NFPA-99 Practice Exam

What type of leak detector should be avoided when testing the final connection between new piping and an existing system?

1. Acetone

2. Ammonia

3. Chlorine

4. Freon

The correct answer is: Ammonia

Ammonia should be avoided when testing the final connection between new piping and an existing system because it is highly corrosive and can cause damage to various types of piping materials and fittings. It poses significant risks, especially in healthcare environments where integrity and safety of gas systems are critical. Using ammonia can lead to leaks or failures in the system, compromising functionality and potentially endangering patient safety. In contrast, the other substances listed may not present the same level of corrosive threat when considering their interaction with typical piping materials used in gas systems, making ammonia particularly unsuitable in this context. Safe practices in leak detection involve choosing substances that are effective yet non-damaging to ensure the reliability of the connections made in gas systems.