NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC UTILITIES FUEL
DISTRIBUTION PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary federal agency regulating fuel
storage tanks?
A. OSHA
B. EPA
C. DOT
D. NCDOT
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates underground and
aboveground fuel storage tanks to prevent leaks and contamination.
2. What is the minimum distance an aboveground fuel tank must be
from a building in North Carolina?
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 20 feet
D. 50 feet
State regulations require adequate separation to reduce fire and
explosion risks.
3. A Class B contractor in NC may install which type of fuel system?
A. Fuel oil and propane systems
B. Natural gas only
C. Water lines
,D. Electrical wiring
Class B license covers fuel distribution systems including oil and
propane.
4. When inspecting a fuel line, which sign indicates a potential leak?
A. Clear water
B. Strong fuel odor
C. Rusted metal only
D. Dirt accumulation
A strong odor of fuel is a primary indicator of leakage.
5. What is the maximum allowable pressure for residential propane
piping?
A. 5 psi
B. 10 psi
C. 25 psi
D. 50 psi
Residential propane systems typically operate below 10 psi for safety.
6. Before backfilling a fuel line trench, you must:
A. Fill it with water
B. Perform a pressure test
C. Install insulation
D. Leave it open for inspection
A pressure test ensures the line has no leaks before being buried.
7. Who is responsible for reporting a fuel spill in North Carolina?
A. Homeowner only
B. Local fire department
C. Contractor or responsible party
D. EPA only
State law requires the responsible party to immediately report any spill
to authorities.
, 8. The primary purpose of a secondary containment system is to:
A. Reduce odors
B. Prevent environmental contamination
C. Store excess fuel
D. Increase tank pressure
Secondary containment, like double-walled tanks, prevents leaks from
reaching soil or groundwater.
9. What type of piping is most commonly used for underground fuel
oil distribution?
A. PVC
B. Steel or copper
C. CPVC
D. Galvanized iron
Steel or copper piping is preferred for fuel oil to prevent corrosion and
leaks.
10. Which fire extinguisher type is suitable for flammable liquids?
A. Class A
B. Class C
C. Class B
D. Class D
Class B extinguishers are designed for fires involving flammable liquids
such as gasoline or fuel oil.
11. What is the required venting method for an aboveground fuel oil
tank?
A. Direct into the building
B. Through a mechanical pump
DISTRIBUTION PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary federal agency regulating fuel
storage tanks?
A. OSHA
B. EPA
C. DOT
D. NCDOT
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates underground and
aboveground fuel storage tanks to prevent leaks and contamination.
2. What is the minimum distance an aboveground fuel tank must be
from a building in North Carolina?
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 20 feet
D. 50 feet
State regulations require adequate separation to reduce fire and
explosion risks.
3. A Class B contractor in NC may install which type of fuel system?
A. Fuel oil and propane systems
B. Natural gas only
C. Water lines
,D. Electrical wiring
Class B license covers fuel distribution systems including oil and
propane.
4. When inspecting a fuel line, which sign indicates a potential leak?
A. Clear water
B. Strong fuel odor
C. Rusted metal only
D. Dirt accumulation
A strong odor of fuel is a primary indicator of leakage.
5. What is the maximum allowable pressure for residential propane
piping?
A. 5 psi
B. 10 psi
C. 25 psi
D. 50 psi
Residential propane systems typically operate below 10 psi for safety.
6. Before backfilling a fuel line trench, you must:
A. Fill it with water
B. Perform a pressure test
C. Install insulation
D. Leave it open for inspection
A pressure test ensures the line has no leaks before being buried.
7. Who is responsible for reporting a fuel spill in North Carolina?
A. Homeowner only
B. Local fire department
C. Contractor or responsible party
D. EPA only
State law requires the responsible party to immediately report any spill
to authorities.
, 8. The primary purpose of a secondary containment system is to:
A. Reduce odors
B. Prevent environmental contamination
C. Store excess fuel
D. Increase tank pressure
Secondary containment, like double-walled tanks, prevents leaks from
reaching soil or groundwater.
9. What type of piping is most commonly used for underground fuel
oil distribution?
A. PVC
B. Steel or copper
C. CPVC
D. Galvanized iron
Steel or copper piping is preferred for fuel oil to prevent corrosion and
leaks.
10. Which fire extinguisher type is suitable for flammable liquids?
A. Class A
B. Class C
C. Class B
D. Class D
Class B extinguishers are designed for fires involving flammable liquids
such as gasoline or fuel oil.
11. What is the required venting method for an aboveground fuel oil
tank?
A. Direct into the building
B. Through a mechanical pump
