constant D) The pressure tank maintains proper pre‑charge pressure Answer: B Explanation: Low resistance between casing and ground reduces stray currents and mitigates corrosion. Question 48. Which of the following is a legal requirement when capping an abandoned well deeper than 200 ft? A) Use a concrete plug extending at least 2 ft above the wellhead
Guide [TGPI]
A. To limit the pump’s maximum flow rate B. To absorb voltage spikes that could damage electronic components C. To increase the pump’s starting torque D. To regulate water pressure in the system Answer: B Explanation: Surge protectors clamp transient over‑voltages, protecting control circuitry. Question 52. When installing a three‑phase motor, the correct sequence for connecting the power leads is: A. L1‑U, L2‑V, L3‑W (or any order) as long as all three are connected B. L1‑U, L2‑W, L3‑V to ensure proper rotation C. L1‑V, L2‑U, L3‑W to reverse rotation D. L1‑W, L2‑V, L3‑U to achieve maximum torque Answer: A Explanation: Any consistent three‑phase connection works; rotation is set by the phase order, which can be reversed by swapping any two leads if needed. Question 53. The “pre‑charge pressure” in a pressure tank should be set to: A. 50 % of the pump’s cut‑off pressure B. 2 psi below the cut‑in pressure C. 2 psi above the cut‑in pressure D. Equal to the system’s maximum pressure Answer: C Explanation: Setting pre‑charge 2 psi above cut‑in ensures proper tank cycling. Question 54. A submersible pump’s “shut‑off head” is defined as:
Guide [TGPI]
A. The maximum head at which the pump can operate before flow stops B. The head at which the motor reaches its rated voltage C. The head required to start the pump from a dead stop D. The head at which the pump’s efficiency is highest Answer: A Explanation: Shut‑off head is the static head where flow becomes zero. Question 55. Which of the following is a common symptom of a failing torque arrestor? A. Excessive motor temperature B. Cable twist and visible kinks during pump retrieval C. Reduced water pressure at the faucet D. Frequent tripping of the circuit breaker Answer: B Explanation: A failing torque arrestor allows the cable to twist, leading to kinks. Question 56. When using a megohmmeter on a 3‑phase motor, a reading of 2 MΩ between any two leads indicates: A. Good insulation B. A short circuit C. Open circuit D. Ground fault Answer: A Explanation: Insulation resistance of several megohms is considered acceptable for motor windings. Question 57. The most effective way to prevent “cavitation” in a submersible pump is to:
