Massachusetts Journeyman Pipefitter License Exam
2026-2027 — 350 Original Practice Questions
1. What is the maximum distance a gas shutoff valve may be located from the
appliance it serves?
A. 3 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
B. 6 feet
The appliance shutoff valve must be located within 6 feet of the appliance it serves and
must be accessible. This allows quick isolation of the appliance in an emergency without
requiring travel to a remote location.
2. What is the minimum size of a gas connector for a commercial cooking
appliance?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 3/4 inch
C. 1 inch
D. 1-1/4 inch
B. 3/4 inch
Commercial cooking appliances typically require a minimum 3/4-inch gas connector to
provide adequate volume for the appliance's BTU input. Undersized connectors can cause
pressure drop and poor appliance performance.
,3. What is the maximum flame spread rating for insulation used on pipes in a
plenum space?
A. 25
B. 50
C. 75
D. 100
A. 25
Insulation installed in a plenum space must have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and a
smoke developed rating of 50 or less. These requirements minimize the spread of fire and
smoke through air handling spaces.
4. What is the minimum clearance between a gas water heater and combustible
material?
A. 1 inch
B. 2 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 12 inches
A. 1 inch
Gas water heaters require a minimum 1-inch clearance from combustible materials unless
the appliance is listed for reduced clearances. Always check the manufacturer's installation
instructions for specific requirements.
5. What is the maximum pressure for a residential natural gas system?
,A. 2 PSIG
B. 5 PSIG
C. 7 inches water column
D. 14 inches water column
C. 7 inches water column
Residential natural gas systems typically operate at approximately 7 inches water column
(0.25 PSIG) at the appliance. Higher pressures require a regulator at each appliance.
6. What is the maximum operating pressure for propane gas in a residential
system?
A. 7 inches water column
B. 11 inches water column
C. 14 inches water column
D. 2 PSIG
B. 11 inches water column
Propane (LP gas) residential systems typically operate at approximately 11 inches water
column at the appliance. This is higher than natural gas because propane has a higher
BTU content per cubic foot.
7. What is the minimum thickness of a steel striker plate used to protect gas
tubing?
A. 0.0258 inch
B. 0.0508 inch
C. 0.0750 inch
, D. 0.1000 inch
B. 0.0508 inch
The minimum thickness for a striker plate used to protect tubing installed vertically in a
wall is 0.0508 inch. This protects the tubing from nails and screws that may penetrate the
wall.
8. What is the minimum size of a gas meter outlet for a single-family residence?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 3/4 inch
C. 1 inch
D. 1-1/4 inch
B. 3/4 inch
The minimum gas meter outlet for a single-family residence is 3/4 inch to ensure
adequate volume for typical residential appliances including furnace, water heater, and
range.
9. What is the maximum length for a flexible gas appliance connector for a water
heater?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 8 feet
C. 6 feet
2026-2027 — 350 Original Practice Questions
1. What is the maximum distance a gas shutoff valve may be located from the
appliance it serves?
A. 3 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
B. 6 feet
The appliance shutoff valve must be located within 6 feet of the appliance it serves and
must be accessible. This allows quick isolation of the appliance in an emergency without
requiring travel to a remote location.
2. What is the minimum size of a gas connector for a commercial cooking
appliance?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 3/4 inch
C. 1 inch
D. 1-1/4 inch
B. 3/4 inch
Commercial cooking appliances typically require a minimum 3/4-inch gas connector to
provide adequate volume for the appliance's BTU input. Undersized connectors can cause
pressure drop and poor appliance performance.
,3. What is the maximum flame spread rating for insulation used on pipes in a
plenum space?
A. 25
B. 50
C. 75
D. 100
A. 25
Insulation installed in a plenum space must have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and a
smoke developed rating of 50 or less. These requirements minimize the spread of fire and
smoke through air handling spaces.
4. What is the minimum clearance between a gas water heater and combustible
material?
A. 1 inch
B. 2 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 12 inches
A. 1 inch
Gas water heaters require a minimum 1-inch clearance from combustible materials unless
the appliance is listed for reduced clearances. Always check the manufacturer's installation
instructions for specific requirements.
5. What is the maximum pressure for a residential natural gas system?
,A. 2 PSIG
B. 5 PSIG
C. 7 inches water column
D. 14 inches water column
C. 7 inches water column
Residential natural gas systems typically operate at approximately 7 inches water column
(0.25 PSIG) at the appliance. Higher pressures require a regulator at each appliance.
6. What is the maximum operating pressure for propane gas in a residential
system?
A. 7 inches water column
B. 11 inches water column
C. 14 inches water column
D. 2 PSIG
B. 11 inches water column
Propane (LP gas) residential systems typically operate at approximately 11 inches water
column at the appliance. This is higher than natural gas because propane has a higher
BTU content per cubic foot.
7. What is the minimum thickness of a steel striker plate used to protect gas
tubing?
A. 0.0258 inch
B. 0.0508 inch
C. 0.0750 inch
, D. 0.1000 inch
B. 0.0508 inch
The minimum thickness for a striker plate used to protect tubing installed vertically in a
wall is 0.0508 inch. This protects the tubing from nails and screws that may penetrate the
wall.
8. What is the minimum size of a gas meter outlet for a single-family residence?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 3/4 inch
C. 1 inch
D. 1-1/4 inch
B. 3/4 inch
The minimum gas meter outlet for a single-family residence is 3/4 inch to ensure
adequate volume for typical residential appliances including furnace, water heater, and
range.
9. What is the maximum length for a flexible gas appliance connector for a water
heater?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 8 feet
C. 6 feet
