Maryland (MD) Journey Natural Gas Fitter Practice Exam
1. Which factor is most critical in the design of natural gas piping systems?
A) Aesthetics
B) Material durability
C) Color coordination
D) Installation speed
Answer: B
Explanation: Durable materials ensure long-term integrity and safety of the system.
2. What is the primary goal when laying out natural gas piping?
A) Minimizing visual impact
B) Reducing the number of fittings and bends
C) Maximizing pipe length
D) Matching the building design
Answer: B
Explanation: Fewer fittings and bends reduce pressure drops and potential leak points.
3. Which document typically provides the standards for gas piping installations?
A) National Electrical Code
B) National Fuel Gas Code
C) Local Building Aesthetics Manual
D) Residential Plumbing Guide
Answer: B
Explanation: The National Fuel Gas Code outlines safe practices for gas piping installations.
4. When selecting piping material for natural gas, which property is most important?
A) High thermal conductivity
B) Resistance to corrosion
C) Lightweight design
D) Availability in multiple colors
Answer: B
Explanation: Corrosion resistance is essential to prevent degradation that can lead to leaks.
5. What is the best method to ensure adherence to safety protocols during installation?
A) Rely solely on past experience
B) Follow current codes and manufacturer recommendations
C) Use the cheapest available materials
D) Install as quickly as possible
Answer: B
Explanation: Following codes and manufacturer instructions ensures that safety standards are
met.
6. Which of the following best describes the term “system layout” in gas piping?
A) The aesthetic arrangement of pipes
B) The geometric planning of pipe runs and connections
, C) The color coding of piping
D) The packaging of pipe materials for shipment
Answer: B
Explanation: System layout refers to planning the geometry and route of pipes to optimize
performance and safety.
7. How does reducing the number of fittings in a piping system affect performance?
A) Increases installation time
B) Reduces pressure loss
C) Increases cost
D) Makes the system less flexible
Answer: B
Explanation: Fewer fittings mean fewer potential points for friction and pressure loss.
8. Which material is commonly used for natural gas piping due to its durability?
A) PVC
B) Copper
C) Black steel
D) Galvanized iron
Answer: C
Explanation: Black steel pipe is widely used for gas distribution because of its strength and
longevity.
9. What is the main reason for routing gas piping away from ignition sources?
A) To reduce noise
B) To enhance aesthetics
C) To prevent accidental ignition
D) To minimize cost
Answer: C
Explanation: Keeping pipes away from ignition sources is crucial to prevent fires or explosions.
10. Which factor does NOT typically influence the design of a natural gas piping system?
A) Pipe material properties
B) Weather conditions
C) Flow rate requirements
D) Building layout
Answer: B
Explanation: While weather may affect outdoor installations, the design is primarily based on
material, flow, and building design.
11. In piping design, why is it important to maintain proper clearances from combustible
materials?
A) To comply with aesthetic standards
B) To prevent heat transfer that might ignite nearby combustibles
C) To make maintenance easier
D) To reduce installation time
, Answer: B
Explanation: Adequate clearances prevent heat or sparks from igniting combustible materials.
12. What is a common inspection requirement for installed natural gas piping?
A) Visual checks only
B) Pressure testing to ensure leak-free operation
C) Temperature measurement only
D) No inspection is necessary if installed by a professional
Answer: B
Explanation: Pressure tests help verify the integrity of the piping system and ensure there are
no leaks.
13. Which of the following is a benefit of using piping systems designed with minimal bends?
A) Increased noise
B) Reduced friction losses
C) Enhanced visual appeal
D) More expensive installation
Answer: B
Explanation: Minimal bends reduce friction and pressure drop, improving efficiency.
14. What is the impact of improper material selection on a gas piping system?
A) Enhanced flow efficiency
B) Increased risk of corrosion and leaks
C) Better heat distribution
D) Lower installation costs without any trade-offs
Answer: B
Explanation: Using unsuitable materials can lead to early degradation and dangerous leaks.
15. Which tool is most commonly used to verify the integrity of gas piping installations?
A) Thermometer
B) Pressure gauge
C) Multimeter
D) Oscilloscope
Answer: B
Explanation: A pressure gauge helps ensure that the system is operating within safe limits and is
leak-free.
16. What does “routing” refer to in the context of gas piping systems?
A) Choosing the right color for pipes
B) Planning the physical path of the pipes
C) The process of welding pipe joints
D) Installing insulation on pipes
Answer: B
Explanation: Routing is the process of determining the best path for pipes to ensure safety and
efficiency.
, 17. Why is proper support of gas piping important?
A) To meet aesthetic requirements
B) To prevent sagging and potential damage
C) To reduce installation time
D) To allow for more flexibility in pipe choice
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper supports prevent sagging, which can cause stress and potential failure of
the piping.
18. Which factor is least likely to affect the design of a natural gas piping system?
A) System pressure requirements
B) Local regulatory codes
C) The pipe’s external finish
D) The gas flow rate
Answer: C
Explanation: The external finish is not critical to the system’s performance or safety.
19. What is the primary function of a gas piping system?
A) To transport water
B) To distribute natural gas safely
C) To provide electrical grounding
D) To serve as a decorative element
Answer: B
Explanation: The system is designed to safely transport natural gas from the source to
appliances.
20. When planning a piping layout, why is it important to consider future modifications?
A) To ensure the pipes match the building décor
B) To allow for easy expansion or repair
C) To reduce the need for supports
D) To improve the pipe color uniformity
Answer: B
Explanation: A flexible layout accommodates future upgrades or repairs without extensive
rework.
21. Which installation practice helps minimize leaks in gas piping?
A) Over-tightening all joints
B) Using proper joint compounds and torque settings
C) Ignoring manufacturer guidelines
D) Installing joints without support
Answer: B
Explanation: Correct use of joint compounds and following torque specifications help ensure
leak-free connections.
22. What role does insulation play in gas piping systems?
A) It improves the appearance of the pipes
B) It helps maintain the gas temperature and protects against external heat
1. Which factor is most critical in the design of natural gas piping systems?
A) Aesthetics
B) Material durability
C) Color coordination
D) Installation speed
Answer: B
Explanation: Durable materials ensure long-term integrity and safety of the system.
2. What is the primary goal when laying out natural gas piping?
A) Minimizing visual impact
B) Reducing the number of fittings and bends
C) Maximizing pipe length
D) Matching the building design
Answer: B
Explanation: Fewer fittings and bends reduce pressure drops and potential leak points.
3. Which document typically provides the standards for gas piping installations?
A) National Electrical Code
B) National Fuel Gas Code
C) Local Building Aesthetics Manual
D) Residential Plumbing Guide
Answer: B
Explanation: The National Fuel Gas Code outlines safe practices for gas piping installations.
4. When selecting piping material for natural gas, which property is most important?
A) High thermal conductivity
B) Resistance to corrosion
C) Lightweight design
D) Availability in multiple colors
Answer: B
Explanation: Corrosion resistance is essential to prevent degradation that can lead to leaks.
5. What is the best method to ensure adherence to safety protocols during installation?
A) Rely solely on past experience
B) Follow current codes and manufacturer recommendations
C) Use the cheapest available materials
D) Install as quickly as possible
Answer: B
Explanation: Following codes and manufacturer instructions ensures that safety standards are
met.
6. Which of the following best describes the term “system layout” in gas piping?
A) The aesthetic arrangement of pipes
B) The geometric planning of pipe runs and connections
, C) The color coding of piping
D) The packaging of pipe materials for shipment
Answer: B
Explanation: System layout refers to planning the geometry and route of pipes to optimize
performance and safety.
7. How does reducing the number of fittings in a piping system affect performance?
A) Increases installation time
B) Reduces pressure loss
C) Increases cost
D) Makes the system less flexible
Answer: B
Explanation: Fewer fittings mean fewer potential points for friction and pressure loss.
8. Which material is commonly used for natural gas piping due to its durability?
A) PVC
B) Copper
C) Black steel
D) Galvanized iron
Answer: C
Explanation: Black steel pipe is widely used for gas distribution because of its strength and
longevity.
9. What is the main reason for routing gas piping away from ignition sources?
A) To reduce noise
B) To enhance aesthetics
C) To prevent accidental ignition
D) To minimize cost
Answer: C
Explanation: Keeping pipes away from ignition sources is crucial to prevent fires or explosions.
10. Which factor does NOT typically influence the design of a natural gas piping system?
A) Pipe material properties
B) Weather conditions
C) Flow rate requirements
D) Building layout
Answer: B
Explanation: While weather may affect outdoor installations, the design is primarily based on
material, flow, and building design.
11. In piping design, why is it important to maintain proper clearances from combustible
materials?
A) To comply with aesthetic standards
B) To prevent heat transfer that might ignite nearby combustibles
C) To make maintenance easier
D) To reduce installation time
, Answer: B
Explanation: Adequate clearances prevent heat or sparks from igniting combustible materials.
12. What is a common inspection requirement for installed natural gas piping?
A) Visual checks only
B) Pressure testing to ensure leak-free operation
C) Temperature measurement only
D) No inspection is necessary if installed by a professional
Answer: B
Explanation: Pressure tests help verify the integrity of the piping system and ensure there are
no leaks.
13. Which of the following is a benefit of using piping systems designed with minimal bends?
A) Increased noise
B) Reduced friction losses
C) Enhanced visual appeal
D) More expensive installation
Answer: B
Explanation: Minimal bends reduce friction and pressure drop, improving efficiency.
14. What is the impact of improper material selection on a gas piping system?
A) Enhanced flow efficiency
B) Increased risk of corrosion and leaks
C) Better heat distribution
D) Lower installation costs without any trade-offs
Answer: B
Explanation: Using unsuitable materials can lead to early degradation and dangerous leaks.
15. Which tool is most commonly used to verify the integrity of gas piping installations?
A) Thermometer
B) Pressure gauge
C) Multimeter
D) Oscilloscope
Answer: B
Explanation: A pressure gauge helps ensure that the system is operating within safe limits and is
leak-free.
16. What does “routing” refer to in the context of gas piping systems?
A) Choosing the right color for pipes
B) Planning the physical path of the pipes
C) The process of welding pipe joints
D) Installing insulation on pipes
Answer: B
Explanation: Routing is the process of determining the best path for pipes to ensure safety and
efficiency.
, 17. Why is proper support of gas piping important?
A) To meet aesthetic requirements
B) To prevent sagging and potential damage
C) To reduce installation time
D) To allow for more flexibility in pipe choice
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper supports prevent sagging, which can cause stress and potential failure of
the piping.
18. Which factor is least likely to affect the design of a natural gas piping system?
A) System pressure requirements
B) Local regulatory codes
C) The pipe’s external finish
D) The gas flow rate
Answer: C
Explanation: The external finish is not critical to the system’s performance or safety.
19. What is the primary function of a gas piping system?
A) To transport water
B) To distribute natural gas safely
C) To provide electrical grounding
D) To serve as a decorative element
Answer: B
Explanation: The system is designed to safely transport natural gas from the source to
appliances.
20. When planning a piping layout, why is it important to consider future modifications?
A) To ensure the pipes match the building décor
B) To allow for easy expansion or repair
C) To reduce the need for supports
D) To improve the pipe color uniformity
Answer: B
Explanation: A flexible layout accommodates future upgrades or repairs without extensive
rework.
21. Which installation practice helps minimize leaks in gas piping?
A) Over-tightening all joints
B) Using proper joint compounds and torque settings
C) Ignoring manufacturer guidelines
D) Installing joints without support
Answer: B
Explanation: Correct use of joint compounds and following torque specifications help ensure
leak-free connections.
22. What role does insulation play in gas piping systems?
A) It improves the appearance of the pipes
B) It helps maintain the gas temperature and protects against external heat
