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NYC Custodian Engineer EXAM LATEST
VERSION WITH 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED THIS
YEAR
NYC Custodian Engineer Exam – 300 Randomized Practice Questions
Exam Coverage Summary
The NYC Custodian Engineer Exam (DCAS Exam #9013/0063) assesses competency in building
operations and maintenance for NYC public schools and public facilities. The exam covers boiler
operations (high and low-pressure steam and hot water systems), HVAC systems and
refrigeration, electrical systems and motor maintenance, plumbing and water supply systems,
fire suppression and alarm systems, FDNY Certificate of Fitness requirements, NYC Mechanical
and Fire Codes, OSHA safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, preventive maintenance,
building maintenance procedures, emergency response protocols, environmental safety and
hazardous materials handling, energy conservation, Local Law 97 compliance, NYC Department
of Education administrative procedures, and supervisory responsibilities. The exam consists of
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions emphasizing real-world application and critical
decision-making.
Questions 1–300
1. A Custodian Engineer notices a faint odor of natural gas in a school boiler room. What is the
FIRST course of action?
A) Locate the main gas shut-off valve and close it
B) Open all windows and doors to ventilate the area
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C) Evacuate the area and call 911 from a remote location
D) Attempt to locate the leak using a soapy water solution
Answer: C
Any action that could create a spark—including using a phone in the area or operating electrical
switches—poses an ignition risk. Evacuation and calling emergency services from a safe remote
location is the mandated first step per FDNY safety protocols.
2. According to the NYC Mechanical Code, what is the maximum allowable pressure for a
boiler to be legally classified as a "low-pressure" steam boiler?
A) 5 psi
B) 15 psi
C) 100 psi
D) 150 psi
Answer: B
Any steam boiler operating above 15 psi is classified as high-pressure in NYC and requires a
different class of licensure and stricter operating protocols.
2
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3. A three-phase induction motor hums but fails to start. What is the most probable cause?
A) Open circuit in the run winding
B) Seized bearing
C) Single-phasing condition (loss of one phase)
D) Low voltage to all three phases
Answer: C
A three-phase motor that hums and won't start is a classic symptom of single-phasing, where
one power line is disconnected and the motor lacks the rotating magnetic field needed for
starting torque.
4. What is the primary purpose of implementing a lockout/tagout procedure before servicing
electrical equipment?
A) To reduce energy consumption during maintenance
B) To prevent unexpected equipment startup that could cause injury
C) To document maintenance activities for regulatory compliance
D) To schedule maintenance during off-peak hours
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Answer: B
Lockout/tagout procedures prevent unexpected energization or startup of equipment during
servicing, which could cause serious injury or death to maintenance personnel.
5. A low-pressure boiler safety valve is stamped 15 psi. What should the operating pressure
control be set to?
A) 8 psi
B) 10 psi
C) 12 psi
D) 15 psi
Answer: C
Operating controls should be set 3-5 psi below the safety valve setting to prevent the safety
valve from opening during normal operation.
6. What is the primary function of the Hartford Loop in a steam heating system?
A) To increase the velocity of steam as it travels to radiators
B) To provide a bypass route for steam when the main header is closed
4
SUCCESS!
NYC Custodian Engineer EXAM LATEST
VERSION WITH 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED THIS
YEAR
NYC Custodian Engineer Exam – 300 Randomized Practice Questions
Exam Coverage Summary
The NYC Custodian Engineer Exam (DCAS Exam #9013/0063) assesses competency in building
operations and maintenance for NYC public schools and public facilities. The exam covers boiler
operations (high and low-pressure steam and hot water systems), HVAC systems and
refrigeration, electrical systems and motor maintenance, plumbing and water supply systems,
fire suppression and alarm systems, FDNY Certificate of Fitness requirements, NYC Mechanical
and Fire Codes, OSHA safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, preventive maintenance,
building maintenance procedures, emergency response protocols, environmental safety and
hazardous materials handling, energy conservation, Local Law 97 compliance, NYC Department
of Education administrative procedures, and supervisory responsibilities. The exam consists of
multiple-choice and scenario-based questions emphasizing real-world application and critical
decision-making.
Questions 1–300
1. A Custodian Engineer notices a faint odor of natural gas in a school boiler room. What is the
FIRST course of action?
A) Locate the main gas shut-off valve and close it
B) Open all windows and doors to ventilate the area
1
SUCCESS!
,Page 2 of 171
C) Evacuate the area and call 911 from a remote location
D) Attempt to locate the leak using a soapy water solution
Answer: C
Any action that could create a spark—including using a phone in the area or operating electrical
switches—poses an ignition risk. Evacuation and calling emergency services from a safe remote
location is the mandated first step per FDNY safety protocols.
2. According to the NYC Mechanical Code, what is the maximum allowable pressure for a
boiler to be legally classified as a "low-pressure" steam boiler?
A) 5 psi
B) 15 psi
C) 100 psi
D) 150 psi
Answer: B
Any steam boiler operating above 15 psi is classified as high-pressure in NYC and requires a
different class of licensure and stricter operating protocols.
2
SUCCESS!
,Page 3 of 171
3. A three-phase induction motor hums but fails to start. What is the most probable cause?
A) Open circuit in the run winding
B) Seized bearing
C) Single-phasing condition (loss of one phase)
D) Low voltage to all three phases
Answer: C
A three-phase motor that hums and won't start is a classic symptom of single-phasing, where
one power line is disconnected and the motor lacks the rotating magnetic field needed for
starting torque.
4. What is the primary purpose of implementing a lockout/tagout procedure before servicing
electrical equipment?
A) To reduce energy consumption during maintenance
B) To prevent unexpected equipment startup that could cause injury
C) To document maintenance activities for regulatory compliance
D) To schedule maintenance during off-peak hours
3
SUCCESS!
, Page 4 of 171
Answer: B
Lockout/tagout procedures prevent unexpected energization or startup of equipment during
servicing, which could cause serious injury or death to maintenance personnel.
5. A low-pressure boiler safety valve is stamped 15 psi. What should the operating pressure
control be set to?
A) 8 psi
B) 10 psi
C) 12 psi
D) 15 psi
Answer: C
Operating controls should be set 3-5 psi below the safety valve setting to prevent the safety
valve from opening during normal operation.
6. What is the primary function of the Hartford Loop in a steam heating system?
A) To increase the velocity of steam as it travels to radiators
B) To provide a bypass route for steam when the main header is closed
4
SUCCESS!
