SHSI Test Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11When inspecting a solar storage tank with an integral heat exchanger, what must be verified regarding the potable water connections?
✓ Correct answer: B. That there is a test point to verify no cross-connection with heat transfer fluid
A cross-connection test point allows verification that there is no leakage from the heat transfer fluid circuit into the potable water circuit, which could contaminate drinking water.
Q12What type of valve must be installed on the cold water supply line to a solar storage tank?
✓ Correct answer: A. Check valve
A check valve prevents thermosiphoning or backflow of heated water into the cold water supply, which could waste energy and potentially damage components not rated for high temperatures.
Q13When inspecting the pressure relief valve on a solar storage tank, what is the most important factor to verify?
✓ Correct answer: D. That its pressure rating does not exceed the maximum working pressure of the tank
The pressure relief valve must have a pressure rating that does not exceed the maximum working pressure of the tank to ensure it will release pressure before the tank could be damaged.
Q14What must an inspector verify about drain valves on a solar water heating storage tank?
✓ Correct answer: C. That they are accessible for maintenance and service
Drain valves must be accessible for maintenance and service to allow draining of the tank when necessary, which is a basic requirement for proper system maintenance.
Q15In a solar water heating system, what should be verified about the potable water piping material?
✓ Correct answer: B. That it is approved for potable water use and rated for the maximum system temperature
Piping materials must be approved for potable water use and rated for the maximum temperatures that will be experienced in the system to ensure safety and code compliance.
Q16According to plumbing codes, what is required for a heat exchanger that separates potable water from a toxic heat transfer fluid in a solar heating system?
✓ Correct answer: A. Double-wall construction with a visible leak path
Double-wall construction with a visible leak path between the walls is required by plumbing codes to ensure that any leak of toxic heat transfer fluid will be detected before it can contaminate the potable water.
Q17When inspecting a solar water heating system with multiple storage tanks, what must be verified about the piping configuration?
✓ Correct answer: D. That balancing valves are installed to ensure equal flow through all tanks
Proper balancing valves are required to ensure equal flow through multiple tanks, which prevents short-circuiting and ensures all tanks contribute to the system's performance.
Q18What should an inspector verify about the circulator pump in the potable water loop of a solar water heating system?
✓ Correct answer: C. That it is approved for use in potable water systems
Pumps in potable water systems must be specifically approved for potable water use to prevent contamination from materials not suitable for drinking water.
Q19When inspecting a solar water heating system's storage tank, what is required regarding insulation?
✓ Correct answer: B. That it has proper insulation that meets code requirements for R-value
Storage tanks must be properly insulated to minimize heat loss, with insulation materials meeting code requirements for R-value and fire resistance.
Q20During inspection of a solar water heating system, what must be verified about the temperature sensor wells on the storage tank?
✓ Correct answer: A. That they are properly sealed to prevent leakage
Temperature sensor wells must be properly sealed to prevent water leakage while allowing accurate temperature measurement for system control.
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