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100+ Free SC Packaged Equipment Practice Questions

Prepare for the South Carolina Packaged Equipment - Heat Pump Contractor Examination exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SC Packaged Equipment Exam

80 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

70%

Passing Score

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

4 hours

Time Allowed

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

USD 60

PSI Exam Fee

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

Open Book

Book Policy

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

South Carolina Packaged Equipment - Heat Pump Contractor Examination is the official CLB/PSI open-book exam: 80 questions, 70% (56 of 80), 4 hours, USD 60 (bulletin updated 5/15/2025). Official delivery is English.

Sample SC Packaged Equipment Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SC Packaged Equipment exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Field refrigerant lines serving packaged heat-pump equipment should be installed with which copper product?
A.Type M plumbing copper that has been used for potable water
B.ACR (air-conditioning and refrigeration) copper tubing that is cleaned, dehydrated, and capped
C.Schedule 40 PVC pressure pipe
D.Galvanized steel sprinkler pipe
Explanation: ACR copper is manufactured, cleaned, and sealed for refrigeration service so oil, moisture, and scale do not contaminate the circuit. Type M water tube, PVC, and galvanized steel are not acceptable refrigerant-line materials for packaged DX heat pumps.
2Per 2021 IMC Table 305.4 as adopted in the South Carolina Mechanical Code, what is the maximum horizontal hanger spacing for copper or copper-alloy tubing?
A.4 feet
B.8 feet
C.12 feet
D.15 feet
Explanation: Table 305.4 allows copper or copper-alloy tubing a maximum of 8 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically. Do not confuse tubing with copper pipe, which is allowed 12 feet horizontally, or steel pipe, which is allowed 12 feet horizontally and 15 feet vertically.
3While brazing copper refrigerant tubing, dry nitrogen should be flowed through the tube primarily to:
A.Raise the brazing temperature so the alloy flows faster
B.Prevent internal copper oxide scale from forming on the tube wall
C.Pressure-test the finished joint at the same time it is heated
D.Replace the need for a phosphorus-bearing filler metal
Explanation: Hot copper in air forms internal oxide scale that later circulates as debris, plugs metering devices, and contaminates oil. A low-pressure dry-nitrogen purge displaces oxygen during brazing. The purge is not a pressure test and does not replace proper filler metal.
4Refrigerant piping located in areas other than the room or space that contains the refrigerating equipment shall be identified at intervals not exceeding:
A.10 feet
B.20 feet
C.30 feet
D.50 feet
Explanation: IMC 1109.2.7 requires identification at intervals not exceeding 20 feet on the piping or insulation. Labels must be at least 1/2 inch high and state the refrigerant designation and safety group. The rule applies outside the equipment room so responders can identify the circuit.
5Exposed refrigerant piping installed in open spaces that afford passage shall be not less than how far above the finished floor?
A.6 feet 0 inches
B.6 feet 8 inches
C.7 feet 3 inches
D.8 feet 0 inches
Explanation: IMC 1109.2.1 requires exposed refrigerant piping in occupied passage spaces to be at least 7 feet 3 inches above the finished floor so it is out of the path of travel. Lower mounting is permitted only where the piping is guarded or is not in a passage space.
6Condensate piping from a cooling coil shall have a minimum slope in the direction of discharge of:
A.1/16 inch per foot
B.1/8 inch per foot
C.1/2 inch per foot
D.No slope if a condensate pump is used at the end of a long level run
Explanation: IMC 307 requires condensate piping to slope not less than 1/8 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1 percent) toward the approved disposal point. Level or flatter piping ponds water and overflows the drain pan. A pump does not waive the slope of gravity drain segments.
7Outdoor refrigerant-circuit access ports on packaged equipment shall be:
A.Left as open Schrader cores so gauges can be attached quickly
B.Fitted with locking-type tamper-resistant caps or otherwise secured against unauthorized access
C.Replaced with solid plugs after charging so they can never be reused
D.Painted the same color as the cabinet and left uncapped
Explanation: IMC 1101.9 requires outdoor access ports to have locking tamper-resistant caps or equivalent security. The rule limits refrigerant theft and unauthorized opening of the circuit. An exception exists for equipment in controlled areas such as locked roof hatches.
8Suction (cold-gas) refrigerant lines are insulated primarily to:
A.Increase compressor superheat by adding heat to the vapor
B.Prevent surface condensation and reduce unwanted heat gain into the refrigerant
C.Satisfy a fire-resistance rating in place of a shaft enclosure
D.Protect the line from ultraviolet light only
Explanation: Cold suction lines sweat and pick up heat if left bare, which raises suction temperature and reduces capacity. Closed-cell insulation with a continuous vapor retarder keeps the surface above dew point and limits heat gain. Insulation is not a substitute for a fire-rated shaft.
9Per IMC Table 305.4, the maximum horizontal support spacing for steel pipe is:
A.4 feet
B.8 feet
C.12 feet
D.15 feet
Explanation: Steel pipe may be supported at 12 feet horizontally and 15 feet vertically. Steel tubing is limited to 8 feet horizontally. Using the tubing or vertical number on a horizontal steel-pipe run is a common open-book error.
10Where vibration isolation is used under packaged mechanical equipment, IMC 301.13 also requires:
A.That the isolators be the sole means of resisting wind and seismic loads
B.An approved means of supplemental restraint
C.That isolation be omitted on all rooftop units in South Carolina
D.Steel springs without limit stops or snubbers
Explanation: Isolators reduce structure-borne vibration, but they are flexible. IMC 301.13 requires approved supplemental restraint so the unit cannot walk, overturn, or leave the curb under wind or seismic load. Springs alone are not a complete support system.

About the SC Packaged Equipment Exam

The South Carolina Packaged Equipment - Heat Pump Contractor Examination is the official CLB classification examination administered by PSI. The official exam has 80 scored questions. Passing is 70% (56 of 80) in 4 hours. The examination is open book. PSI lists USD 60 (Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025). Candidates must also pass Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractor. This bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation. It does not replace required trade experience, board approval, or the official examination.

Assessment

Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Allowed references include the 2021 IMC with SC modifications or 2018 SC Mechanical Code, 2021 IFGC or 2018 SC Fuel Gas Code, ACCA and Trane ductulators, OSHA 29 CFR 1926, ACCA Manuals N, D, and J, Pipefitter's Handbook, and Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

70% (56 of 80)

Exam Fee

USD 60 (PSI Services LLC (for the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board))

SC Packaged Equipment Exam Content Outline

11%

Piping and Supports

General piping, tubing, assembly, piping systems, drains, valves, insulation, hangers, sound control (9 items)

18%

Load Calculation and Equipment

Principles, refrigerants, load calculations, equipment, TAB (14 items)

19%

Controls and Heat Pumps

HVACR controls, schematics, machine room, air-conditioning systems, heat pumps (15 items)

10%

Fuel-Fired Equipment

Furnaces, chimneys and vents, combustion air, fuel knowledge, natural gas (8 items)

28%

Duct Systems

Duct principles, conversions, sheet metal, components, metal and fiberglass ducts, filters, ventilation, exhaust (22 items)

15%

Electrical, Safety, and Plans

General electrical knowledge, electrical installations, fundamentals, fire-rated construction, plan reading, safety (12 items)

How to Pass the SC Packaged Equipment Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (56 of 80)
  • Assessment: Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Allowed references include the 2021 IMC with SC modifications or 2018 SC Mechanical Code, 2021 IFGC or 2018 SC Fuel Gas Code, ACCA and Trane ductulators, OSHA 29 CFR 1926, ACCA Manuals N, D, and J, Pipefitter's Handbook, and Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
  • Time limit: 4 hours
  • Exam fee: USD 60

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SC Packaged Equipment Study Tips from Top Performers

1Distribute study time to the official PSI content outline (bulletin updated 5/15/2025)
2Use only the PSI-listed references; temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited
3Pass Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractor in addition to this technical examination
4This bank is an English-language MCQ study aid, not an official PSI form

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the South Carolina Packaged Equipment - Heat Pump Contractor Examination?

The official PSI examination has 80 scored questions. Passing is 70% (56 of 80) within 4 hours (Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025).

How much does this PSI examination cost?

PSI lists USD 60 for this examination. The South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board charges a separate USD 350 license application fee for general and mechanical contractor licenses.

Is this examination open book?

Yes. PSI lists the South Carolina commercial contractor examinations as open book. Listed references include the 2021 IMC or 2018 SC Mechanical Code and ACCA Manuals N, D, and J.

Is Packaged Equipment the same as Air Conditioning?

No. PSI publishes a separate Packaged Equipment - Heat Pump examination (80 questions, 4 hours) with its own content outline, distinct from the Air Conditioning classification.