New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What must be monitored in a gas-fired hot water heater installation?

1. Temperature only

2. Usage levels

3. Condensation

4. Back draft

The correct answer is: Back draft

Monitoring for back draft in a gas-fired hot water heater installation is crucial to ensure the safe operation of the appliance. A back draft occurs when exhaust gases from the water heater flow back into the appliance or the living area instead of venting outside. This can lead to the buildup of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, which can pose serious health risks to occupants. Proper monitoring for back draft involves checking that the venting system is functioning correctly and that there are no blockages or leaks that could disrupt the flow of air and gases. Additionally, the ventilation system must allow for adequate air supply for combustion to avoid unsafe conditions. Detecting back draft early can prevent dangerous scenarios and ensure the water heater operates efficiently and safely. Other factors, such as temperature, usage levels, and condensation, while important in different contexts, do not specifically address the critical safety concerns that back draft monitoring does in the context of gas-fired hot water heater installations.