Arizona Plumbing Practice Exam

For gas piping supplying more than one building, what is required?

1. A single shutoff valve

2. Separate shutoff valves

3. No shutoff valves

4. A joint shutoff valve

The correct answer is: Separate shutoff valves

When gas piping supplies more than one building, it is essential to have separate shutoff valves for each building. This requirement ensures that, in the event of an emergency or maintenance issue, gas can be safely shut off to an individual building without disrupting service to others. Having separate shutoff valves enhances safety and allows for more controlled management of gas supply, minimizing risks associated with gas leaks or other hazards. In a situation where only one shutoff valve was present for multiple buildings, it would complicate emergency response efforts and could potentially lead to unsafe conditions if gas needs to be isolated. The absence of shutoff valves would pose a significant safety risk, as it would be impossible to control the gas supply effectively for each specific building, rendering them vulnerable to potential dangers. Additionally, a joint shutoff valve does not provide the necessary isolation for each building, which is critical in maintaining safety protocols within a gas piping system.