Cross Connection Practice Exam

A differential pressure gauge is utilized to field test which type of backflow assembly?

1. Double Check Valve Assembly

2. Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly

3. Pressure Vacuum Breaker

4. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker

The correct answer is: Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly

A differential pressure gauge is specifically designed to measure the pressure difference across components in a system, making it ideal for field testing a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly. This type of backflow prevention device operates by maintaining a dual-chamber design, which creates a zone of reduced pressure that prevents backflow. In this assembly, the differential pressure gauge helps assess both the pressure upstream and downstream of the two check valves within the assembly. By monitoring the pressure differential, the gauge can indicate whether the assembly is functioning properly; if the pressure drops below a certain threshold, it may signal that the assembly is not effectively preventing backflow, which is critical for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the water supply system. The other options do not utilize a differential pressure gauge for their testing needs. For example, the Double Check Valve Assembly relies primarily on the check valves themselves to prevent backflow without the need for a differential gauge. Similarly, the Pressure Vacuum Breaker and the Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker have different operational mechanisms that do not require the same pressure differential assessment as the Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly.